Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Premature health claims draw EFSA attention

A $20m Californian mushroom supplements specialist could face legal action for falsely stating it had received European approval for a number of health claims.

Obese children may benefit from CLA: study

Supplements of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), previously reported to have benefits for weight in adults, could also help children, and possibly aid in the fight against childhood obesity.

Study raises concerns over vitamin E and lung health

Long-term and high dose supplementation with vitamin E may result in a "small increased risk" of lung cancer, most notable amongst smokers, says new research.

Satiety effects of GI and whole foods investigated

Leatherhead Food International is conducting research into the satiety effects of Glycaemic Index and whole foods in a year-long project at its UK premises.

Health and wellness drives Givaudan R&D

Progress in novel foods, with particular focus on the health and wellness trend, is fuelling Givaudan's R&D programme, into which it reinvests 10 per cent of its annual sales.

The global weight loss market

Constantin Dallas from Fytexia tells NutraIngredients.com about the differences between the US and European weight loss markets, and the areas of potential his company has identified.

Enzymes designed to improve berry juice use

A new range of enzymes is designed to improve the juice volume and vitamin yield of blackcurrants for beverage use, in order to maximise the benefits of the superfruits, its manufacturer says.

Vanadium deemed unsafe in Europe

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected vanadium as an ingredient that can safely be used in foods and food supplements because of overexposure fears to the general population.

Folic acid fortification pressure rises in UK

A UK pressure group has challenged the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over its concerns that food manufacturers may need to reduce folic acid levels in certain foods if mandatory fortification of bread and/or flour goes ahead.

Gingko may boost memory - if you remember to take it

Supplements of ginkgo biloba may boost the memory and memory function of the elderly, so long as people comply and take them as instructed, according to the results of a new randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Broccoli sprouts linked to bladder cancer protection

A concentrated extract from broccoli sprouts may cut the development of bladder cancer by more than 50 per cent, according to results of an animal study.

European nutrient profiling may exempt key food groups

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has indicated key functional food groups may be exempt from potentially draconian nutrient profiling regulations being debated within the European Union and due to be written into law by January 2009.

Blueberry extracts may cut food intake, reduce obesity

Rats fed extracts from blueberries gained up to 10 per cent less body weight than their furry counterparts not consuming the extracts, says new joint research from New Zealand and the US.

Clinical trial boosts EpiCor's efficacy for immune health

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate can boost the immune system and reduce the occurrence of cold and flu symptoms by 21 per cent, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Functional chocolate creeps up on mainstream

A quarter of Western consumers are interested in chocolate with physical or emotional health benefits, according to Barry Callebaut, indicating that there is a strong market for functional products.

Functional foods booming despite consumer scepticism

The $72.3bn (€48bn) functional foods and beverages markets of Europe, the US and the Asia Pacific will grow by a buoyant 5.7 per cent per year until 2012 as a broader demographic seeks out their health-boosting potential, according to a new report.

Naturex joins ginseng research programme

French ingredients supplier Naturex is investing in research on the North American strain of ginseng that may lead to European Union-approved claims for the popular herb.

EC not phased by 20,000-plus health claims

The European Commission insists it is on track with the process of tabulating the thousands of health claim petitions submitted to it by member states and European trade organisations, but industry sources are not so optimistic.

Vegetables, but not fruit, may slash diabetes risk

A higher intake of vegetables, rich sources of fibre, antioxidants, and magnesium, may reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by almost 30 per cent, suggests a new study.

Magnesium linked to fewer gallstones

Increased intake of magnesium from dietary supplemental forms may decrease a man's risk of developing gallstones, suggests a new study from the US.

Kerry's careful strategy overcomes cost increases

Collaboration with customers, cautious pricing, a simplified structure and innovation all helped Kerry Ingredients achieve profit increases despite soaring raw material costs.

Glucosamine ineffective for hip osteoarthritis: study

Glucosamine sulphate, one of the most popular supplements for joint health, has the same effect as placebo for osteoarthritis in the hip, Dutch researcher report.

Curcumin may cut heart failure risk says research duo

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may protect against heart failure - in mice at least - suggests a new study from Canada.

BioSerae focuses on foods and beverages with cactus ingredients

French ingredients supplier BioSerae Laboratories has expanded its cactus-derived weight management portfolio with two offerings aimed at the international foods and drinks sectors.

BioGaia targets Middle East in probiotic expansion

Probiotics specialist BioGaia has extended a 2006 licensing agreement with Swiss biopharma group Ferring Pharmaceuticals that will see its probiotic drops and tablets distributed in a number of predominantly Middle Eastern countries as it continues its putsch beyond its traditional European and North American markets.

Weekly Comment

Supplements - do we ask too much?

Taking a range of supplements from vitamin A to zinc is becoming part of everyday life. But as the latest study is published questioning their efficacy, people could be left wondering do they work?

Antioxidants fail to benefit children with Down's Syndrome

Antioxidant supplements may not help children with Down's syndrome, says a new study that challenges previous reports of benefits to language and psychomotor development.

Benecol taps health-conscious Indians

Raisio, the Finnish-based manufacturer of the cholesterol-lowering ingredient Benecol has made its first foray into Asia by inking a deal to supply Benecol to an Indian supplements manufacturer and distributor, British Biologicals.

Science will help support green tea market, report finds

The market for green tea extracts is expected to grow by more than 13 per cent for the next seven years and emerging markets in eastern Europe will open new opportunities, a report has said.

Black tea may slash Parkinson's disease risk

Drinking at least 23 cups of black tea a month, or about three-quarters of a cup a day, may slash the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by a whopping 71 per cent, suggests new research from Singapore.

Ricola pushes into UK functional market

Riding the wave of the functional trend, herbal sweet firm Ricola is hoping this year to boost its share in the UK market to become the number one healthy confectionery company in the country.

Co-Q10 may ease fatigue after exercise: study

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 may boost physical performance and reduce feelings of tiredness associated with exercise, Japanese researchers have reported.

Strong vitamin sales help boost BASF's earnings

Improved vitamin sales for BASF have helped contribute towards a healthy final quarter of 2007 and a "record year" for the firm.

Barentz acquisition boosts antioxidants presence

Ambitious Netherlands-based ingredients distributor Barentz Europe has acquired fellow Dutch antioxidants start-up Vitablend Holding, a move the company hopes will help establish it as the leading specialty ingredients supplier in Europe.

Innovation raises Nestle above raw material impact

Repositioning on a healthy food platform and investing in research of value-added ingredients has lifted Nestle out of the reach of raw material prices and other economic encumbrances.

Fat-free milk may lower blood pressure

An increased intake of calcium and vitamin D from non-fat dairy could reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, suggests new research from Harvard.

Dairy body claims natural trans fats not harmful

The European dairy industry says it is confident that there is significant research to back it claims that naturally occurring trans fatty acids (TFA) in milk pose no health concerns to consumers and do not need to be labelled on products.

Meta-analysis supports zinc for childhood diarrhoea

Supplements of zinc may help children with acute and persistent diarrhoea, according to a meta-analysis of 22 studies involving about 17,000 children.

Folate may cut male smokers' stroke risk

An increased intake of folate may reduce the risk of stroke by 20 per cent for male smokers, suggests a new study.

Lesaffre boosts attention on yeast's healthy profile

Yeast manufacturer Lesaffre has created a nutrition and health division which will oversee development of yeast and yeast derived ingredients for the supplement and functional food markets.

Omega-3 will flourish despite challenges, say analysts

A major challenge facing the lucrative omega-3 industry is the need to differentiate between the various sources of the fatty acid, analysts say.

Calcium pills effective for boosting bone health in teenage girls

Supplements of calcium effectively increased the build up and bone mineral content in teenage girls, but the benefits are undone if the supplementation stops, suggests a new study.

TINE deal boosts Arla's whey protein concentrate supply

Arla Foods is expanding its capacity of whey protein concentrates through an agreement with Norwegian dairy firm TINE, under which it will sell WPC produced as a by-product of TINE's cheese production.

Lycopene's anti-cancer benefits extend to colon: study

The carotenoid lycopene from tomato may interfere with levels of a hormone associated with an increase in the risk of colorectal cancer, suggests a Dutch study.

Omega-3 and herbals triumph in mood food market

Omega-3 and green tea extracts have come out as excellent choices for companies wishing to cash-in on the emerging mood foods section.

Milk peptides to help lower high blood pressure

DSM has prepared its next weapon to fight the growing rise of heart problems with the launch of a peptide ingredient which the company claims can reduce blood pressure.

Fenchem concentrates on natural antioxidant sources

Chinese ingredient supplier Fenchem has said it will focus research and development on finding natural antioxidants in response to market demand.

Lipoic acid and carnitine combo show diabetes potential

A combination of lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine may boost the function of mitochondria - the cell's power stations - suggests research with implications for diabetes and obesity.

Weekly comment

Making a meal out of saturated fat

The food industry across Europe needs to make a big effort to reduce saturated fat in food regardless of whether national agencies set targets - and it should not wait around for governments to do all the awareness-raising with its consumers.

Hoodia weight management on schedule for 2009

Britain's Phytopharm has said it has reported fake Hoodia extracts to relevant food authorities as final preparations are made to launch a weight management extract on the market.

Finnish study supports sterols' safety

The consumption of nonesterified plant sterol-enriched food is safe, suggests a new study from Finland that adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the ingredients.

The emerging beauty foods trend

Israel's LycoRed discusses the origins and opportunities of beauty from within, and product categories that are suitable for appearance-enhancing ingredients

Green tea extracts could be meat preservatives

Indian scientists are looking into the potential of green tea polyphenols to stop the oxidation of fat in meat products, thereby extending shelf-life and preventing off-flavours.

Science stacks up for choline's health benefits

Increased dietary intake of choline and its metabolite betaine may lead to a reduction in markers of inflammation linked to a range of diseases, reports a new study from Greece.

Infant nutrition guidelines should be tougher, group says

Lobbyists have submitted a dossier highlighting a series of flaws in proposed industry guidelines covering the advertisement of infant food.

Selenium bioavailabilty higher from Brazil nuts, says study

Consuming only two Brazil nuts every day can raise blood selenium levels by about 65 per cent, suggests a new study from New Zealand

Danisco probiotics to be launched in supplements

Danisco has today said it has entered into a new licence agreement with Fonterra for the "long term use" of two probiotic strains, which will see them added in supplements.

Dairy and water key to Danone profit growth

Group Danone posted a 7.2 per cent increase in sales during the full 2007 fiscal year amounting to €14.5bn, on the back of a strong performance in its dairy and bottled water businesses.

Probiotics give endurance athletes' immune boost: study

Supplements of probiotics may boost the immune health of long distance runners, protecting them from respiratory illnesses, suggests a small study published today.

Valensa boosts astaxanthin capacity to meet European demand

European demand for astaxanthin has risen, according to an international supplier of the powerful antioxidant.

Nestle broadens infant nutrition approach

Nestlé has said it will invest €25m in the production of a new line of baby food - a move which will help the food giant corner the lucrative infant nutrition market.

Berries and pomegranate - the ultimate Valentine's combo?

Are berries and pomegranate more appropriate for lovers than flowers and chocolates? Recent studies suggest benefits on heart health and in the bedroom.

GM and allergen free vitamin A from DSM

DSM Nutritional Products has said it will launch a new oily form of vitamin A which is both GM and allergen free.

Ingredients will be profitable next year, Raisio pledges

Raisio has reported an increase in income of some 4.8 per cent - but turnover in its ingredients division was down year on year.

Innovation drives sales for DSM nutriton unit

DSM's full year nutriton results show investment in innovation is rewarded with strong market position, but rising costs, high expenditure and damaging exchange rates compromised profits.

Olive extract may protect against AMD

A polyphenol from olives may protect against macular degeneration associated with age or the damaging effects of chemicals in tobacco smoke, suggests a new study.

Pomegranates beat apples for antioxidant boost: study

The juice of pomegranate is more effective than apple in boosting the body's antioxidant defences, which decline naturally with age, reports a new study.

Food experts to offer supplement help

A European food law group will be giving a masterclass for supplement companies to help them understand complex regulatory changes and how to break into new markets.

Omega-6 is in the shadow of omega-3, group says

The potential of omega-6 in the role of improving behaviour is overshadowed by the better-known omega-3 fatty acids, a research facility has said.

Green tea extract's Janus Effect on stomach health: study

The green tea polyphenol (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) may slash the risk of gastric cancer among women by 75 per cent, suggests a new study from Japan.

Sterols play major role in dietary portfolio for hearts

Almost one-third of cholesterol reductions achieved by consuming a heart-healthy diet are due to plant sterols, suggests a new study from Canada that supports the ingredient's efficacy.

CIAA flags food and drink innovation shortfall

The European food and drink manufacturing industry is performing below average on nine out of 12 indicators of innovation, says a new report from the CIAA that highlights the need for increased investment and data protection.

Healthy foods hold opportunities for starch, says Frost

High costs and market maturity make food starches a tough proposition, says analyst, but there are some clear opportunities since starch is critical in creating diet products with appealing taste and texture.

Lycopene, zinc linked to better prostate health

Lycopene, zinc and vitamin D show a 'weak association' for protection against benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a condition said to affect more than half of all men over the age of 50, suggests a new study.

Weekly Comment

The ethical cocoa confusion

While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.

Anthocyanins show potent anti-obesity potential: study

Anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments from fruit and vegetables, have a "significant potency" against fat cells and could be used for the prevention of weight gain, suggests a new study from Japan.

Nestle, Phosphagenics to complete trial by mid-08

A phase 2 clinical trial into the potential for using Phospha E in foods to address metabolic syndrome is on schedule for completion this summer, paving the way to commercialisation of the ingredient in functional foods.

Equazen ordered to remove brain health claims

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has instructed omega oil brand Equazen to withdraw a number of advertising claims linking its Eye Q supplement to healthy brain development.

Maternal micronutrient supplements boost baby weights

Supplements of micronutrients during pregnancy may result in bigger and heavier babies, relative to babies born to mothers taking only iron and folic acid, suggests a new study.

Western diet pattern 'promotes metabolic syndrome'

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, says new research from the US.

Study backs berries for heart health benefits

A diet rich in berries may boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood pressure, indicating their potential benefits for heart health, says a new study from Finland.

NutraCea expands processing into South America

NutraCea is continuing its global expansion with the announcement that it is to buy the largest rice bran oil processing facility in South America, located in Brazil.

Study questions antioxidant vitamins for dementia

The risk of dementia may not be influenced by vitamin C and E supplements, suggests a new study from the US.

Zinc, vitamin A pills show malaria benefits: study

Supplements of vitamin A and zinc may protect children from malaria, suggest results from a new randomized, double blind trial published this week.

Obesity largely determined by genetics, says study

Genetics and heritability may account for 77 per cent of obesity, while environmental factors make up less that 25 per cent, suggests new research.

Antioxidants and carotenoids linked to AMD improvements

Supplements of antioxidants and carotenoids may improve retinal health in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggesting a role beyond prevention, suggests a new study from Italy.

Probiotic yoghurts to cut infection in UK hospitals

Probiotic yoghurts are being used at hospitals in the UK to cut the risk of patients developing superbug infections.

Fruit has potential for natural sports nutrition product

New Zealand fruit researchers are looking at the potential of a fruit extract to boost muscle function.

Beetroot juice may lower blood pressure: study

Drinking just 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure, suggests a new study from London.

The significance of the EU labelling proposal

Owen Warnock, partner and food law expert at international law firm Eversheds, unpicks the new EU labelling proposal and assesses what it may mean for food manufacturers.

Astaxanthin may boost muscle endurance and fat loss

Astaxanthin, the carotenoid mostly associated with eye health, may enhance the burning of fat during exercise and lead to improved muscle endurance, suggests a new study with mice that needs to be repeated in humans.

Low folate levels may increase dementia risk: study

Folate deficiency may increase the likelihood of developing dementia by 3.5 times, suggests a new study from the UK and Korea.

More weight for BioSeraes cactus ingredient

BioSerae has gained another marketing boost for its cactus ingredient NeOpuntia after a clinical study was published supporting intake of the product with combating metabolic syndrome.

Cosucra highlights its dairy replacers amid high milk prices

Cosucra Groupe Warcoing is seeking to press home the message that pea protein can be used in place of milk protein, reflecting a trend that has picked up speed in the ingredients sector in the light of high dairy prices.

Lycopene supplement aimed at skin protection

LycoRed has developed a carotenoid ingredient for supplements which is aimed at protecting the skin from sunburn - a move taking advantage of the rising beauty from within segment.

Weekly comment

Branding Vs label info: who's the enemy?

Product branding and information provided to consumers on food labels are again at loggerheads, and industry doesn't seem likely to accept new EU labelling proposals without a fight.

Krill oil to experience big growth, Aker says

Aker BioMarine is set to launch a new krill oil for supplements next month and predicts the market for the oil - a source of omega-3 - will experience significant growth over the next few years.

Probiotics may ease gut problems in people with HIV/AIDS

Probiotic supplements may ease the suffering from diarrhoea and nausea amongst people with HIV and AIDS, suggests a joint study by African and Canadian researchers.

Survey says supplements could help fill nutrition blackhole

A fifth of adults in the UK ignore nutritional guidelines when it comes to buying food, a survey has revealed, which could further open the door for dietary supplements.

Folic-acid linked to fewer pregnancy complications

The risk of pre-eclampsia, which affects two to three per cent of all pregnancies, may be reduced by multivitamin supplements that contain folic acid, suggests new study.

Folic acid intake may also reduce premature births

The risk of having a premature baby may be halved if women take folic acid supplements for at least one year before conception, suggests new data.

Health claims deadline passes

The deadline for health claims to be submitted by member states to the European Commission passed yesterday, and among those passed on was the UK's 4,000 page dossier.

More work needed for fatty acids role in brain health

Research is urgently needed in the area of nutrition and its effect on behaviour, a parliamentary inquiry in the UK has said.

Higher vitamin D needed for diabetes benefits?

Combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may not reduce the risk of diabetes, suggests new research that challenges previous studies.

LFI researches texture solutions for low fat foods

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) intends to tap into a very pressing technical challenge for manufacturers looking to produce low fat foods that maintain an indulgent appeal.