Immune support

New player stands to benefit from need for THC testing in Texas’ first hemp crop

10-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

With the first full season of hemp agriculture in Texas underway, Santé Labs, an Austin-based analytical lab and contract manufacturing development firm, said it is ready to help hemp farmers with reliable THC level testing.

Herbalife records record volumes in second quarter

10-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

Herbalife reported a record quarter in terms of product volumes. Sales soared in North America and were up strongly in China as well.

Online China expansion: Nestle’s personalised nutrition brand Persona reveals e-commerce strategy

10-Aug-2020 By Tingmin Koe

Persona, a Nestle Health Science-acquired personalised nutrition brand, will be opening flagship stores on Tmall and JD to make its products more widely available to consumers in China via e-commerce.

CV Sciences’ revenue dives, but new products, increased distribution point to brighter future, company says

07-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

CBD manufacturer CV Sciences has reported a sharp drop in revenue, but company officials said wider distribution and new launches—including a product that contains no CBD—promise a bright future.

Engineers create microbiome tool for breeding beneficial gut bacteria

07-Aug-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Biological and mechanical engineers have designed a tool which replicates the lining of the colon, in which they can grow gut bacteria and study their effects on human health.

COVID-19: An opportunity to address urgent nutrition education gaps

05-Aug-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

There is an urgent need to provide evidence-based nutrition education to health professionals and this pandemic may be the perfect catalyst for this change.

NutraCast Podcast: CSPI’s Laura MacCleery on ‘antiviral' supplements in the marketplace

04-Aug-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Over 70% of Americans take dietary supplements, and by now, most consumers have probably noticed the disclaimer that says "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

Commentary article of the week

Pandemic could be lever to open up new era in health claims

31-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

The dietary supplement industry has an opportunity to help shape the debate about optimal health in wake of the pandemic crisis.

July new product offerings: CBD paws its way into the pet sector, micro-shots for kids and more

30-Jul-2020 By Danielle Masterson

From canine mental health to a new krill oil supplement, NutraIngredients-USA has been monitoring the latest products to hit the market.

SOFAR Americas launches Innovia probiotic micro-shots for kids

30-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Formulated to sustain energy, soothe and balance the digestive process, and boost a healthy immune response, SOFAR Americas has launched a new probiotic micro-shot for kids using the patented DryCap delivery system.

News in Brief

Sabinsa gets non GMO seal on 11 ingredients

29-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa has announced Non GMO Projected verified status on a number of its branded ingredients.

Is FTC pushing back on structure/function claims territory, asks UNPA’s Israelsen

27-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Many recent warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission about COVID-19 are warranted, says UNPA’s Loren Israelsen, but some targeting health practitioners and what our industry has to offer in the broader immunity discussion may hint at redefining...

‘For those saying there are no clinical trials to support probiotics, have a seat’ – IPA Chief

27-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

There are over 1,600 human clinical trials on probiotics listed in ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO’s trial database, according to a new analysis that seeks to address the misconception that there is no human data around probiotics.

NPA Fabricant on CBD, NDIs, FDA resuming inspections

24-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

FDA has stated it is making ‘substantial progress’ with CBD, and a new enforcement guidance could be very significant for the industry, said NPA’s Dr Daniel Fabricant, but he said the Agency needs to ‘get in the game’ for NDIs.

Usana notches sales gain despite pandemic disruptions

23-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

Network marketing company Usana turned in solid results in its second quarter despite the interruption of face-to-face selling and recruitment that is the core of the MLM model.

US elderberry specialist pushes value of American species, works to build up acreage

20-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

A US-based elderberry producer is working to increase domestic production as well as to clear up what it considers to be misunderstandings about the phytonutrient content of the various species.

News in brief

PLT achieves food additive status for mushroom vitamin D ingredient

17-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

PLT Health Solutions has received approval of a food additive petition on its mushroom-based vitamin D ingredient, the company announced this week.

‘Microbial Noah’s Ark’ to preserve the diversity of human microbiota

08-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A new biobank known as the Microbiota Vault recently received the go ahead to move on to the pilot stage: The ultimate goal is to gather beneficial microorganisms from human populations whose microbiomes are uncompromised by antibiotics, processed diets...

Supplier debuts concentrated acerola extract with high level of ‘natural’ vitamin C

06-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

An ingredient supplier based in California but with significant operations in Brazil has staked a new claim in the natural vitamin C fray with a new concentrated acerola ingredient.

Elderberry demand continues; so does adulteration

06-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

The huge spike in demand for elderberry products has seen a rise in the amount of adulterated material entering the market, sources say.

Ingredient from buckwheat shows immune fitness promise via unique pathway, developer asserts

02-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

An ingredient new to the market could help support immune health via a unique pathway, according to the developers. The ingredient, dubbed 2-HOBA, is said to foster immune fitness by improving vascular system function.

Probiotics stakeholders respond to 'frustrating' and 'confusing' 60 Minutes TV segment

01-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Experts from academia and industry have reacted strongly to a TV segment aired on CBS’ 60 Minutes that sought to answer the question, “Do Probiotics Actually Do Anything?”

New study highlights quality variations in commercial colostrum products

30-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The bioactivity of commercial bovine colostrum samples may vary significantly, says a new study partially funded by colostrum-based nutrition company, PanTheryx, which the company says aims to shine a spotlight on sourcing and handling.

Prebiotic XOS95 products hitting shelves later this summer as Prenexus ramps up science program

23-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Prenexus Health is ramping up its science program for its sugarcane-derived XOS (xylo-oligosaccharides), with the goal of running three to five new studies every year, said the company’s CEO.

TODAY: Webinar to delve into the frenzy surrounding immune health ingredients

22-Jun-2020 By Hank Schultz

Consumers' interest in immune-boosting products remains at an all time high, and manufacturers are rushing to market with products to fill that need, including many botanical formulas.

Active nutrition and immunity: Experts discuss key ingredients, personalization, the microbiome, and more

22-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

From probiotics to omega-3s, and from personalization to the ‘paradoxical’ effects of exercise on the immune system, a diverse panel of experts explored the intersection of exercise, immunity and nutrition during a recent webinar.

IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2020 canceled: We’ll be back in 2021

19-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

In light of the ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 public health crisis, the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2020 has been canceled, but will return June 16-18, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

FitBiomics CEO: ‘First athlete-derived probiotics to hit the market within a year, if not sooner’

17-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Biotech start-up FitBiomics is close to launching a product containing probiotics mined from the most fit and healthy people on the planet: Elite athletes. The company’s co-founder and CEO gave us the inside track on how and why.

Immunity and athletes: What does the science say for immune balancing ingredients?

15-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

There are multiple options available to sports nutrition product formulators looking to create immune products, but what is the state of the science for these ingredients specifically for athletes?

AGA issues guidelines for probiotics for sick, at-risk populations

12-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The American Gastroenterological Association has released guidelines for a range of conditions, with strong support for necrotizing enterocolitis in infants and for the prevention of C. difficile infection in adults and children who take antibiotics.

Vitamin D story becomes ever more compelling, supplement brand founders say

12-Jun-2020 By Hank Schultz

Recent research on vitamin D has made an even more compelling case for the critical importance of the nutrient, the founders of a supplement brand say.

Probiotic consolidation: Chr Hansen to acquire UAS Labs for $530 million

10-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Denmark’s Chr. Hansen Holding A/S has today entered into an agreement with the owners of Wisconsin-based UAS Laboratories LLC to acquire 100% of the B2B probiotics company.

Sports nutrition during COVID-19: Convenience declines, bulk protein remains solid, and the opportunity of virtual events

09-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

While many sections of nutrition and dietary supplements industry have seen significant sales increases, there has been talk of declines for pre-workout products as gym visits stopped. But what are the brands themselves reporting, and what are the similarities...

Natural products scored huge wins in stock-up period, and gains persist, report finds

08-Jun-2020 By Hank Schultz

Natural products were big winners during the COVID-19 stock up period in March, according to a new SPINS/IRI report. For supplements, any product offering immune health benefits showed huge gains. And consumers seem to be sticking with these choices,...

Clinical research: Industry’s scientific substantiation making ‘tremendous strides’ – NutraIngredients-USA webinar panel

08-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The standard of nutritional clinical research to substantiate claims for dietary supplements in the US has improved by “tremendously” in recent years, said a diverse panel of experts during the recent NutraIngredients-USA webinar.

FTC steps up virus claims enforcement while CSPI wants more done about Amazon sales

05-Jun-2020 By Hank Schultz

The prevalence of virus-treatment claims in the marketplace has made for both heightened enforcement from federal regulators and calls for even more action from an advocacy group regarding products sold on Amazon.

Culturelle probiotics to be studied in COVID-19 exposed households

05-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Scientists at Duke University have received approval for a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (formerly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) in COVID-19 exposed households.

NAD cites superfood marketer for video implying coronavirus claim

04-Jun-2020 By Hank Schultz

The National Adverting Division has joined in the battle against coronavirus disease claims by advising a company marketing a superfoods blend to take down a video that NAD says crosses the line.

Balchem VP of HR: ‘Our employees see how much we’re helping people throughout the world’

01-Jun-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The coronavirus crisis is placing huge demands on American workers. For a company like Balchem, which is seeing surging demand for some of its nutritional products like zinc, employee motivation is being helped by seeing how important their work is, says...

NutraCast Podcast: George Stagnitti on colostrum research

29-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Colostrum is often thought of as a newborn's first meal — but it isn’t just for babies.

Immunity via the gut dominates May product launches

28-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

A new wave of products were recently introduced and this month cast a spotlight on the growing demand for immunity health.

Warning letters continue as pandemic rages on

26-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

The Federal Trade Commission has sent out another round of warning letters to 50 more marketers nationwide, most of which are labeled as dietary supplements or Chinese herbs.

Is plant cell culture technology finally ready for big time?

26-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

Plant cell culture is an inviting technology to produce bioactives from certain botanicals. The approach is a difficult one to master, however, which is a primary reason why it is still somewhat rare in the market.

Eagle Genomics and Cargill agree on microbiome research collaboration

26-May-2020 By Will Chu

UK-based microbiome firm Eagle Genomics is to enter into a pact with Cargill as part of a multi-year deal looking to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to the agricultural commodity giant’s microbiome and life sciences R&D.

COVID-19: Internet 'rife with misinformation' about Vitamin D, say scientists

22-May-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Reports arguing high dose Vitamin D supplementation could treat COVID-19 are based on speculation and are a risk to public health, warns a team of scientists from across the globe.

AHPA’s McGuffin: ‘When Americans believe their health is at risk, they turn to natural products’

21-May-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Speaking via video, Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), discussed a range of issues, from new supplement users sticking with the products, voicing support for recent FDA/FTC actions against egregious drug claims,...

Glutathione supplement debuts based on data showing immediate benefits

19-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

A supplement brand has debuted built around an ingredient the manufacturer claims can boost cellular glutathione levels within 90 minutes.

Nature’s Sunshine rides immune health demand to strong sales despite pandemic-related declines in Asia

18-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

Nature’s Sunshine reversed years of sales declines in North America as demand for immune health products surged. This more than compensated for coronavirus-related sales declines in Asian markets.

GOED Chief: ‘March was incredible for sales, April may have been slower’

18-May-2020 By Stephen Daniells

As has been reported for other dietary supplement categories, “March was an incredible month” for the omega-3 category, but reports are that those levels have not been maintained through April, said Ellen Schutt, executive director of GOED.

GNC succeeds in getting critical debt payment pushed back to August

15-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

Supplement retailing giant GNC seems to have prevailed in its high stakes negotiations with its lenders. Bloomberg Law reported yesterday that the company won a postponement until August of a major payment that could have caused the company to sink into...