Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - EuropeUS edition

Maternal omega-3 reduces eczema risk in children: Study

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy could cut the risk of babies developing eczema and egg allergies by over a third, say researchers

Does milk make you a brain box? Research links dairy to stronger mental performance...

Eating at least one yogurt or drinking a glass of milk each day could have a positive impact on cognitive function, according to a new US study published in the International Dairy Journal.

Health claims register enters European Parliament as veto calls rise

Paola Testori Coggi, the director general of the EC’s Health and Consumer Health Directorate (DG Sanco), yesterday presented a health claims register containing 222 approvals and about 2000 rejections to a European Parliament (EP) committee, as lobbying around the controversial list intensifies.

MEPs vote against amended nutrition claims, food sector rallies

MEPs have rejected the revised nutrition claims list recently adopted by the European Commission, a move which could be detrimental for reformulation efforts in the food sector says a trade body.

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EFSA celebrates 10 years of “transparency, scientific excellence, independence and responsiveness”

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says it will continue to change and adapt to the risk assessment landscape as it celebrates 10 years of existence defined by, “transparency, scientific excellence, independence and responsiveness.”

Researchers develop antioxidant rich purple tomato

An antioxidant rich purple coloured tomato, that contains high levels of anthocyanins, has been bred by researchers in the USA.

Herbal Quality Campaign will fire report to UK DoH by “week’s end”

The Herbal Quality Campaign (HQC), conceived to push the merits of registering botanicals as medicinal products under new European Union laws, has formally entered life with a Westminster ceremony last week.

Selenium yeast may reduce joint inflammation: Rodent data

Supplementing the diet with selenium-enriched yeast may reduce inflammation linked to arthritis, suggests new research from Brazil.

Naturex founder: “After Asia, acquisitions will be European and North American”

Rampant acquisitionist Naturex will make 3-4 European and North American acquisitions in 2012, once it completes a deal with an unnamed Asian supplier by the end of March, CEO, president and founder, Jacques Dikansky has told this publication.

Grape seed extract shows cancer promise: Mouse study

Polyphenol rich extracts from grape seeds could help to fight of cancers of the head and neck whilst leaving healthy cells unharmed, according to the findings of a ‘dramatic’ new animal study.

Danone and Mead Johnson to make united Pfizer nutrition bid?

Danone and Mead Johnson may make a joint bid for the €8bn infant nutrition-dominated Pfizer nutrition business that is up for sale, according to press reports.

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BASF & Teck join forces on zinc fortification and supplementation solutions

BASF (Germany) and Teck Resources Limited (Canada) have signed a three year agreement to jointly develop innovative and affordable zinc fortification and supplementation solutions.

Fermented soy’s fat busting potential linked to genes

The ability of a fermented soy product to reduce body fat levels may be linked to a person’s genetics, says a new study from South Korea.

England’s chief medical officer backs (free) vitamin D supplements

England’s chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has begun campaigning to the English medical fraternity that certain population groups like under-5s should take vitamin D supplements.

New standard for vitamin D test promises more accurate results

Researchers have unveiled the development of new and ‘much-needed’ reference methodolgy that promises to assure more accurate and reliable measurements of vitamin D status.

Bread does not cause bloating, claims study

The British Nutrition Association has said that there is insufficient evidence that bread causes bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Naturex eyes Asian acquisitions as 2011 sales jump 12%

With 2011 sales jumping 12.3%, the world’s biggest botanical extracts specialist says it will acquire 4-5 companies in 2012, with negotiations advancing with an Asian target.

Study unlocks Pycnogenol’s skin health mechanism

Daily supplements of an extract from French maritime pine bark may boost skin elasticity by 25% and skin hydration by 8%, says a new study.

13% of academics admit knowledge of data falsification: BMJ

Just days after the nutrition science world was rocked by allegations that a famed veteran resveratrol researcher fabricated data in 26 articles over seven years, a British Medical Journal survey reveals the practice is disturbingly widespread.

Tropical vegetable shows metabolic syndrome promise: Study

Extracts from the tropical vegetable bitter gourd may help to alleviate the effects and incidence of metabolic syndrome, according to preliminary research.

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Nutraveris establishes NJ office to bridge US-EU divide

US companies seeking to expand into Europe should focus on the solutions and not the problems of the EU market to ensure success, says the CEO of a leading European scientific & regulatory consultancy.

Spanish regulator condemns sterol-cholesterol ads

The Spanish manufacturer of a plant sterol drink has been told to amend cholesterol-lowering claims for being too ambiguous in dosage and making unsubstantiated disease reduction claims.

Probi sales jump 17% in 2011 as supplements market shines

Swedish probiotics supplier Probi has turned in healthy annual figures with sales up 17% to SEK94.4m (€10.67m) in 2011 from SEK80.4 (€9.90m) in 2010.

Fiber may boost pancreatic health: Study

Increased intakes of fiber may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 60%; with both soluble and insoluble forms offering benefits, suggests a new study from Italy.

Study supports potential anti-cancer effects of selenium-enriched yeast

Selenium enrichment of yeast changes the expression of certain proteins in the organism, five of which have reported anti-cancer effects, says a new study from Penn State.

Cocoa may prevent intestinal disease: Rat study

Eating cocoa could help to prevent intestinal disease and complaints linked to oxidative stress, including colon cancer caused by chemical substances, suggests new research in rats.

Danisco acquisition provides bright spot for DuPont in 2011

DuPont benefited from last year’s acquisition of Danish specialty food ingredient company Danisco in the fourth quarter of 2011, as revenue more than doubled in its nutrition and health business – although the chemical group’s overall profit fell slightly.

UK consumer group hits Westminster over claims and nutrient levels

UK group Consumers for Health Choice (CHC) has increased lobbying efforts to amend the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) in the UK by taking out full page adverts in The House magazine read by UK parliamentarians.

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Kalsec names South African distributor for ingredients portfolio

Michigan’s Kalsec Inc has names Orkila as the exclusive South African distributor for its full line of spice and herb extracts, natural colors and antioxidants for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Belgian baby formula-linked Salmonella outbreak sickens 16 in Russia

Tainted powdered milk formula from Belgium has been recalled in Russia after more than a dozen babies were struck down with Salmonellosis.

CoQ10 may enhance anti-inflammatory potential of Med diet

Supplementing a Mediterranean-style diet with co-enzyme Q10 may reduce markers of inflammation and improve a range of health measures, including heart and joint health.

Ocean Nutrition Canada seeks algal omega-3 oil approval in EU

Ocean Nutrition Canada has applied to have an omega-3 algal oil approved under European Union novel foods regulations – stating it is ‘substantially equivalent’ to an existing approved oil manufactured by Martek-DSM.

Sugar coated probiotics have increased survival and can reduce infection: Study

A sugary outer coating produced by probiotic bacteria could help them to survive in the good and may also offer clues to how they block some bacterial infections, say researchers.

Italy publishes probiotics guidelines

The Italian Ministry of Health has revised probiotic characterisation, labelling and claim guidelines that may open claim-making around the idea of microflora balance.

'Striking' rat study suggests weight loss answer may be read in tea leaves…

A 'striking' rat study by Taiwanese researchers found that feeding rodents on diets comprising different tea leaf varieties showed significant body weight decreases in all groups, and the scientists said the results showed real promise if they could be replicated in humans.

Resveratrol: Pilot study supports cardio-metabolic benefits

Daily supplements of resveratrol for one month may improve sensitivity to insulin and reduce the spike in blood sugar after a meal, suggest new data from a pilot human trial.

More fiber may reduce breast cancer risk: Meta-analysis

Higher intakes of soluble fiber, but not other types of fiber, may reduce the risk of breast cancer, suggest findings from a meta-analysis from Imperial College, London and the University of Leeds.

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Major Lead Eating offers to settle EU prune-laxative dispute

A US organisation has offered to settle the prune-bowel health dispute between Sir Graham Watson, the English Liberal Democrat MEP, and European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli.

Plant flavonoid shows potential to block cancer pathways

The flavonoid luteolin could inhibit signalling pathways important to the growth of colon cancer cells, according to new research.

Multi-biomarker approach demonstrates flavanol cardio benefits: Study

An eight-week study of monomeric and oligomeric flavanols (MOPs) employing a “multi-biomarker approach” in a healthy population of smokers has shown cardiovascular benefits.

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'Extraordinary outcome' for NutraCea as it pays off all of its creditors

Stabilized rice bran (SRB) specialist NutraCea has finally paid off all of its creditors 14 months after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Prune rejection provokes piqued UK MEP into prune eating rumpus

UK Liberal Democrat MEP, Sir Graham Watson, has challenged European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, to a prune eating contest in an adhoc, non-double blind, non-placebo controlled trial to demonstrate the digestive health benefits of the fruit.

Soy protein shows brain boosting benefits: Human data

Peptides from soybeans may influence the immune system and hormones linked to emotion, and ultimately boost brain function, according to a new Sino-Japanese study.

Purdue meta-analysis supports ‘modest’ weight management benefits of capsaicin

Capsaicin, the main pungent compound in hot peppers, and capsiates, non-pungent compounds in sweet peppers, show ‘modest’ weight management potential, says a new meta-analysis from Purdue University.

UK supplements market to drop 1.9% in 2011-2012 as recession bites

The UK market for vitamins, minerals and other food supplements like fish oils will shrink 1.9% in 2011-2012, a decline industry says is actually a decent performance given severe economic conditions.

‘Water apple’ extract may provide dietary support for diabetes

Extracts of a Malaysian medicinal plant known locally as the ‘water jambu’ or ‘water apple’ could provide bioactive compounds that help to support people suffering from diabetes by reducing lowering blood sugar levels, suggest researchers.

Potential for reduced glycaemic breakfast cereals with alternative flours, finds study

Using amaranth, millet or buckwheat flour to replace traditional flours can lower the glycaemic response in extruded breakfast cereals spelling opportunities for manufacturers, according to a study.

Research unravels mechanisms of beneficial components in red wine

Both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic compounds in red wine have separate and potentially beneficial or protective effects that could reduce the risk of heart disease, say researchers.

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Low dose omega-3 supplements show (minor) benefits in overweight people

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids increased levels of a hormone linked to diabetes, but had no effect on inflammation in overweight people, says a new study from Denmark.

Magnesium may reduce stroke risk: Meta-analysis

Increased intakes of magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of stroke, says a new meta-analysis from Sweden.

Kemin wins safety certification for Belgian ingredients facility

Carotenoid player Kemin has gained a Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) that is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Cargill welcomes EU barley beta-glucan-cholesterol claim as innovation driver

Agrofood giant Cargill is alerting the world to look out for more food labels bearing its Barliv-branded barley beta-glucan in 2012 after winning a positive cholesterol-lowering opinion from the European Union science agency last month.

Study: “Geranium oils do not contain DMAA-MHA”

Geranium oils do not contain the stimulant DMAA-MHA, according to new research that once again questions the study often cited by pre-workout and weight loss supplements claiming it does.

Mate extract may slash body fat levels, says Frutarom study

An extract from green mate may help reduce body fat more than placebo, according to new results from a randomized placebo-controlled human study.

Oily fish during pregnancy shows immune boosting potential for infants

Consuming a couple of servings of salmon per week during the third trimester of pregnancy may influence immune system health in the infants, says a new study.

Academics attempt to bridge probiotic science and marketing gap

“Currently, there is a gap between the point where the biomedical science ends (with the publication of a paper in a scientific journal) and the point where the business begins (with the claim for a health benefit).”

Vitamin D may help functioning of ageing in eyes: Study

Supplementation with vitamin D3 could help to reduce the effects of ageing on vision, and may help to combat age related eye diseases, according to new research in mice.

DMAA flares at heart of English rugby scandal

The controversial stimulant, DMAA (1,3 Dimethylamylamine) has reared its increasingly ugly head again, this time in the UK, where use of DMAA-containing supplements have provoked bans for several professional rugby players.

Disgraced resveratrol researcher: “Uni of Connecticut launched a conspiracy programme against Indians”

Dr Dipak K Das, PhD, the once lauded and now infamous resveratrol researcher accused by his longtime employer the University of Connecticut of fabricating data over seven years in more than 25 individual studies, says he is the victim of a racist campaign to smear him by the institution.

Vitamin D again linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

High blood levels of vitamin D may lower the risk of colorectal cancer by almost 40%, and the effects were influenced by certain genes, says a new study from Japan.

Probiotic-prebiotic combination may ease eczema in kids: Study

Combining probiotics and prebiotics to produce a symbiotic may reduce the severity of eczema in children, suggests new research from Taiwan with 60 children.

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PepsiCo and Ocean Spray announce strategic alliance to crack Latin America

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray have annonced a strategic alliance in Latin America in a bid to strengthen the former's juice portfolio in the region and increase accessibility of the latter's products in this region.

Neptune posts 20% rise in nutraceutical sales in Q3 as krill oil demand grows

Canadian krill oil firm Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has posted a 20% rise in third-quarter revenues to $5.12m in its nutraceuticals business and a $869,000 net profit compared with a $13,000 loss for the same period the previous year.

Slowly digested carb switch may aid disease risk in obese people

Switching to a diet rich in slowly digested carbohydrates could help to reduce markers of inflammation in overweight and obese people, say researchers.

Gut bacteria may influence heart attacks risk and severity: Rat study

Gut microflora may play a role in determining how severe heart attacks are, and a probiotic supplement could help adjust this risk, according to new research.

Research veteran on shamed resveratrol academic: “Once or twice maybe. 26 times? That takes a special mind.”

The resveratrol and broader nutrition science community continues to reel from last week’s revelations that Dipak K Das, PhD, “one of the world’s great red wine and resveratrol researchers” allegedly doctored results in at least 26 peer-reviewed resveratrol papers over seven years.

Study provides framework for gut microflora-obesity advances

Scientists have identified the gut microbial pattern that corresponds with excess body weight, and deepen our understanding of how the gut microflora interacts with host metabolism.

Healthy brain wiring in adults depends on iron levels in adolescence, study

A lack of iron in childhood can affect the physical structure of the brain, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent and treat nerve damage: Study

Omega-3 fatty acids could play an important role in preventing damage to nerves, and may help them to regenerate when damage does occur, according to new research in mice.

7 years. 26 journal articles. 145 fraud instances. The heart of a resveratrol research scandal

The resveratrol research community won’t be badly damaged by a University of Connecticut researcher accused of publishing falsified data on the red wine antioxidant over seven years in 26 journal articles, say industry observers and the man at the middle of the furore.

Blueberry & broccoli may boost bowel health

Adding blueberries or broccoli to the diet may shift the balance of bacteria colonizing the gut, and improve inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), suggests new data from a mouse study.

Grapes may match lutein/zeaxanthin for retinal protection: Mouse data

Supplementing the diet with grapes may protect retinas from degeneration as much as lutein plus zeaxanthin, according to new data from mice.

Denmark warns against sibutramine in coffee, tea, juice

The Danish Medicines Agency is continuing to detect the unauthorised weight loss pharma active sibutramine, noting an increase in food products like juice, tea, coffee and milkshakes.

Açai pulp demonstrates neuroprotective effects in new mouse study

New evidence of the potentially neuro-protective effects of açai was unveiled this week in a study on mouse brain cells suggesting pulp from the Amazonian fruit could “combat some of the inflammatory and oxidative mediators of aging at the cellular level”.

EFSA should review ’growing up’ milks before regulations change, says EU infant foods group

The European Union should put the brakes on any mooted changes to rules governing milks targeting 1-3 year olds until a scientific review can be conducted, according to the EU group that represents infant food makers.

Neptune ups ante in krill patent war with new ‘continuation’ applications

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources has filed ‘continuation’ applications with the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) it says will allow it to pursue “additional patent claims that should preclude our competitors from selling their krill oil products in the US".

Fish protein shows appetite suppression, weight management potential

Protein from blue whiting fish may promote the production of gut hormones associated with suppressing appetite, and may aid weight management, suggests new research from France.

Vitamin Angels to oversee DSM vitamin A-child blindness programme

DSM is handing its developing world vitamin A-based anti-blindness project, Sight and Life, to Vitamin Angels, the charity that has connected ingredient suppliers with more than 24m children, especially those who are vitamin A deficient.

Dutch start-up secures funding for egg lutein and peptide R&D

Dutch firm Newtricious has won undisclosed funding from a local investment consortium that will advance its egg-focused R&D to drive products to shelves in, “two to three years”.

Healthcare industry can raise EU vitamin D levels and reduce chronic disease

70% of Europeans are vitamin D deficient, a situation that is aggravating osteoporosis, loss of motor coordination and bone fractures, researchers have concluded.

Açai lowers cholesterol and attenuates atherosclerosis, rabbit study

Consumption of extracts from the Amazonian superfruit açai “markedly” improved the lipid profile and attenuated atherosclerosis in rabbits with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in a new study from Brazil.

Omega-3 linked to better memory in former depressives: Study

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in membranes of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is associated with better mental function in older people recovering from depression, suggests new research.

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Pfizer still courting suitors for $1.87bn nutrition division

Nestlé, Danone, Abbott Laboratories and Heinz remain in the running to purchase the $1.87bn nutrition division of Pfizer, its CEO Ian Read confirmed yesterday.

Chr. Hansen results beat expectations, colours providing improved ROI

Chr. Hansen’s first quarter results for financial year 2011/12 are a notch stronger than analysts had expected.

Omega-3 supplements may only support short term weight loss: Study

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may lead to reductions of body fat for obese people, but is only effective over short time frames, according to new research.

Not all pectin created equal for cholesterol-lowering activity: Cargill

Daily consumption of pectin-containing foods may lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 10%, says a new study funded by Cargill, but the effects are dependent on the type of pectin used.

Modified probiotics may protect against food borne illnesses: Study

Modified probiotics could help to reduce the risk of food borne infections such as Listeria by blocking the bacteria from entering the body in the gut, say researchers.

“Therapeutic foods” aiding 1,000,000 malnourished African children: UNICEF

"Specially developed ready-to-use therapeutic foods” and nutrient packs are helping to feed more than one million malnourished children in the Sahel region of Western and Central Africa, according to UNICEF.

Chocolate giant submits cocoa flavanol-blood health claim to EFSA

Barry Callebaut has submitted an article 13.5 health claim dossier to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) linking cocoa flavanols and healthy blood flow.

New mechanism reveals link between maternal diet and diabetes

Mothers who consume a poor diet through pregnancy risk leaving their children less able to store fats correctly in later life, leading to a higher risk of diabetes, according to new research in rats.

No increased disease risk by eating refined grain foods - study review

Consuming up to 50% of all grain foods as refined grains will not lead to any increased disease risk, according to a study reviewing all relevant literature from the Noughties.

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Clarification: CRN US has not condemned DMAA

The Washington DC-based Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has clarified that it has not condemned the sports supplement compound, DMAA (methylhexaneamine/1,3-dimethylamylamine), although its namesake in the UK has.

Fiber-rich vegetarian diet leads to better gut microflora profile: Study

Consuming a vegan or vegetarian diet results in different profiles of gut microflora, with lower levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, says a new study.

Schwabe pulls back as herbal medicines quality campaign launches at Westminster

The UK Safer Herbal Medicines Campaign (SHMC) that was conceived last year as an industry initiative to push for greater enforcement of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD), will be revamped in a public launch at Westminster this month.

CRN on DMAA: “The law is clear. DMAA is illegal in the EU and should be stripped from shelves”

Trade in sports products containing the controversial stimulant DMAA (methylhexaneamine/1,3-dimethylamylamine) is illegal in the European Union, and should be brought to an immediate halt by EU and member state authorities, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) UK.

Vitamin D again shows anti-diabetic activity

Increased blood levels of vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, suggests data from Spain that adds to a growing both of science supporting the anti-diabetic potential of the sunshine vitamin.

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Red meat link to kidney cancer

Red and processed meat consumption can increase the risk of kidney cancer, according to a new study by US researchers.

Western Parsley has antioxidant potential in fatty foods – study

The culinary herb western parsley (WP) can boost antioxidant activity in fatty foods and improve stabilisation over a long storage period, according to a study by Japanese researchers.

Red wine may reduce breast cancer risk, suggests study

Consumption of moderate amounts of red wine is associated with changes in serum hormones that could lead to a reduction in breast cancer risk, say researchers.

Omega-3 may enhance benefits of strength training for the elderly

Supplementing a strength training regime with omega-3-rich fish oil may enhance the benefits of the regime, says a new study with 45 elderly women.

Global nutraceutical ingredient market worth €18.5bn in 2015

Demand for nutraceutical ingredients like botanicals, vitamins, minerals and omega-3s will grow 7.2% annually until at least 2015 to be worth €18.5 billion with newer markets like Mexico and South Korea helping drive growth in the sector, according to market analyst, Freedonia.

Fermented soy ingredient may reduce hot flushes: Study

A new fermented soy ingredient containing S-equol could significantly reduce the incidence of hot flushes, according to new research.

EU gives €3m to genomic modelling project

A €3 million European Union project focused on genomic modelling techniques offers great scope in the nutraceutical area, according to Fluxome, the only nutritional industry partner involved in the project.

Probiotic gum beats placebo for bad breath: Study

Lactobacillus reuteri-containing gum can significantly reduce halitosis, Danish researchers have found, although the mechanism of action remains a mystery.

Krill oil may benefit heart function: Rat study

Supplements containing krill oil may boost heart function in an animal model of heart failure, according to results of small study with lab rats.

Olive oil extract space gains another player

Spanish firm Probeltebio has joined a growing list of players in the olive oil extract space that has been hot ever since olive extract polyphenols won a rare botanical antioxidant health claim from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Micronutrient combination may boost male fertility: Study

A combination of eight micronutrients may boost sperm quality and enhance the chance of conception, suggests new data from Austria.

Coca-Cola in hot Vitaminwater over claims (again)

Vitaminwater, the enhanced water brand Coca-Cola acquired when it paid $4.2bn for New York-based Glaceau in 2007, has come under fire for its claim-making once again, this time in the UK.

Victory for Powerade in Jessica Ennis advertising standards scrap

The UK Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has rejected complaints against Coca-Cola brand Powerade which claimed the firm’s hydration claims – backed by UK Olympic athlete Jessica Ennis – were unjustified.

Cargill wins EU novel foods approval for omega-6 form ARA

Cargill is celebrating the European Union approval of a Mortierella alpine, algae fermented arachidonic acid (ARA)-rich oil, to be used in infant formula and formula for older children.

Calories alone, not protein, responsible for body fat increases, says research

Calorie consumption alone is responsible for increase in body fat, whilst protein intake may contribute to changes in energy expenditure, according to new research.

Lupin flour can improve nutritional value of muffins, study finds

Replacing wheat flour with lupin flour by up to 30% can increase protein and dietary fibre content without affecting taste, colour, texture and flavour, according to researchers in Australia.

Top 10 nutrition trends include ‘naturality’, energy and joints

‘Naturality’, energy and muscle, bone and joint health will be among the top 10 food, nutrition and health trends for 2012, according to a report just published by New Nutrition Business.

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Fortitech to showcase antioxidant salsa in Middle East

Pre-mix and nutrition specialist Fortitech will display an antioxidant salsa blend and a 10-nutrient powder mix at the upcoming Gulfood 2012 trade show between February 19-22 in Dubai.

MEPs back PARNUTS amendments to prompt EU baby milk law reforms

Pro-breast feeding advocates and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are throwing their support behind mooted amendments to the European Union PARNUTS Directive they believe can improve the safety, quality and marketing transparency of infant formulas and other products.

DMAA “party pills” blamed for cerebral haemorrhage in NZ man

Adverse event reports (AERs) are building against the controversial stimulant dimethylamylamine/methylhexaneamine (DMAA/MHA), with a 21-year-old New Zealand man suffering a “cerebral haemorrhage” shortly after ingesting two DMAA-laced “party pills” in 2010.

Folic acid and allergy: Study identifies ‘optimal’ level to reduce allergy risk

Concerns that folic acid supplements during pregnancy may increase the risk of allergic conditions in the infants may be unfounded, and folate may actually decrease allergy risk, suggests a new study.

Healthy oil components may fight pancreatitis

Fatty acids and phytochemicals found in fish oil and olive oil have been shown to block cellular mechanisms involved in the development of acute pancreatitis, say researchers.

Ethanolic extracts from herbs can boost antioxidant levels in cookies – study

Supplementing cookies with a mixture of the ethnologic extracts of medicinal herbs can raise antioxidant activity in cookies and reduce chemical spoilage, according to a study from Serbian researchers.

Gold kiwifruit may slash severity of common cold: Study

Eating a couple of gold kiwifruit every day may reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold, says new data from New Zealand.

Strawberry extracts as good as the whole food, suggests study

Processed strawberries may deliver the same amount of beneficial compounds as the whole fruit, says a new study from Spain that supports the potential health boosting effects of processed strawberry products.

Trans fats and nutrient intake linked to Alzheimer’s brain shrinkage

Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research.

Osteoporosis to cost €38.5bn in Europe’s ‘big 5’ by 2025

The healthcare costs of rising European osteoporosis rates will reach €38.5bn by 2025 from €30.7bn in 2010, according to a study that reflected on the problem of an increasingly aged population.

Health claims? Who needs ‘em? asks industry guru

2012 will bring the greatest changes ever seen to European Union healthy foods and supplements marketing as the long-awaited 2000+-strong health claims register becomes law – but does a rejected health claim really matter?