Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

News in brief

DSM builds China presence

DSM has linked with the North China Pharmaceutical Group Corporation in three separate projects that will see DSM take a minority 10 per cent share in the Chinese company.

Tocotrienol build-up in tumours ‘critical’ for anti-cancer benefits: Study

Tocotrienols, members of the vitamin E family, may exert their anti-cancer benefits by accumulating in cancer cells and delaying tumour growth, says a new study from Japan.

Vitamin K and prostate cancer – study supports benefits

An improved vitamin K2 status may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, suggest results from German scientists that build the science linking the vitamin to improved prostate health.

The promise of Afghan pomegranates

A scheme that aims to replace poppy plantations with pomegranate orchards in war-ravaged Afghanistan is winning support with up-market UK retailer Waitrose throwing its weight behind the project.

Early soy intake may slash breast cancer risk later in life

High intakes of soy during childhood may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer later in life by 58 per cent, according to a new study.

Codex agrees food supplement additive levels

Codex Alimentrius, the World Health Organization’s food supplements regulations advisory body, has recommended usage levels for nine colours commonly employed in food supplements.

UK report: Functional foods scepticism remains high

Scepticism toward functional foods is widespread, especially among men and younger people, but the level of wariness varies greatly between countries, according to a report produced on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK.

Flaxseed proteins may have blood pressure lowering potential

Proteins from flaxseed may reduce blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests new research from Canada.

Weekly comment

Obama’s veg plots point the way to healthy eating and more

“If you don’t plan to plant a garden in Lake Wobegon in the spring, it means you plan to be planted yourself.”

Functionality belying whey commodity concerns - analyst

Demand for whey-derived functional food and drinks claiming nutritional benefits remains undimmed despite an overall fall in sales last year for the dairy commodity, says an industry analyst.

Whey and lactose will survive private label push - analyst

The use of whey and lactose ingredients in finished products will not be significantly set back by a shifting retailer focus towards budget-priced private label goods, according to one global dairy analyst.

Cosucra: prebiotic fibres equally well tolerated

Inulin-type fructans are well tolerated regardless of whether they have a short or long chain, says new data from Cosucra.

EU health claims system may be illegal, say trade groups

Several influential pan-European industry groups will consider mounting a legal challenge against the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation if, as expected, thousands of article 13.1 generic ‘health maintenance’ claims are forbidden across the bloc.

Croda inks international omega-3 distribution deal

Croda Europe Health Care has commandeered Speirs Nutritionals Limited to distribute its omega-3 emulsions to food makers in the UK, Europe and North America.

News in brief

Australia food watchdog seeks views on new GM food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting individuals and organisations to comment on an application to seek approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Carotenoids linked to fewer hip fractures

Increased intakes of antioxidant pigments from plants may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US.

FSA keeps protein cap in place, industry objects

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) yesterday confirmed the implementation of a protein cap that limits products such as cereals being advertised to children.

Polish supplement sales slow but stay strong

The global economic slump has hit the buoyant Polish food supplements market that has shown rampant recent growth of more than 20 per cent annually, according to Polish market analyst, PMR.

Deadly turmeric supplements recalled

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a product recall for two brands of anti-inflammatory turmeric food supplements found to be contaminated with the prohibited drug, nimesulide.

News in brief

Tata says hello to branded tea plans

India-based Tata Tea says that it is looking to develop a common brand identity for its core flagship beverage products, which include bottled water, as part of a wider shake up of its operations, suggest press reports.

Omega-3 science review criticized for bias

The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) statement that ALA only converts to DHA in the body at negligible levels, has drawn criticism for bias toward marine sources.

News in brief

GTC Nutrition to distribute omega-3 in US and EU

Australian omega-3 supplier, Nu-Mega has appointed Colorado-based GTC Nutrition as distributor for its fatty acid powders and liquids portfolio in the Americas and Europe.

Science supports vitamin D to fewer broken bones

Daily supplements of vitamin D may cut the risk of fractures by up to 20 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis.

Antibody yoghurt stymies stomach ulcers, say researchers

Yoghurt fortified with antibodies extracted from chicken eggs, can battle bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers, according to preliminary findings from Japanese researchers.

UK medicines body promotes simplified herbal registrations

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reveiewing the process by which herbal products are transferred from the existing system to that established by the European Union Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD).

How metals in food impact children's behaviour

The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour, according to a lead researcher in the field.

Omega-3 may protect prostates from cancer: Study

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may protect against advanced prostate cancer, according to new research from the University of California San Francisco.

ALA-DHA conversion negligible, say fatty acids experts

Alpha-linolenic acid, (ALA) does not convert to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at levels that confer any physiological benefit, according to a summary of omega-3 research conducted by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL).

News in brief

Indian and Chilian suppliers sign bioactives pact

Indian supplier, Avesthagen, has teamed up with Uxmal, a Chilean biotech firm, to commercialise nutrients derived from South American plants in functional foods and other healthcare products.

Pea protein may cut blood pressure and help kidneys: Study

Proteins from pea may reduce blood pressure and improve kidney health, says a new study from Canada.

EFSA slashes heavy metal limit

The European Food Safety Authority has lowered the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for cadmium after studying data, a decision that could affect sourcing.

Finding the over-50s functional foods market

The over-50s have peculiar nutrition needs that, increasingly, are being catered to by functional foods makers as Shane Starling found out at a recent conference on the subject in Amsterdam.

EFSA health claim opinions

EFSA on omega-3 claims: yes to eye health, no to brain

The French arm of Mead Johnson Nutritionals has had two omega-3, eye health claims approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), but had three infant brain health claims turned down by the scientific assessor.

News in brief

Leatherhead calls for fibre cardiovascular research

UK-based Leatherhead Food International is attempting to redress what its nutrition research division perceives to be a clinical trial hole in the ability of dietary fibre to benefit micro- and macro-vascular function.

Tainted turmeric supplements linked to Scandinavian deaths

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned the UK public to avoid a brand of turmeric food supplements containing a drug called nimesulide after it was linked to two deaths and several liver damage cases in Scandinavia.

Weekly comment

Omega-3: Fishing for alternatives

Short of an earth-bound deity walking amongst us and miraculously multiplying our fish stocks, industry must invest more in alternative sources of omega-3 to meet nutritional needs.

Hopes for lifting the protein cap could be dashed

The Food and Drink Federation said it is baffled by a Food Standards Agency recommendation to keep the protein cap that limits products such as cereals being advertised to children, which it said overturned previous advice without “good reason”.

Glanbia: Misleading claims blight sports nutrition

“Outrageous product claims” are damaging the sports nutrition sector but suppliers can do more to ensure they are brought under control, according to leading Irish-based dairy ingredients and whey protein supplier, Glanbia Performance Nutrition.

News in brief

DSM earns sustainability A+

Dutch ingredients giant, DSM, has won the highest recommendation from environmental and social standards watchdog, the Global Reporting Initiative, which ranks companies on sustainability initiatives.

Tournay turns to organic ingredients

French supplier Tournay Biotechnologies is reacting to rising demand for organics by increasing its organic offerings despite premiums over non-organic versions that can rise to 250 per cent in some cases.

Yakult pushing probiotic science envelope

Probiotics are best known for their digestive health benefits, but research is pointing to benefits in unexpected areas. Shane Starling met with Yakult’s Netherlands-based science manager, Dr Jia Zhao, after she spoke at a recent conference on functional foods for the over-50s in Amsterdam.

Protein drinks expanding despite health scepticism - Zenith

Milk and fruit drinks enriched with proteins are growing beyond niche market of exercise junkies by broadening into other functional areas like satiety and clinical nutrition, according to Zenith International.

Snack Size Science: Coffee stirs up gut health promise

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we spill the beans on the potential of coffee to boost levels of beneficial bacteria in our guts.

News in brief

Ireland: no need for folic acid fortification

A Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) working group has stated there would be no public health benefit from mandatory folic acid fortification, but is waiting on data due by year’s end before making a final determination.

Study identifies new class of functional foods

Stressing plants to induce their natural defences could lead to a new range of functional foods enriched with a plant's natural defensive compounds, phytoalexins.

How convenient: superfruits steal fruits’ thunder

Young people are increasingly interested in getting their serve of fruit in a processed form and quickly turning away from whole fruits, according to author and editor, Julian Mellentin.

EU set for (yet more) nutrient profiling delays

The European Commission is no closer to finalising a nutrient profiling criteria that will govern which foods and beverages can make health and nutrition claims, according to a Commission official contacted by NutraIngredients.com this morning.

Grape polyphenols may protect against obesity: Study

Antioxidant-rich supplements containing polyphenols from Chardonnay grape seed may protect against oxidative stress linked to obesity, suggests a new study with hamsters.

CoQ10 gets formulation boost in beta-cyclodextrin

Coenzyme Q10 may have enhanced solubility in water, and stability to heat and light if complexed with beta-cyclodextrin, says a new study from Slovenia.

Cognis invests in weight management and heart health

German ingredients giant, Cognis, has signed up two ingredients from its biotech partner, InterMed Discovery (IMD), that have demonstrated weight management and heart health benefits.

Europe OKs vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 has won Novel Foods approval paving the way for the fermented soy extract to be used in a wide variety of applications across the European Union’s 27 member states.

P.L.Thomas focuses on edible cosmetics with new ingredient

P.L.Thomas’ launch of an ingestible ingredient designed for people with itchy or flaky skin is part of the botanical company’s larger focus on beauty from within.

News in brief

Cherry extracts seek superfruit status

Australian Functional Foods has released two cherry-based extracts for which it is promoting on high antioxidant content.

Lycopene forms win EU Novel Foods approval

Several proprietary lycopene forms have been approved for use in a variety of food applications as well as food supplements, after gaining a green light from a European Commission committee.

Coffee may boost gut health: Nestle study

Moderate consumption of an instant coffee may boost the numbers of certain bacteria in the gut with reputed health benefits, says a study from the Nestle Research Center.

EFSA rejects infant formula gut health claim

Food giant Heinz’s Italian subsidiary, Plada Industriale, has had an infant gut health claim rebuffed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which founds its dossier wanting.

Calcium may boost weight loss, but only if you’re deficient

Calcium supplements for obese people with low calcium levels could produce weight loss of up to six kilograms, says a new study from Canada.

Lack of vitamin D could lead to fatter teens: Study

Adolescents with high intakes of vitamin D may have lower overall body fat and lower amounts of abdominal fat, says a new study from the Medical College of Georgia, US.

Danone gives weight to satiety sector

Weight management is a big issue at Danone as Shane Starling found out when he spoke to the French dairy group’s manager of sensory and consumer science, Alexandra Boelrijk, after a recent conference on the subject in Amsterdam.

EFSA rejects omega-3 antioxidant claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has turned down an article 13.5 health claim linking omega-3 consumption and boosted antioxidant activity in the body.

Weekly comment

Could sugar shake off its bad boy image?

Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.

Antioxidant focus

Antioxidants: The rise of polyphenols

For many consumers, antioxidant doesn’t go beyond vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, but as understanding of the antioxidant compounds in fruit and vegetables increases, more research is pointing towards the potential of polyphenols.

Omega-3 EPA could be sourced from biodiesel: Researchers

Fungal treatment of a biodiesel byproduct can produce the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), offering a potentially economical source of EPA from microbes.

Lipid metabolism project to speed healthy food development

A new EU-wide research project is being launched to use computer models to study the effects of gut microbiota on lipid metabolism, with the aim of speeding the development of healthy foods.

Calcium and vitamin D may protect against diabetes: Study

Increased intakes of calcium and vitamin D may improve insulin levels, and offer protection against diabetes, independent of dairy intake, suggests a new study.

News in brief

IFT to discuss nano food uses in London

A seminar to be held in London on 30 April will explore the latest developments in nanotechnology, and its potential for use in the food industry.

EPAX ready for omega-3 hygiene rules

Norwegian fish oil supplier, EPAX, has had its South American omega-3 fish oil supply approved by a local authority to meet new European Union hygiene regulations, due to kick in on May 1.

Antioxidants focus

The contradictory science of antioxidants

Apparently conflicting results from randomized clinical trials and observational studies abound in the scientific literature. In the third part of a four-part series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks to get behind the contradictions.

Downturn keeping consumer thoughts on brain health - Lipogen

Changing global consumer habits during the current economic downturn appear to be contributing to strong interest in products offering brain health function, says one phospholid supplier.

Virun debuts shelf-stable, H20 soluble, nanotech omega-3

A patent-pending production process employing nanotechnology is allowing omega-3s into shelf-stable beverages such as juices and waters for the first time, according to biotech firm, Virun.

Study raises concerns over folic acid and prostate cancer

Daily folic acid supplements may double the risk of prostate cancer amongst men, according to a new US study that raises questions about fortification with the vitamin.

Health claim dossiers cost €5m, says DSM

DSM’s human nutrition corporate scientist, Wim Saris, spoke with Shane Starling recently after chairing a weight management and satiety conference in Amsterdam. He voiced his concern about spiralling health claim costs muzzling innovation.

News in brief

Indena collects ABC award

The Texas-based American Botanical Council (ABC) has recognised the contribution made by global herbal extracts leader, Indena, to the botanicals sector by presenting the Italian company with the Varro E. Tyler award at Expo West at the weekend.

Antioxidant focus

Cracking the code on antioxidant testing

The list of tests available to assess antioxidant activity may look like a page ripped from a World War II code book, but understanding how the results are complementary is vital for the continued success of antioxidants.

Quaker Oats repositions brand in health focus

Quaker Oats fully embraces the health and wellness message behind its hallmark ingredient - wholegrain oats - re-positioning all of its products under one umbrella for the first time in its 130 year history.

Vitamin C may slash gout risk in men: Study

Higher intakes of vitamin C may reduce a man’s risk of gout, the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in adult males, by up to 45 per cent, says a new study.

Antioxidant focus

The growth of brand 'antioxidant'

From berry extracts to tea bags, the term antioxidant is being used as a marketing tool for products. In the first part of a four-part focus on antioxidants, NutraIngredients reviews the rise of a branding tool.

Coke pops Innocent offer

Atlanta, Georgia-based Coca-Cola has tabled an offer for a minority stake in stalling UK smoothie maker, Innocent, according to press reports.

News in brief

DSM talks cost-savings online

DSM Food Specialities has launched a new website to showcase ways it can help customers reduce formulation costs, and better cope with the pressures of operating in a delicate economy.

4000+ health claims processed by 2010? No way, says group

The European Union nutrition and health claims process will not meet its January, 2010, deadline as there are simply too many to process by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the bloc’s executive arms, according to Brussels-based consultancy, EAS.

One ingredients size fits all, says BASF

Ingredients giant BASF Nutrition has launched a program to band some of its primary human nutrition ingredients together in a move it says will simplify the supply chain for its global customers.

News in brief

DSM wins gong for blood pressure ingredient

DSM’s re-branded peptide, tensVida, won its second major award in six months when the blood pressure-controlling ingredient took the NutrAward at Expo West/Supply Expo in Anaheim on the Saturday.

Green tea may protect gums against disease

Consuming green tea may offer protection against gum disease, a condition that may affect over 30 per cent of the population, suggests a new study from Japan.

Four times current vitamin D doses needed for winter levels: Study

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months requires a daily dose of 20 micrograms, four times the current recommended dose, says a new study.

Eye health market prepares for take off, says F&S

The European market for eye health supplements is poised to take off, and well-positioned products are set to benefit from a rise in consumer interest, according to market researcher Frost & Sullivan.

EBF welcomes EC’s judgment on Spanish botanicals

The European Botanical Forum (EBF) has welcomed the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) judgement against Spain for not applying the principle of mutual recognition in its policy on botanical food supplements.

News in brief

Omega-3 pills could boost birth weight: Study

Low maternal consumption of fish, and subsequently omega-3 fatty acids, may raise the risk of low birth weight babies, says a new study from India.

Weekly comment

Cargill vs Chavez: Clash of the rice titans

Clutched to the president’s chest like a medal of nationalisation, Cargill Venezuela cannot be sitting very comfortably this week as it awaits the fate of its rice plant.

Beta-carotene, lung cancer study flawed: Experts

A population-based study reporting concerns over beta-carotene and other carotenoids and lung cancer in smokers was based on invalid methodology, questionable statistical evaluations, and speculative explanations, says a German professor.

EFSA OKs new source of niacin for supplements

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that inositol hexanicotinate is a safe source of niacin in food supplements, but cautions that safe upper limits must not be exceeded.

News in brief

Scientists propose new marker for blood omega-3 levels

US scientists have reported that the stable nitrogen isotope 15N may be a suitable biomarker to analyse blood levels of EPA and DHA intake in clinical and epidemiologic studies.

Omega-3 DHA boost for heart health in high-risk men: Study

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce compounds associated with inflammation by up to 20 per cent, says a new study.

Study supports beta-carotene concerns for smokers

Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene may increase a smoker’s risk of lung cancer says a new population-based study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Snack Size Science: The ABC - and D - of common cold control

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at the potential of vitamin D to prime the immune system and offer protection against colds and the flu: A ray of scientific sunshine on a dark winter day.

Dairy woes dent Glanbia’s full year results

The Irish food firm Glanbia has reported an 18.5 per cent rise in profits for the year but its performance was hit by a struggling dairy sector and it predicts tough times ahead.

EFSA still not engaging with industry on botanical claims, say stakeholders

Stakeholders in the botanicals industry have again highlighted their concerns regarding the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) approach to health claims regulation in a meeting with the authority last week.

Dispatches from Expo West

Expo West in a tight economy

The economic climate is not slowing activity in the natural and organic marketplace, but manufacturers and suppliers will likely be looking for new ways to build business relationships, claim the organizers of one of the industry’s largest trade shows Natural Products Expo West.

News in brief

Dr Masquelier passes

French scientist and phytochemistry pioneer Jack Masquelier passed away on February 24, aged 86, leaving a legacy of science for oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs.

The need to build weight claim science

The Kerry Group’s director of sciences, clinical trials and statistics, Wim Calame, discusses the state-of-play in weight management science and health claims with Shane Starling at the 2009 satiety and weight management conference in Amsterdam.

News in brief

Raisio sees sunny future for green labelling

Finnish ingredients supplier and Benecol brand owner, Raisio, has diversified its green labelling scheme to incorporate its Elovena snack drink, Sunny.

Low maternal B12 levels may increase risk of defects in babies

Women with low blood levels of vitamin B12 are at increased risk of having a child with neural tube defects, according to the findings of a new study.

Vitamins may help coeliac disease management: Study

Daily supplements of B vitamins may improve the overall health of people with coeliac disease by reducing levels of an amino acid linked to heart disease, says a new Dutch study.

Broccoli sprouts may reduce asthma: Study

A naturally occurring compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against asthma and other conditions due to respiratory inflammation, says a new study.

Polyols choice critical for nutritional bar acceptability

Adding the polyol glycerol to a whey protein based nutritional bar maintains the soft texture and consumer acceptability of the product during storage, says a new study.

EC validates 21 EFSA health claim opinions

The first batch of EFSA health claim opinions moved closer to being written into the European Union legislature, after being processed by a European Commission committee this month.

UK consumer watchdog questions functional foods

The influential UK-based consumer welfare advocate, Which?, has poured scorn on some functional foods, despite the fact 59 per cent of its highly sceptical members buy omega-3, probiotic and other functional foods.

News in brief

IADSA hosts Latin American supplements event

Global dietary supplements regulations and their relation to markets in South America was the theme of an event of a congress hosted by the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) in January.

Weekly comment

Twitter could leave bitter taste in Pepsi’s mouth

“The new cartons stink.” Customer responses to new product developments seldom come clearer or more direct than that.

Prebiotic formula may reduce infant infections: Study

Adding prebiotics to infant formula may reduce the number of gut infections and reduce the use of antibiotics, according to a new study from Italy with 'major implications'.

Diana roles out new line of organic extracts

The ingredients firm Diana Naturals is extending its range to embrace the trend for organic extracts with the launch of seven new fruit and vegetable products.

Lutein may protect eyes against long-term computer use: Study

Supplements of lutein, long-reported to have benefits for eye health, may also protect against the detrimental effects of long-term computer display light exposure, says a new study from China.

Cancer fighting broccoli extract deal signed

UK start-up Evgen Limited has joined with a noted Danish vegetable researcher to bring broccoli extracts to market that have demonstrated anti-cancer potential.

Cognis streamlines operations with sale of botanicals business

Cognis says the sale of its botanical extracts division to Burgundy Botanical Extracts Iberia will increase the company’s competitiveness and increase efficiencies.