Fibers & carbohydrates

Maize starch, glucose sports drink improved hydration among Australian footballers, study suggests

01-Oct-2018 By Adi Menayang

Downing maize starch as a solution to stay hydrated in hot summer months seems counter-intuitive at first, but researchers in Australia found that supplementing with a resistant starch may improve hydration.

Chlorella supplements may support immune function during intensive training

26-Sep-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Intense training and exercise are known to disturb the immune system. A new study from England suggests that supplements containing the algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa may help.

Fibersol-2 may boost bifidobacteria count by almost 40%: ADM study

26-Sep-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with Fibersol-2, a fermentable functional fiber, may boost levels of beneficial bifidobacteria levels in the intestine and feces and increase stool bulk, says a new clinical trial.

Vitafoods Asia 2018

HMOs a goldmine of human health applications beyond infant formula: DuPont expert

12-Sep-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have extensive potential to offer a range of health benefits in products beyond infant formula, DuPont's global business director for HMOs, Steen Lyck, said at Vitafoods Asia on Tuesday.

Functional branding: Kerry talks up APAC immunity and digestive opportunities for BC30 and Wellmune

31-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Kerry believes that clear evidence of growing consumer demand for probiotics, immunity and protein products across APAC will stand the firm in good stead for regional sales success for its functional branded ingredients, not least the patented probiotic...

Hydration beverage company lands $5 million infusion to support rapid growth

30-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Liquid I.V., a development stage company that has found success with clever marketing of its hydration beverage, has secured $5 million in a star-studded private funding round.

Daily cricket consumption may alter gut microbiota, clinical trial suggests

15-Aug-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Consuming 25 grams of cricket powder per day may alter specific populations of beneficial gut bacteria, a double-blind, randomized crossover trial conducted at Colorado State University indicated.

Competition from China for raw material plagues Rice Bran's financial results

09-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Supply problems have plagued Rice Bran Technologies as it struggles to achieve adequate scale to deliver sustained growth.

Resistant starch may slash inflammatory marker in pre-diabetics, but other benefits questioned

06-Aug-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Adding resistant starch to the diet may help reduce markers of inflammation and heart rates in people with pre-diabetes, says a new study, but no other benefits for heart health and blood sugar management were reported.

Fibre-rich foods said to reduce gut stress and ‘anxiety-like behaviour’

06-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Evidence for the gut-brain axis’ influence was shared in new research identifying the role high-fibre foods have in reducing the effects stress has on the gut and in anxiety-like behaviour.

“We are also targeting others,” says president

US firm targets Europe as it wins novel foods approval on corn-based prebiotic

03-Aug-2018 By Kacey Culliney

California-based AIDP has won novel foods approval for its xylo-oligosaccharides prebiotic PreticX and will now seek the European nod for its magnesium L-threonate brain health ingredient, says company president.

USANA tops $300 million in sales for quarter

26-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

USANA Health Sciences has reported record revenue in its second quarter, driven largely by results in mainland China.

Is fibre a depression fighter? China researchers identify reasons for optimism

26-Jul-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The consumption of different types of fibre could aid in alleviating depressive symptoms in adults, according to a study by China's Qingdao University.

Synbiotics' anti-constipation effects require more specific evidence: Malaysia population study

24-Jul-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Synbiotics may be preferable to laxatives in treating constipation, but more evidence on specific benefits are required, according to the findings of a population study by Selangor's Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Authors find support for anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity compounds from edible seaweeds

23-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

A recent review by Portuguese researchers supports the notion that edible seaweeds hold great promise as a source of dietary ingredients that have anti-hypertensive and weight management benefits.

Dairy alternatives continue to make inroads with consumers around globe, Cargill finds

18-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

New consumer research from Cargill has implications for formulators of functional foods, sports nutrition products and dairy products. Dairy ingredients are generally in decline, while plant-based alternatives are filling in the gaps.

Taiyo builds up UTI science suite behind SunCran combination ingredient

12-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

In an era when regulators are increasingly calling for product specific science, Taiyo International has stepped up to the plate to verify the bacterial adhesion prevention properties of its SunCran cranberry-prebiotic ingredient.

Review finds promising, if preliminary, data backing mood support effects for probiotics, prebiotics and omega-3s

11-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

A recent review of studies on interventions with probiotics, prebiotics and omega-3s shows that there is promising data backing these ingredients’ effects on ameliorating anxiety, stress and depression. But much more research is needed to identify pathways,...

Prebiotic fibers show gut and immune health benefits for children: RCT

10-Jul-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet of three- to six-year-olds with chicory root fiber may improve their gut microbiota composition and strengthen their immune defenses, says a new study.

Dietary fiber intake inversely related to depression symptoms in US adults, study suggests

02-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

After analyzing data from a national US survey, researchers in China suggest that dietary fiber intake may be inversely related to depression symptoms.

Prebiotics shown to armor rats against stress by altering brain structure

25-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Research presented at the recent Probiota Americas meeting showed that adding prebiotics to the diet to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria actually altered the structure of rats' brains in a model testing stress response.

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.

FDA unveils dietary fibers guidance: Good news for inulin, polydextrose, some gray areas remaining

15-Jun-2018 By Elaine Watson

Long-awaited guidance from the FDA spelling out which isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates it believes should be classified as ‘dietary fiber’ on the Nutrition Facts panel brings to an end a period of extended uncertainty for companies supplying...

Personalised prebiotic start-up Carbiotix shows early promise in modulating gut bacteria

08-Jun-2018 By Nathan Gray

Early indications from its first six months of service suggest the company’s personalised gut testing and postal prebiotic service achieved almost 100% effectiveness in improving gut health, says Carbiotix.

Dietary fibers boost beneficial bacteria levels, but what about diversity?

06-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Consuming dietary fibers does lead to higher levels of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., but does not affect the diversity of bacteria in the gut, says a meta-analysis of 64 studies.

Huel CEO: ‘We believe, over time, people will refer to complete food as a category’

04-Jun-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Since making its US debut nearly a year ago, Huel has reached $10m in sales and found that its company mission of providing complete, convenient, and sustainable nutrition resonates with a global audience.

Israeli startup aims to make splash with fermentation technology

01-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

A group of Israeli veterans of the dietary ingredient wars have come together to form a new company focused on cutting edge fermentation technologies.

AIDP aims new prebiotic toward novel beauty-from-within positioning

29-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

A novel beauty-from-within positioning will help a line of prebiotics new to the US market compete in a crowded space, branded ingredient marketer AIDP says.

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...

Recapitalized Vitargo recalibrates strategy, dosing as it exits bankruptcy

07-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Newly recapitalized sports nutrition brand Vitargo is bolstering its scientific staff, rethinking its strategy and refining its dosing as it exits bankruptcy.

Walnut consumption alters gastrointestinal microbiota, possible underlying mechanism of its health benefits, says study

04-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

Walnut consumption altered the gastrointestinal microbiota of study participants, leading the researchers to postulate that this interaction is the underlying mechanism behind walnuts’ health benefits.

Whittel out as Twinlab CEO; says she accomplished goals during tenure

03-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Twinlab Consolidation Corporation and CEO Naomi Whittel have parted ways, a development both sides characterize as amicable.

Demographic shifts building bigger market for Active Nutrition end of sports product lines, expert says

02-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

The Active Nutrition end of the sports nutrition market is growing fast, fueled by large scale demographic changes, according to an expert.

Health & nutrition disparities faced by older, low-income Americans reveals marketing opportunity

26-Apr-2018 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research showing low-income, older Americans want to eat well to improve their health, but face additional barriers to doing so compared to their wealthier counterparts also reveals a marketing opportunity for better-for-you and wellness-oriented...

Twinlab / Reserveage launch new products for sleep, heart health, and for her

25-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The company used the recent Expo West show in Anaheim to discuss a raft of new products developed by collaborating with some big name experts.

With restructuring charges put to rest, MusclePharm’s turnaround plan gains credence

23-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

Embattled sports nutrition brand MusclePharm has turned a corner in its recovery efforts, according to CEO Ryan Drexler. The company, whose continued existence at one time seemed to hang in the balance, is on a solid growth curve, he said.

Consuming rice bran-fortified soy milk with carb-based meals could help prevent diabetes

23-Apr-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Consuming rice bran-fortified soy milk alongside a carbohydrate-rich meal can be a simple dietary strategy to improve glycaemic control and help in the prevention and management of diabetes, according to researchers in Singapore and Japan.

Positivity reigns! Results of the 2nd annual NutraIngredients-USA reader survey

11-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Results of the 2nd annual NutraIngredients-USA reader survey are in, and the responses are hugely positive for the dietary supplements industry.

Green banana flour: A powerful new tool in the digestive health toolbox?

09-Apr-2018 By Elaine Watson

Milled starchy unripe bananas – which are low in sugar and high in RS2 resistant starch – can help people better control their blood glucose, but they also confer an exciting range of digestive benefits, making them a powerful new gut health ingredient,...

Better bottom line positions Rice Bran Technologies for future growth, execs say

06-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

Recapitalization and streamlining will position embattled ingredients provider Rice Bran Technologies for future growth, company executives said recently.

NATURAL PRODUCTS NEW ZEALAND SUMMIT 2018

China cross-border e-commerce access: 'Too early to say what will happen in 2019' – trade expert

02-Apr-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Exporters to China have been told to 'watch this space' over cross-border e-commerce rules, which provide the easiest access to the nation's soaring supplement market, but are due to end this year.

NATURAL PRODUCTS NEW ZEALAND SUMMIT 2018

Cutting-edge computer modelling reveals how gold kiwifruit supplement aids gut motility

27-Mar-2018 By Gary Scattergood

'In silico' computer modelling has been used to identify the physiological pathways of Anagenix’s gold kiwifruit powder ingredient, Livaux, revealing how it aids gut health.

Glanbia launches whole grains, fiber ingredients for functional beverages

26-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

A Whole Grain Stamp isn’t just for snacks or bread—global ingredient firm Glanbia Nutritionals introduced BevGrad Oats GF and BevGrad Quinoa, designed for inclusion in beverages.

Kill Cliff exec shares challenges in marketing specialty carbohydrates in age of sugar reduction

21-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

Atlanta-based Kill Cliff, a sports beverage brand focusing on clean label formulations, launched a new line of sports drinks called Endure, which features a slow-burning specialty carbohydrate, at the Natural Products Expo West show. However, the carbohydrate...

Despite murky understanding, prebiotics market booms on general interest in microbiome health, exec says

20-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

Prebiotics are riding a wave of consumer interest in microbiome health, a sales executive says. The ingredients themselves are still poorly understood but continue to ride the coattails of probiotics, he said.

Special Edition: Botanicals

Unique botanical feedstock gives rise to promising prebiotic

19-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

Botanicals are often thought of as powdered ingredients that go into tea-like preparations or find their way into capsules as powders or extracts. But botanical feedstocks can also give rise to other categories of ingredients, such as Prenexus Health’s...

RiceBran Technologies reports revenue uptick in 2017 results after sale of Brazil and contract manufacturing businesses

19-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

RiceBran Technologies, a company which focuses on rice bran-derived ingredients and formulations, reported revenue of $13.4 million in 2017, a modest 3% increase from $13.0 million in 2016, according to a statement from the company.

NOW Sports to relabel all products with Informed Sport third-party certification

16-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

Illinois-based supplement maker NOW Foods has started a relabeling project so that all products in its sports nutrition line, NOW Sports, will bear the silver Informed Sport seal, certifying third-party verification.

SCIENCE SHORT

Carbohydrate mouth rinse fails to improve performance in short distance cycling time trial, study finds

16-Mar-2018 By Tim Cutcliffe

The use of a carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) failed to improve the performance of cyclists in a four kilometre (km) cycling time trial, reveals a new study in Nutrients.

Nutiva expands portfolio of supplements, launches US-grown hemp seed product

14-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

Among a portfolio of cooking oils, pantry staples for baking, and spreads, Nutiva is expanding further into the supplement space, launching several new products at the Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, CA, last weekend.