Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Nestle: Chocolate may benefit gut health and metabolism

A daily treat of dark chocolate for only two weeks may change metabolism in healthy, free-living people, says a new study from Nestlé scientists.

Cranberry waste may lead to alternative ingredients

Cranberry pomace, a by-product of the juicing process, may be extruded to produce a range of polyphenol-rich ingredients for use in supplements or functional foods, says a new study.

Batch two fall-out: Goodbye article 13.1, hello article 13.5

Article 13.1 health claims are being rejigged and resubmitted under the proprietary and emerging science, article 13.5, after EFSA rejected all but a few submissions in its second batch of 416 claim opinions yesterday.

News in brief

BASF Q4 provides up-tick to an otherwise weak 2009

BASF said that an improved fourth quarter performance led to a profit, rounding off an otherwise disappointing year for the chemicals giant.

Incomplete dossier prevents bakery extracts appraisal, EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that the lack of an appropriate dossier backing the use of oregano and lemon balm extracts as food additives means the safety assessment of their proposed uses in baked goods and cereals and other foods cannot be undertaken.

EFSA to hold May health claims summit

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will host a May summit at its Italian headquarters that will provide a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between stakeholders and the agency’s health claims panel.

EFSA mass rejects probiotics and antioxidants as article 13.1 batch two published

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued negative opinions to ‘most’ of 416 health claim dossiers including submissions linking health benefits to vitamin D, probiotics, green tea, black tea, lutein, beta glucans, meso-zeaxanthin, alpha-lipoic acid and melatonin.

High calcium intakes may improve male survival: Study

Intakes of calcium above the recommended daily levels may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by 25 per cent, says a new study from Sweden.

Multivitamins may help weight loss in obese women

Supplements of multivitamins and minerals may help reduce body weight and improve blood fat levels, according to results of a clinical trial in obese Chinese women.

EFSA: healthy population extrapolation possible if data backs it

Trial results gained from targeted populations such as those with disease can be extrapolated into normal populations to back health claims, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims panel said in Brussels yesterday.

Lack of established risk factors hampers research: Cantox

Cantox Health Science International’s Canadian-based, Food and Nutrition associate director, Kathy Musa-Velosa PhD, tells Shane Starling about how risk factors and biomarkers are being used as measures for disease reduction health claims.

Omega-3 may boost brain function in boys: Study

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may alter the function of the brain associated with working memory, according to results of a new study with healthy boys.

EFSA chief: many dossiers in new batch of article 13.1 opinions "insufficient"

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) executive director, Catherine Geslain- Lanéelle, has told the Nutrition and Lifestyle conference in Brussels this morning that many of Thursday’s article 13.1 opinions have "insufficient evidence".

Nutrition bright for DSM; pharma benefits from flu vaccines

After a period of de-stocking in the first half of 2009, DSM’s nutrition business has weathered the economic slump well; pharma, too, picked up speed towards the end of the year.

Omega-3, vitamins, minerals may reduce aggressive behaviour

Supplements of omega-3s, vitamins and minerals for prisoners may reduce the number of violent and aggressive episodes in prisoners, according to a new study from The Netherlands.

Antioxidants may help lower diabetes rates, study

Higher consumption of antioxidants in the diet in order to lower the rate of diabetes should be made a public health priority, according to a new study.

News in brief

Resveratrol conference to produce research recommendations

Scientists from around the world will converge on Denmark in September to collect and summarise current knowledge of resveratrol, and make recommendations for the future’s research.

Irish firms target functional foods acceptance

Forming partnerships and tapping external resources can be the winning ticket in the functional foods market, says Enterprise Ireland, which is sponsoring an event on consumer and regulatory acceptance next month.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Regulation: inching beyond implied health claims

In the final instalment in this series about antioxidants, NutraIngredients scans the regulatory landscape to see how the science backing the nutrient is being translated into law.

Folic acid supplements may reduce pre-term births

Maintaining supplementation with folic acid through to the third trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm births, says a new study from Hungary.

Special edition: antioxidants

Super veg look set to walk the antioxidant red carpet

“I'm strong to the finish when I eats me spinach,” said Popeye the sailor man, and he could have snatched Olive Oyl from the clutches of Bluto with even more ferocity if he had eaten his broccoli, tomatoes or onions according to an Australian/New Zealand project focused on super vegetables.

Weekly comment

Banning energy drinks is a doomed shot in the dark

Energy shot drinks have come under fire from German authorities which are employing an old-school prohibition logic that history has repeatedly dunce-hatted.

UK food sector ripe for science jobs, survey

New opportunities for food scientists are expected to open up in 2010, according to a recruitment specialist, as the sector has weathered the recession relatively well and is taken advantage of the pool of job-seeking talent.

News in brief

Vit C supplements may increase cataract risk: Study

Middle-aged and elderly women using vitamin C supplements may be at increased risk of age-related cataracts, suggests a new observational study from Sweden.

News in brief

Grant to help build new sports nutrition plant

A UK distributor of sports nutrition products has been awarded a grant so that it can bring production in house and open a new manufacturing facility ahead of the Olympics in 2012.

Deal set to push probiotics firm into Japanese baby food market

Bio Gaia has signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Japan's largest food and supplement wholesaler in a move, the Swedish probiotics supplier said, will help open new markets such as infant formula for their probiotic ingredient.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Gaining benefits from leaf and bean: Antioxidants in tea and coffee

In the fourth part of our series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks at coffee and tea – two products seen increasingly as functional beverages for their antioxidant content.

Science builds for cardiovascular benefits of dairy proteins

A combination of milk proteins may reduce hardening of the arteries, says a new study from Valio that support the cardiovascular benefits of the dairy peptides.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Differentiation holds the key to antioxidant success: Expert

In the third part of our series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients talks to Jeff Blumberg, professor of antioxidants at Tuft University, and finds out why we need differentiation in the antioxidant field.

EU weight management and sports claims under threat: consultant

Nutrition claims such as low-GI that have not made it onto official annex of the 2006 nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) register have technically been illegal since January 19 and could be prosecuted, according to a UK-based consultant.

News in brief

Red yeast rice not a novel food, says EC panel

Fermented red yeast rice can be used in supplements without novel foods approval, says an EC panel following evidence of prior use in Italy.

EFSA finds no safety concern over food supplement coating

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that the use of basic methacrylate polymer (BMC), a substance long used for similar purposes in pharmaceutical products, has no safety concerns as a glazing agent in food supplements at the proposed use levels.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation reports progress in Morocco, Peru and India

The Naturex Foundation, an initiative of French ingredients firm Naturex, has reported good progress on its three ongoing community projects in places from where it sources raw materials.

Very high omega-3 intakes linked to big health benefits

Intakes of omega-3 exceeding levels consumed by the general US population may significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggests a new study with Yup'ik Eskimos.

Vitamin D may cut elderly heart disease and diabetes risk

Middle aged and elderly people with high blood levels of vitamin D may be at a 33 per cent lower risk of developing heart disease, says a new review from the UK.

Bilberry extract shows anti-diabetes benefits: Mouse study

Consumption of bilberries may reduce the levels of glucose in the blood, and provide a means of reducing the risk of diabetes, say the results of a study from Japan.

Reducing meat and dairy makes case for fortification

Reduction of meat and dairy intake on climate change grounds would pose nutritional concerns for some nutrients but better public health advice on alternative sources and fortification could bridge the gap, write nutritional and climate experts from the UK.

News in brief

CRN International cements global reach with Swiss HQ

In a move to enhance its long-standing international presence, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has established a new wholly-owned subsidiary headquartered in Manno, Switzerland.

Ginkgo, ginseng, bilberry claims pulled in UK

The voluntary UK advertising watchdog has pulled up two Guernsey-based supplements manufacturers for making unsubstantiated claims about a host of mostly herbal products including ginkgo, ginseng, bilberry, St Johns Wort, milk thistle, valerian, soy isoflavones and black cohosh.

Special Edition: Antioxidants

Supply: Beta-carotene club and beyond

In the second part of our antioxidants special, NutraIngredients focuses on the carotenoids where the vitamin A converter, beta-carotene, is still lording it over lutein and lycopene and DSM and BASF’s synthetic versions continue to dominate that particular carotenoid’s supply.

Lipid Nutrition gains US CLA food debut

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) player, Lipid Nutrition, has launched its first GRAS (generally recognized as safe)-certified food in the US with a yogurt that has launched in the Minnesota area.

Gel innovation promises weight management pill

A simple pill containing a gel based on cellulose may swell in the stomach and promote the feeling of fullness, says new research from Italy with implications for weight management.

Probiotics for mum during pregnancy may cut obesity in child: Study

Taking probiotics during pregnancy may lead to less diabetes during pregnancy and reduce the risk of obesity later in a baby’s life, says a new study.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Overview: The (seemingly) unstoppable antioxidant powerhouse

In the first instalment of this antioxidants special NutraIngredients scans a diverse global market that has barely been dented by the recession and continues to flourish amid consumer understanding that is often little more than surface deep.

Mars and Barry Callebaut team up on flavanols

A standard for measuring the antioxidant-rich cocoa flavanols in chocolate products, a broadening of the market for functional chocolate as well as boosting consumer awareness are the objectives of a new alliance between Mars Inc and Barry Callebaut.

Seaweed extract shows joint health promise

An extract from brown seaweed may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis by up to 52 per cent, suggests results from phase I and II clinical trials from Australia.

Magnesium supplements may boost lung health for asthmatics

Daily supplements of magnesium may improve lung function in asthmatics, and improve their quality of life, says a new study from America.

News in brief

Provexis and DSM close to global rights deal

UK-based start-up Provexis has signed a Letter of Intent with its biggest shareholder, DSM, that will give the nutritional products division of the Dutch company exclusive global rights to Provexis’s tomato extract Fruitflow technology.

Glucosamine joint health opinion questioned by EC committee

At least one European Union member state has queried a recent reduced cartilage degeneration article 14 health claim submission that was turned down by EFSA partially because the studies submitted were not conducted on healthy populations.

IADSA to focus on advocacy and emerging markets regulation

Regulatory harmonisation in Asian and Latin American countries coupled with tight monitoring of media content on dietary supplements to offset negative opinion will continue to be the focus of the international food supplements body in 2010.

Weekly comment

Do drink makers have stomach for anti-obesity fight?

Bravo! The beverage industry has responded enthusiastically to Mrs. Obama’s campaign to tackle childhood obesity - but there’d better be more than froth behind that sparkling rhetoric.

Gut microflora and diabetes: Study suggests role for pro-, pre-biotics

Bacterial populations in the gut of diabetics differ from non-diabetics, says a new study from Denmark that may open up a potential role for modify gut microflora with probiotics and prebiotics and improve health.

Rye beats laxatives for constipation relief: Study

Consumption of fibre-rich rye bread may ease constipation and perform commercial laxatives, according to a new study from Finland.

New EU omega-3 labeling rules to boost product launches: GOED

New European Union omega-3 labelling rules will help consumers understand the role the fatty acids can play in the diet and boost product launches, according to the global omega-3 trade group, GOED.

News in brief

RSSL improves B12 analysis for food

A new method for vitamin B12 analysis has been developed by RSSL, claimed to be quicker and more sensitive than other methods.

Biotech firm awaits EU move as lilac extract gets US patent

Italian biotechnology company, IRB, said a European patent is pending on the preparation and use of cell line cultures from the lilac-based extract that was awarded a patent in the US earlier this month.

News in brief

DHA omega-3 set for London celebration

Omega-3 pioneers from across the globe will meet in London in May to celebrate 40 years of research on the fatty acids, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular.

Prebiotic-soy combination may boost heart health: Study

Combining prebiotics and soy protein may lower cholesterol levels and boost heart health, effects not seen when prebiotic or soy were taken separately, says new research from Canada.

Study adds to 'compelling' CLA safety evidence

Daily intake of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) does not affect kidney and liver function, says a new study with humans that adds compelling support to the safety of the ingredient.

Squid's in: Norwegians push new omega-3 source

Norwegian start-up Pharma Marine Group has launched a branded version of the squid-sourced omega-3 form it is marketing on its green credentials.

Raisio sees huge growth in healthy snacking

The growth potential in the premium functional snack category on the heels of increased consumer and regulatory demand for healthy snacking is the driver behind Finnish company Raisio’s bid to acquire a UK cereal and fruit bar manufacturer.

China forced to relaunch food safety crackdown

China is launching a new national food safety drive following a wave of recent damaging revelations over melamine-tainted milk products in the country.

DHA omega-3 may improve chemotherapy outcomes: Study

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, says a new study from France.

News in brief

UK ASA slams ‘herbal viagra’ ads

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has deemed that ads for a “herbal Viagra” product should not appear again, after the claims were deemed misleading and in breach of advertising codes.

Danone resubmits Actimel probiotic immunity health claim

Ten months after it withdrew its marquee probiotic submissions from the European Union health claims process for reconfiguring, Danone has fully re-entered the game by lodging a tweaked dossier for its drinking yoghurt, Actimel.

UK intake of omega-3s and iron still too low, survey

A new national diet nutrition survey (NDNS) in the UK has found that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre is still below the recommended amounts, and iron intake among females is still too low but intakes of vitamins A and C from foods are higher.

Exclusive interview

Bruce Ames: Vitamin insufficiency boosting age-related diseases

It is literally all about living for today. By understanding that nature favours survival today over tomorrow, a theory that vitamin inadequacy is behind the rise in chronic diseases “makes sense… and it is almost certainly going to be right,” says world-renowned scientist Bruce Ames.

NutraIngredients Antioxidants 2010 Conference

Antioxidants are big business. The term resonates with consumers but what does the future hold for antioxidants? The NutraIngredients Antioxidants 2010 Conference lifts the lid on current successes, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities.

Flavonols may slash stroke risk in women: Study

Increased intakes of flavonol-rich foods may reduce a woman’s risk of stroke by 20 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis involving over 110,000 people.

Boomers recession proofing functional foods, report

Health conscious boomers, in particular mature Italians, are embracing functional foods such as cholesterol lowering dairy products and digestive health brands to retain their youthful health, according to an industry expert’s latest report.

Tea science stacks up for weight management, but concerns continue for extracts

Leaf through the scientific literature and the benefits of tea, green and black, for weight managements garner much support, but more research is needed before the beverage and its extracts have “great public health importance”, says a new review.

Hansen revels in probiotic female niche

Danish supplier Chr Hansen says the two probiotic-strain combination it has been promoting for more than a year to target women’s vaginal problems is now present in products in more than 20 countries, including India.

News in brief

Red Bull reacts to German opinion on energy shots

Energy shots are safe if used according to instructions, says Red Bull, as the German risk assessor BfR calls for a ban on energy shots because consumers could not be trusted to drink ‘safe’ amounts.

DHA and eye health: Study supports omega-3 in formula

Adding the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula may improve the visual acuity of the infants, says a new clinical trial from the US.

News in brief

Aker reports growth as krill oil sales increase

Increased sales of its krill oil have helped Aker BioMarine post a 50 per cent increase in sales for Q4 2009.

Winclove withdraws probiotic health claims to avoid market “damage”

Dutch probiotics supplier, Winclove Bio Industries, has pulled its entire range of 30 health claim submissions from the European Union health claims process, in fear of the business impact of negative opinions from the claims assessor, EFSA.

Weekly comment

US military may enlist Omega-3s to boost performance but why wait?

“An army marches on its stomach.” This advice, from French military adventurer Napoleon, seems to have impressed the US military which is considering fortifying troops’ rations with omega-3 fatty acids. What is it waiting for?

Carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk in women: Study

Increased dietary intakes of alpha- and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of breast cancer among female smokers, suggests a new study from Sweden.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA rejects Danone’s infant immunity prebiotic claim

Danone Baby Nutrition says the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) failed to engage in “direct scientific dialogue” in the lead-up to the agency’s scientists handing it a negative opinion for a prebiotic-infant immunity health claim in December.

OPCs come out tops for heart health beverages

Cranberry juice rich in antioxidant procyanidins is effective at boosting the health of blood vessels, thereby supporting previous research supporting the cardiovascular health of such compounds.

Australian company seeks slice of chia seed bread potential

The Chia Company is bidding to market its chia seed for use in bread in Europe, with a novel foods application under the fast-track substantial equivalence scheme.

Omega-3 may combat mouth bacteria, boost oral health

The dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation, says a new study from the University of Kentucky.

Soy may reduce diabetes risk in overweight women

Increased intakes of soy and its isoflavones may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight women, says a new study from Japan.

Acai may boost survival, for fruit flies at least: NIH Study

The lifespan of fruit flies may be extended by consuming acai pulp, according to a new study from the US National Institutes of Health.

Germans call for energy shot ban

German health authorities have issued a 14-page statement warning against over-consumption of energy shots – one of the fastest growing segments of the international beverages market.

News in brief

Folate may protect women from pancreatic cancer

Increased intake of folate may reduce a woman’s risk of pancreatic cancer by 50 per cent, but folate levels are not associated with pancreatic cancer risk in men, says a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Regulation may stifle innovation as firms walk claims tightrope

Regulatory uncertainty is now proving a bigger barrier to innovation in healthy foods than the weak economy, according to leading ingredients suppliers.

Beyond guilt - Barry Callebaut predicts a healthy future for chocoholics

ConfectioneryNews.com caught up with Hans Vriens, chief innovation officer with global chocolate supplier Barry Callebaut at the industry trade show Pro Sweets, where he spilled the beans on the future for functional chocolate.

Hibiscus tea may reduce blood pressure in at-risk people

A few cups of hibiscus tea a day may reduce blood pressure and offer cardiovascular benefits for people at risk of developing hypertension, says a new study from Tufts University.

Omega-3 may boost kidney health in diabetics: Study

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve the kidney health of diabetics, say results of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial from Hong Kong.

How EU health claim rules affect TV and radio ads

The UK Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) has revised its guidelines to bring them in line with the 2006 European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR).

Frutarom hires GM to hone health focus

Frutarom has been snapping up healthy ingredient firms for the last couple of years due to an ambitious strategy to build presence in the high potential healthy market, back up claims with science and speed product development.

News in brief

Finished Products set for Geneva flourish

Sister show to Vitafoods, the Finished Products Expo is predicted to be bigger than ever before, according to the show’s organisers.

News in brief

Soy firms coordinate Haiti donations

A multinational alliance called SoyFoods Haiti Alliance Relief Effort, or SHARE is coordinating donation and delivery of protein-rich foods to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

Omega-3 may slash psychotic disorder risk: Study

Supplements of omega-3-rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, say results of a new clinical trial.

GSK company appeals vitamin D/calcium dosage restrictions

GlaxoSmithKline-owned German firm, Abtei Pharma Vertriebs, wants the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to reconsider its summer 2009 opinion that dose levels could not be established for a calcium/vitamin D bone health claim.

Vitamin B6 may affect heart disease risk: Study

Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk of inflammation and metabolic conditions, and subsequently cardiovascular disease risk, says a new study.

Vitamin, minerals may reduce eczema risk in children

Increased intakes of beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid, and iron may reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, suggests a new study from Korea.

Omega-3 may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s: Rat study

The omega-3 compound ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) may improve memory and learning, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer´s disease, says a new study.

EFSA should rethink immunity claim opinion, says Wild

German supplier Rudolf Wild GmbH claims the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) failed to explain the reasons for rejecting its immunity health claim opinion, and has appealed to the assessor to revisit its submitted science.

Weekly comment

No bitter battle over salt science

Excess salt can cause hypertension, heart disease, death. That’s the scientific consensus behind public health campaigns to reduce consumption of sodium chloride in the diet. But not everyone reads the science as conclusive, and when it comes to minerals that are essential to human life, the voice of caution must not be drowned out.

Nielsen: Omega-3 sales grow 42 percent

Market researcher Nielsen notes omega-3 products have bucked the recession to record 42 percent growth in 2009, as consumer interest in healthy eating grows and product prices drop.