Cargill buys fibre technology after Tate & Lyle wheat processing exit

The €55m Tate & Lyle Ventures (TLV) fund has sold off the Fugeia wheat extract business it bought into in 2008 to Cargill’s starches and sweeteners division for an undisclosed...

Carmit Candy CEO: Specialty know-how gives bite to functional candy shift

Carmit Candy Industries’ expertize in specialty free-from candy formulations will give a competitive edge to its new line of functional confectionery targeting specific health functions and demographics, it CEO says.

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Should vegans and vegetarians take supplements of EPA and DHA omega-3s?

If they don’t eat fish, vegans and vegetarians get very little EPA and DHA, the long chain omega-3 fatty acids we are told are key for maintaining cardiovascular and cognitive...

Omega-3 supplements could prevent skin cancer: Study

Consumption of omega-3 rich fish oils could help to protect against skin cancer, according to new findings from the UK.

Excess vitamin D in pregnancy may lead to food allergies: Study

Consumption of high doses of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy may raise the risk of children developing food allergies after birth, says research.

Supplier’s view: What are the keys to success in the Middle East?

Zeelandia is a Dutch bakery ingredients supplier with more than 20 years’ experience in the Middle East. FoodNavigator asks about the challenges it has had to overcome to achieve market...

Unilever & Nestlé tell Oxfam to bring other stakeholders to food ethics table

Unilever and Nestlé say Oxfam missed an opportunity for a wider and more comprehensive debate about food ethics after the NGO published a damning report on the supply chains of...

Nestlé buys Louisiana depression food firm

Nestlé has bought its second brain health-focused medical foods start-up in eight months after snaffling Red River Pharma-owned Pamlab which makes high-dose vitamin supplements targeting depression, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

LUXURIOUS SPA HOTEL Did NOT HAVE SPA

UK man wins Red Bull ‘VIP trip’ to Grand Prix by budget airline

A UK man won a Red Bull ‘VIP trip’ to the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, only to travel there by budget airline, stay in a spa hotel without a spa,...

Forté Pharma sales up 1.5% in 2012

2012 sales have risen 1.5% at Forté Pharma, the food supplements arm of Spanish player Natraceutical, with weight management products dominating.

BLIS-K12’s oral health benefits get support from 2 clinical trials

Supplements containing the probiotic BLIS K12 ingredient may reduce the reoccurrence of throat infections and tonsillitis by up to 90%, according to data from new clinical trials from Italy.

News in brief

IOF and Fonterra establish Asian bone health research grant

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and Fonterra are backing bone health research with a $44,000 Asia-focused grant open to residents of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the...

IFR takes first step in commercialising model gut systems

New funding and licencing deals will help the UK Institute of Food Research (IRF) to take a significant step closer to the commercial use of its model gut systems by...

Yoplait pulls Calin+ ad after ASA bone health claim ruling

Yoplait has been ordered to pull a TV advert for its Calin+ yogurt range after the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that it made an unauthorised reduction of disease-risk...

Gulfood 2013 blog

Sports legend meets pragmatism as a brand enters India

It is hard for a food industry trade show to pack the same level of glamour as, say, the Tokyo Motor Show, so it’s probably best for organisers not to...

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Mediterranean diet cuts heart disease risk by 30%: 'Landmark’ study provides compelling evidence that it’s the type, not the level of fat, that counts for cardio health

People following an energy unrestricted plant-based diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts can reduce their risk of a major cardiovascular event by 30% compared with people following a...

Low-dose L-carnitine can yield weight loss (in motivated overweight individuals): Study

A daily dose of 500mg of L-carnitine coupled with motivation training can help weight loss in overweight individuals, according to a Lonza-sponsored pilot study.

Nutrition 2.0: ‘Closer than you think’ and a ‘tremendous technical and business opportunity’

‘Tremendous opportunities’ await the nutrition industry as it embarks upon a modernized scientific approach to address nutrition, health/wellness and aging, says the Chief Executive Officer of a Silicon Valley company...

Maternal omega-3 supplements reduce preterm birth risk: Study

Prenatal supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may help to cut the risk of preterm and low birth weight babies, says new study data.

Infant formula companies are breaching international marketing rules: Report

Save the Children in the UK has called on infant formula manufacturers like Danone and Nestlé to do more to promote breast feeding – including larger on-pack warnings – after...

GOED: Pharma is important for omega-3 but growing slowly

Pharmaceutical omega-3 products are important but will grow more slowly than some expect because of the long timeframe for drug approval, says the chief of the Global Organisation for EPA...

Green tea backed for breast cancer benefits

Consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by modifying the metabolism of oestrogen, according to new research.

The International Year of Quinoa Launched

Ancient quinoa has future value in food security, says UN

The United Nations has hailed the ancient grain quinoa as a valuable and extraordinary crop that can help in the push forward on food and nutrition security.

Fish oil supply crisis forces omega-3 price hike at DSM

DSM’s bulging lipid business has bumped fish-sourced omega-3 oil prices 15% as crude fish oil stock prices skyrocket in the face of increasing demands on global fisheries.

Resistant starch may aid in IBD and cancer resistance: Study

A diet packed with resistant starch may help to prevent both inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, say researchers.

Special edition: Omega-3 (Editor's blog)

How high can high-end omega-3 go?

Just got off the phone to Ola Snove, the new(ish) CEO of Aker part-owned Norwegian omega-3 specialist Epax. Wanted to know his view on high-end omega-3 prospects that have attracted...

Special edition: Omega-3

Battle of the omega-3 forms: Triglycerides, ethyl esters, or phospholipids?

As the number of omega-3 sources in the market increases, including fish, krill, squid, algae, and plant, suppliers are increasingly using the omega-3 form to differentiate their products. But where...

Special edition: Omega-3s

Marine omega-3 sources are clearing sustainability bar—so far

Fish oil, an ingredient with a 150-year plus history as a nutraceutical, continues to be the mainstay of the world’s supply of omega-3s.  But, with all of the questions hovering...

Lallemand hits health claims home run with five Canadian approvals

Probiotics supplier Lallemand has announced a big regulatory win:  Canadian authorities have approved health claims on five of its probiotic formulas. 

Special edition: Omega-3

Finding the sweet spot in the algal omega-3 market

Most experts say we have barely scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the commercial potential of microalgae. But who is best-placed to translate this promise into hard cash...

SOS: UK group ups ante in high-dose food supplements defense

UK food supplements lobby group, Consumers for Health Choice (CHC), has launched a new campaign to keep maximum permitted levels (MPL) for food supplements in UK hands.

Special edition: Omega-3

Finished product fortification: Tackling the challenges of omega-3 in processed foods

Omega-3 is the undisputed champion of the supplement and health food world. Yet its translation into everyday food products is slow and challenging because of the complex interactions that need...

Ultra-fine wheat bran plugs health and can improve texture and structure, says Limagrain

Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI) has extended its fibre range with a new ultra-fine wheat bran ingredient that it says can improve structure, texture and nutrition in a broad range of...

Capol CEO: Supplements will be a second business pillar for growth

German confectionery coatings firm Capol plans to venture into the supplements sector to establish a second business pillar for growth and gain technological knowledge, its CEO says.

Nutrition cluster holds but DSM profits slide 27% as recession bites

Royal DSM saw 2012 EBIT (operating) profits fall 27% to €635m from €866m in 2011 – but the human and animal nutrition business it has invested €2.4bn in since 2010 added 6% in profit.

InterHealth: Lowat herbal formulation may help shed 9 pounds in 8 weeks

A novel herbal formulation called Lowat may increase levels of a satiety hormone by 17% and help consumers’ weight management efforts, says a new study.

‘Mini gut’ technology aims to make probiotic research more efficient and cheaper, says TNO

A new technology that utilises intestinal stem cells to grown mini gut structures in the lab promises to help probiotic researchers achieve efficient and cost effective research, according to TNO.

Walmark to sue Romanian government agency over “unjustified” bullying allegations

Walmark says it will take legal action against a Romanian government agency after one of its officials publicly criticised the eastern European supplement giant’s marketing and market share-gaining methods.

Researchers examine ‘bone-healthy’ silicon supplemented chewing gum

The taste and mouthfeel of silicon microparticles may be acceptable for inclusion in a functional chewing gum that aids bone health, according to researchers.

Rexam strengthens Red Bull bond with new $175m Swiss investment

Rexam says it will build on its already strong relationship with Red Bull by building a new £115m ($175m) specialty can plant with a 2.2bn capacity for the energy drinks...

Blueberries may protect DNA from damage: Human data

Consuming blueberries may protect DNA from damage related to oxidative stress, suggests new research from Italy, but the fruit’s role in vascular function still needs additional study.

Could multivitamins boost well-being and energy levels?

Daily consumption of a multivitamin may boost consumers’ perception of mood and energy levels, says a new study from Australia.

Is curcumin the next omega-3? Sabinsa expects so with ‘game changing’ Curcumin C3 Reduct

The final stumbling blocks for the wide use of curcumin have been removed, claims Sabinsa as it launches its ‘next generation’ of curcuminoids offering ‘greater potency, stability and much better...

EC cans EFSA fees plan over income, independence concerns

Charging the private sector for European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) work will not generate enough cash and compromise the agency’s independence, a European Commission working group has found.

News in brief

Toxic: UK medicines agency issues alert against 4 Hong Kong herbal products

Four Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) sold online have been found to contain lead and mercury and can cause anaemia and brain damage, according to the UK medicines regulator.

Chr Hansen eyes pharma sector with €20m probiotic plant expansion

Global probiotics leader Chr Hansen is throwing €20m at the expansion of its Danish freeze-drying capacity with increasing global pharma  and food supplement demand the key driver.

Danone to cut 900 European jobs to address downturn

Danone has announced plans to cut 900 jobs across 26 European countries in an effort to address “the lasting downturn of the European economy.”

Caffeine linked to low birth weight babies: Study

A high intake of caffeine during pregnancy may be linked to higher risks of low birth weight babies, according to new research.

Romania battles “arrogant” Walmark over cranberry marketing

A Romanian government official has lodged an official complaint against eastern and central European food supplements mega-brand, Walmark, which it says exploits legal loopholes to bully competitors from market.

‘Second generation’ prebiotic shows potential against metabolic syndrome

Daily supplements of a novel mixture of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides may boost gut health and immune function and help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, UK researchers report.

UK venture capitalists eye expansion at Israeli antioxidant specialists

Southern Israel-based algae-sourced astanxanthin specialists Algatechnologies has won investment from a UK venture capitalist in a move that will broaden its capacity, R&D and distribution scope for the eye and...

Modified protein foods may slow Alzheimer's progression: Mouse study

Cycling between a normal diet and 'protein restricted' foods that contain modified levels of certain proteins could help improve memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new...

Vitamin C may protect marathon runners from colds, but what about the rest of us?

Daily supplements of vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing common cold for marathon runners by 50%, but there is little evidence that it helps the rest of us,...

Editor’s blog

Which 2 global health brands grew by $1bn in 2012?

Something probiotic? Omega-3? A diet cola? Nope. 

Guest article

More rigour required: Leatherhead on latest EFSA health claim rejections

Leatherhead Food Research nutrition research manager Roberta Re calls for more rigorous science after pouring over the latest serving of article 13.5 opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)...

EU research and innovation spending cut ‘not the path to take’, says FDE

Food industry trade body FoodDrinkEurope has said a decision to cut research and innovation spending by 11% under the EU’s seven year budget proposal is likely to harm the competitiveness...

NHCR article 13.5 shakedown

Latest EFSA article 13.5 rejections down to “lousy science”: Consultant

There is no surprise in the latest batch of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) article 13.5 health claim rejections as the science presented in six dossiers was “lousy”, a consultant told us...

EFSA rejects 6 article 13.5 health claim opinions

EFSA’s health claims panel has rejected 6 article 13.5 health claims for two digestion-focused probiotic submissions; cranberry and UTI; a potato extract and weight management; krill and menstrual discomfort; and...

Study ‘leaves little doubt’ about Pycnogenol’s benefits for menopause symptoms

Daily supplements of extracts from the bark of French Maritime Pine may help reduce the symptoms of the menopause like hot flashes and night sweats, says a new study.

Natural products can equal drug effects, but the odds are low say researchers

Certain combinations of natural products can be as effective as man-made drugs in acting against specific diseases. But the chances of finding an effective combination could be as low as...

Subcontinent tastes

India must accept that traditional foods aren't necessarily the safest

In the first article in a new a series examining Indian diets and health, a British dietitian urges India not to make the same mistakes that were made in her...

'Provocative': Prenatal folic acid supplements linked to lower risk of autism for kids

Maternal use of supplemental folic acid from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder in children, says...

French omega-3 supplier set for home-market margarine debut

French supplier Polaris says it is in talks with a French manufacturer to introduce its omega-3 into a margarine product this year.

EU health claim winner

Cross-Atlantic choline team banks on EU health claim conversion

US supplier Balchem has joined with Dutch firm Van Eeghen Functional Ingredients (VEFI) to develop the European choline foods and food supplements market, after the nutrient won three EU health...

M&A numbers down, but value of deals is up, investment group says

Nutrition Capital Network noted a record 247 deals in the health and wellness sector in 2012.  Within that number, the group noted a decline in the number of M&A deals...

Elevated calcium intakes double risk of heart disease death in women: BMJ Study

A high intake of calcium from both food and supplements is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and death from heart disease in women, reports a new study.

Bread with sliced carb content targets strict diet stage

Contract manufacturer Laboratoire PYC has sliced carbohydrate content by 80% in its latest dietetic whole grain bread product to target the ‘strict diet stage’ in weight management, it said.

Acquisition happy: Naturex 2012 sales up 18.1% in 2012 ; Raisio improves 5.7%

Two leading European ingredients suppliers have bucked hard economic times to post strong results for 2012, with French botanical extracts specialist, Naturex, and Finish agriculture, ingredients and brand owner, Raisio,...

EFSA affirms red yeast rice’s cholesterol management ability in new opinion

French supplier Sylvan Bio is seeking dialogue with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and EU authorities after the agency said in a just-issued positive article 13.5 health claim opinion...

Comment

Be flattered, not threatened, by increased medical scrutiny of products

The dietary supplements industry should be encouraged and not threatened by increased scrutiny of its products by the mainstream medical community, because it means they are taking the products – and...

News in brief

Reasons unknown: Merck and Chr Hansen pull EU probiotic allergy health claim

German pharma giant Merck and global probiotics leader Chr Hansen have pulled the probiotic-allergy health claim they jointly submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) less than four months...

News in brief

ISSN position statement on HMB for sports nutrition

The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has issued a position paper for the use of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) as a nutritional supplement.

Blends, probiotics and enzymes: Experts discuss the future of protein for sports nutrition

Protein blends will become increasingly prevalent in sports nutrition products, but the science needs to catch up to the possibilities, according to industry experts.

Omega-3 and vitamin D may help clear Alzheimer's plaques

Researchers have pinpointed the mechanism behind vitamin D3 and omega-3’s ability to enhance the immune system's ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's Disease....

Nestlé facing Pfizer Nutrition re-brand under South African approval

The South African Competition Tribunal has approved Nestlé’s takeover of Pfizer Nutrition – but only under the condition that the acquired infant formula brands are licensed out and re-branded in...

EU fisheries 'discard ban' can help meet booming omega-3 oil demand: IFFO

Banning European fisherman from throwing away unintended catches and fillet waste can provide a significant boost to fish oil and fish meal supplies, says a global marine ingredients group.

Zinc may help battle infections by moderating immune responses, study suggests

The mechanism behind zinc's reported ability to help fight off infections may lie in its ability to kick start and shut off immune pathways, say researchers.

Global Alliance for Probiotics: “EFSA has not contemplated the cluster method”

The European probiotic sector is moving forward with research around probiotic strain clusters it is hopeful can win the sector’s first health claim in the European Union.

Cranberry compounds show potential for blood sugar management strategies

Tannin compounds from cranberries and pomegranate may slow the digestion of starch and offer specific dietary approaches to control blood sugar levels, suggests a new study.

First Milk ups farmer capital to fund added-value dairy future

British dairy processor First Milk is increasing the amount of capital that its farmer members are required invest in the business, in an attempt to speed up the growth of...

Guest article

Global digestive breakdown: Pre-probiotic yoghurt still number 2 in functional food

The probiotic and prebiotic sectors are tackling some serious issues around claim restrictions in the EU, but the global digestive health picture remains upbeat with yoghurts alone putting on $1.7bn this...

New technologies and academic collaborations will drive evidence and market growth for probiotics

Greater collaboration from both within the industry, and between industry and academics, will help to drive forward promising scientific developments in probiotics, according to experts at Probiotech and Microbiota 2013.

Yeast beta-glucan shows benefits for stressed women

Supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may help stressed women stay healthy by reducing coughs and colds, says a new study.

Nestlé deal saves day as core profits drop 30% at Swedish probiotics supplier

Core activity profit fell 30% in 2012 at Swedish probiotics supplier BioGaia – although a cash-rich, five-year licensing deal with Nestlé kept overall figures high even as that very deal...

a2 Milk UK aiming to reproduce Australian success

a2 Milk UK is confident that it will mirror the achievements of its Australian counterpart by claiming a share of the UK mainstream fresh milk market – despite only launching...

Nutrition NGO responds to COI attack: We cannot “continue to exclude business”

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has defended its work with the global food industry, saying it is a vital partner in nutrition-changing efforts in the developing world and...

Probiotech and Microbiota 2013

Law veteran on EU health claim laws: “There is something quite wrong here.”

One of the EU’s most venerated food law experts stated the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) has become so convoluted as to be unworkable, at a Brussels congress...

Global sports nutrition market to top $6 billion by 2018, report says

Revamped, more complete product lines that are connecting with new customers are driving growth in the sports nutrition market, according to a new report.

News in brief

GSK not A-OK with Ribena, Lucozade? Strategic review begins…

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has launched a strategic review of its Lucozade and Ribena brands, hinting that the western-facing brands do not fit its increased focus on emerging markets such as China...

Regular consumption of vitamin C supplements linked to kidney stones risk: Study

Men who regularly take vitamin C supplements are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones, new data suggests.

Dangerous drug-laced ‘Brazilian slimming coffee’ brand still sold in US

Despite a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning that a sibutramine-laced ‘Brazilian Slimming Coffee’ may pose a 'significant risk' to some US consumers, the product is still widely available online.

Live from Probiotech and Microbiota 2013

Ciao ciao? Italy’s rogue probiotic health claim stance may have limited shelf life

Italian food supplement manufacturers continue to make probiotic health claims under a “soft law” governmental decree, although the country’s stance could be challenged by EU organs, a lawyer said this...

Heineken’s Finnish arm claims EU first with stevia-sweetened booze

Heineken’s Finnish business Hartwall claims to have launched the EU’s first alcoholic beverage sweetened with stevia onto the nation’s market this month in the form of a ‘light long’ RTD....

Calcium plus vitamin D may slash hip fracture rates: WHI data

Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the rate of hip fracture by almost 40%, says a new analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

SA anti-trust authority recommends Nestlé-Pfizer Nutrition deal

The South African Competition Commission has given its blessing to Nestlé’s $11.85bn global acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition – leaving it in the hands of the country’s Competition Tribunal to approve...

Slow-release niacin backed for lowering cholesterol, finds Lonza study

Slow-release niacin supplements are an effective way to lower cholesterol levels, while intake of inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) is ineffective, according to new research data.

Food Vision set to help navigate journey to the industry’s future

The next 5-10 years will present a significant challenge for global business, with a new event promising to help business leaders navigate the ‘biggest period of global change since the...

Editor’s blog

Probiotics sector forced to swallow the EU’s bitter health claims pill

On a train to Brussels to cover NutraIngredients’ Probiotech and Microbiota two-day probiotic congress, had me wondering of the sector mood now it has had its claims ripped up by...

Live from Probiotech and Microbiota 2013

EU food marketing expert: Consumers don't understand probiotic health claims ban

Most consumers know little to nothing about the EU health claim system, the European Food Safety Authority nor why a blanket ban has been imposed on probiotic marketing across the...

The Apple Tree of Life? Adding leaves to juice boosts health potential: Study

Adding apple tree leaves to cloudy apple juice to boost polyphenol content could prove a reliable and cheap way for manufacturers to produce functional beverages with disease-preventing potential, according to...

Live from Probiotech and Microbiota 2013

The data jungle: Matching gene content to probiotic traits could offer industry fresh hope

The probiotic industry is fighting several big fights at the minute, not least in the battle to win the first EFSA approved health claim in the market. But are the...

NEWS IN BRIEF

Chr. Hansen appoints de Jong as CEO, Frederiksen steps down

Chr. Hansen has appointed Cees de Jong as its new CEO, as Lars Frederiksen steps down from his post after eight years as CEO and 33 years with the company.

News in brief

Beneo expands distribution with Alsiano

Beneo has expanded its distribution agreement with Alsiano to include Sweden and additional products in Denmark.

Chairman’s resignation provokes major change at EU supplements group

The premier pan-European food supplements trade group, EHPM, is directly taking control of its own affairs for the first time in its 38-year history, after its chairman Keith Legge departed...

Dairy products not ‘equally beneficial’ for bones - US research

Not all dairy products are equally beneficial in promoting bone strength, US researchers have claimed.

Danone rubbishes Yakult shareholding increase rumours

Danone has dispelled rumours that it is seeking to increase its stake in Yakult – declaring that it has no plans to mount a “hostile bid” for the Japanese company....

Timing weight loss: It’s not just what we eat but when we eat, say researchers

The regulation of weight loss is not simply dictated by the balance between energy intake and expenditure, but rather requires correctly timed food delivery, according to new research.

WHO queries GAIN over food industry links

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has postponed establishing “official relations” with a malnutrition NGO, after infant health groups raised concerns about its links to large food companies.

European sports nutrition sector ‘angry’ at quality criticism after DMAA marathon death

The European sports supplements sector is not under-regulated the industry has said in an angry reaction to calls for greater controls after the death of a woman running the London...

Soy protein shows heart health benefits: RCT

Supplements of soy protein may reduce compounds in the body linked to dysfunctional blood vessel health, says new evidence that adds to the potential heart health benefits of the ingredient.

Study identifies potential new probiotics for supplements and functional foods

Spanish scientists have identified three bacterial strains that have ‘the potential to be used as probiotics in functional foods’ due to their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic strains...

Scientific evidence does not support selenium for heart disease prevention, says Cochrane

The current evidence does not support selenium for preventing heart disease in well-nourished adults, according to a new Cochrane review.