Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Keratec gains worldwide halal approval

New Zealand ingredients innovator Keratec says it has received approval for its entire Functional Keratin products derived from sheep's wool are suitable for use in products for the halal market.

Euringus introduces organic pea fibre for Europe

French supplier Euringus is introducing a new organic pea fibre to its ingredient range, which it expects will help food makers meet demand for fibre-enriched products in Europe in the light of consumer campaigns.

Astaxanthin eyed as weight loss ingredient

Astaxanthin, the carotenoid mostly associated with eye health, stopped weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet and offer an interesting alternative to the blossoming weight management market if results can be repeated in humans.

EGCG from tea may prevent arthritis - study

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) extracted from green tea may inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules associated with and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, scientists have reported.

Lutein awareness continues to grow across Europe

Awareness of lutein in Europe is growing year on year, according to a new consumer survey that shows the potential of marketing to expand the food supplements market in Europe.

German institute defends nutrient profiling for health claims

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfD) has defended its proposals concerning nutrient profiles, one of the most controversial elements of Europe's proposed health claims law.

Black cohosh may halve breast cancer risk - study

Women taking supplements of black cohosh may cut their risk of breast cancer by more than 50 per cent, suggests an epidemiological study from the US.

Sterols in capsules effective for cholesterol cuts

Regular use of plant sterol esters in capsules improved blood lipid levels and may reduce heart disease risk, says a new study said to be the first to examine the efficacy of sterols in capsules in humans.

DSM Nutrition sales on a par with last Q1

DSM has reported flat sales for its Nutrition division in the first quarter of 2007, but a new, forward looking programme is already underway to improve profitability and place emphasis on product differentiation.

Hershey and Barry Callebaut join forces

Chocolate giants Hershey and Barry Callebaut, have teamed up for a landmark partnership which will see the Swiss cocoa producer providing the raw material for Hershey's chocolate products and expanding facilities in South America.

Genosa, Aquanova team-up brings olive extract for healthy oils

Collaboration between Spanish R&D company Genosa and Germany's Aquanova has produced a nanoscale olive extract with soluble in both water and fats, for use in healthy oils and supplements worldwide.

'Golden' potatoes engineered to give beta-carotene boost

A 250 gram serving of "Golden" Potatoes, engineered to produce high quantities of of the pro-vitamin A beta-carotene, could provide half the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, suggests new research.

Danone on course for 2007 ambitions

Decline within Group Danone's Asian operations failed to dampen a strong first quarter performance for the company as like-for-like sales underwent a 10.1 per cent rise to €3.6bn.

BASF fine chems sees results of efficiency measures

BASF's fine chemicals division has started 2007 with a sales increase and earnings before interest (EBIT) up 191 per cent on Q1 2006, as its programme to increase efficiency presses forward.

Scientists question benefits of polyphenols

Polyphenols, antioxidants linked to a long list of health benefits, may not be so good for you when taken in larger doses found in supplements and foritified foods, researchers have said.

Germany elaborates nutrient profiles for health claims

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has released its proposals for elaborating nutrient profiles, one of the most controversial elements of Europe's proposed health claims law.

Antioxidants pills may benefit chemotherapy patients

Antioxidants supplements may help increase cancer survival rates, tumour response, and the patient's ability to tolerate chemotherapy, concludes a new review.

Probiotic teams more useful than single strain - study

A combination of different probiotics strains reduces the ability of potentially pathogenic bacteria to colonise the gut more than single strains, says new research that proposes industry should look to expand research in this area.

Rose petal extracts to see strawberry pigments bloom?

Antioxidant compounds extracted from rose petals could protect the colour of strawberry extracts during processing, says a new study.

Ireland earmarks millions for functional food research

Ireland has formally launched its marine functional foods research programme, pledging to spend €5.2m towards becoming a leader in the global market for foods with added health benefits.

Prebiotics again studied as probiotic encapsulators

Adding the prebiotic inulin to yoghurt boosted the growth of probiotic bacteria and, when used in a novel double-microencapsulation, extended the survival rates of the friendly bacteria.

Australia adopts NZ nutrient levels

A joint agency agreement between Australia and New Zealand edged closer after Australia moved to adopt New Zealand limits for selenium, vitamin A and niacin (vitamin B3).

Step up obesity campaign, experts urge

The obesity epidemic has reached a crisis point, experts warn at this week's European congress, and governments and the food industry must gear up efforts to deal with it and prevent further impact quality of life and life expectancy.

Whole grain promotion should be doubled - meta-analysis

The consistent evidence linking the consumption of whole grain to significant decreases in the risk of cardiovascular disease should push policy-makers to redouble their efforts to get the public eating more of the grains, scientists behind a new meta-analysis have said.

Barry Callebaut to study cocoa butter for diabetics

Barry Callebaut is funding research aimed at discovering the component in cocoa butter responsible for an observed improvement in insulin sensitivity, with the ultimate aim of developing chocolate products for diabetics.

Infant formula with leptin may cut obesity

Adding the hunger hormone leptin to baby formula may protect against obesity later in life, if results from a rat study can be translated to humans.

Nestle Nutrition achieves 10 per cent growth target

Nestle has reported strong overall organic growth in its first quarter, said to be fuelled by the move towards nutrition, health and wellness and a strong basis on which to reiterate its full year targets.

Weekly Comment

Ditch the marketing madness

Marketing strategies - two words that incorporate everything from pseudo scientific research to shock value advertising campaigns. But shouldn't honesty be the best policy?

Frutarom buys another UK flavour firm, Jupiter

Frutarom is continuing its strategic shopping spree with the acquisition of UK flavour firm Jupiter, less than a month after an agreement to acquire Belmay.

Low vitamin D levels linked to poor physical performance

Older people with low levels of vitamin D may be at increased risk for poor physical performance and disability, suggests a new study highlighting the need for better targeting of the vitamin to the older generations.

Better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio could reduce depression study

Improving the ration of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet may improve mood and reduce depression, suggests a new study.

Study links obesity to protein in infant formula

The results of the EU Childhood Obesity Programme indicate that low-protein content in infant formula may have metabolic, endocrinal and developmental benefits for babies - which may also have an impact on obesity at a later age.

Regulator says levying fees could harm independence

The EU's food safety agency has expressed reservations about a plan by the European Commission to make companies pay fees for risk assessments.

Irish court judges in Glanbia's favour in probiotic case

The Irish Commercial Court has judged that the Yoplait Essence brand does not infringe on Danone's Essensis trademark, and that the French dairy giant's trademark should be revoked, as it is not a genuine market brand.

Are fruity cocktails a healthy drink?

Strawberries with alcohol may lead to an increase in antioxidant capacity, says new research from Thailand and the US that suggests a daiquiris could be classed as a health drink.

Chr. Hansen to launch phytonutrients range at Vitafoods

Danish company, Chr. Hansen is to use the upcoming Vitafoods as the launch pad for its new NutriPhy range of phytonutrients for dietary supplements and functional foods.

Cognis takes heart from strong 2006

Cognis has reported strong sales and operating profits for full year 2006 - results to which its wellness and sustainability focus made significant contribution.

Exclusive interview

Inside Nestle's R&D brain centre

In the first of a new series of exclusive interviews, Professor Peter van Bladeren, Nestlé's director of science and research, tells Stephen Daniells how collaboration is key to innovation at the Nestlé Research Center.

Kemin reports strong evidence lutein's skin health benefits

Oral supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin provided a four-fold increase in protection from UV radiation-induced skin damage, says a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled, multi-centre study, co-funded by Kemin Health.

Two years and counting: food industry fights obesity

The European food industry is this week taking stock of two-years' concerted effort to do its part in combating the rising tide of obesity, with the publication of a report illustrating achievements towards promoting healthy diets and lifestyles.

Probi signs beverage partnership as agreements continue

The agreements just keep rolling in for Probi after the probiotic company announced a new license agreement with an unnamed, but well-established European food company.

Martek expands science behind DHA's Alzheimer's protection

A pre-clinical study, supported by Martek, shows that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may cut the build-up of a certain protein linked to Alzheimer's, said to be the first such study to show report such results.

Chondroitin for arthritis same as placebo - meta-analysis

Chondroitin, one of the most popular supplements for joint health, has the same effect as placebo for osteoarthritis in the hip and knee, says a new meta-analysis.

Grain industry slammed for costly waste

Inefficiency in the UK cereals supply chain is costing the industry almost £1 million (€1.47m) a week and cereal manufacturers are partly to blame, according to a new report from the Centaur Grain group.

Consider traditional knowledge for botanical health claims, EBF asks EFSA

The European Botanical Council (EBF) is pressing for traditional knowledge to be considered in EFSA's evaluation of health claims for botanicals under the new health and nutrition claims regulation.

Clinical trial boosts omega-3's ADHD benefit claims

Omega-3 supplementation of children with learning and behavioural problems led to significant improvements, adding important data to this high profile subject.

Fenchem to launch selection of branded fatty acids

Chinese supplier Fenchem is gearing up to launch branded fatty acid ingredients oma-3, omega-3, and liveflax flax lignans for the European market.

A kiss is just a kiss, chocolate gives better buzz

Chocolate boosts brain activity and increases heart rate more effectively than kissing, according to British researchers.

Low vitamin D levels again linked to cancer risk

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of cancer, researchers have told attendees at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, with results from a clinical trial hoped to show benefits of high-dose vitamin D replacement in individuals with high risk of lung cancer.

BioReal ups astaxanthin content and rebrands

Sweden-based BioReal have launched a new formulation of its algal astaxanthin extract, offering customers a minimum of 10 per cent pure astaxanthin.

Leatherhead forms food industry NanoWatch group

Leatherhead Food International is forming a new working group to investigate the use of nanotechnology in the food and drink industry, with particular emphasis on ingredients and hydrocolloids.

Broccoli, soy anti-cancer benefits suggested

Consumption of broccoli and soy has been linked to lower risk of certain cancers, and researchers have now proposed a mechanism to explain how such foods may offer protection.

Weekly comment

Food contamination: time for action

At a time when so many resources are being pumped into improving consumer health through food, it is pitifully ironic that more and more people are getting sick or dying from what they eat because of safety slips.

Alltracel expects cardiovascular, cosmeceutical revenues this year

Alltracel has reported a watershed financial year 2006 in which it generated profit for the first time, putting it in a strong position for introduction of cardiovascular (CV) and cosmeceutical products later this year.

Flavonol-rich diet may slash pancreatic cancer risk

A diet rich in flavonols from foods such as onions, apples and berries may cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by about 25 per cent, scientists have told attendees at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Kemin set to bring satiety ingredient to Europe

Kemin Health Europe has announced that its patented satiety ingredient Slendesta for the weight loss market will hit the European market for in time for Vitafoods 2007.

Martek gains new Euro patent on ARA for infant formulas

Martek has added a new patent to its store of European intellectual property on ARA from Mortierella alpine microorganisms for infant formulas, reinforcing its position after an opposition hearing in 2005 narrowed the scope of the original.

Fish-diabetes pollution link may boost supplements

A new study linking pollutants found in fish to insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes may further turn people off fish and boost the omega-3 supplements market.

CIAA launches GDA tool for producers, consumers

The CIAA has launched a new online tool to assist food and drink producers make sence of guidance daily amounts (GDAs), following the introduction of a common nutrition labelling scheme for the EU industry last summer.

Low-dose Carnipure tartrate promotes exercise recovery - study

Low dose supplementation with L-carnitine tartrate may reduce muscle damage and boost recovery after exercise, says a new study partly funded by Lonza.

Lipid Nutrition builds science behind Clarinol CLA

Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced body fat mass particularly in the legs, and had positive effects on lean body mass, says a new clinical trial supported by Lipid Nutrition.

Normal calcium intake during weight loss saves bones - study

Pre-menopausal women trying to shed kilos should maintain normal to high calcium intakes to ward off the threat of osteoporosis, suggests a new study.

Naturex offers certified Hoodia for growing weight management market

French plant extract supplier Naturex has added Hoodia gordonii to its list of botanical extracts, and provides certification of quality for the ingredient with increasing demand.

Probi supplement use catching up with foods

Institute Rosell has signed two new agreements for use of the Probi probiotic in supplement products to be launched in Greece, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia - developments that will help build use of the bacteria in the category.

Nestle Nutrition acquisitions continue with Gerber

Swiss food giant Nestlé has acquired iconic US baby food brand Gerber as the group's transition to a nutrition, health and wellness company continues.

'Beauty eggs' give glimpse to pretty future

A company in India has launched a range of eggs claimed to promote beauty from within, as well as offering eggs that reportedly offer benefits for people with diabetes and heart disease, according to reports.

Mars seeks to protect cocoa extract from Spanish competition

Chocolate giant Mars has filed a lawsuit against Natraceutical, alleging that the Spanish company is infringing its patents on polyphenol-rich cocoa extracts by selling CocoanOX extracts in the United States.

Scientists look to hibiscus as ingredient source

Oil extracted from the seeds of hibiscus plants is rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids, and could offer interesting applications for industry, says new research from Spain.

SOD supplement may protect against sunburn from within

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, reduced the severity of redness associated with sunburn by almost 10 per cent, researchers from France have reported.

Studies champion omega-3s for slowing mental decline

Increased bloods levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA could "postpone" age-related cognitive decline that may precede dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggest two new studies.

Weekly comment

You cannot judge a juice by its cover

Have you heard this one before? There are two blackcurrants, one has a high vitamin content and the other - well it doesn't.

Gnosis gets to know UK with S Black deal

Italian biotech Gnosis is undertaking a major drive for its ingredients in UK and Ireland with a new distribution agreement with S Black covering the high-potential markets.

Meta-analysis boosts cocoa's blood pressure lowering effects

Polyphenol-rich dark chocolate could reduce blood pressure to the same extent as beta-blockers, suggests a new meta-analysis from Germany.

Modified tapioca to find use as encapsulation material?

Acid modified tapioca starch may offer significant advantages as an encapsulation material, producing better results than native starch, says new research.

Dietary fibre colon cancer risk link still unclear, says study

A diet rich in fibre could cut the risk of developing colon cancer by about 40 per cent, but appears to have no significant effects against rectal cancer, says a new study that highlights the need for clarification.

Meta-analysis supports isoflavones for bone health

Increased intake of soy isoflavones can favourably boost bone health, says a new meta-analysis from China and Japan.

Nestlé builds science to support cocoa polyphenol claims

The polyphenol content of many chocolates varies greatly around the world, scientists from the Nestlé Research Center (NRC) report in an article that adds to the company's ability to validate potential nutritional and health claims for it cocoa-based products.

Health claims need urgent attention, says food law expert

Food companies should divert resources to auditing health claims for their products and putting in place transitional arrangements in advance of the new EU legislation becoming applicable on July 1, advises an Eversheds lawyer.

Gut health to drive Polish supplements growth

The dietary supplements market in Poland is expected to grow by 25 per cent this year, with the society's greater concern about healthy living, particularly gut health, continuing to drive growth.

Seaweed bead to offer novel encapsulation potential

Furcellaran, a co-polymer of beta and kappa-carrageenan extracted from red algae, has been identified as a novel new encapsulation material, researchers from Estonia report.

Codex committee mulls fibre definitions

Two different definitions of the term 'fibre' are currently up for comment by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, and may have an impact on nutrition claims for certain ingredients in food and supplement products.

Med diet helps kids breathe easier - study

Getting children to consume a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce their risk of asthma by up to 80 per cent, suggests new research.

Multivitamins pills may boost babys birth weight

Supplementation with multivitamins during pregnancy may boost the birth weight of newborns, and should be considered for all expectant mothers in developing countries, says a major clinical trial.

Folic acid fortification debate still proving divisive

Opinion remains divided over plans by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid, following the publication of a new paper on the issue.

Codex precautionary principle inclusion thwarted

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) has revealed that latest attempts to insert the precautionary principle into Codex's draft risk analysis standards for food safety have been foiled.

Science building for chitosan weight management benefits

A team of Japanese, Bangladeshi and Kuwaiti researchers has reported that dietary supplements of chitosan cut weight gain and cholesterol levels in rats, research that enhances the limited research already performed with the ingredient.

Outsourcing boost Barry Callebaut profits

The trend towards food manufacturers outsourcing their chocolate ingredient needs translated into impressive volume and sales growth for Barry Callebaut's industrial business segment for the first six months of the fiscal year.

Frutarom offers omega-3 dairy formulation

Frutarom is now offering the added value of omega-3 as part of its food systems service for dairy products - a development that will allow customers to tap opportunities in the functional dairy market.

Australia, NZ putting final touches to health, nutrition claims

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is ironing out the creases before finalising its proposed health and nutrition claims standard with nutrient profiling and percentage daily intakes up for comment.

Industry signs up for health and diet research club

A dozen leading companies have signed up for a £10 million partnership with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to research bioactives and the role of nutrition in health.

Industry signs up for health and diet research club

A dozen leading companies have signed up for a £10 million partnership with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to research bioactives and the role of nutrition in health.

Lycopene's new lease of life as functional food ingredient

The European market for lycopene as a functional food ingredient looks to be opening up, since Vitatene gained novel foods approval for its ingredient derived from the Blakeslea trispora fungus last year.

Vitamin K may reverse arterial calcification - study

Arterial calcification, a process of hardening of the arteries, may be inhibited and even reversed with supplementation with high-dose vitamin K, suggests an animal study.

Naturex expansion continues with new UK office

Naturex is strengthening its presence in the UK with the opening of a new commercial office in Oxford, as the company aims to double its UK turnover over the next three years.

Fat intake may cut vitamin C benefits for the stomach

Vitamin C may reduce the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrogen-containing compounds in the stomach, offering protection from stomach cancer, researchers have reported.

Relief for GSK after successful Singapore vitamin test

GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Ribena range of juice drinks have been found to meet their stated claims of high vitamin C content in Singapore, according to the country's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).

Omega-3 EPA linked to heart disease protection

People with high cholesterol levels and taking statins reduced their frequency of major cardiac events by about 20 per cent when supplemented with the omega-3 of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), researchers have reported.

Slimming Ingredients awards science in Berlin

Lipid Nutrition was celebrating Friday when PinnoThin was awarded most innovative ingredient at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management.

BASF exits amino acids with lysine plant closure

BASF has announced that it will be ceasing production of lysine at its plant in Gunsan, South Korea, marking the end of its amino acid activity in the face of shrinking margins.

Unilever, Provexis collaborate for healthy products

The identity of the mystery multinational with which Provexis has been exploring new formats of its Fruitflow technology is unveiled as Unilever; and the two companies also plan to collaborate over new IP on related products and processes.

Weekly comment

Wanted: testing for supplements

The dietary supplement industry needs an independent testing program that is recognizable to consumers in order to enhance the credibility of its products as well as encourage solid science and sourcing.