All news articles for March 2006

Tea's brain health benefit link gets more support

Both green and black tea could protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, says a new study, adding yet more support to the benefits of tea extract on brain health.

Danish saw palmetto withdrawal due to safety

The Danish food safety authorities have withdrawn saw palmetto products from the market pending an assessment of their safety.

Antioxidants may not reduce pregnancy complications

Vitamins C and E might not reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women, and may even lead to under-weight babies, says a new study.

Natraceutical moves to patent cocoa fibre process

Spain's Natraceutical Group has developed a new alkalization process to make its soluble cocoa fiber suitable for use in functional milk products, an area it has identified as offering strong opportunities in the functional sector.

Raspberries - the berries are booming

Raspberries possess about 50 per cent higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, and storage or processing into jams does not remove the valuable compounds, as growing consumer awareness of health benefits drive sales.

New genome deal to boost Danone probiotic R&D

France's Danone has announced a three-year licence with US-based Integrated Genomics for access to the ERGO database and genomic discovery system to enhance the group's probiotic understanding and R&D.

Biogaia to develop anti-inflammatory products

Sweden's Biogaia has been granted a new patent on certain strains of Lactobacilli, which could open up several new uses in the field of inflammation.

Norwegian scientists develop omega-3 'candy'

Norwegian researchers are developing a new chewable capsule for omega-3, primarily aimed at small children who have trouble swallowing normal capsules.

Type of food affects soy isoflavone bioavailability

The body's ability to absorb and benefit from soy isoflavones is greater when taken from juice but not cookies, results that have implications for using soy isoflavones as functional ingredients.

Pure World bolsters Naturex results

Naturex is progressing faster than anticipated with the integration of US-based Pure World into its operations, reporting a huge leap in sales and operating income in full year 2005.

Enzymotec targets Russia with brain health supplements

Israeli biofunctional ingredients maker Enzymotec is continuing its Eastern European expansion with a move into Russia with its phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing brain health products.

Beta-glucan fruit drink lowers bad cholesterol levels

Soluble fibre beta-glucan could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and seems more efficient when put in beverages, claims new research.

Too little salt could be bad for you, claims report

A new study into the effects of salt intake suggests that people who reported eating less salt than is recommended by UK and US government guidelines were 37 per cent more likely to die from cardiovascular causes than those who ate more.

Vitamins and lung cancer risk - no link, says meta-analysis

High intake of vitamins A, C, E and folic acid do not reduce the risk of lung cancer, says a pooled analysis of prospective studies.

Beta-glucan fruit drink lowers bad cholesterol levels

Soluble fibre beta-glucan could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and seems more efficient when put in beverages, claims new research.

Omega-3 goes condition-specific

The omega-3 market is one of the biggest trends in the supplement market today, but it seems it is crossing from general wellness towards products aimed at specific consumers and indications.

Cereal makers back vital new EU food legislation

The European Breakfast Cereal Association (CEEREAL) has hailed two important pieces of European food legislation as "broadly positive' for the future of the industry.

ADHD teens calmed by omega oils

Supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 oils could improve the behaviour and the attention span of teens with ADHD, say English researchers.

Jellyfish could be key to neuroprotection

A calcium-binding protein derived from jellyfish is edging closer towards entering the supplements market, following the laboratory studies showing potent anti-aging activity on brain cells.

New funding for vitamin-enriched foods in Asia

The not-for-profit group GAIN will launch 10 new projects to supply vitamin-enriched food to developing countries in Asia, it said yesterday.

Industries sign up for year-long prebiotics project

Ingredients suppliers and food and drink manufacturers are joining forces to fund a new project by Leatherhead Food International aimed at systematically comparing available prebiotics.

Study 'confirms' lignan dose for menopause supplements

A daily dose of 10 to 30 milligrams of Norwegian spruce lignans is effective to help women manage menopause, says Italian research.

Weekly Comment

Salt debate leaves bitter taste

The current debate about the levels at which the UK's food regulator has set its salt reduction targets misses the point about how healthier eating habits can be achieved.

Creatine 'exerts mild antioxidant activity'

The amino acid creatine, a favourite of athletes around the world to increase their muscle bulk, may also act as an antioxidant, says new research.

Denomega, GAT team up over omega-3 in Europe

Denomega Nutritional Oils and GAT Food Essentials have joined forces to take on the European functional food and beverage market, leveraging the former's fresh oils and the latter's microencapsulation technology.

Fish group slams omega 3 study

A report claiming that oily fish has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer has been described as highly misleading by fish industry groups.

DSM to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide

Moves by DSM to reduce pollution emissions at its plants is a sign of the times for food companies, as tougher environmental laws come into force in the EU and US.

Omega-3s have no benefits for heart health, cancer - new review

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer, concludes a new review, but guidelines should continue for consumption.

ONC names microencapsulation solution Powder-loc

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) has revealed the double-shell technology underlying its Powder-loc microencapsulation for omega-3.

More evidence of green tea's brain benefits

Green tea catechins may improve reference and working-memory related learning ability, say research from Japan, adding to claims that green tea can help ward off Alzheimer's.

Algatechnologies launches astaxanthin beadlets

Israel-based Algatechnologies has launched an advanced form of astaxanthin beadlets to meet increased demand for vegetarian astaxanthin for tablets and hard shell capsules.

Youngsters advised to cut bad cholesterol for long-term benefits

Young people should be encouraged to lower their 'bad' cholesterol intake to reduce their long-term risk of heart disease, says a major new study.

Beta-carotene could slow down lung aging

Increased intake of beta-carotene, found naturally in carrots, broccoli and tomatoes, might reduce the loss of lung function due to aging, says new research from France.

All-natural rhubarb flavour targets health market

A UK firm has developed an authentic natural rhubarb flavour in order to tap growing demand for the latest fashionable health ingredient.

EU healthy labelling proposals edge towards resolution

A long-standing spat about nutritional food labelling between the food industry, the European parliament and the Environment Committee trundles on even though two major compromises have been laid on the table.

Seaweed tops list of innovative new ingredients

Seaweed is fast establishing itself as an important food ingredient - and not only in Japan, according to Datamonitor's Productscan database.

Australia accepts vitamin preparation alternative

The Australia and New Zealand food regulator has approved the use of medium chain triglycerides for the production of vitamins in infant formula, an allergen-free alternative to commonly used vegetable oils.

Omega-3s might stop spread of prostate cancer

Eating a diet with omega-3-rich oily fish could stop the spread of prostate cancer, but omega-6 fatty acids appear to promote the spread, says new research.

Carotech invests $40m in new tocotrienol plant

Malaysian vitamin E supplier Carotech is investing US$40 million in a new plant, in response to demand for its non-GMO tocotrienol complex as consumers start to become aware of the different forms of vitamin E.

Free-from food market there to be tapped, says analyst

The UK free-from food market, including dairy-, gluten- and wheat-free products, is set to double on the back of growing consumer concern over health and well-being.

Green tea extract may help oxygen flow to tissues

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main extract from green tea, improves oxygen flow to tissues deprived of adequate supply, claims new research from South Korea.

Healthy eyes linked to healthy diet and lifestyle

A healthy diet containing plenty of antioxidants and fish can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says a new study from Harvard Medical School.

Teagasc pushes Ireland towards greater food innovation

Ireland is positioning to compete on food innovation on a global basis, as Teagasc today announces that it is explaning its food research programme in anticipation of future challenges - with a specific emphasis on functional foods.

More support for grape seed extract's health benefits

Masquelier's grapevine seed extract could reduce free radical damage of blood vessel cells by 85 per cent and protect against heart disease, says new research.

FSAI issues regulatory wake-up call to Irish food cos

Food companies are largely unaware of regulatory hurdles to placing a new product on the market, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which has this week published a leaflet on appropriate labelling for functional foods.

DNA breakthrough promises crispier and tastier apples

Crucial new genetic data on apples could help revolutionise the produce industry by unlocking the secrets of taste, health and colour.

Fruit and veg may cut adult asthma risk

A diet rich in vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables, could cut the risk of adult asthma by about 20 per cent, says new research.

Dairy sector focuses on UK functional growth

The success of soy drinks shows that the UK functional drinks market is highly lucrative something that the dairy industry must take full advantage of, says Organic Monitor.

Keratec unveils synergistic skin health ingredients

Keratec is introducing a new duo of skin health ingredients - one topical, one oral - which could help traditional supplement companies move into skin care, and cosmetics companies cross over into supplements.

M&S embraces Danisco's HOWARU probiotic

Danisco's HOWARU Bifido probiotic is to be included in all Marks and Spencer's yoghurt and dairy products - an announcement coinciding with the Danish company's latest results that show cultures are a major growth driver.

Soy products pose no threat for infants, experts say

Scientific evidence says that consumption of soy from the diet or as supplements should not cause alarm despite negative reports about risks, a view that has been supported by a major US industry group.

Cognis signs new Tonalin CLA deal in Norway, Sweden

Cognis has cleared the way for its Tonalin CLA to be sold in supplements in health food stores in Norway and Sweden, thanks to an exclusive sub-license agreement with Bringwell International.

Business, not science, driving infant milk formulations say doctors

The standards for infant formulations, a topic of continued discussion with the Codex Committee, is being driven by commercial interests and not science say two paediatricians, claims that have been refuted by the industry.

More evidence that whole grains could protect against colon cancer

Antioxidants in wheat, allied with dietary fibre, are the key to its anti-colon cancer properties, say researchers.

DSM raises vitamin and carotenoid prices

DSM has announced that it is raising prices of its vitamins and carotenoids on a worldwide basis, as a result of increasing energy, raw material and transportation costs.

Swiss company derives DHA and EPA from algae

A new Swiss company is claiming to have found a way to derive omega-3 containing both EPA and DHA from algae, which could place suppliers whose product is derived from fish oil under price pressure.

Folic acid fortification linked to lower stroke death rates

The number of deaths from stroke in North America has dropped by five per cent since the introduction of folic acid fortification, while figures in the non-fortifying UK have not changed.

Tocotrienols may stop the spread of cancer cells

Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, could stop the spread of cancer cells, adding to previous studies and drawing attention to this least studied form of the vitamin.

New motion to keep vitamins on UK market

A new push is being made in the House of Commons to ensure supplements containing higher doses of nutrients than those set by the EU Food Supplements Directive remain available on the UK market.

Cartel fines slashed for BASF, Daiichi

BASF and Daiichi, two of the companies involved in the 1990s vitamin cartel, have had their fines significantly reduced by a European court, which ruled that the Commission made errors when calculating the fines.

Pepper extract could stop prostate cancer growth

Capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, could stop the spread of prostate cancer, claims a new study.

Gadot develops calcium for fortified syrups, concentrates

Gadot is introducing a new highly soluble source of calcium suitable for use in syrups and concentrates, which could help beverage formulators design products to meet burgeoning interest in functional drinks.

Epax lowers dioxin, dioxin-like limits in omega-3

Norwegian omega-3 supplier Epax has introduced new maximum limits for environmental pollutant levels in its oils, which it expects will boost consumer confidence in products.

Global fish oil production down in 2005

Global fish oil production declined in 2005, according to figures from the US fisheries department, while demand from the nutraceuticals industry is on the up.

Scientist concerned at plummeting nutrient levels

Nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some food crops have dramatically declined in the past 50 years, something that could further push consumers to opting for more nutritious organic goods.

Fruit and vegetable waste rich with extractable antioxidants

Fruit and vegetables waste products offer a cheap and practical source of potent antioxidants that could be used as functional ingredients, says a Spanish-German study.

Pigs give more support for fruit and veg rich diet

An intake of antioxidants from different fruit could be more efficient at protecting against the effects of oxidative stress than single fruits, says new research using pigs.

AquaNova heralds intelligent weight loss with NovaSol

AquaNova has developed a new system using its NovaSol nanotechnology to combine two active substances for fat reduction and satiety into a single nano-carrier - an innovation said to be a new approach to intelligent weight management.

Ireland in grip of modern-day famine, says politician

Food poverty is a problem of famine-like proportions in Ireland, Labour spokesperson on agriculture and food Dr Mary Upton has warned, and there is a pressing need for a programme to help groups most at risk from poor health through dietary deficiency.

Potential probiotics isolated from dairy sources

Greek researchers have isolated three strains of bacteria from dairy sources that have desirable probiotic properties and could be applied in the food industry.

Bioriginal combines milled flax and cranberry

Canada's Bioriginal is launching a new flax-based product which incorporates cranberry, which it expects to be popular with companies wishing to offer two-fold health benefits.

B-vitamins 'not beneficial' to high-risk heart patients

Supplements of B-vitamins lowered homocysteine levels but did not reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke for high-risk patients, report two new studies - findings that cannot be applied to the general population.

Stakeholders want EFSA to play greater role in nutrition

Nutrition is an important area for EFSA and the agency should become more involved in it in the future, said stakeholders at last week's consultative platform in Parma, Italy.

Danone takes affordable nutrition into Bangladesh

French food giant Danone is set to announce plans for a new dairy plant in Bangladesh to provide nutritious foods to low-income consumers, following successful entry into a number of similar emerging markets.

BioGaia's Reuteri - the deals keep coming

The momentum behind the roll out of BioGaia's Reuteri to international markets shows no sign of slowing, with the announcement of a new agreement with Ferring Pharmaceuticals to sell the drops in Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic and Hungary.

Calcium supplements could reduce severe pregnancy complications

Daily supplements of calcium might reduce serious complications during pregnancy by 25 per cent, reports a multi-centred WHO study.

Chr. Hansen develops culture for Indian yogurt

Chr. Hansen has developed a new dairy culture specifically designed for making dahi - a traditional ethnic yoghurt consumed in India.

Red cabbage could cut Alzehimer's risk

In a new study red cabbage was seen to reduce the build-up of certain plaques in the brain that could cause Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia that costs the UK an estimated £15 billion (€ 22 billion) every year.

UK regulator approves colour-coded nutritional labelling

Over manufacturer's objections the UK's food regulator yesterday approved a colour-coded nutritional labelling scheme for products.

BioGaia signs Forest for UK & Ireland Reuteri distribution

BioGaia's patented Reuteri drops are set to start making an appearance in pharmacies and drug stores in Great Britain and Ireland this year, through a newly announced exclusive license agreement with Forest Laboratories UK.

Ginger may prevent diabetic kidney damage - animal study

Ginger could help protect against kidney damage, a condition said to threaten one in three diabetics, if the results of an animal study published in Food Chemistry are also seen in humans.

UK firm cracks natural authentic pomegranate flavour

A UK-based flavour manufacturer claims it has cracked the difficult task of developing an authentic, all-natural pomegranate flavour.

Malnutrition a problem in the ageing, says ENHA

A new report published by the European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA) has drawn attention to the issue of malnutrition in Europe's ageing population - a problem it says is widespread but receives considerably less attention than obesity.

Vitamin E - the need for perspective

Conflicting study results concerning the benefits and safety of vitamin E are causing confusion amongst consumers, even though they are open to debate from fellow scientists and members of the supplements industry.

Cholesterol-lowering foods - the sum greater than the parts?

A combination of foods like soy, plant sterols, almonds and viscous fibres, could reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 20 per cent, and work better together than independently, says a new study.

Merck's Metafolin receives EU approval

The EU has given the green light for the use of Merck Eprova's Metafolin, a patented form of folate with superior bioavailability, in dietary supplements and dietetic foods in the EU, thereby giving formulators the means to differentiate their products from those containing folic acid.

New study investigates fatty acids and severe behavioral disorders

A new pilot study gets underway today to assess the effect of fish oil supplements in children at a residential school who have experienced severe emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

Vitamin C could reduce inflammation

A diet rich in sources of vitamin C could cut the level of markers for inflammation by 45 per cent, a result that needs verifying by supplementation studies, says a new study.

Mintel identifies key food innovations for 2006

Brain-power foods, portion control and products targeting the senior population are likely to be the food sectors to look out for in 2006, according to Mintel.

Overseas companies take risks over EU regulations

Many overseas companies selling nutraceuticals in Europe are risking having their products removed from the market as they have not gone through the correct regulatory channels, warns a consultant to the natural products industry.

More support that dairy could reduce colorectal cancer risk

A diet rich in dairy products could cut the risk of colorectal cancer by half, an effect that is not due solely to calcium, reports a Swedish study.

UK inquiry presents big opportunities for sports nutrition

A new Commons Select Committee inquiry into technologies to enhance sporting performance has been launched in the UK, which industry insiders say presents sports nutrition companies with opportunities for promotion.

RushNet taps growing herbal beverage market

A beverage company believes it is on to winner with a new range of natural ginseng-based energy products.

Med diet better than supplements for CVD

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet is better than taking individual supplements for cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the current science, says a new review from Canada.

Acatris develops odourless L-selenomethionine

Acatris has unveiled a new odourless L-selenomethionine, which it says will facilitate use of the more bioavailable form of selenium in tablets and capsules without affecting sensory properties.

The vitamin E debate rumbles on

Gamma-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E consumed in the American diet, and becoming more popular in dietary supplements, produces metabolites that are toxic to cells, claims a new study.

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