Research

Research notes impact of season and infant gender on HMO composition in breast milk

31-May-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

New research reveals differences in breast milk HMO levels in secretor and non secretor Israeli mothers to male and female babies, as well as revealing how composition changes with the seasons.

Rising predatory journals threaten research authenticity

30-May-2023 By Olivia Haslam

It’s a case of “publish or perish” for academics, giving more opportunities to predatory journals, warned a recent webinar hosted by the research database provider EBSCO.

News

Extending the shelf-life of berries with CBD

19-May-2023 By Bethan Grylls

A team of researchers in Thailand have developed a CBD-based coating which has shown promise in delaying rot in strawberries to keep them fresher for longer.

Abbott study: HMO 2'-FL formula modulates infant microbiome to support immune homeostasis

18-May-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Supplementation of infant formula with the human milk oligosaccharide 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) elevates the production of secondary microbial metabolites in the infant's microbiome to levels closer to that seen in breastfed infants, according to...

Research rules out antioxidants to prevent bone loss in astronauts

09-May-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Supplementation with an antioxidant ‘cocktail’ failed to improve bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone structure in healthy males following an 88-day regime, including head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR), conclude researchers.

New review highlights significant benefits of vitamins and mineral supplements for reducing fatigue

09-May-2023 By Matt Chittock

A new literature review from Australian and UK authors suggests vitamins and minerals have “potentially significant benefits” in reducing fatigue both in healthy people and those with chronic illnesses.

Study: Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 supports gut health in C-section babies

20-Apr-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A new RCT involving infants born by cesarean section concludes Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 may help boost the Lactobacillus population in the gut, maintain faecal pH, improve gut immunity and reduce cortisol levels, especially in very young infants.

Cognitive health innovation: Scientific backing leads to 900% rise in patents

18-Apr-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Interest in nutrition for cognitive health is booming, with data revealing a 400% increase in the amount of research in this space, translating to a whopping 900% rise in patent filings.

PharmaBiome and Roquette: partnering for predictive prebiotic innovation

14-Apr-2023 By Olivia Brown

The recent agreement between the companies will permit the use of Pharmabiome’s patented microbiome NicheMap technology, enabling for the production of precision prebiotic fibres targeted to ensure optimal interaction with the microbiome.

Research calls for DHA supplementation in vegetarian breastfeeding mothers

13-Apr-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A new study reveals lower DHA and vitamin B12 content in the milk of vegetarian and vegan mothers, leading researchers to call for raised awareness and supplementation, especially in the case of DHA where this is not common procedure.

Pilot study suggests vitamin K2 supplement surpasses diet in ability to reduce deficiency

31-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A pilot study involving 12 patients with chronic kidney disease suggests supplementation surpasses a vitamin-rich diet in improving vit K levels in individuals who are susceptible to deficiency.

Deadline for entry is April 7, 2023!

Probiota Americas 2023 call for abstracts: Got groundbreaking research to shout about?

30-Mar-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Are you researching the latest state-of-the-art developments related to prebiotic, probiotic, and microbiome science relevant to human health, well-being, consumers, and industry? If so, we would like to hear from you!

Study: L. rhamnosus delivers microbiome benefits in healthy adults

20-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Daily probiotic supplementation for one month can significantly increase the abundance of Lacticaseibacillus and reduce harmful bacteria in the microbiota of healthy adults.

AI research tool sees global firms centralise research and capitalise on knowledge

16-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A new research management tool has been announced by Stravito, with aims to democratise access to market research and insights across global teams.

Study finds no benefit of chia or whey for resistance training men on high protein diet

15-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Neither chia flour nor whey protein supplementation elicit an enhanced effect on fat free mass (FFM) or strength gains during resistance training in healthy young men consuming a high protein mixed diet, according to new data.

Review highlights probiotics as adjuvant treatment in cognitive decline

15-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Probiotic supplementation may be an affordable and safe adjuvant treatment option for cognitivie decline management in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supports growth in juvenile mice

08-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supports nutrition optimisation through the improved absorption of amino acids, in both its pro- and postbiotic form, according to a new study in mice, creating opportunities for innovation within children’s growth and healthy...

Breaking the cycle: getting data equity in research

07-Mar-2023 By Danielle Masterson

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this week and throughout the month of March, we examine the lack of representation in clinical trials and ask whether the FTC’s new guidelines are enough to disrupt the current system’s cumulative bias.

Vit E an effective aid for sleep in postmenopausal women, study concludes

27-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Researchers have concluded that vitamin E offers potential as an alternative treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in postmenopausal women as new data suggests it can improve sleep quality, thereby reducing sedative drug use.

Trial into vitamin D and BMI finds cholesterol correlation

27-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Supplementation with vitamin D failed to significantly impact BMI but did lead to a statistically significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol in a recent pilot randomised controlled clinical trial.

Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower reduces inflammation via the gut, in mouse model

22-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower inhibits food-induced systemic low-grade inflammation (FSLI) by modulating the gut microbiota, increasing SCFAs levels and inhibiting excessive LPS translocation into the blood, according to a new animal study.

Insights from Probiota 2023

Probiotics paving their way into synergistic mental health treatment

20-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A significant number of clinical studies into the gut-brain axis are providing exciting data on the potential stand-alone and synergistic benefits of probiotics with traditional medications.

No 'magic bullet': Review highlights diet, not supplements, for tackling menopause symptoms

16-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The British Nutrition Foundation has reviewed how diet and supplements can help with managing menopausal symptoms, concluding that a Mediterranean diet has better scientific backing than supplements.

Five-strain probiotic blend may impact on bacterial vaginosis symptoms and severity, study finds

08-Feb-2023 By Will Chu

A probiotic blend can be effective in preserving or improving vaginal health, say Korean scientists as they demonstrate its role in alleviating the symptoms and severity of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Dietary changes and probiotics prove effective in tackling obesity, study suggests

08-Feb-2023 By Will Chu

Analysis of the effects of a transitional standard diet (TSD) and probiotic supplementation found a synergistic effect on diet-induced obesity, helping to lower fat build-up and systemic inflammation.

Researchers explore the pathways to berry health benefits

06-Feb-2023 By Asia Sherman

Berry researchers from around the world gathered last week at the 9th Biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium in Tampa, FL to take a deep dive along the metabolic pathways in search of the microbes and metabolites that contribute to human health.

9,000! ABC reaches notable HerbClip Research Summary milestone

02-Feb-2023

The American Botanical Council (ABC) has published its 9,000th HerbClip, an important research and educational resource for scientists, researchers, health professionals, industry members, and others.

Fermenting sea buckthorn optimises health benefits: study

01-Feb-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Fermentation of sea buckthorn improves antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Botrytis cinerea, according to research.

Industry insights from Nizo: Bringing next generation microbes into consumer products

24-Jan-2023 By Bart Smit and Anneloes Groenenboom, Principal Scientist Fermentation and Project Manager Fermentation, Nizo

The market for beneficial microbes is increasingly diverse, with next generation probiotics and commensal bacteria being added to the possibilities. NIZO’s Bart Smit, principal scientist fermentation, and Anneloes Groenenboom, project manager fermentation,...

High intensity exercise with astaxanthin can reduce male obesity

13-Jan-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) with astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks reduced circulatory lipid levels and improved the body composition of obese men in an recent Iranian study.

Study: Seven-strain probiotic supplementation treats asthma via miRNA regulation

11-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

An eight-week course of supplementation with seven probiotic strains led to improved respiratory health via regulation of miRNA expression in a recent study of asthma patients.

UNPA and Radicle Science launch clinical trial partnership

10-Jan-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The collaboration aims to level the playing field between supplements and pharmaceuticals by giving UNPA members access to groundbreaking clinical trials on supplements.

Biotin deficiencies linked to gut inflammation and IBD, study suggests

10-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Biotin deficiencies lead to dysbiosis of the gut and a reduction in mucus-resident microbes, leading to characteristics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), according to a new study in mice.

Carotenoids for cognition: study suggests link between intake and brain health

06-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

It was observed that better performances in cognitive function tests were associated with increased dietary intakes of α-Carotene and β-Carotene, in a new cross-sectional study utilising elderly participants from the Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Basecamp Research raises $20M to map life on earth and design proteins to match

21-Dec-2022 By Asia Sherman

London-based startup Basecamp Research – which collects previously inaccessible protein DNA sequences from biodiversity hotspots around the world – announced that it has raised $20 million in series A funding led by climate investor Systemiq Capital.

Researchers raise concern over folic acid awareness in high BMI pregnancy

15-Dec-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

Further work needs to be done to raise awareness of the need for women with obesity to supplement both with a higher dose of folic acid and vitamin D, and to be aware of the role of iodine, researchers say.

Study findings: "The good, the bad and the ugly"

09-Dec-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

There is "room for the improvement" of design, analysis and reporting of nutrition studies, researchers have concluded following a meta-epidemiological analysis of more than 2,000 studies.

Researchers propose integrated approach to probiotic characterisation

09-Dec-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

A combined approach for testing different probiotic strains in food supplements is both more efficient and cost-effective that standard methods, according to scientists.

Study investigates liver disease protective effect of flavonoids

08-Dec-2022 By Olivia Brown

Greater intakes of flavonoid sub-classes, anthocyanin and isoflavone, were associated with lower prevalence of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in a new national population based study.

Lancet study highlights 'shocking' malnutrition findings

01-Dec-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

IADSA is highlighting the 'shocking' findings of a scientific review exposing the true extent of global malnutrition and an 'urgent' need for action.

Personalised protein requirements for an ageing population

01-Dec-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

Older adults are not consuming enough protein so more importance should be placed on creating products tailored to these consumers, researchers have said, providing their own recommendations on how to achieve this.

Researchers discuss link between iron supplements and Parkinson’s

16-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Excessive iron intake may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and calls into question the benefit of supplementation where clinical deficiency is not diagnosed, say scientists.

New ferritin level threshold could improve iron deficiency diagnosis, say researchers

15-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Experts should consider a lower clinical threshold of ferritin levels when determining iron deficiency to ensure efficacy of early detection and relevant treatment, say researchers.

Dietary supplementation linked to healthier college lifestyle behaviors

28-Oct-2022 By Asia Sherman

New research supports findings that associate dietary supplement intake with healthier lifestyle behaviors in college students but revealed no impact on blood biomarkers.

Guest Article

Unlocking microbial functionality to understand the impact of functional ingredients

26-Oct-2022 By Robyn Eijlander and Guus Kortman, Scientists and Project Managers at NIZO

As consumers continue to turn towards more natural ways to maintain their health, the market for probiotics and other ingredients that promote a healthy gut microbiome continues to grow. But how can a manufacturer be sure their pre-, pro- or postbiotic...