Fibers & carbohydrates

Actazin green kiwifruit extract verified by Non-GMO Project

17-Aug-2015

Actazin, a digestive health ingredient derived from green kiwifruit, has received certification from the Non-GMO Project as being Non-GMO Project Verified.

87% of consumers globally think non-GMO is ‘healthier’. But where’s the evidence?

13-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

A large consumer study* from market researcher Health Focus International spanning 16 major consumer markets includes this pretty jaw-dropping statistic: 87% of consumers globally think non-GMO foods are ‘somewhat’, or ‘a lot’ healthier.

IFT Annual Conference

Fibers from food waste offer clean label option

05-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Multifunctional fibers made from fruit and vegetable peals and pulps that would otherwise be thrown away can help manufacturers meet consumers’ growing demand for clean ingredient labels while also reducing food waste. 

Ethnic South American fruit may offer polyphenol-packed flour for functional foods

04-Aug-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Flour made from chañar fruit (Geoffroea decorticans) may be used as a functional food ingredient to help reduce the risk of conditions associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, researchers report.

Prebiotics improve gut microbiota in obese kids: Study

03-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A prebiotic-rich diet may shift the gut microbiota profiles of obese children to a more beneficial profile, regardless of whether the obesity was related to lifestyle or genetics, says a study from an international team of researchers.

Prebiotic boosts healthy elderly immune systems: Study

30-Jul-2015 By Shane STARLING

A proprietary prebiotic blend can deliver immune system benefits to the healthy elderly better than placebo, an industry-backed study in the UK has found.

Agave extracts show ability to shift gut microbiota: Ingredion study

29-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Prebiotic extracts from agave may shift the gut population and activity of Bifidobacterium in healthy adults, says data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Soluble fibers may curb hunger and counter inflammation in overweight people: Human data

21-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Prebiotic supplements may reduce appetite, food intake, and inflammation in overweight adults, says a new study from France.

Beta-glucan may ease exercise-induced immune suppression in less active people: Wellmune study

14-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of the baker’s yeast beta glucan ingredient Wellmune may improve mucosal immunity post-exercise amongst general, non-exercising adults, says a new study from the University of North Texas.

Flaxseed beats probiotics for improved insulin sensitivity & altered microbiota

06-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

A study comparing fibrous flaxseed with probiotics has questioned the latter’s ability to alter gut microbiota and improve obesity-related metabolic diseases. 

Chia seeds fail to boost athletic performance but athletes ‘should still include them in their diet’

06-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Runners adding chia seeds to their diet in the belief that it will boost athletic performance may be disappointed to hear that the ‘superfood’ may not enhance their performance, says a new study from the Appalachian State University.

Cargill on Trehalose: The biggest challenge is limited awareness but every new product is helping

29-Jun-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

One year on from the ‘Taco Bell affair’ and Cargill is continuing to see growth in demand for its Trehalose additive, but the biggest challenge continues to be limited awareness of ingredient’s numerous functional properties.

Glico’s cyclic dextrin may outperform conventional carbs for swimming endurance: Human data

26-Jun-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Formulating sports drinks with a highly branched cyclic dextrin may increase endurance and benefit performance in swimmers, says a study from Japan.

Seaweed extract may hold promise for IBD, suggests new study

22-Jun-2015 By Hamish McDougall

An extract from fucoidans may provide promise for treating a type of inflammatory bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis, a new study published in PLoS One suggests.

Special edition: Immunity

Pre- & Probiotics market snap-shot; ban to cost €1.5bn by 2020 in EU6

18-Jun-2015 By Shane STARLING

The EU’s ban on prebiotics and probiotics as marketing tools has cost the market €500m and will cost a further €1bn by 2020 according to Euromonitor International data – and that’s just drinking yoghurt. Other formats have also been hit.

Special edition: Immune support

The key market data and ingredients in the immune health sector

18-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Immune supplement sales were valued at an impressive $2.3 billion in 2013 (Nutrition Business Journal), and in this gallery we look at the key market trends and ingredients for this growing sector. 

Flaxseed supplements linked to improved blood pressure: Meta-analysis

09-Jun-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of flaxseed may effectively management blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials.

Mushroom mycelium could breathe new life into declining cereals category, claims MycoTechnology

04-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

Grain companies are working with Denver-based MycoTechnology to explore how mushrooms’ filament-like roots or ‘mycelium’ could help create new value-added opportunities in the cereals market by transforming the nutritional profile of wheat and other grains.

Supplement launches that aims to help people prone to Type 2 diabetes make healthy lifestyle switch

01-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

Type 2 diabetes continues to stalk the US population. It’s a public health crisis that has created market opportunities, and one of the companies rushing to fill that breach is Glucose Health, Inc. which has launched a supplement of the same name.

Nutritionist says science backs importance of carbohydrates for sports formulations

29-May-2015 By Hank Schultz

Has the low carb craze finally been consigned to the dustbin of history? Nutritionist Susan Kleiner, PhD thinks so, and it’s high time, she said.

Higher fibre intake could cut diabetes risk

28-May-2015 By Nathan Gray

New research data, coupled with a fresh meta-analysis of previous studies, has added to evidence that increasing dietary fibre reduces the risk of developing diabetes.

Extending GMPs to ingredient suppliers would fix gap in original rule, stakeholders say

18-May-2015 By Hank Schultz

A recently filed citizen's petition asking FDA to extend GMP requirements to ingredient manufacturers met with a cautious but generally positive reception among industry stakeholders. Having ingredient suppliers stand outside this aspect of the law...

FTC seeks injunction against weight loss supplement marketer over false claims, fraudulent 'risk free' offer

14-May-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Federal Trade Commission, alleging false advertising, is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Lunada Biomedical Inc. from claiming that its dietary supplement Amberen causes substantial weight loss.

Inulin prebiotic may improve appetite regulation & decrease food intake in obese kids

11-May-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of Beneo’s Orafti Synergy1 chicory root fiber may support healthy weight management in overweight and obese kids by improving appetite regulation and decreasing food intake, says a study from Calgary University in Canada.

Meta-analysis supports cholesterol-lowering potential of beta-glucan

05-May-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Consuming beta-glucan may help slash total and LDL cholesterol levels for people with elevated levels, says a new meta-analysis of 17 RCTs.

Micronutrient-dense bar shows broad health improvements for overweight/obese adults: CHORI study

29-Apr-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A micronutrient and fiber-dense supplement bar may improve metabolism in overweight/obese but otherwise healthy adults, says a new study from the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI).

Green algae combo may counter obesity-linked metabolic changes: Study

20-Apr-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A mixture of green algae extracts may lower body fat and improve lean mass in rats fed a high carbohydrate, high fat diet, says new study.

Taiyo carves out niche in natural caffeine market with slow-release whole green coffee bean ingredient

20-Apr-2015 By Hank Schultz

It’s been 10 years and more since ephedra was taken off the market and in that time the importance of caffeine as an energy and thermogenic ingredient has grown significantly.  Suppliers are competing to offer forms the compound that offer interesting...

Fibersol-2 may boost satiety: Human RCT data

16-Apr-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Adding soluble fiber to a tea that is consumed along with a meal can increase satiety hormones and decrease hunger in health men and women, say results of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.

Kiwifruit-derived supplements may boost bowel health for healthy people: RCT data

15-Apr-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Daily consumption of supplements containing kiwifruit-derived nutritional ingredients may increase bowel movements in healthy individuals, says a new study from New Zealand.

Small changes for big benefits: Altering protein and carb profile has big impact on weight

10-Apr-2015 By Nathan Gray

Making small, consistent changes to the types of protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods we eat may have a big impact on long-term weight, say researchers behind a new large-scale diet study.

Not just for hippies: Hemp's rising superfood status

01-Apr-2015 By RJ Whitehead

Bursting with nutrients and boasting an impressive growth rate, the future of hemp seed is bright– but what’s the best way for manufacturers to cash in on a product that is connected – mistakenly but understandably – with an illegal drug?

Is it worth buying nutrient-poor packaged fruit 'n' veg?

25-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

Fresh-cut fruit and veg are sold as an instant vitamin boost. But chlorine disinfection, refrigeration and up to three weeks on the shelf mean their vitamin content is often low – so is there any point in buying them?

Probiotic potential for pear antioxidants explored in study

24-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

Antioxidants and phenols in pears can balance gut microbiota as well as manage early-stage type 2 diabetes and hypertension, according to researchers.

Which protein can help weight loss but keep muscle?

19-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Greater energy from whey protein means greater loss of fat but retention of muscle while dieting, according to research that looked at different protein sources. 

Agave prebiotic significantly increases some faecal friendly bacteria, say researchers

16-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The prebiotic agave fructan significantly increases the faecal count of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to maltodextrin, according to research backed by industry.

Glico builds endurance sports science for Cluster Dextrin ingredient

10-Mar-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Formulating sports nutrition products with a highly branched cyclic dextrin may combat the onset of stress factors induced during exhaustive physical activity, says a study from Japan.

Food Vision sneak peeks - Cannes, March 18-20

Ex-World Cup sports scientist: Best carb-protein blend is 3:1

09-Mar-2015 By Shane STARLING

Protein was once thought necessary to fuel sporting activity but evolving research has shown it is better for muscle recovery and short chain carbohydrates (sugars) are the accepted fuel tools. And then there are blends of the two…plus the carb and protein...

New prebiotic may boost flu vaccine effects in the elderly: Study

09-Mar-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements containing a combination of a new prebiotic called bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGS) and an established prebiotic (galactooligosaccharide) may enhance the effects of the flu vaccine, says a new study from Japan.

AIDP enters digestive space with non GMO corn-derived prebiotic ingredient

09-Feb-2015 By Hank Schultz

Branded ingredient supplier AIDP is entering the digestive health space with a probiotic ingredient new to the North American market that has a successful history in Asian markets.

new trial shows supplement reduced pain to same level as drug treatment

Glucosamine plus chondroitin sulphate may aid joint health in osteoarthritis

02-Feb-2015 By Nathan Gray

Combined supplementation with chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine could help to reduce knee joint pain, stiffness, and functional disability of people with osteoarthritis, say researchers.

300-strong ‘teenage nutrition & health’ cohort extended to 2017; diabetes-obesity insights sought

30-Jan-2015 By Shane STARLING

A 300-person cohort assessing how youthful diet and lifestyle affects health via methods like amino acids, sugars and antioxidants measurement has been extended to 2017, with an aim to plug a gap in teenage data.

Fucoidan boost performance and slows tiring during exercise: Mouse data

26-Jan-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with fucoidan from seaweed may delay fatigue during fatigue and boost overall endurance, says a new study from Taiwan.

NutraIngredients-USA forum to examine going non GMO in supplements

26-Jan-2015 By Hank Schultz

Non GMO positioning is becoming an ever hotter topic within the supplement realm.  NutraIngredients-USA will examine the topic in an online forum on Feb. 26 with an expert panel drawn from trade organizations, manufacturers and retailers.

Special edition: Blood Sugar Management

Pre-diabetes: Public health time bomb … and industry opportunity

22-Jan-2015 By Nathan Gray

By 2035 it is estimated that 8% of the global population will be classed as ‘pre-diabetic' – putting them at significantly higher risk of developing full type 2 diabetes. Such startling statistics are ticking bomb for healthcare costs, but could...

Special edition: Blood sugar management

Glycaemic (GI) foods remain in obesity-diabetes niche but claims are changing game

22-Jan-2015 By Shane STARLING

Foods that help moderate blood sugar activity are gaining more traction with diabetics, the overweight and the obese – with new EU claims backing their promise to control hunger impulses. With 2bn people overweight or obese in the world, and type-2 diabetes...

Special edition: Blood sugar management

The key ingredients for blood sugar management

22-Jan-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

With diabetes rates rising, many healthy people are starting to consider the effects of blood glucose levels and keeping them in the healthy range. In this gallery we look at the key ingredients in this growing sector. 

‘Excipient foods' show promise in enhancing nutrient bioavailability

14-Jan-2015 By Nathan Gray

Improving the design of functional and finished products by better understanding the role of excipient foods could help increase the bioavailability of functional nutrients, according to new research.

Chia is here to stay, thanks to long-term planning by The Chia Co.

09-Jan-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

A few years ago, chia seeds were virtually unheard of in the U.S., but now they are available across food categories and retail channels in a plethora of finished consumer goods and as an ingredient, thanks largely to long-range planning by The Chia Co.

Fancy fats, digestive health & pumpkin: CHFA lists its top 5 trends for Canadian health food consumers

05-Jan-2015

Avocado oil, fermentation, non-GMOs… the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has some interesting trend for Canadians when shopping at their local health food store in 2015.