Dosage forms & delivery formats

Letter from congressman asks FDA to ramp up NDI enforcement

01-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

A letter from the office of Texas congressman Steve Stockman to the Food and Drug Administration urges the agency to better police the filing of New Dietary Ingredient notifications.  The letter says that there are some ingredients in the market whose...

New company mining massive protein database for new medical foods, supplements and drugs

25-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Flagship VentureLabs, a Massachusetts-based innovation funding company, has announced the launch of Pronutria, a company that has been operating in “stealth mode” for the past couple of years and has been developing health products derived from a massive...

TFX Health places supplement on GNC shelves, boosting demand for Interhealth's UC-II ingredient

24-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Interhealth Nutraceuticals has gotten another boost for its UC-II joint health ingredient as a major customer, TFX Health LLC, has placed its supplement on GNC stores shelves nationwide.

Special Edition: Brain-boosting ingredients

Global brain health market pushing $2bn mark as Asia and supplements shine

22-Oct-2013 By Shane Starling

Sales of brain health boosting food supplements like omega-3s, the B vitamin group, vitamin C and phosphatidylserine are driving the category toward sales of €2bn globally, even as brain-boosting foods and beverages have endured a flat period.

Special edition: Brain boosting ingredients

Battling cognitive decline: Where do we stand?

22-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Cognitive impairments have been long linked to the development of dementia and memory problems in the elderly. However, recent research has begun to suggest that nutrition can play a vital role in protecting against such declines. In this special edition...

Capsugel’s DRcaps ‘excellent choice’ for probiotics & enzymes

16-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The release of the contents from Capsugel’s DRcaps occurs after the capsules have passed through the stomach, says a new scintigraphic in vivo study that supports the capsules as an ‘excellent choice’ for sensitive ingredients like probiotics and enzymes....

Science, certifications drive export potential of US-made sports nutrition products, experts say

11-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

The sports nutrition market continues to expand, and with global demand rising, experts say opportunities are growing, too, for US made products in export markets.

Hospital's decision to discourage supplement use called 'misguided' & 'short sighted'

11-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

In another high profile blow to the credibility of dietary supplements, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has removed all but a few dietary supplements from its formulary, meaning parents of children in the hospital will have to sign a waiver in...

NDIs, GRAS & GMOs: CFSAN outlines priorities for 2013-14

07-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has outlined its priorities for 2013-14, with a 'surprising' number relevant to supplements, including NDIs, GRAS, and GMOs.

GNC buys UK's top online sports nutrition supplements retailer

03-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

GNC Holdings, Inc. is continuing its push into the high growth sports nutrition space with the purchase of A1 Sports Limited, the leading multi-brand sports nutrition e-commerce retailer in the UK doing business under the name Discount Supplements.

Finnish synephrine ban ‘based on unsubstantiated conjecture’: Academic

02-Oct-2013 By Shane STARLING

A dossier of scientific data that convinced Health Canada and Intertek Cantox of the safety of bitter orange extract, synephrine, has been sent to Finnish authorities which recently banned weight loss products containing the stimulant, along with caffeine.

Study backs milk protein micro-particles for probiotic survival

01-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

A mixture of casein and whey protein may offer the best encapsulation and survival possibilities for the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, according to new research.

First omega 3s shot hits market with Oceans Omega's emulsion technology

26-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega 3s will be swimming in uncharted waters with the launch of what Oceans Omega believes is the first shot product featuring EPA and DHA from fish oil.

Vitamin D3 disappoints in diarrheal study

23-Sep-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

Heavy supplementation of vitamin D does not reduce diarrheal illnesses among children aged three and younger, according to research. 

Adulterants program to be priority for Stefan Gafner, ABC's new chief science officer

20-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Stefan Gafner, PhD, the new chief scientific officer of the American Botanical Council, said he chose to work with the organization because it aligned with his overall goals as a scientist in the herbal products industry.

Special edition: Amino Acids and Protein

Plant or animal: A global protein snap shot

19-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

From gym powders and shakes to German ‘evening’ breads to ‘brogurt’ – high-protein yoghurt marketed at men – to the rise of Greek yoghurt in the US, protein bars, meat substitutes and good ol’ ‘trad’ dairy – protein is powering right now.

Distribution chain control helps USANA guarantee viability of reformulated probiotic

06-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

USANA’s tight control of its distribution channels enables it to offer probiotics to its customers where some other network marketing competitors shy away, according to the company’s product development director.

Health economics: Nutritional supplement intervention may have significant benefits in hospital

02-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Oral nutritional supplements provided to patients during hospitalisation is associated with significant reductions in length of stay and hospitalisation costs, according to economic research backed by Abbott Nutrition.

Healthy subjects study kickstarts sales of UC-II ingredient, InterHealth says

29-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A question is sometimes raised whether consumers are swayed by positive studies. Whether science sells, in point of fact.  Speaking from recent experience, the answer for InterHealth Nutraceuticals is a resounding yes.

Caffeine commentary by FDA deputy commissioner called "reasonable and balanced"

27-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The issue of caffeine in foods has gained momentum recently, with calls by political leaders to FDA to address what they consider to be a growing public health risk.  A commentary posted yesterday by Michael R. Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner for...

Thorne files suit to defend newly-acquired CoQ10 patent

26-Aug-2013

Thorne Research has moved to defend a CoQ10 patent to which it recently acquired exclusive rights and has sued Xymogen, an Orlando, FL-based supplement manufacturer and marketer.

Color me exasperated: Aloe council responds to CSPI's 'avoid' advisory on ingredient

26-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

In an issue that seems reluctant to go away, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has put aloe vera on its “avoid” list because of a range of negative reactions the ingredient can cause. This judgment is in error, according to an industry group,...

Fast growing gummy vitamin company hits 'home run' with crowd funding site

23-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

SmartyPants Vitamins, which specializes in delivering vitamin formulas via a gummy delivery system, has raised $2.59 million via a crowd funding platform to drive new growth.  Getting the money was nice, but saving time was even better, said company co...

Challenge foreseen to FDA's exclusion of medical foods for diabetics

19-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

FDA’s recently updated draft guidance on medical foods specifically excluded diabetes as a condition for which a medical food can be formulated and marketed. As there are a number of such foods on the market, this change has been greeted with some consternation...

IPA questions scope of conclusions of study that found no effect of probiotics on diarrhea

15-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The International Probiotics Association has identified several issues with the design of a recently published study finding no effect of probiotics on antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) or Clostridium difficile diarrhea (CDD). These issues could call...

New FDA guidance sheds more light on formulation, marketing of medical foods

15-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration has given additional clarification to a ill-defined subcategory of foods by issuing a revised draft guidance on medical foods.  The new version clarifies some issues surrounding branding and marketing, and in so doing,...

Sabinsa appoints new CEO to ‘execute a disciplined and ambitious growth pattern’

24-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Jayasankar (Jay) Nair has joined Sabinsa as Chief Executive Officer, with the company set to 'execute a disciplined and ambitious growth pattern'.

BASF on ‘convenient nutrition’: We can tap our pharma solutions to enhance supplement compliance

22-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

‘Convenient nutrition’ offers options for dietary supplement consumers to improve their compliance, and experience from the pharma sector can provide solutions, says BASF’s Samy Jandali.

Kivia powder (kiwi fruit extract) shows gut health benefits

08-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

An extract of kiwifruit containing Zyactinase called Kivia may enhance bowel movement frequency and improve other symptoms of occasional constipation, say new data from a randomized clinical trial.

Water soluble vitamin K2 form targets ‘significant demand for K2 in food products, especially beverages’

26-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A new water soluble vitamin K2 powder could satisfy the demand for vitamin K2 in food and beverage products, with the suppliers stating that the ingredient has ‘no organoleptic impact and is odorless’.

Going non-GMO in dietary supplements: ‘The supply community is not there with us yet’, say manufacturers

05-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increasing consumer pressure and potential state legislation mandating labeling are leading dietary supplement manufacturers to face up to the challenges of going non-GMO, but the situation is complex and suppliers have more work to do than many would...

Special edition: Battling malnutrition

Malnutrition in hospital: Avoidable ... but not a priority?

24-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

The majority of older patients admitted to hospital are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished. Yet the increased health risks and spiralling healthcare costs associated with this global problem are largely avoidable.

Plandai announces licensing agreement to bring its highly bioavailable extracts to market

24-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Plandai Biotechnology, a company built on a technology offering higher levels of bioavailability for its plant extracts, has entered into a licensing arrangement with a UK company covering the development of its line of extracts based on a new technology.

Brazilian firm enters nationwide US distribution with liquid probiotic product

23-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Hebron USA, a relatively new division of Brazil-based Hebron Pharmaceuticals, is entering nationwide distribution in Walgreens stores with a liquid probiotic product.

Sabinsa's new patent covers trio of compounds in weight management

23-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa Corporation has extended its IP portfolio in the fast growing weight management category with a new patent covering the use of a trio of families of bioactive compounds.

Research elucidates different approaches to modern ashwagandha ingredients

15-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Ashwagandha, sometimes called the “king” of ayurvedic herbs, has been gaining traction in the North American marketplace.  A big part of the reason is the investments in clinical science and the marketing support made by major suppliers of the ingredient,...

Lawmakers' report on energy drink labeling mirrors existing recommendations, CRN says

12-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

A report on labeling and marketing of energy drinks by three members of Congress matches much of what industry is already working toward, according the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

Vitamins-in-cap beverage company expands IP, distribution

01-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

H2M Beverages has announced a new patent on its cap technology that will further bolster its position as it expands distribution of its 989 On Demand rehydration beverage that features a suite of vitamins and minerals in a liquid matrix held within the...

Durbin's move to reintroduce labeling bill called 'misguided'

22-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, has announced his intent to reintroduce a bill meant to more heavily regulate energy drinks and supplements.

MetaBrand seeks to use deep pool of talent to nurture nascent brands

11-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

MetaBrand, a New Jersey-based brand consulting firm, has brought what the company calls an unparalleled array of talent, services and capabilities under one roof to help kick start natural products launches, be they supplements, beverages or cosmetics.

GNC seeks to boost sports market share with new technology, products

06-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

Supplement retailing giant GNC has announced new product technologies and marketing initiatives to boost its penetration in the sports nutrition and active lifestyle markets.

MLM model increases meal replacement compliance, Qivana's new chief science officer says

27-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

Donald Layman has taken on the position of chief scientific officer with Provo, UT-based supplment manufacturer Qivana, cementing a relationship that began when the company developed a line of meal replacements and supplements based on his nutritional...

EnWave vacuum technology boosts functional ingredient content of dried fruit

20-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

In a technology demonstration, EnWave, based in Vancouver, BC, has used its used its proprietary Radiant Energy Vacuum dehydration technology to enrich dried fruit  with the enzyme B-galactosidase; an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar...

Distributor offers only quercetin with GRAS status, official says

07-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

Novel Ingredients Services is now distributing what the company calls “the best quercetin available” after an agreement with manufacturer Quercegyn Pharmaceuticals.  Continued growth in the sports nutrition market should boost application of the ingredient,...

Slow-release niacin backed for lowering cholesterol, finds Lonza study

06-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Slow-release niacin supplements are an effective way to lower cholesterol levels, while intake of inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) is ineffective, according to new research data.

Life after Lance: FRS acquires contract manufacturer, shuffles management team

01-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

The FRS Company, makers of the FRS energy drink and related products, announced a series of corporate moves yesterday that included a management change and the acquisition of a contract manufacturing and formulation company.

Kyowa Hakko benefits from Champion Sports' strategic shift

25-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

The recent boost in sports nutrition product launches is benefiting functional food ingredient suppliers, among them Kyowa Hakko, whose Sustamine ingredient is featured in a new beverage offering from Champion Nutrition.

‘Intriguing’ study shows heart health benefits of omega-3-rich yogurt

07-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of omega-3-fortified yogurt may help boost heart health, says a new study that may ‘intrigue CPG companies to begin or continue their formulation efforts’.

New Canadian caffeine limits part of growing pressure on energy drink sector

03-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

The energy beverage sector had a lively 2012, marked by a high-profile wrongful death suit against Monster Beverage Co., some high-profile negative press and even higher-profile attacks from a pair of US Senators. 2013 is shaping up, if anything, to be...

Alcrea: Our new online tool offers ‘a shift in the way nutraceuticals are developed’

16-Nov-2012 By Stephen Daniells

A new online tool from Alcrea Health is offering entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and medically-minded marketers ‘total customization’ of products.