Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Krill demand prompts Enzymotec expansion

Israeli phospholipids firm Enzymotec has expanded capacity for its krill oil in order to meet growing customer demand for the product.

Soy-rich infant formula may give stronger bones: Mouse study

Feeding newborns soy protein-based formulas may favourably boost the bone strength later in life, according to a new study with mice.

Enhanced microencapsulation for probiotic strains reported

Double encapsulation of bacterial strains with potential probiotic activity may enhance the shelf-life and offer protection against harsh stomach conditions, says a new study.

Yakult: probiotics may boost brain health

Probiotics pioneer Yakult says preliminary research indicates the interrelationship of the nervous systems of the gut and the brain could confer cognitive benefits when probiotics are consumed.

News in brief

Arla profits fall after 2008 disappointment

European cooperative Arla Foods said that the 2008 financial year ended was not satisfactory after it reported net profit was €46m below budget for the period as consumers look to cut their spending.

Chaucer sees freeze dried future for snacks, nutrition

Chaucer Foods is seeking to extend the use of freeze dried ingredients into new snack and nutraceutical concepts, leveraging the technology’s ability to preserve flavour, colour and nutrient content in a range of foodstuffs.

Vitamin E, selenium may alter genes in prostate cancer: Study

Selenium and vitamin E may offer protection against prostate cancer by changing the expression of certain genes in prostates linked to tumours, says a new study from Texas.

Lupin-enriched bakery may slash blood pressure, boost heart health

Bread enriched with lupin kernel flour at the expense of wheat flour may reduce blood pressure and boost heart health, says new research from Australia.

No time to wait on weight management science

The need for more and better science backing health claims was the central theme at a weight management and satiety seminar held in Amsterdam this week, as well as growing trepidation about health claims in Europe.

EFSA pours cold water on glycaemia claim

An article 14 disease risk reduction health claim linking mineral water consumption and a reduction of glycaemia has drawn a negative opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Calcium may slash colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of calcium from the diet and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 23 per cent in women, says a new study from the US.

Forget C, D may be the vitamin for cold and flu protection: Study

Increased levels of vitamin D may protect against common respiratory infections such as cold and flu, according to new findings from the US.

Enzymotec claims Japanese patent phospholipids boost

Enzymotec says it has obtained approval from the Japanese patent office for a new method of producing lyso-phospholipids that will allow the group to extend its presence in the segment.

Public health reliant on evidence-backed functionality

As the global functional food segment reportedly exceeds $100bn in sales, one science group says further growth may depend on how manufacturers support innovative research and the delivery of evidence-health based benefits.

News in brief

Diana reports good preliminary data for cranberry ingredient

Brittany-based Diana Naturals is building the science behind its cranberry ingredients’ efficacy against urinary tract infections, according to preliminary results.

Find time for tea to slash stroke risk: Study

Drinking three or more cups of green or black tea a day may reduce the risk of stroke by 21 per cent, says new research from UCLA.

B vitamins may prevent female blindness: Study

A combination of folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women by 34 per cent, says a new study.

UK diabetes cases growing faster than US, finds study

New figures published today reveal that the incidence of diabetes in the UK has soared in recent years, increasing at a faster rate than in North America.

Rejected EU health claim challenged over mystery rewording

A health claim negative opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is being challenged by the company that submitted it on the grounds its wording was changed without its knowledge or consent.

Blueberries may reduce childhood cancer risk: Study

Extracts from blueberries may reduce the size of tumours primarily found in infants and children, and improve survival, suggest new findings from a study with mice.

Research adding weight to dietary health push

Thorough clinical research will serve as the cornerstone to attracting consumers to weight-management products in the future, says a leading natural ingredients supplier.

Weekly comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

Trade fair team up targets Asian wellbeing needs

China continues to reflect the growing opportunities across Asia for products designed to be beneficial in fighting health conditions such as obesity, claim the organisers of a major new show in the country.

Egg proteins may reduce blood pressure: Study

Proteins in boiled and fried eggs may reduce blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests new research from Canada.

Glanbia works weight management market

Irish dairy and ingredients group, Glanbia, will expand its weight management offerings“to address the rising incidence of obesity by creating products that are low fat, healthy and taste good.”

Cinnamon may improve blood sugar levels: Study

Consumption of three grams of cinnamon a day may improve people’s control of blood glucose levels, Scandinavian scientists have reported.

Gen Mills listens to consumers on rBST milk hormone

US food giant General Mills has committed to reformulating its category-leading Yoplait yoghurt brand with rBST-free milk – a move it says was prompted by consumer demand.

Krill omega-3 wins EU Novel Foods approval

Krill specialist, Neptune Technologies & Bioresources, has overcome a significant regulatory hurdle by gaining a hard-to-come-by Novel Foods approval for its proprietary, patented extract of the omega-3 rich, micro-sized marine creature.

News in brief

Cranberry group seeks 'cran'sparency

Three European cranberry extract suppliers have formed a new association with the explicit aim of clarifying standards governing the manner in which proanthocyanidins (PACs) content is communicated to consumers.

Vitamins may prevent hearing loss: Animal studies

Antioxidant-rich supplements may reduce noise-induced and perhaps even age-related hearing loss in humans, if human trials can echo promising results from animal studies.

Functional foods centre targets SMEs

A UK university has established a functional foods centre that will assist smaller companies not in possession of exorbitant R&D purses to get product development projects underway.

Swiss firm claims to crack tooth-friendly drink conundrum

A new beverage is claiming to be the first ice tea that can safeguard the health of teeth, thanks to the use of isomaltulose in place of sucrose and an aseptic process that prevents bacteria without the need for acids.

More zinc may mean less diabetes in women: Study

Increased intakes of zinc may decrease the risk of type-2 diabetes by 28 per cent, according to a new study from Harvard.

Chocolate does not help children to grow, says EFSA

An ambitious health claim dossier submitted by Italian-based Soremartec Italia S.r.l. Gruppo Ferrero that sought to link chocolate consumption and growth in children has drawn a negative opinion from the European Food Safety Authority.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation progress in Morocco, Peru

Naturex has reported the first benefits of the Naturex Foundation, flagging up social contributions in Morocco and Peru.

Give (probiotic) cheese a chance, says probiotic big cheese

One of the world’s leading probiotics specialists says consumers are interested in probiotic cheese products but cheese manufacturers and probiotic suppliers need to get their scientific house in order and clarify their marketing messages.

Probiotics may protect children against infections: Study

Daily supplements of the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobaccilus casei rhamnosus may boost the immune health of children, and prevents many infections, says new research.

Analyst sees sports drinks polarisation in mainstream push

As sports drinks continue to make inroads as a mainstream option for quenching consumers thirst, manufacturers are increasingly facing the challenge of catering for both the committed athlete and the casual shopper.

Tainted formula passed tests pre export, says manufacturer

Health and safety officials in South Korea said that they found a meningitis causing bacteria in a French baby formula product but the company in question said the product was deemed safe following tests.

EFSA approves omega-3 kids’ eye health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has backed a dossier linking infant eye health and DHA consumption.

DSM turns record profit ahead of ‘uncertain’ year

“A year of stark contrasts” as DSM board chairman, Feike Sijbesma called it, has seen DSM turn a near €1bn profit but left the Dutch ingredients giant unable to make a forecast for this year as the economic crisis sets in.

Kraft: probiotic cheese is a disappointment

Kraft US has confirmed what many market analysts have been saying for some time – probiotic cheese is not winning over the public.

Study hints at green-lipped mussel’s ‘original’ omega-3 action

Extracts from the New Zealand green lipped mussel may exert anti-inflammatory effects at a protein level, according to new results.

Hoodia finds life after Unilever

Phytopharm, the UK start-up Unilever dumped in November after spending more than €20m euros in a failed attempt to develop a hoodia-based weight management product, says it is in discussions with major food and food supplements players about the South African fruit extract.

Vitamin C-rich foods may boost artery health

Increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, and ultimately protect against heart disease, says a new study from Norway.

EFSA cans cranberry health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a negative opinion to global cranberry leader Ocean Spray for an article 14 health claim relating consumption of cranberry and urinary tract infection (UTI) in women.

Ginseng and guarana not up for energy drink-review

European safety authorities and regulators will not review the safety of ingredients such as ginseng and guarana in caffeinated energy drinks despite issuing a verdict on chemicals like Taurine and D-glucurono-γ-lactone last week.

Consumers going off probiotic cheese

Probiotics have had a rapid rise to public prominence in North America since Danone launched probiotic drinkable and spoonable yogurts on the US market in 2005, but probiotic cheeses have won little favor, according to Euromonitor research.

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Natto enzyme may reduce Alzheimer’s risk: Study

Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, may prevent the build up of certain plaques in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s, suggests new research from Taiwan.

Functional foods can buck recession

The global functional foods market will be worth about €175 billion by 2012 – a 25 per cent jump over 2007 levels of €120bn, according to Euromonitor International data.

SOD supplement may ease brain impairment: Mouse study

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, may reduce the loss of cognitive function linked to stress, according to a new animal study from Japan.

News in brief

CIAA takes GDA info to Parliament

The CIAA will be discussing nutrition labelling directly with MEPs this week, with a stand and nutritionists corner at the European Parliament.

Healthy drinks dominate dairy sector

Dairy drinks promoted with a health benefit in tow now account for more than 70 per cent of global launches, according to food market analyst, Innova Food.

Omega-3 may prevent obesity-related complications: Study

Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may protect against obesity-related damage of the liver, which may lead to diabetes, says a new study from Spain.

Dispatches from FDF labelling debate

What labelling scheme(s) should Europe allow?

Debate is heating up about the best way to present nutrition information on food labels throughout the EU as lawmakers hammer out the details of new legislation. The Food and Drink Federation gives a view from industry.

Recession-proof BioGaia doubles 2008 profits

Swedish probiotics specialist, BioGaia, has turned in an impressive set of financial results for 2008, maintaining the 30 per cent-plus growth it has achieved annually for the best part of this decade.

Mandelson can protect UK high-dose supplements: CHC

An influential food supplements lobby group says UK government Business Minister, Peter Mandelson, could yet save the under-threat British high-dose food supplements industry.

News in brief

Pregnancy association teams up with Nordic Naturals for omega-3

The American Pregnancy Association had named Nordic Naturals’ omega-3 as the official omega-3 of the association.

News in brief

EBF debuts new website

The European Botanical Forum (EBF) has revamped its website to better convey scientific, regulatory and technological advancements in the botanicals area.

Vitamin K2, but not K1, effective for heart health benefits: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin K2, but not vitamin K1, may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women, says a new study.

Vitamin D may be critical to reduce multiple sclerosis risk

Supplements of vitamin D at ‘critical time periods’ may be key to reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, according to a new study from the UK and Canada.

Sports drinks scratching surface of mainstream potential - Powerade

Sports drinks may be breaking through the niche beverage wall, but their future will lie in meeting a variety of consumer trends across the entire beverage market, says the senior brand manager of Powerade.

Raisio doubles profits but sees tough year ahead

Raisio, the Finnish plant stanol and raw ingredients supplier and maker of the Benecol cholesterol-lowering consumer brand, more than doubled profits and increased turnover by 20 per cent in 2008, but its forecasts are humble in the face of the harsh economic climate.

EFSA backs energy drink ingredients

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has for the first time backed the safety of the popular energy drink ingredients, taurine and D-glucurono-γ-lactone.

EU project on micronutrient levels calls for food industry feedback

Small and medium-sized food producers are encouraged to access growing knowledge on micronutrient recommendations in the EU, with Commission-funded project EURRECA calling on the industry to actively engage in the debate through an online forum.

Probiotics and prebiotics boost ‘quality of life’ for IBD sufferers

A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD, says a new study from Japan.

Article 13 health claim deadlines in jeopardy

The European Union health and nutrition claims regulation deadline of January, 2010, is coming under increasing pressure as European risk assessors and risk managers lurch under the sheer weight of processing more than 4000 generic article 13 claims.

Give omega-3 to the poor, says UK researcher

A paper published in a British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) journal has called for omega-3 supplements to be made available to lower socio-economic groups because low income earners have the most to gain from using them.

News in brief

Sabinsa’s sustainability effort gets F&S recognition

Frost & Sullivan have honored Sabinsa for its green efforts, quoting the company’s balanced green product offering and sustainable marketing practices as key to success.

Multivitamins fail to protect women from cancers and heart disease: Study

Multivitamin supplements have “little or no influence” on a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer, according to results of the Women’s Health Initiative.

Sensus highlights cost-benefit gains for inulin-enriched bread

The cost-benefit ratio for including gut health promoting inulin in bread formulations could bring added-value gains for bread-makers, delegates will hear at a forthcoming industry conference.

Astaxanthin seeks EU approval

Indian company Parry Nutraceuticals has applied for a version of the algae-derived carotenoid, astaxanthin, to be granted Novel Food ingredient status in the European Union.

Scandinavians sign vitamin K2 supply pact

Danish supplier Danisco BioActives and Norwegian vitamin K specialist, NattoPharma, have inked a deal that will see Danisco become the marketer and distributor of Natto’s vitamin K2 ingredient to the food industry.

Lutein-fortified milk passes bioavailability test: Study

Fortifying fermented milk with lutein may be a suitable vehicle to boost intakes of the compound, according to a new study from Spain.

More foodborne illnesses on horizon, says risk expert

Is the US food safety system really 'in the soup'? Dr Sandford Miller, with a long standing career focused on risk analysis and food, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about the recent peanut paste recall, the potential for future foodborne illnesses and the evident weaknesses in federal regulation.

Weekly comment

No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

EFSA reveals milk protein safety conclusions

A new European review of the safety of proteins used in milk and dairy product formulation has found no link between their consumption and an increased risk to health, which could bring an end to an historic dispute.

Soy food better than tablets for isoflavone dose: Study

Soy foods could be a better source of isoflavones than supplements, according to a new study from Stanford.

Weekly comment

Failure of Danone beauty yogurt is a learning opportunity

Danone pulled beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves last week and left behind a lesson in how not to market edible cosmetics.

Lignans linked to healthier, thinner women: Study

Women with increased intake of lignans, and subsequently levels of metabolites in the blood, tend to have lower BMIs and total body fat mass, says a new study from Canada.

World first fungi chitosan ready for weight loss market

Belgian hi-tech ingredient developer, KitoZyme, says its fungi-sourced version of the weight management ingredient, chitosan, will be commercially available in food supplements in 2009.

Nanotechnology in UK food sector under review

An investigation into the use of nanotechnologies in food and food contact materials will consider their health and safety implications and help ensure the UK plays a key role in the development of this field, claims a House of Lords’ subcommittee.

EFSA attacked for lack of transparency

The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) has continued its assault on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with a litany of criticisms and questions in an open letter to the assessor’s executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle.

News in brief

Enzymotec secures new funding

Israeli phospholipids specialist, Enzymotec, has raised $11 million (€8.54m) from its three major shareholders as well as a new investor – Arancia International, a privately owned Mexican ingredients developer with expertise in biotechnology and enzymes.

Probiotic bacteria’s immune enhancing mechanism reported

Dutch scientists have reported that the potential immune system enhancing effects of probiotics may be due to an activation of specific genes in the walls of our intestines.

Study raises hopes for omega-3 and female depression

Higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and oily fish may reduce the number of occasions that women suffer depressive symptoms by about 30 per cent, says a new study.

Belgians confirm prebiotic bread concept not half-baked

Two Belgium companies – one a bran technology specialist, the other an ingredients supplier in the bakery and confectionery area – have linked to develop bread and pastry products with digestive health benefits.

Nestlé refines probiotic weight management project

An ever tighter focus on the ability of gut microflora to affect metabolism and control weight is the result of a new agreement signed between Nestlé’s northern France-based Research Centre and Imperial College London.

Vitamin D linked to girl power: Study

Low levels of vitamin D may reduce the muscle power and force in adolescent girls, according to a new study from the UK.

Valio spreads probiotics into new category

Unilever has teamed up with Finnish dairy and ingredients supplier, Valio, to launch a probiotic spread in Germany and Sweden with “strengthening natural defences” as the central selling point.

Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ ads misleading, says ASA

The UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has upheld complaints that adverts for Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ cookies were misleading and implied that the snacks were healthier than they actually are.

Tomato extract finds fresh circulation in UK superfruit juices

Sirco, the circulation benefiting juice with a clinically-backed tomato extract is back on UK retail shelves after being pulled in mid-2007 by its then owner, Provexis.

Snack Size Science: Taking heart from phytosterol review

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at a review of phytosterol science. Phytosterol-enriched margarines and other foods are spread thickly on supermarket shelves, and a new review says there is no difference between stanols and sterols, or delivery in fat or non fat foods in terms of efficacy for reducing bad cholesterol levels.

Flavanol-boosting chocolate to double in 2009, projects Barry Callebaut

While industry observers and stakeholders continue to speculate on whether chocolate is, or is not, 'recession-proof', Belgium's Barry Callebaut expects the number of consumer products containing its health and wellness Acticoa chocolate to double in 2009.

Omega-3 improves menopausal side effects: Studies

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the symptoms of depression and the occurrence of hot flushes, according to two new studies from Canada.

Beauty yoghurt turns ugly for Danone

After little more than two years, Danone has pulled its beauty-from-the-inside spoonable yoghurt, Essensis, from French retail shelves, despite a re-launch in 2008.

Garlic’s antioxidant power pinpointed by researchers?

Canadian scientists have found that the antioxidant power of garlic is related to the organic compound allicin, research that deepens our understanding of the potential benefits of this food and supplements favourite.

Weekly comment

Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

EU nutrient profiling delays to continue

Nutrient profiling, the system that will govern which foods and supplements can make health claims and which can’t, may not be adopted by the summer, according to consultancy, European Advisory Services (EAS).

Fat and happy: research finds overweight no barrier to good health

Tate & Lyle research has found a staggering 91 per cent of European consumers believe they are in good health, even though many of them also perceive themselves as being overweight.