Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Works With Water launch functional bottled water

UK-based Works With Water Nutraceuticals have announced the launch of a range of flavoured spring waters with proven health benefits, claimed to be the first of its kind in the UK to bring the Active Health Drinks benefits to spring water.

UK to miss obesity targets, warns new report

Halting the deadly rise in childhood obesity will not be achieved without stronger leadership from the top, warns a stark new report from three UK watchdogs.

UK to miss obesity targets, warns new report

Halting the deadly rise in childhood obesity will not be achieved without stronger leadership from the top, warns a stark new report from three UK watchdogs.

Tate & Lyle targets low calorie ice cream

Tate & Lyle's Rebalance 022 ingredient product is being used in a new range of lower fat, reduced-calorie ice cream.

Vitamin D, calcium supplements could reduce falls in women, not men

A daily supplement of vitamin D and calcium cut the rate of falls in elderly women by 50 per cent, but not men, reports a new study.

Cocoa flavonols linked to low blood pressure

Regular eating of flavonol-rich chocolate can cut the risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) by half, reports a long-term study of elderly men.

The supplements - bird flu debate: selenium

Following last week's claims and counter claims that dietary supplements may offer protection from avian flu, Stephen Daniells looks into statements that selenium supplements may offer protection.

Soft drinks industry pledges to tackle benzene in drinks

America's soft drinks association said it would have to look again at benzene in drinks, after new tests revealed to BeverageDaily.com suggest it and food safety authorities failed to stamp out a problem.

Soft drinks industry pledges to tackle benzene in drinks

America's soft drinks association said it would have to look again at benzene in drinks, after new tests revealed to BeverageDaily.com suggest it and food safety authorities failed to stamp out a problem.

Acquisitions help Natraceutical double income

Spanish biotech firm Natraceutical's acquisition of Obipektin and Overseal has helped the company double its income from €26m in 2004 to €53m in 2005.

Lack of good graduates crippling food industry

Declining numbers of graduates entering the food industry is seriously threatening the sectors ability to meet the needs for further growth, warns the IFST.

Weekly Comment

The bad research debate

The dust is settling on the WHI trial. First came the news that low-fat diets didn't reduce the risk of breast or colorectal cancer or cardiovascular disease, then came news that vitamin D and calcium supplements don't protect against fractures.

Benefits of fresh fish outweigh the risks

The benefits of omega-3, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals from oily fish outweigh the risks of pollutants, say American experts, as British scientists find pollutant levels are falling.

Dietary supplements and bird flu - the debate

As the bird flu grip on Europe increases by the day, scientists have begun to publicly debate the role of nutraceuticals as possible preventatives in the wake of news that availability of anti-viral drugs may be "too little, too late."

Tate & Lyle commended for green policies

Tate & Lyle has demonstrated excellence in environmental practice by developing supply chain partnerships, according to Environwise.

Numico sales propped up by new market growth

Dutch infant food and nutrition company Royal Numico has achieved full-year double-digit growth for the first time, as strong sales in Eastern European and Asian markets deflect rising costs.

Benefits of fresh fish outweigh the risks

The benefits of omega-3, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals from oily fish outweigh the risks of pollutants, say American experts, as British scientists find pollutant levels are falling.

EC warns of looming sugar oversupply

The European Commission argues that quotas will have to be cut for the 2006/07 marketing year to prevent a serious oversupply of sugar.

EC warns of looming sugar oversupply

The European Commission argues that quotas will have to be cut for the 2006/07 marketing year to prevent a serious oversupply of sugar.

Australian olive leaf extract moves into Canada

Canadian based C.K. Foods Inc. has entered into an exclusive agreement with Olive Products Australia, the world's largest specialized olive leaf grower, to distribute its Fresh Olive Leaf Complex.

Southeast Asia offers opportunities for nutraceuticals

The nutraceuticals market in Southeast Asia has high growth potential but companies must invest heavily in advertising to help consumers understand the health benefits, says new strategic analysis from Frost and Sullivan.

Industry targets creation of perfect sports drink

The addition of protein to a carbohydrate-containing beverage provides benefits superior to traditional carbohydrate based beverages, claims the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on sports nutrition and performance.

More evidence that grape juice may 'reverse' brain aging

Drinking Concord grape juice appears to reverse the course of neuronal and behavioural aging in rats, an effect that is proposed to be due to the complex mix of polyphenols.

Milk alliance to help with 'special products'

Finnish dairy company Valio, and Germany's biggest dairy company Nordmilch eG have announced an alliance that will enable them to concentrate capacity for 'special products' like functional milks and probiotics.

Revision of EU organic rules slammed

Revision of the EU Council regulation governing organic food would allow GM contamination and obscure the local origins of organic food, according to the Soil Associations Peter Melchett.

Vitamin C helps smokers maintain vitamin E levels

A daily supplement of vitamin C can help preserve vitamin E levels in smokers, a group at risk of low vitamin E levels due to higher oxidative stress, by 45 per cent.

Mental health: a global supplement trend

Supplement-makers on both sides of the Atlantic, and in other parts of the world, too, are tapping into consumer anxiety to become, or remain the brightest button in the box, with the number of new products aimed at cognitive function mushrooming in the past five years.

Food firms target value-added milk sector

Food firms are increasingly targeting the UKs value-added milk sector as they re-align their businesses and move away from commodity products, says a new report.

UK health service issues challenge to industry to help tackle malnutrition

The UK health services have released guidelines to try to tackle malnutrition, a problem that affect 60 per cent of over 65s in hospitals, and offer an opportunity to supplement and fortified food makers.

Micronutrient cocktail may protect against shingles

A cocktail of seven micronutrients, or a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, can boost the immune system and prevent shingles, claims a new study.

Cactus Botanics launches Bamboo Leaf extract

UK-based Cactus Botanics has launched its Bamboo Leaves Dry Extract, an extract rich in antioxidants that is intended for use in dietary supplements.

Ingredients for innovation: New Zealand

Joint health from sheeps' wool, kiwi fruit crossed with berries and calcium-boosting bone extract… innovative ingredients from a small Pacific archipelago are starting to make a disproportionately big impact in the world of nutrition.

Aquanova Degussa alliance promotes nanotech ingredients

Aquanova's alliance with Degussa could result in a dramatic increase in the use of nanostructured solubilisates in various food applications.

Green tea may reduce, but black tea may increase breast cancer risk

Drinking five cups of green tea a day can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 22 per cent, claims a meta-analysis of previous studies, the same studies that the FDA recently said contained very little science to support the claims.

EU to formalise new sugar regime today

The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will formally adopt new sugar reform regulations today after months of fine-tuning the final wording.

EU to formalise new sugar regime today

The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will formally adopt new sugar reform regulations today after months of fine-tuning the final wording.

UK, Germany checking soft drinks for benzene

Food safety authorities in Britain and Germany are checking soft drinks for benzene after tests suggest a private deal with soft drinks firms in the US, 15 years ago, failed to fix the problem.

Ingredients for innovation: Japan

Japan may have been the first country to have fully-regulated, health claim-bearing functional foods, but according to Paul Yamaguchi, president of New York-based market analyst Paul Yamaguchi & Associates, FOSHU is not fundamental to the health foods and supplements sector. Rather, the market is driven by the necessity of finding health uses for plants and natural ingredients.

Dietary fibre and colorectal cancer - where do we stand?

Men who have diets high in fibre are 29 per cent more likely to be protected from colorectal cancer than women, a result that may explain the disagreement between other studies, claims new research.

More evidence for diabetes and CVD protection by whole grains.

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, a rich source of bran, fibre, minerals and vitamins, could reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart disease, claims a new study that adds to a growing body of evidence on the subject.

HortResearch breeds blackcurrants for health

Blackcurrants have already earned a reputation amongst the healthiest fruits thanks to a high antioxidant content. But in New Zealand, where five per cent for the world's crop is grown, researchers have been investigating ways to make them even better.

'Little evidence' for lycopene and diabetes link

Eating tomatoes and tomato-based food, rich sources of potent antioxidants, does not protect against the risk of type-2 diabetes, claims a study.

Dairy and dietary supplements dominate cholesterol-lowering category

Dairy dominates the cholesterol-lowering foods category in Europe, but in the US dietary supplements are almost as popular, indicates data from Mintel.

Grapefruit flavonoid may repair DNA, protect against cancer

Naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit and oranges, helped to repair damaged DNA in cancer cells, reports a lab study.

More support for soy supplements could prevent early bone loss

A daily supplement of soy isoflavones reduced bone loss in early post-menopausal women, but the effect is not dependent on the dose, researchers report.

EFSA approves food supplement coating agent

The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a coating agent for food supplements poses no health risks, according to a recent EFSA investigation.

Calcium, vitamin D supplements are good for bones - if you take them

Consumer confusion over vitamin D and calcium seems likely to grow, following claims from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial about their effect on bone health that oppose other studies.

Agreements and research push BioGaia towards profitability

A raft of new agreements and some positive study results have helped BioGaia to report promising results for full year 2005, in which it edged SEK 8.1m (€0.86m) closer to the point where accounts turn from red to black.

Vitamin D, calcium and colorectal cancer

Daily supplements of vitamin D and calcium 'had no effect' on the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a large-scale study from the US. But an independent cancer expert says these claims should be interpreted in the light of the complexities of the study.

Food body urges caution in brave new nanotech world

The Institute of Food Science & Technology has identified possible deficiencies in current regulations concerning the impact of nanotechology on food and packaging.

Special report

FDA re-opens probe into benzene contamination of soft drinks

US food safety authorities have re-opened an investigation closed 15 years ago into soft drinks contaminated with cancer-causing chemical benzene, following evidence the industry has failed to sort out the problem, BeverageDaily.com can reveal.

Vitamin E, beta-carotene may protect smokers from prostate cancer

Daily supplements of vitamin E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in smokers, but not non-smokers, reports a new study, adding more contradictory results to an already confused field.

Danone: strong results despite testing market conditions

Danone has ridden out difficult market conditions to report strong full-year earnings and improved margins.

Denomega enters UK omega-3 market with S Black

Norway's Denomaga is seeking to gain a large slice of the UK omega-3 market and has signed an agreement with S Black for the distribution of its oils to the food, beverage, health care and nutraceuticals sectors.

Australia requires black cohosh liver warning

Australia's Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) has taken a tough stance over the safety record of black cohosh, requiring that OTC and alternative medicines containing the herbal must carry a warning for the potential harm to the liver.

Remineralisation vital for future of food

Pioneering research into the demineralisation of the earth could have significant consequences for food quality - and even the future of the planet.

Long term low-carb diet leads to cholesterol rises

A low-carbohydrate diet results in more weight loss after six months than a low-fat diet, but long term could raise bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, claims a meta-analysis.

Lion seeks share of functional foods market

Japan's Lion Corp looks set to expand in the functional foods arena this year with the launch of supplement and drinks products aimed at preventing illnesses.

Alliance targets growing rosemary extract market

Slovenian rosemary extract firm Vitiva has formed an alliance with UK firm Food Ingredient Technology (FIT) in order to penetrate the growing functional ingredients markets in the UK and Ireland.

Supplements better than fortification for folic acid?

Pregnant women who do not take folic acid-containing supplements are eight times more likely to have low serum folate values, despite eating folate-fortified foods, claims a new study.

New alliance targets fruit cultivar innovation

A leading European horticultural research institute has launched a partnership with a New Zealand science organisation in order to develop new fruit cultivars.

Weekly Comment

The cost of bad research

The science has spoken. Low-fat diets don't work: Forget the carrots and broccoli sprouts, I can now have my cake and eat it, and put extra cream on top.

Study boosts Kaneka Q10 safety rep

A new trial using Kaneka Q10 (CoQ10) has indicated that it is safe at doses as high as 900mg per day - an important finding, according to the company, given the worldwide tendency towards higher doses.

More support for soy's protection against prostate cancer

A diet rich in soy, sunflower seeds, berries and peanuts can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 26 per cent, claims new research from Sweden.

From vitamins to new nutrition: DSM's FY 2005

DSM Nutritional Products has reported operating profit of $252 million in full year 2005, up 25 per cent on 2004. But with sales hampered by price pressure on mature vitamins, the company is looking to reduce its reliance on these in favour of innovative new products.

Why we like fatty food

A study attempting to find out exactly why we prefer fatty foods could help manufacturers to design tasty, low-fat foods that are less likely to make people overweight.

Ingredients crucial to Raisio's FY 2005

Raisio has reported results for full year 2005 that are more or less on a par with the previous year. While Raisio Nutrition was impacted by one-off costs and write-downs, Life Sciences performed better as ingredients showed respectable growth.

Red grapefruit could lower heart disease risk

Eating a red grapefruit a day could reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent and triglycerides by 17 per cent and protect against heart disease, according to research from Israel.

Scientists and industry respond to eye health report

An article that casts doubts on the effectiveness of eye health supplements has led industry members and scientists to leap to the defence of lutein and zeaxathin, which they are confident has been shown to improve the visual function of most patients with macular degeneration.

Cocoa reduces risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, says study

Unprocessed cocoa reduces the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to a study by Harvard Medical School and Mars.

Saw palmetto 'does not improve' prostate problem

Contrary to earlier reports, saw palmetto, the extract from the berries of a dwarf palm tree, has no effect on non-cancerous prostate swellings, claims that have been called "puzzling" by a leading herbal expert.

Low fat diet: breast cancer link 'due to chance'

Five servings of fruit and vegetables per day and a diet low in fat reduced the risk of breast cancer by nine per cent, a figure dismissed as not significant and due to 'chance'.

Mineral deficiency in food must be tackled, says expert

An innovative mineral supplement could help food makers overcome the poor nutritional value of food that is currently undermining consumer health, claims a nutrition expert.

Vitamin D may inhibit prostate cancer growth - mechanism reported

Vitamin D can slow down the spread of prostate cancer by limiting the activity of certain enzymes, US and Taiwanese researchers report.

Valio taps growing dairy demand in Russia

Finnish dairy company, Valio is working with Russian company Galaktika to build a new dairy facility in Russia to meet growing consumption of dairy products.

Broccoli and soy could cut cancer risk

Compounds found in broccoli and soy may help protect against certain cancers that affect over two million new people every year, according to a cell culture study.

Chr Hansen expands US dairy cultures production

Chr Hansen is increasing the fermentation capacity of its US cultures plant by 35 per cent in order to tap potential growth in the probiotics market.

Fortified food may aid Malaysian folate deficiency

The majority of Malaysian women lack folate in their diets, raising their risk of having children with birth defects, says an independent study sponsored by dairy group Fonterra.

Tests reveal diet benefits of new potato variety

A new variety of potato has been shown to contain significantly less carbohydrate and calories than the average spud, presenting an alternative to dieters and disuading them from avoiding potatoes altogether.

Low fat diet 'has no effect on heart risk'

Eating less fat and more fruit and vegetables has no effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), claims a long-term dietary intervention study claimed to be the largest ever conducted - a conclusion that is inconsistent with earlier research.

'Healthy' labelling met with contempt

Cadbury and Masterfoods UK will add health guidance to all confectionery products in a bid to stave off anti-obesity legislation on labelling.

Chromium supplement offers diabetes hope - animal study

Researchers have reported how chromium picolinate improves muscle sensitivity to insulin in obese, insulin-resistant rats - findings that could have implications for diabetic humans.

Negativity remains over omega-3, says Frost

Omega-3 may be a hot topic on everyone's lips, but the industry still needs to overcome negative perceptions about traditional sources such as oily fish, according to research analysis by Frost and Sullivan.

Low fat diet recommendation for type-1 diabetics

People with type-1 diabetes should switch to a low-fat diet, scientists have recommended after showing that the metabolism of a diabetic heart is affected by high blood fat levels.

Fears for small companies in EFSA funding row

The suggestion that EFSA may require companies to pay fees for the processing of dossiers required under EU legislation has raised fears over the financial burden this would place on small and medium enterprises in the health and nutrition sector.

Eye health supplements scrutinized by UK watchdog

UK consumer watchdog Which? has cast doubts over the effectiveness of eye health supplements in an article that could affect confidence in products and have a detrimental affect on the industry.

Pycnogenol reduces osteoarthritis pain, study

A daily supplement of pycnogenol could reduce inflammation and reduce pain for arthritic sufferers, claims a new study.

Med diet helps keep the weight off

People who eat a tradition Mediterranean diet are 60 per cent less likely to be obese, Greek researchers have said as the country's women top Europe's obesity table.

Weekly Comment

Marketing the risky way

Nationality is a dangerous brand.

AquaNova applies NovaSOL to isoflavones

AquaNova has applied its solubilization technology to soy isoflavones, resulting in a fat- and water-soluble form that has been shown to greatly improve bioavailability.

Broccoli compound has 'lasting effect on offspring'

Eating 200 grams of broccoli sprouts every other day during pregnancy could protect the next generation from heart disease, suggest results of an animal study.

Acai available for European foods

European food manufacturers are to have access to açai berry, a potent fruit originating from Brazil, thanks to an exclusive agreement between Fruits of the Amazon and UK distributor JO Sims.

Irradiation study shows improvement, says HFMA

The results from an FSA study into the occurrence of irradiated ingredients in food supplements shows that the industry is tackling the problem, argues the HFMA.

Plummeting mineral levels suggest nutritional crisis in UK

The plummeting mineral content of milk, meat and vegetables over the past 60 years will have grave consequences for the future health of the UK, according to a shocking food analysis.

Diet products have little impact on waistlines

Consumers may be spending more on diet products, but it seems they are having little effect on overall obesity rates since they are not being used as part of an overall healthy diet, according to a new report from Datamonitor.

Food industry engaged in obesity battle, claims FAU

The UK's Food Advertising Unit has responded to calls for the government to intervene in the current marketing of foods high in salt, sugar and fat to children.

Melatonin may cut hypertension

Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that can be taken orally to regulate sleep patterns, reduced the blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive women, claim Italian researchers.

FSA finds irradiated ingredients in samples

Some 50 per cent of food supplements tested in the UK have been found to have been irradiated or contain an irradiated ingredient.

Vitamin E and selenium could reduce mercury toxicity

Taking vitamin E and selenium supplements could reduce the toxicity of mercury from fish, indicates an animal study. If replicated in humans, the findings may mean pregnant women could consume more fish, and their babies benefit from more omega-3.

Puleva Biotech's human milk probiotic debuts in Spain

The first consumer product containing a probiotic strain derived from human milk by Puleva Biotech has launched in Spain, and the company hopes it may find a home in other foods for infants and adults.

Vitamin D - sunlight or supplements?

Supplements and diet, and not sunlight, should be your source of vitamin D, dermatology experts have concluded after reviewing studies from both sides of the on-going debate.

France heading for US obesity levels says study

France is heading towards American levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, claims a new study.

Algatechnologies gets serious in Europe

Algatechnologies has taken the first step towards increasing distribution of its AstaPure astaxantin in Europe, entering into a new partnership with S Black to sell the antioxidant in the UK and Ireland.

Change your diet to reduce your BP

A new statement on diet from the American Heart Association emphasises weight loss, cutting back on salt and alcohol and increasing dietary potassium as viable ways to reduce blood pressure, but does not recommend the use of supplements.