Research

26-Apr-2012 - New methods for measuring the stereochemical forms of flavanols in cocoa that could determine whether health benefits can be derived have moved a step closer, say Mars.

Beta-glucan ingredient may benefit cold and flu symptoms

25-Apr-2012 - Daily supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may reduce the number of days suffering from cold and flu symptoms, says a new study from the UK.

Probiotic research must better combine technology and functionality, argue researchers

25-Apr-2012 - Probiotic research needs to change in its basic paradigm, so that it takes an over-arching approach to addressing issues with both technology and functionality, according to new research.

Donkey milk derby? Study trumpets health boosting potential for elderly

24-Apr-2012 - Donkey and horse milks and their derivatives could prove valuable foods for elderly consumers, and could also be used in probiotic drinks due to health-promoting properties.

Dietary vitamin E better than supplements to battle cancer: Researchers

24-Apr-2012 - Dietary vitamin E in the form of gamma- and delta- tocopherol could be beneficial in battling and even reducing the risk of certain cancers, however the alpha- form commonly used in supplements has no such benefits, say researchers.

Cocoa products may offer fiber source for consumers

24-Apr-2012 - Fiber-rich cocoa products may help consumers hit recommended levels and improve their bowel habits, says a new study.

Increased vitamin D intakes may reduce Alzheimer’s risk

23-Apr-2012 - People with higher intakes of vitamin D may be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but not other forms of dementia, suggests new data from France.

Oil quality assurance collaboration could boost production efficiency – Cargill

23-Apr-2012 - Collaborative research, conducted by food processor Cargill and the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), has led to the refinement of methods to assure consistent oil quality in food products.

Soy protein may reduce symptoms of fatty liver disease: Study

23-Apr-2012 - Intake of soy proteins could significantly reduce the accumulation of fat and triglycerides in the livers of obese people, suggests new research in rats.

Fibre may protect against heart disease in women: Study

20-Apr-2012 - High-fibre foods may offer good protection against cardiovascular disease, with the effects particularly marked in women, say researchers.

News in brief

Omega-3 may reduce damage from smoking, suggests research

20-Apr-2012 - Omega-3 fatty acids could help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to a new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology.

Low-fat dairy could reduce stroke risk

20-Apr-2012 - Consumption of low-fat dairy foods could help to reduce the risk of stroke, according to new research.

Unilever aims to identify ancient plants with added nutritional value

19-Apr-2012 - A new scientific consortium led by Unilever aims to identify nutritionally valuable varieties of fruits and vegetables from the past, in order to produce natural health ingredients for the future, says the industry giant.

Botanical blend may boost joint health: Unigen study

19-Apr-2012 - A proprietary blend of botanical extracts may ease joint stiffness and improve joint function, suggest data from a small pilot study by Unigen.

Polyphenol-enriched soybean flour shows blood sugar benefits

19-Apr-2012 - Polyphenol-enriched soybean flour for supplements and functional foods may help reduce blood sugar levels, says a new study with lab animals that supports the potential health benefits of the Nutrasorb ingredients.

BioCell Collagen may slash joint health pain: RCT data

18-Apr-2012 - Daily supplements of BioCell Technology’s collagen-rich cartilage extract may reduce pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis, suggest results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Omega-3 has no benefit for multiple sclerosis, finds 'underpowered' RCT

18-Apr-2012 - Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has no benefit on the disease activity of multiple sclerosis, according to data from a new clinical trial the authors acknowledged was underpowered.

Liquorice root found to contain potentially anti-diabetic substance

17-Apr-2012 - Amorfrutins found in the root of liquorice may have anti-inflammatory effects and could aslo be useful in the reduction of blood sugar levels, according to new research.

Probiotic BLIS K12 may protect against oral yeast growth

17-Apr-2012 - Supplements containing the probiotic BLIS K12 ingredient may inhibit the growth of the yeast responsible for oral thrush, suggests new in vitro data that supports the oral health potential of the ingredient.

Multivitamin supplements boost brain function, say UK researchers

17-Apr-2012 - Taking a multivitamin supplement daily can improve cognitive performance in both children and adults, say UK researchers.

Antioxidant-rich watercress shows sports nutrition potential

16-Apr-2012 - Eight weeks of supplementation with watercress may reduce markers of oxidative stress and damage after exhaustive exercise, suggests a new study.

Baby foods may not provide adequate levels of micro-nutrients: Study

16-Apr-2012 - Commercially available baby foods may contain less that 20% of the recommended levels of many minerals and micro-nutrients, according to new research that suggests industry could be doing more to improve the nutritive value of such foods.