Maternal & infant health

Arla reveals easy-digest whey protein infant formula concept

07-Jan-2019 By Nikki Cutler

Arla Foods Ingredients is 'optimising comfort' with its new whey protein-based concept for infant formula.

Guest article

EPA and DHA Omega-3s: Reflections on 2018

12-Dec-2018 By Ellen Schutt, Executive Director, GOED (Global Organization for EPA & DHA Omega-3)

New science, developments in contaminant regulations, a new conversation around micro- and nanoplastics, and challenges on the regulatory front: In this guest article, Ellen Schutt, Executive Director of GOED, looks back on a very busy 2018 in the omega-3...

Closing the DHA data gap: DSM striving to secure information to drive policy recommendations

04-Dec-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Assessment of nutritional status and solutions to micronutrient deficiencies must be in sync if maternal and infant health is to improve, says Peter van Dael, DSM's Senior VP of Nutrition Science and Advocacy.

Omega-3 innovation: KD Pharma launches DPA and PRM ingredients

29-Nov-2018 By Stephen Daniells

EPA and DHA: These two fatty acids have been the focus of omega-3 research for a long time, but emerging data is shining the spotlight on DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) and the fascinating world of the pre-resolving mediators (PRMs).

Increased parental interest in gut health of their children creates opportunities for prebiotics

19-Nov-2018 By Stephen Daniells

As parents become more aware of the importance of the developing gut microbiome in their infants and children there will be opportunities for prebiotics, says ingredients supplier Beneo.

Researchers say no more RCTs are needed

Definitive link? Cochrane review finds omega-3 intake in pregnancy slashes risk of preterm birth

19-Nov-2018 By Nathan Gray

A review of more than 70 clinical trials has found that increased intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is linked to a lower risk of premature births.

NutraIngredients-USA Global Round-up: Goop under scrutiny, Lycored's 2nd generation solution for skin wellness, and more

05-Nov-2018 By Stephen Daniells

It’s a global industry and there’s a lot happening. We know it’s not always easy keeping up with everything that’s happening around the world that could impact the US dietary supplements industry. The answer? Our weekly round-up of key news from across...

Cypress Systems to sound out market on how best to support use of clinically validated ingredients

31-Oct-2018 By Hank Schultz

Selenium ingredient manufacturer Cypress Systems has launched an initiative to sound out the industry on how to best communicate the value of science-backed branded ingredients to consumers.

Infant’s first 2.5 years crucial in healthy gut bacteria development, study reaffirms

30-Oct-2018 By Will Chu

UK researchers appear to have confirmed the importance of the first years of a child's life as a prime window of opportunity for gut development and optimal health in later life.

AI and the microbiome singled out as opportunities to offer ‘affordable nutrition’

28-Oct-2018 By Will Chu

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the microbiota have been identified as opportunities for the private sector to offer affordable nutrition to lower-income consumers, who are at a higher risk of malnutrition.

Highlights from the Harvard Probiotics Symposium

26-Oct-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The recent Harvard Probiotics Symposium brought together scientific experts from across the globe to discuss: “Gut Health, Microbiota & Probiotics Throughout the Lifespan: Dietary Influences”. Here’s what we learned.

Infant microbiome predicts obesity risk at age 12 – study

26-Oct-2018 By Nathan Gray

The microbiome may be an ‘early warning sign’ for later obesity, according to new research that links gut bacteria composition of infants at age 2 with BMI scores at age 12.

APC Microbiome Ireland pool resources to lead maternity probiotic venture

24-Oct-2018 By Will Chu

The APC Microbiome Ireland is to head up a €3.4m joint research initiative to optimise the use of probiotic supplements for pregnant women in order to give birth to healthier babies.

Jennewein Biotechnologie’s facility acquisition looks to expand HMO production

10-Oct-2018 By Will Chu

Jennewein Biotechnologie is to acquire the former facilities of Arthus Mineral Spring Company, in a deal set to ramp up the company's production of oligosaccharides derived from human milk (HMO).

Probiotics effective for gut microbe changes and immune benefits in healthy infants

17-Sep-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Data from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial indicated that probiotic supplements not only beneficially changed the gut microbiomes of healthy infants, but also exerted anti-inflammatory effects.

Folic acid supplementation does not reduce pre-eclampsia in high-risk women, study finds

13-Sep-2018 By Will Chu

The elusive search for pre-eclampsia prevention rumbles on as researchers find not even a high dose of folic acid is enough to ward off the condition in high-risk women.

From the Editor's Desk

No BBC, probiotics are not 'quite useless'

07-Sep-2018 By Stephen Daniells

A new BBC article dismisses the benefits of probiotics because a study failed to find colonization. It is a serious mistake to confuse colonization with efficacy and we need to get this message across to consumers.

ADM completes deal to buy Probiotics International Limited

16-Aug-2018 By Nathan Gray

US-based Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has completed its acquisition of UK-based Probiotics International Limited - known under its umbrella brand Protexin.

Micronutrient gaps in childbearing years ‘concerning,’ survey stresses

13-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Females and younger adults in the UK appear to be vulnerable to micronutrient shortfalls, a concern given this life period includes the conception and childbearing years, the survey’s author warns.

Low DHA and EPA a ‘strong risk factor’ for preterm birth: Danish data

07-Aug-2018 By Nathan Gray

Pregnant women with low plasma levels of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in their first and second trimesters may be at a significantly higher risk of early preterm birth, new research suggests.

Prenatal omega-3 intake and offspring allergies: Longer-term follow-ups needed after trial shows limited impact

06-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Prenatal omega-3 supplementation has been found ineffective on the risk and progression of allergies in young children, say researchers in Australia.

Herbalife records 12% net sales growth, on pace to break $5 billion revenue barrier for full year

02-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Herbalife leveraged new product development and sports sponsorships to record sales growth in its second quarter, the company announced yesterday.

Omega-3s associated with better executive function in cohort of young children

01-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Young children with the highest levels of omega-3s in their blood outperformed their peers on a measure of executive function, according to new research conducted in West Africa.

The nutrition pyramid? Let's not forget hidden hunger, says DSM executive

01-Aug-2018 By Kacey Culliney

Preventative and personalised nutrition brings enormous opportunity but only addresses health needs of a small population segment, warns the president of human nutrition and health at DSM.

EFSA deems whey protein isolate as safe for infant formula use

31-Jul-2018 By Will Chu

Whey basic protein isolate as a novel food (NF) for use in infant formula and food supplements is safe under the proposed uses and use levels, the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) confirms.

Johnson & Johnson acquires supplement company Zarbee’s Naturals

30-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

In its first foray into the supplement realm, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has acquired Zarbee’s, Inc., a manufacturer of dietary supplements and OTC remedies with Supplement Facts panels.

NUTRAINGREDIENTS-USA AWARDS 2018: HIGHLIGHT

MEET THE WINNERS: Ingredients of the year

25-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

At the inaugural NutraIngredients-USA Awards last week, we awarded four companies for their innovation in nutritional ingredients.

Paper on history of herbal fertility aids points to need for further research, expert says

24-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

A new study looks at historical herbal fertility treatments used in North America as a way to shed light on what might be worth further research today, as well as elucidate what herbs women are already using behind the scenes.

NUTRAINGREDIENTS-USA AWARDS 2018: HIGHLIGHT

MEET THE WINNERS: Products of the Year

20-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

We wrapped up the inaugural NutraIngredients-USA Awards on Monday, where three finished product companies won awards for best probiotic, omega-3, and botanical supplement.

Consider a vitamin D supplement alongside breastfeeding, UK government report suggests

18-Jul-2018 By Will Chu

Breastfed infants up to 12 months should receive a daily vitamin D supplement according to a report by the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) that details feeding in the first year of life.

Mommi provides solution to prenatal vitamin pill fatigue

28-Jun-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Pill fatigue is a growing battle throughout the supplements category as manufacturers experiment with different delivery formats. But the prenatal vitamin space targeting expectant mothers has been slow to innovate in this area, according to prenatal...

Study: Probiotic supplementation may improve postpartum depression symptoms

25-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

Supplementation of a probiotic strain was linked to improved postpartum depression symptoms, according to research by Dr. Rebecca Slykerman, a senior research fellow of the Department of Psychological Medicine in the University of Auckland.

Patent Watch

Mead Johnson-Reckitt Benckiser seeks international patents on infant formula for brain development and metabolism

25-Jun-2018 By Kacey Culliney

The Mead Johnson-Reckitt Benckiser merger has filed two international patents for formulations with dietary butyrate, which it says can improve brain development and reduce metabolic syndrome in infants.

Adequate selenium in pregnancy can protect mothers' health later in life, supplier says

22-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Adequate selenium levels can help babies get the best start in life, but they are critical to a mother’s long term health, too, a supplier says.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2018: And the finalists are…

21-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients-USA is pleased to announce the finalists for the inaugural edition of the NutraIngredients-USA Awards ... the winners will be announced at our awards evening in Chicago on July 16th.

Special edition: Omega-3s

Omega-3s and cognitive health: From memory and moms and babies, and from mood to the military

19-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

From memory and cognitive function, to mood and a potential in people with PTSD, there’s lots of research going on for omega-3s and brain health, but what does the science currently say?

Special Edition: Pregnancy & Development

EU-approved, lower cost, evidence-backed: Do HMOs signify a new era of infant nutrition?

19-Jun-2018 By Will Chu

Has industry investment into the development of human milk oligosaccharides, or HMOs, produced an ingredient capable of bridging the gap between formula and human breast milk?

HMOs not currently found in formula linked to food allergy risk

Breast milk HMOs linked to allergy prevention

15-Jun-2018 By Nathan Gray

The unique composition of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) found in breast milk may help reduce food allergy risk, new research suggests.

US ruling on vitamin C price fixing case could exacerbate trade tensions with China

15-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

A US Supreme Court decision on a longstanding vitamin C price fixing case could further inflame trade tensions with China, an expert familiar with the case has said.

Qualitas launches line of vegan omega-3s products under iWi name

14-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Algae grower Qualitas Health has launched a new line of plant-based omega-3s supplements under the iWi brand name.

Notes from Nutrition 2018 in Boston

Study links vitamin A levels to infant growth

13-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

A study presented at the Nutrition 2018 conference in Boston suggests that adequate vitamin A levels may support infant growth—and that one Midwestern city may have a vitamin A ‘public health problem.’

US low-income mothers aren’t getting enough folate, study reveals

05-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

A majority of poor women in urban areas are still at risk of folic acid and folate deficiency, even with government-sanctioned mandatory fortifications, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Researchers to use CRISPR gene-editing to develop microbiome supplements for malnourished kids

04-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

A collaboration between MilliporeSigma and Washington University in St. Louis seeks to explore the differences between gut microbiomes of healthy and malnourished children, and then restore any imbalances using optimized supplements.

New JAMA Pediatrics meta-analysis supports vitamin D role in improving infant growth

31-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of infants being small for gestational age and improve growth during infancy, according to a meta-analysis published this week.

‘The market opportunity is significant’: DuPont gets GRAS for HMO for infants

23-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

DuPont Nutrition & Health has received a ‘No Objection’ letter for its Care4U 2´-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), aimed at narrowing the nutritional gap between breast milk and formula.

High folate, low vitamin B12 linked to higher risk of diabetes in pregnant women, says study

22-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

Researchers in Singapore say insufficient vitamin B12 coupled with higher folate may lead to higher gestational diabetes risk, holding "potential implications for antenatal supplement recommendations".

Personalization and the microbiome in precision medicine: Probiota Americas 2018 program revealed

07-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

From the microbiome in precision medicine to personalized probiotics for sports nutrition, and from next-gen analytical advances to how online customer engagement is driving the market, Probiota Americas will again bridge the science and business of the...

Usana to leverage social media success in China to revive sales in North America

07-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Usana Health Sciences is planning to use social media platforms to energize its direct selling model in sluggish markets such as North America and Europe.

Dr Low Dog: Nutrient testing is a key missing part of Western medical training

02-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The often-quoted message that "everyone gets everything they need by eating a healthy diet" is clearly not true, says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, but testing for micronutrient deficiencies / status in primary care remains very limited.

One month to go! Submit your entries for the NutraIngredients-USA Awards!

30-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The deadline for entries for the inaugural NutraIngredients-USA Awards is fast approaching, so make sure you submit your entries to be in with a chance of being recognized.