Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Folate-rich diet benefits pushing UK to flour fortification

The UK appears close to introducing compulsory flour fortification in an attempt to reduce neural tube defects, while a new report lists France as having the lowest rates of birth defects, a statistic that has been linked to the folate-rich Mediterranean diet.

Soft drinks sales strong despite obesity concerns

Canadean predicts that carbonates, the leading global soft drinks category, will have grown by around 2 per cent in 2005 despite bad press and pessimistic reports.

Fruit will be allowed health claims, assures FSANZ

Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand have rubbished media reports that new proposals would prevent fresh fruit and vegetables from carrying health claims.

More cranberry products anticipated

Ocean Spray is encouraged that the findings of a small study into the health properties of dried cranberries will lead to their use in a broader range of healthy food products.

More support for magnesium against colon cancer

New research indicates that a diet rich in magnesium may lower the risk of colon cancer, supporting previous studies inversely linking intake of the mineral to the disease.

Conciliation over health claims looks likely

The chances of the European Parliament and Council of Ministers reaching an agreement over the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods proposal without conciliation looked more unlikely than ever at a first exchange of views in advance of the second reading.

Child nutrition study gets £9 million boost

Researchers from Bristol have been awarded almost £9 million (€13 million)to continue research into child nutrition, a study that has already delivered glowing results for omega-3.

Flavonoids reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress

Sports drinks rich in antioxidants could reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress (EIOS), reports new research.

Nutraceuticals behind choline demand, says Spanish producer

Choline salt specialist Algry Quimica has indicated that demand for its choline derivatives is continuing to rise thanks to growing awareness of their uses in nutraceuticals.

Weekly Comment

Time to ditch the FFQ

Little wonder consumers are confused about which foods are good for them, and which bad, when scientists use methods with almost no chance of meaningful results.

Junk food marketers target kids with dirty tricks

Snack food advertisers should be banned from targeting children with underhand advertising campaigns that parents are oblivious to, says a new report.

'Five-a-day' cuts stroke risk

Eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day can cut the risk of stroke by 26 per cent, according to a new study in The Lancet (Vol. 367, pp 320-326).

Forum: Sense About Science report

NutraIngredients.com last week published an article drawing attention to an impending report from Sense about Science. The report has met with a fierce response from readers in defense of the natural products industry. Sense About Science’s full report is now available online The scale of coverage of the report by the consumer media, its implications for the health products industry, and the vigour of the objections to it from our readership is exceptionally prompting us to publish a response to the report written for NutraIngredients.com by Now Food's Neil Levin.

Lipid Nutrition buys CLA One brand

IOI-Loders Croklaan division Lipid Nutrition has strengthened its position in the world CLA market with the acquisition of PharmaNutrients' CLA One business.

Colourless carotenoids coming soon

Israeli's IBR is preparing its nutraceuticals entry with PhytoflORAL colourless carotenoids, which are said to offer a range of health benefits and aid stability in food formulations.

Pritikins 'controls' but does not 'reverse' diabetes.

The Pritikins Longevity Center in Florida have moved to clarify claims that following their diet and exercise plan for only three weeks could 'reverse' type-2 diabetes.

Sambucol fights bird flu virus in lab

Sambucol, a standardized extract of black elderberry, has been found to fight the avian flu virus H5N1, revealed British researchers last week.

Nori to make nutraceuticals debut this year

Nori is known to sushi fans as the seaweed wrapping around rice and raw fish, but technology developed by an Israel start-up that enables the nutritional profile to be standardised gives it a new use in supplements and nutraceuticals.

Calls to boost vitamin B12 RDA

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) levels for vitamin B12 should be increased by 500 per cent, according to Danish researchers - a recommendation which, if taken up, could lead to reformulation of multivitamins that contain small quantities.

Drinks drive performance market, report

Sports and energy drinks have stolen a march on foods to become the powerhouse of the global market in performance products, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food International.

Blackcurrants may prevent onset of Alzheimer's

Research indicates that blackcurrants could prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting their extracts could be included in a range of processed functional foods.

Drug candidate 'could boost lycopene effect in foods'

A pharmaceutical company has suggested that the addition of a phosphorylated variant of gamma-tocopherol to lycopene-rich foods like tomato sauce might boost the carotenoid's anti-cancer activity.

Echinacea variety appears to impact efficacy

Current evidence on Echinacea preparations cannot support the efficacy of the wide variety of Echinacea products on the market, concludes a review.

Study finds insufficient evidence for omega-3/cancer link

A new review study has poured water on claims that there is sufficient evidence to support a link between omega-3 consumption and a reduced risk of cancer.

Healthy eating creates dilemma for the food industry

Food companies are facing a business conundrum in the wake of the consumer stampede towards healthier eating, according to a new report from JPMorgan: continue going against the grain with high margin, not-so-healthy products or deliver healthier foods at smaller margins.

Lonza's poor nutrition margins persist in FY2005

Swiss chemicals group Lonza has reported a 38.8 percent increase in operating income in 2005, but margins for its nutritional products have been eroded by high costs.

Apple juice may protect memory in old age

Consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, conclude researchers investigating the benefits in mice.

Tate & Lyle completes CCI acquisition

Tate & Lyle's acquisition of US speciality food ingredients firm Continental Custom Ingredients (CCI) could open new opportunities in the value added dairy ingredients sector.

AquaNova nanotech extends CoQ10 uses, bioavailabilty

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has hit the radar screens of functional food, supplement and cosmetic formulators in recent years thanks to positive study results. Now nanotech innovator AquaNova is offering a new form that extends the applications and does away with some of the hurdles they face.

BioGaia enters medical nutrition market with Novartis

A new agreement between BioGaia and Novartis Consumer Health will enable the development of new products based on its patented healthy bacteria Reuteri, specially for the medical nutrition market.

New evidence of fermented milk's effect on blood pressure

Researchers in Finland investigating the blood-pressure lowering effect of a fermented milk drink with a high tripeptide concentration have concluded that it shows potential as a dietary approach to hypertension management.

Natural not always best, say scientists

In the past few years, there has been a tremendous upsurge in interest in natural products as part of a general trend towards healthier consumer lifestyles. But a report due out this week will warn that some natural products can pose a health risk.

Health claims move closer but big issues remain

Debate over the proposed EU regulation on nutrition and health claims for food products is likely to heat up in the first half of 2006 as the EU parliament revises its timetable and shunts the process forward by several months.

Weekly Comment

Food miles leave a bitter taste

The organic food movement has been hijacked by supermarkets intent on being seen to be green, but their disrespect of food miles shows they are anything but.

Caffeine blunts blood flow to heart during exercise

Drinking caffeine drinks appears to stifle the body's ability to boost blood flow to the heart during exercise, suggests new research out of Switzerland.

Mineral maker hunting for acquisition

Israeli minerals maker Gadot Biochemicals is seeking an acquisition in Europe or the US to expand its health ingredients business.

Frutarom develops mental health ingredient

Flavours and extracts firm Frutarom has developed a wild green oat extract to boost mental health, it revealed yesterday.

The market for vegetarian supplements

Supplement marketers seem to be taking notice of the growing trend towards vegetarianism, bringing more products to market that do not contain animal-derived ingredients.

Target of vitamin D benefit for osteoporosis identified

Researchers in Japan have identified the target for vitamin D, giving a new insight into how the vitamin helps reduce bone loss and osteoporosis.

New company to research omega oils in Outer Hebrides

The founders of omega oil company Equazen have taken the next step towards advancing research in the field of fatty acids with the formation of Equateq, which will operate out of a newly-aquired oil processing plant and research facility in the Outer Hebrides.

R&D and marketing important for minerals market 'in flux'

Vulnerable as they are to media reports, the key to successful mineral products is in strong R&D and marketing expertise to take them through from concept to consumer, says Frost & Sullivan.

Low-fat diet study claims to 'reverse' diabetes

Researchers from UCLA have claimed that a three-week high-fibre, low-fat diet can reverse type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) - conclusions that go against medical understanding of the conditions.

New plant compounds could prevent blood clots

ARS researchers have identified, characterized, and synthesized two plant compounds, which be used in dietary supplements to inhibit blood clotting.

Growing demand for red-hot antioxidant

Israel-based Algatechnologies says the little-known carotenoid astaxanthin is set for rapid growth in coming years, with strong interest from Japan prompting it to boost both capacity and marketing activities this year.

Irradiated extract prompts Ferrosan supplement withdrawal

Supplement products made by Denmark's Ferrosan have been withdrawn from sale in the EU after being found to contain undeclared irradiated white tea extract.

Report predicts solid edible oil production

A recent commodity report focusing on edible oil and soy production suggests that India's vegetable oil industry is not happy, while global oilseed production could reach new heights.

Lonza expands peptide capacity through acquisition

Lonza has boosted its capacity to produce peptides through liquid phase technology with the €120 million acquisition of UCB's Bioproducts manufacturing division.

Well-being fascination drives health foods market

Health and wellness has become a hobby for many consumers and is a major contributing factor in the rapid growth of the functional, organic and health foods markets according to a new report from Euromonitor International.

'Super soy' could help fight against breast cancer

Researchers in America are working on a healthier soybean that contains far higher concentrations of health-protecting compounds than normal soybeans.

Symrise enters functional foods market

Flavour and fragrance company Symrise is planning to offer its first ingredients to the functional foods market later this year following the acquisition of Germany's Kaden Biochemicals.

'Direct evidence' that cocoa benefits heart health

A team of international researchers claims to have 'direct evidence' for a cocoa flavanol improving blood vessel relaxation.

DSM discussing sale of iodine unit

DSM is mulling the next step in its Vision 2010 strategy and has announced that it is in discussions with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile over the sale of its Minera iodine unit.

Restriction of calorie intake slows down heart ageing

A calorie-restricted diet could slow down ageing of the heart and prolong lifespan, according to new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Raisio warns of weaker 2005 results

Raisio has warned that its 2005 results will be weaker than estimated due to write-downs of its malt, potato and food diagnostics businesses.

Food packers get access to design process

Food companies can now get directly involved in designing the plastic packaging for their products, through a special workshop created by Graham Packaging.

Glucose linked to better memory, small study

Sugary drinks may have been vilified by health and nutrition campaigners, but a new study suggests that supplementary glucose can boost the memory.

Danone to launch Senjà soy yoghurts

Danone will launch its newly developed, 100 per cent soy dairy brand 'Senjà' in France this February, giving new recognition to dairy alternatives.

Modern food production and poor nutrition 'cause depression', report

Two charities have issued a stark warning that unless there is a major overhaul of UK food and farming policies, there will not be enough healthy and nutritious food to eat in the future.

More support for cancer protection from turmeric

Turmeric, a spice common to curries, prevented the spread of prostate cancer in mice, according to a new study from Rutgers University.

High soy isoflavones intake might protect against breast cancer

Isoflavones from soy do not increase markers for breast cancer in postmenopausal women and could protect against the disease, suggests a new animal study.

Weekly comment

Some news is good news

I am beginning to feel like a freak among journalists. Good or bad, my reporting is the product of hours of questions, fact-hunting and often-times editorial debate. Yet, despite this rigour, every day we receive emails from people asking, or even instructing, us to publish their press release on our sites.

Calls for revision of WHO stance on iron and folic acid supplements

New research challenges current WHO advice for routine iron and folic acid supplements for kids in areas endemic with malaria.

Martek signs formula deal with Medici Medical

Martek Biosciences has signed a license agreement that enables Medici Medical to use its DHA and ARA in infant formulas sold in Israel.

Waitaki bone product to grow sales in Europe

New Zealand's Waitaki Biosciences is expand its presence in Europe with its flagship MCH-Cal bone health ingredient, and is looking at ways to diversify by tapping the country's non-animal resources.

Animal scares create demand for vegetarian ingredients

Food safety fears have led to the emergence a new market in vegetarian supplement ingredients, and industry insiders predicting that as many as half of all ingredients could be non-animal derived in the next ten years.

DSM intros vegetarian beta-carotene for tablets

DSM Nutritional Products has announced a new high-potency beta-carotene beadlet as the latest addition to its animal-free ingredients portfolio.

IP phytosterols prove popular for Fenchem

Since it started offering its Cholevel IP (identity preserved) soy-derived phytosterols last year, Chinese health ingredients supplier Fenchem has seen exports to Europe and the United States soar to such an extent that it now claims to be China's biggest exporter.

Wholegrains ease metabolic syndrome in older people

More than three wholegrain servings per day could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults, new research claims.

Soybean ferritin could help low-iron populations

Purified ferritin from soybeans is easily adsorbed in the body and could provide a new way of raising iron levels in low-iron populations, reports a new study.

Which? questions probiotics proof

Consumer watchdog Which? has questioned the efficacy of probiotic products, claiming that there is no reliable research to prove that they can help general well-being.

Vegetable protein linked to lower blood pressure

A diet rich in vegetable protein, but not animal protein, could prevent hypertension and related diseases, according to a large epidemiological study.

Study supports ForsLean efficacy, safety

A new study using Sabinsa's Coleaus forskohlii extract, ForsLean, indicates that it could be helpful in helping maintain weight after weight loss.

Heart health juices increase presence in 2006

Interest is growing in fruit juices for heart health, as Provexis signs up another UK supermarket chain to its tomato-based Sirco drink, and a new trial prepares to get underway in Scotland to investigate the effects of a juice product on cardiovascular disease markers.

Soy could damage fertility in mice, new study

The soy component genistein has been found to disrupt the normal development of ovaries in female mice, although a similar effect in humans has yet to be proven.

Carbohydrate-rich diets may improve insulin control

A new review claims that a diet rich in carbohydrates may help improve insulin control, giving more support to FAO/WHO recommendations for a high-carbohydrate diet with low GI foods.

Orafti studies satiety effect of oligofructose

As many consumers get down to dieting to counter the excess calories consumed over the holiday season, Orafti courts the market for foods that fill you up with the results of a pilot human trial investigating the effects of its Beneo oligofructose on satiety.

More support for benefits of fish oil for asthmatics

A new report claims omega-3 fatty acid supplements can protect against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in asthma sufferers, adding to previous studies linking fish oil to lung health.

Tomato juice prevents emphysema in animal models

Drinking tomato juice completely prevented emphysema in mice exposed to tobacco smoke, report researchers from Japan.

Glycaemic index 'here to stay'

The glycaemic index has not risen to the same astronomic trend proportions of its low-carb predecessor, but this does not mean there is a lack of interest. Rather, a slow build up could be a sign that it is here for the long-haul.

Flatulence-free beans could stir up new interest

Many people are put off from eating beans by the much joked-about side effect - flatulence. But a new variety of the flatulence-free manteca bean, grown in the UK, could help encourage more people to consume the fibre- and protein-rich food.

New trial to test how fish oil helps children's behaviour

Fish oil supplements will be given to a group of children with learning and behavioural difficulties in a new study to find out if the omega-3 fatty acids can improve their condition.

Advertising rap for traditional Chinese medicines

The UK's Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has upheld complaints over claims made in advertisments for the services in a traditional Chinese medicine clinic - the third such adjudication in recent months.

Food makers see cost savings in microencapsulation

The increasing economic viability of microencapsulation technology has led to significant interest within the food and beverage industry.

Calcium supplements seen to have no effect on body fat

Eating more dairy foods, but not calcium supplements, could reduce body weight and body mass, claim researchers from Denmark.

Obese in denial over cancer risk

Many obese and overweight people in the UK are unaware that they could reduce their risk of developing a number of forms of cancer by losing weight, indicates a survey by Cancer Research UK.

Pharming takes step towards lactoferrin commercialisation

Dutch biotech group Pharming is stepping up talks with nutritional companies in the US to bring its recombinant human lactoferrin to the market, after submitting safety data to the Food and Drug Administration.

France starts study to update data on eating habits

The French food safety body AFSSA has launched its second study on national eating habits, including for the first time data on consumption of supplements and functional foods.

Calls for vitamin D supplements during pregnancy

Higher intake of vitamin D by pregnant women has been linked to stronger bones in their children.

Alltracel starts new trial on cholesterol-lowering product

Irish biotech firm Alltracel will start a trial on its cellulose cholesterol-lowering technology in combination with plant sterols and omega-3, it said yesterday.

Egg-breakfast fills you up for longer

Starting the day with an egg breakfast instead of another food with the same calorie count is more likely to lead to weight loss in overweight people, suggests new research.

National Starch deal expands global reach

National Starch Food Innovation's appointment of Fiske as its new distributor of nature-based ingredients to the Swedish, Danish, Spanish and Portuguese markets extends a long-running relationship.

Vacuum drying method preserves vitamin content

Scientists in Germany claim to have developed a microwave vacuum drying method that preserves the vitamin content of fruit and other foods.

Fish oils made tastier

Flavoured omega-3 oils are being offered by a growing number of firms as an alternative delivery format to capsules.

BASF buys out Takeda stake in vitamin JV

Number two vitamin maker BASF has taken full control of the Japanese vitamins business that it jointly owned with Takeda Pharmaceutical.

Kaneka completes CoQ10 expansion in Japan

Japanese CoQ10 maker Kaneka has started shipping product made in its new facility in Japan, easing restricted supplies of the supplement that continues to be popular around the world.

The rise of vitamin D

A growing body of research is driving strong growth in supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D, inversely linked in several studies to lower risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis.

Fruit compound fights prostate cancer in lab

A compound found in fruits like olives, mangoes, strawberries and grapes fights cancer in human and animal cells, shows recent research.

Soy could worsen heart disease, study

New research published today reveals that consuming soy could have a "severe" impact on a genetic heart condition that affects one in 500 people, though the authors caution that the effect has so far only been observed in male mice.

L-arginine may be harmful for heart attack patients

L-arginine amino acid supplements for heart attack patients may do more harm than good, according to a new study.

Royal support boosts healthy fruit sales

Demand for cranberries, pomegranate, lemon, ginger and other foods used in natural remedies have rocketed in the UK following support from Prince Charles, claims the supermarket Sainsbury's.

Pharming completes GRAS notification on human lactoferrin

Dutch biotechnology company Pharming said last week that it had completed its filing for a Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) notification in the United States for use of its human lactoferrin (hlF) substance in foods.

Food makers developing taste for African plants

Extracts of African fruits are sparking interest from food makers seeking new tastes and health properties, according to a plant expert.

More support for antioxidant reduction of AMD risk

Upping intake of vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene could reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by a third, suggests a new Dutch study.

Strong calls for greater vitamin D intake

Higher intakes of vitamin D could reduce the risk of certain cancers by as much as 50 per cent, suggests a new study, lending weight to calls for increased supplement intake and food fortification with the vitamin.

Half of Australians use alternative remedies

More than half of Australians use alternative medicines, with vitamins followed by herbal medicines the most popular, suggests new research.

Scientists reveal mechanism behind high-fat, diabetes link

New research explains the mechanism behind the widely recognized link between a high-fat diet and type 2 diabetes, providing an insight into how high-fat diet-induced diabetes may be prevented.