Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Neptune granted krill oil patent, opposition remains

A composition and matter patent granted to Canadian supplier Neptune Technologies & Bioresources for its omega-3 and antioxidants boosted krill-based ingredients last year has been validated by the European Patent Office.

Weekly comment

Temporary workers and corporate responsibility

As ever more food companies find themselves in the position of having employed migrants who were mistreated by illegal labour providers, it may be time for firms to start taking more responsibility for the temporary workers many of them rely on.

Vitamin A may suppress type 1 diabetes

High levels of vitamin A may curb the onset of type 1 diabetes by protecting against the attack of insulin-producing beta cells, according to an animal study by American scientists.

Neptune granted krill oil patent, opposition remains

A composition and matter patent granted to Canadian supplier Neptune Technologies & Bioresources for its omega-3 and antioxidants boosted krill-based ingredients last year has been validated by the European Patent Office.

ALA can benefit dry eye syndrome

Topically applying alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can ease the symptoms of dry-eye syndrome, according to American researchers.

EFSA nutrient profiling opinion gives no guidance, advisor

Companies need to keep a close eye on the next steps in the development of the European Commission's nutrient profiling system, says an advisor from EAS, since EFSA has failed to give an indication of foods that will be included.

EFSA nutrient profiling opinion gives no guidance, advisor

Companies need to keep a close eye on the next steps in the development of the European Commission's nutrient profiling system, says an advisor from EAS, since EFSA has failed to give an indication of foods that will be included.

Danisco debuts multilingual probiotics web presence

Danisco Cultures has launched five versions of the website that promotes its probiotic cultures in five different languages in response to what it calls "accelerating global development" of its licensing concept.

Probiotics push into UK iced lollies

Unilever has joined the growing number of manufacturers exploring new ways of delivering probiotics by launching an iced lolly aimed at children in the UK.

Synergy unites operations across UK and Ireland

Synergy has adopted a new structure for its businesses in the UK and Ireland, with closer coordination of operations and development activities and the ultimate aim of providing a 'one touch' service to clients.

Apples may help ward off colon cancer

Apple pectin and polyphenol-rich apple juice have an anticarcinogenic effect on the colon, encouraging the production of suspected chemopreventative metabolite butyrate, say researchers.

Study backs satiety benefits of PinnoThin

A new study has shown that pine nut oil can help reduce food consumption, providing additional weight to the satiety benefits of Lipid Nutrition's PinnoThin ingredient.

Cargill launches system for chewy-creamy ice cream

Cargill has developed a new functional system for the creation of frozen desserts and lollies with a chewy-creamy texture, a concept that could engender much innovation amongst manufacturers.

Enzymotec inks Nordic distribution deal

Israeli supplier Enzymotec has entered into an agreement with Danish raw materials and ingredients supplier, Alsiano Pharma, to distribute its lipid-based ingredients throughout Scandinavia.

Red wine antioxidant may kill cancer cells

The antioxidant resveratrol, found in grape skins and red wine, can cripple the function of pancreatic cancer cells while sensitising them to chemotherapy, says new research.

UK sterol foods market slows amid consumer confusion

Consumer confusion and increased competition from other functional food categories like probiotics has stalled growth of the cholesterol-lowering, sterol-fortified foods and beverages market in the UK.

Mars: Sterol chocolate reduces cholesterol levels

An industry sponsored, peer reviewed study has found consuming chocolate containing plant sterols and cocoa flavanols can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Danisco reshuffles ingredients ahead of sugar split

Danisco is reorganising its ingredients business in a bid to target market trends like health and wellness more closely, and deal with issues that have been affecting parts of its portfolio.

Prebiotics going strong despite price rise

Prebiotic fibre specialist Beneo-Orafti says demand for its chicory root-derived ingredients has been unaffected by price hikes it implemented at the end of last year.

Vitamin K benefits hip fractures

New research has concluded vitamin K2 consumption can aid recovery from hip fractures as well as have potential osteoporosis benefits.

Choices healthy food symbol set for scientific review

The evaluating criteria for the Choices healthy food symbol are to be reviewed and potentially adjusted, following the establishment of a new international scientific committee.

Fruit and veg linked to kids' school performance, study

Fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary fat intake were found to play an important role in children's academic performance, highlighting yet again the need for balanced diets at an early age.

Denomega targets dairy industry with omega-3 oil

Norwegian supplier Denomega has debuted a fish oil aimed at the dairy industry it says will be on market in "major products" by the summer.

Fish oil could reduce inflammation, finds study

Daily intake of essential fatty acids could help reduce the need for painkillers in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study.

Dietary guidelines play role in disease risk reduction

Consumers adhering to healthy diets similar to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, say researchers.

Deal could make traffic lights mandatory, claims report

Supermarkets in the UK could be 'forced' to adopt the Food Standards Agency's traffic light labelling scheme, claims newspaper.

Weekly comment

Calm crucial for energy products

Energy drinks are a runaway success but extreme marketing and product formulation has the potential to cast a shadow over the multi-billion dollar global industry.

Report reveals keys to energy drink success

A new report has outlined those factors that have driven success in the energy drinks sector pioneered by Red Bull in 1987.

Flavonoids reduce pancreatic cancer risk among male smokers

Finnish researchers have found flavonoid consumption may cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer among male smokers.

Datamonitor highlights confectionery novelties

Recent innovations in novel confectionery products include an energy-giving lollipop in a can, chocolate flavoured sea salt, and edible whole flowers, according to new data released by Datamonitor.

Reinventing ingredients: Lessons from Litesse

Changes in industry conditions and challenges, coupled with emerging trends, can open up opportunities for manufacturers to breathe new life into old ingredients.

Study links folate with healthier sperm

A new study has identified a possible link between men's intake of folate and reduced chromosomal abnormalities in sperm - a finding that, if substantiated by more research, may indicate that men should up their intake before conception as well as women.

Corn anthocyanins yield cardio-protective effect

An animal-based study investigating the link between anthocyanin consumption and cardiovascular disease has turned in encouraging results for the plant-derived flavonoids.

New Friesland venture aims for encapsulation development

Friesland Foods has formed a new research and development division for encapsulated products that can serve processor demand for new methods of delivering typically unstable functional ingredients.

Cognis seeks place in the sun for skin care concept

Cognis Nutrition and Health is combining three of its ingredients in a novel way to target the European skin care market with, initially, functional beverages.

Global pharma group launches Bulgarian supplements range

Finnish pharma player Actavis has launched three ranges of VMS and herbal products in Bulgaria with more planned as the company attempts to meet revenue growth targets of 20 per cent by 2010.

Propionic acid beverage could boost satiety

A new study suggests a dairy beverage fermented with propionic acid may boost feelings of satiety, but work will be needed on optimal dose and palatability of market-viable food concepts.

Frutarom develops taste for energy market

Israel-based supplier Frutarom has launched an "ingredient concept" around the energy sector to assist manufacturers with new product development.

Iodine fortification mandatory for NZ bakers

Bakers in New Zealand will now by law have to fortify bread products with iodine, as regulators in the country attempt to boost consumption of the essential nutrient.

Iodine fortification mandatory for NZ bakers

Bakers in New Zealand will now by law have to fortify bread products with iodine, as regulators in the country attempt to boost consumption of the essential nutrient.

DSM hikes vitamin A price

Dutch ingredients supplier DSM has jacked up the price of vitamin A by 10 per cent in response to "sharp" energy, raw materials and transportation cost increases.

Two's a crowd for probiotic cytokine production

Finnish researchers have found single strains of probiotic bacteria have a greater effect on cytokine production than those used in combination.

Study supports Pycnogenol for better memory in elderly

A new study indicates that the flavonol Pycnogenol can help improve memory in the elderly - findings the researchers say support putative benefits of antioxidants for cognitive function.

Frutarom sales grow again, profit recovery expected

Frutarom has reported a year of double-digit organic growth, in which it also acquired no less than seven other companies as part of its rapid growth strategy.

Soft drink makers press 'natural' innovation claims

Beverage manufacturers will continue to focus on using innovative "natural" ingredients in their products amidst growing concerns over the safety of their current formulations, according to the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA).

Danone cautioned over UK Actimel adverts

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told French dairy giant Danone to remove or alter a "misleading" probiotic yoghurt drink TV advert.

Gluten-free vegan diet could protect arthritics' hearts, study

Arthritis sufferers who adhere to a gluten-free vegan diet could be better protected against heart attacks and stroke, according to a randomized study published yesterday.

Genotype foods still a decade from the shelves: experts

Personalised food tailored for people's genotypes are still 10 to 15 years away from the shelves, experts told the Nutrigenomics 2008 conference in Paris.

Healthy confectionery to drive billion dollar market growth

A new report predicts that healthier eating patterns and strong economic growth, in both developing and developed markets, will boost global confectionery sales to $159.6bn by 2010.

Poland panel considers borderline supplements

Poland has established a government-backed group briefed with developing criteria relating to the classification of a range of nutrients under either food or medicine law.

Beeb cans CAM from online service

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has removed a section devoted to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) from its website in a move that has caused consternation throughout the British CAM community.

Study suggests soy stops prostate cancer spread

A new animal study has added to a body of research suggesting that soy could prove helpful in the fight against prostate cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Yearly results raise Raisio expectations

Finnish feed, food and ingredients giant Raisio Group has reported a return to the black and increased turnover in a year of change that saw it gain greater control over its activities - particularly in its ingredients division.

Yak cheese healthier for heart than cheddar: study

Milk from the yak can produce cheese with more heart-healthy fats than cheese from dairy cattle, suggests new research.

Nutrilab works towards a bright future for tagatose

Although Arla Foods halted production of the sweetener tagatose in 2006, the low-calorie, low-GI sugar replacer has not died a death. Rather Nutrilab sees a strong future and is working up to full scale production.

Scientists expand encapsulation methods for bioactives

Canadian scientists have developed a new encapsulation method using chitosan and alginate to stabilize micronutrients and protect them during passage through the stomach.

Tea drinking lessens female artery plaque

The antioxidant-driven functional properties of tea have been highlighted in a French study that has shown tea drinking can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lutein, zeaxanthin for AMD protection: more science

Higher intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet may slash the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 65 per cent, suggests a new study from Down Under.

Arla's emissions pledge reflects dairy eco concerns

Arla Foods say it will aim to cut 25 per cent of its current green house gas (GHG) emissions from its entire production and distribution cycle by 2020, in line with revised global targets on industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) output.

Vitamin D pills may protect kids from type-1 diabetes

The overwhelming body of science supports vitamin D supplements for protection against the development of type-1 diabetes, indicates a new meta-analysis.

Benecol reclaims UK cholesterol-lowering crown

Benecol, which pioneered cholesterol-lowering foods in Europe in 1995, has moved ahead of Unilever's Flora Pro.activ in the UK market after years in its wake.

Study finds folate-breast cancer link

The mandatory fortification of certain foodstuffs being considered in places like the UK and Australia has been dealt a blow after a study found folic acid contributed to the risk of developing certain breast cancers.

Potato proteins offer blood pressure benefits

Proteins isolated from the humble potato may be biologically active and capable of reducing blood pressure, as well as having antioxidant activity, Finnish researchers report.

EFSA OKs two out of three vitamin E forms

The European Food Safety Authority has given the thumbs up to the use of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienol tocopherol as vitamin E sources in food supplements.

Blueberries may cut osteoporosis link, for rats at least

An increased intake of blueberries may prevent the weakening of bones that occurs after the menopause, suggests a new study with rats.

Irish retailers petition EU for high-dose supplements

An Irish health food store association will have its pro-high-dose food supplements petition considered by the European Commission after it was deemed 'admissible' by a European Parliament committee.

Green group calls for halt on nanotechnology

Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FOE) has called for a moratorium on the use of nanotechnology in the food chain, claiming insufficient research has been carried out into its effect on human health and the environment.

Reducol gains first European 'name brand' launch

Premium Italian dairy Fiave has become the first European non-private label brand to incorporate Canadian start-up Forbes Medi-Tech's cholesterol-lowering sterol ingredient Reducol.

Europe proposes to test Indian guar gum for dioxins

The European Commission is proposing to test all guar gum from India for presence of the contaminant PCP as an interim measure to ensure ongoing supply of the thickening agent prior to the Indian authorities implementing tighter controls.

Green leafy vegetables may halve lung cancer risk

An increased intake of green leafy vegetables, but not fruit, may reduce the risk of lung cancer by 50 per cent, suggests a new study from Spain.

Magnesium may prevent strokes in male smokers

A high intake of magnesium may play a role in preventing cerebral infarction, a form of stroke, according to a large-scale population study from Finland.

Lipogen pockets European patent and heads west

Israeli-based phospholipids specialist Lipogen has won a European Union patent for its soy-derived, stress control ingredient Lipogen PAS.

The importance of quality assurance

Naturex talks about the importance of sourcing quality-assured ingredients, and the measures a company should have in place to ensure it meets the highest standards.

Prebiotics battling for ingredient acceptance

Prebiotics are struggling to gain the respect and interest of consumers in a gut health and immunity market that has come to be dominated by probiotics, according to an influential industry pundit.

Weekly comment

Warning signs: reconsidering shock tactics

Here's a possible new marketing angle for food and beverage manufacturers: "Food can kill".

Vitamin D-calcium combo provides long-term benefits for men

The benefits of a combined vitamin D3 and calcium for bones, reported to stop or slow bone loss, may extend for up to 18 months after stopping supplementation, suggests a new study from Australia.

Second-generation prebiotics get clinical trial support

A novel mixture of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides may selectively boost levels of friendly bacteria in the gut, showing that manufacture prebiotics can be tailored for higher selectivity, UK researchers report.

EFSA criticised for 'flawed' botanical methods

Industry groups have criticised a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) working group over the "medicinal approach" being favoured for regulating botanical supplements.

China driving European raw materials innovation

The improved quality of the Chinese ingredients supply chain is forcing European operators to lift their game, according to one leading UK-based supplier.

Broccoli compound boost for immune health

A compound found in broccoli, previously linked to anti-cancer benefits, may also counter the decline in the body's immune system associated with age, says a new study from UCLA.

Study questions low-dose lutein for eye health

Supplements of lutein and a range of antioxidants did not benefit the health of normal eyes, possibly highlighting the importance of doses, suggests new research from England.

Nutrient profiling irrelevant for supplements, says EHPM

Food supplements should be exempt from European nutrient profiling regulations because their fat, salt and sugar levels are scant enough not to warrant concern, according to an industry group.

Ingredients and nutritionals drive Glanbia growth

Glanbia profited from higher dairy prices in 2007 to report a year of impressive growth, with the impact particularly shining through in its value-added ingredients and nutritional premix activities.

Chromium picolinate linked to brain activity boost

A daily supplement of chromium picolinate may increase brain activity in older people experiencing early memory decline, researchers have reported.

Royal decree threatens Belgian botanicals

The Belgian government has drafted a law that threatens to reclassify as medicines up to 150 botanicals commonly used as food supplements.

Elderly muscles benefit from amino acid supplements

Supplementing the diet of elderly people with the full set of essential amino acids can boost their lean body mass, strength and physical function, according to a new study.

Milsing milking anti-allergy market

Croatian supplier Milsing is tapping the growing allergy relief market by taking its botanical, anti-allergy ingredient, Lectranal, into western markets.

Symrise snaps up flavour business as sales boom

Symrise has today reported a strong year for its flavour and nutrition division - good news that coincides with the announcement of its planned acquisition of part of Chr Hansen's flavours business.

Lutein, zeaxanthin good for healthy eyes, too

Supplementation with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin could boost retinal health in the eyes, and have benefits for people with seemingly healthy eyes, says a new study.

UK baby milk industry wins labelling battle

Infant and follow-on formula manufacturers will not have to re-label their products until 2010 after the English High Court upheld a legal challenge brought by the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association (IDFA) against the government.

Vitamin K linked to stronger bones for adolescents

An adolescent's vitamin K status could have important long-term implications on bone health, and a better status may protect them from osteoporosis later in life, suggests a new study.

Swinging voters key to European supplements debate

As the European Union debate over maximum and minimum nutrient levels in supplements and functional foods moves closer to a mooted January 2009 denouement, a key lobbyist says "it is all to play for".

EFSA highlights need for flavour intake data

More accurate intake data is required for a number of flavouring substances, says the European Food Safety Authority, as the standard model for estimating consumption levels was found to be inconsistent with information provided by industry.

Olive leaf liquid makes European debut in UK

Australian olive leaf extract pioneer, Olive Products Australia (OPA), has gained a European-first distribution deal in the UK for its high-antioxidant liquid supplement.

Micro-fibres enhance vitamin E delivery: study

The ability of fibres to bind vitamin E and improve delivery of the micronutrient may be increased almost 10-fold by making the fibres 'micro', Taiwanese researchers report.

Chr Hansen fights fakes with bilberry launch

Chr Hansen has added bilberry to its NutriPhy antioxidant range in a bid to add quality to a market it says is plagued by "bilberry imposters".

Probiotic cheddar to offer blood pressure benefits

Adding probiotic bacteria to cheddar may lead to the formation of blood pressure lowering proteins, giving the cheese an added health punch, report Australian researchers.

Black tea compounds may protect against diabetes

Compounds in black tea may be able to mimic insulin and help prevent diabetes, suggests new research from Scotland.

Kill two birds with one stone: soy boosts bone and insulin

Supplements of soy isoflavones may lead to improvements in bone health and blood sugar metabolism, according to new research from Japan.

Cognis buys into 20,000-strong natural products catalogue

German ingredients giant Cognis has gained access to one of the world's largest natural compounds databases in a move it hopes will generate business in new functional foods, supplements and cosmeceutical applications.

Weekly comment

The great food price smash-and-grab

While the world's media is bemoaning rising food prices, the French government is sniffing around the food industry for signs of gleeful profiteering. If it is right, the long-term losses of the nouveau cher will be far greater than the handful of centimes gained.

Supplements regulations get healthy airing at Brussels event

Twenty European and American companies heard presentations from three food law experts and participated in a lively floor debate and Q&A session at a recently held one-day event in Brussels designed to give "practical tips on mastering the European food supplement market".