Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Europe may ban 120 food nutrients

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected dossiers backing 120 nutrient sources for ongoing use within the European Union because they were deemed "not to be adequate".

Europe may ban 120 food nutrients

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected dossiers backing 120 nutrient sources for ongoing use within the European Union because they were deemed "not to be adequate".

Danisco sponsors research on dietary fibres

Food ingredients, sugar and industrial bioproducts firm Danisco is sponsoring a professorship in healthy dietary fibres, which could help to develop foods with health-promoting benefits.

Novel barley boosts bowel health in humans: study

A resistant starch-rich barley may offer functional food potential for formulators to double the fibre content of products, and boost gut health in consumers, suggests new research.

Ingredia to develop European market for StarchLite

Ingredia Nutritional is introducing white bean extract Starch'Lite to the European market - an ingredient tipped for weight management foods uses since it reduces glycaemic index and caloric intake.

Curcumin may offer diabetes benefits: study

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, could have benefits for diabetics, suggests a joint Korean-American study.

Data protection key for Novel Foods reform

Pan-European consultation on reforming European Union Novel Foods regulations should remove the controversial substantial equivalence clause, according to an Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) representative.

Symrise completes its drive into US flavors with Chr Hansen purchase

Symrise has finalized its acquisition of Chr Hansen's flavorings business in a move that will bring the company broader market coverage in the US as well as a more diverse ingredients portfolio.

Data protection key for Novel Foods reform

Pan-European consultation on reforming European Union Novel Foods regulations should remove the controversial substantial equivalence clause, according to an Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) representative.

DSM results vindicate 'strategic vision'

DSM has turned in a strong first quarter, with its Nutrition cluster registering 18 per cent year-on-year growth despite a weak US dollar and rising raw materials costs.

Soluble fibre boosts satiety, aids weight loss: study

Supplements of soluble dietary fibre may increase weight loss by boosting satiety, and has beneficial effects for cardiovascular health, suggests a study.

Study supports lycopene protecting skin from within

Consuming lycopene-rich tomato paste may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin ageing, British researchers have reported.

Croda kick starts UK brain food scheme

Croda has become the first ingredient supplier to receive accreditation under UK charity Food for the Brain Foundation's new labelling scheme that recognises products with cognitive benefits.

Health claim 'Chinese whispers' may haunt approval process

"Subtle language differences" may confound regulators in the midst of translating thousands of health claims ahead of a pan-European 2010 approval deadline, according to various industry sources.

Micronutrients show potential against TB recurrence

Daily supplements of micronutrients vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and selenium may reduce the recurrence of tuberculosis during standard treatment, suggests a new study.

Health claim 'Chinese whispers' may haunt approval process

"Subtle language differences" may confound regulators in the midst of translating thousands of health claims ahead of a pan-European 2010 approval deadline, according to various industry sources.

Can flavonoid-rich chocolate protect against heart disease?

A study to be conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, will examine whether adding flavonoids found in cocoa to the diet, gives additional protection against heart disease on top of that provided by prescription drugs.

Weekly comment

No quick fix to the food price crisis

The food crisis is neither new nor sudden. The several underlying causes have been independently, steadily gathering speed and have collided in a perfect storm not seen for generations. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term effort to untangle them.

East needs education on healthy concepts: Beneo Orafti

Central and Eastern Europe represents good opportunities for healthy ingredients, but there is still a need to educate both at industry and consumer level, says Beneo Orafti.

CAM criticism not justified, says ANH

A pan-European healthy food and supplements trade group has criticised the UK's "first professor of complementary medicine", Edzard Ernst, for taking an "unscientific" approach in a new book.

Green tea's Alzheimer protection gets more support

Green tea catechins may inhibit the loss of reference and working memory linked to plaque formation in the brain, say research from Japan, adding to claims that the beverage may help ward off Alzheimer's.

Vitamin D, calcium combo may cut exercise-related stress fractures

Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D, long linked to improving bone health, may also reduce the risk of stress fractures during exercise, scientists have reported.

Omega-3 and bipolar disorders: Jurys still out

More well-designed studies are required before any conclusions can be drawn on the benefits of omega-3 for people with bipolar disorders, University of Oxford researchers have reported after reviewing the literature.

Regulation may deflate booming Polish food supplements market

Poland's food supplements market is growing at a rampant 30 per cent but may be hamstrung by moves to classify a range of food supplements as drugs, according to a report from a market researcher there.

Cargill cranks up European operations with Polish expansion

Ingredients firm Cargill yesterday completed the expansion of its Polish wheat processing facility, designed to meet consumer demand across the European bloc.

Regulation may deflate booming Polish food supplements market

Poland's food supplements market is growing at a rampant 30 per cent but may be hamstrung by moves to classify a range of food supplements as drugs, according to a report from a market researcher there.

Lifelong prebiotic supplements may enhance survival: rat study

Lifelong supplementation with the prebiotics inulin and oligofructose may extend lifespan by over 30 per cent, according to a new animal study from France.

Rice bran tipped for debut in new European markets

NutraCea is expecting to see its first sales of stabilised rice bran in Central and Eastern Europe following this week's FiCEE trade show, where the ingredient has been warmly received for its potential to reduce manufacturers' costs.

Ocean Spray ITC sees sales soar in CEE

Ocean Spray ITG has revealed extraordinary growth for its products in Poland in the last few years - a phenomenon attributed to growing health awareness, spending power, and a pre-existing berry culture.

Wild removes bitter taste of antioxidants

Ingredients supplier Wild has introduced a solution for adding natural antioxidants to light-coloured ice cream and baked goods products without compromising on flavour.

Is the UK functional foods boom over?

Functional foods have been one of the strongest sectors within the broader food industry for more than a decade but the good times may be coming to an end - at least in the UK, according to Mintel research.

Pecan Deluxe targets health and indulgence

UK ingredients firm Pecan Deluxe last week pledged to develop bakery, confectionery and ice-cream ingredients for the health and indulgence markets.

Season lightly for nutrient-rich tomatoes

Differences between salt and fresh water organisms does not usually extend to land plants, but Italian researchers report that watering tomatoes with diluted seawater can boost their nutrient content.

Beneo explores carbohydrates for weight management

Carbohydrates could be set to play an important role in weight management and the fight against obesity, said experts at the 1st European Beneo Scientific Symposium in Brussels.

UK firm takes soft approach to wholegrains

A new range of softer wholegrains do not need pre-soaking and so the 'hard bite' texture often associated with grain products is eliminated, the manufacturer claims.

Satiety feeds appetite for ingredient launches

Key trends for ingredient launches in 2007, such as products for satiety and weight management, will continue this year, though world economy will affect some areas of innovation, says LFI.

Vitamin D pills for risk groups may be warranted: experts

The benefits of vitamin D for brain health may warrant recommendations for supplements in groups at risk of low levels, leading American scientists say.

Study supports safety of saw palmetto

Safety concerns over saw palmetto supplements for prostate health may be unfounded, according to a new study from the US that reported no adverse effects.

Lipid Nutrition prepares for launch of PinnoThin powder

Lipid Nutrition is to launch a powder form of its PinnoThin weight loss ingredient, which the firm hopes will expand its use in a wider range of food and beverage applications.

Fruit and vegetables may help weight loss

Increased fruit and vegetable intake may help weight loss in overweight adults, according to a recent study.

Vegetarian glucosamine receives EU approval

A vegetarian glucosamine ingredient from China-based Hygeia Health has been determined by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as equivalent to current glucosamine on the market.

Weekly Comment

The dangers of selective science

Antioxidants are back under the microscope for all the wrong reasons. But the use of meta-analyses to pool data is controversial, and scientists need to keep perspective before publishing conclusions.

Ireland issues multi-lingual food labelling guidance

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published new labelling guidance for food manufacturers, which it hopes will help international companies meet the nation's labeling requirements.

Lycopene from tangerine tomatoes more bioavailable: study

The lycopene content of orange tomatoes is more bioavailable than the form of lycopene found in the red variety, says new research from the US.

German industry seeks clarity over food labelling

The German government is keeping industry guessing about its preferred scheme for nutrition labelling, performing about turns between favouring a traffic light scheme or guidance daily amounts (GDA).

Flavanol content of cocoa cut during manufacturing

Alkalising cocoa beans reduces the total flavanoid content by two-thirds, reducing the antioxidant potential of the product, according to new research.

Yellow kiwifruit may boost immune health: study

A puree from gold kiwifruit may enhance the immune response by promoting the production of antibodies in mice, suggests a new study from the home of the fruit.

Vitamin E linked to longevity in Alzheimer patients

An increased intake of vitamin E supplements may improve the survival of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, researchers report.

Unilever plucks UK soy drink from shelves

Unilever has withdrawn its soy juice - AdeZ - in the UK, after little more than 18 months on market after consumers failed to connect with its health messaging.

Vitamin D status linked to artery health: study

Increased levels of vitamin D may improve cardiovascular health and reduce the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), suggests a new study.

Pine bark extract's osteoarthritis potential expanded

Supplements of French maritime pine bark extracts may reduce the pain associated with arthritis of the knee by about 55 per cent, suggests a new study.

Dutch programme ensures sports supplements safety

The recent food supplements contamination case that led to banning from competition of a number of Greek weightlifters, would never have happened in the Netherlands, according to the trade association there.

Wellness and sustainability 'enhance' Cognis results

Cognis GmbH has turned in its annual results with sales up 4.3 per cent to €3.518bn across its three business units.

Syngenta to establish research base in China

Swiss biotech Syngenta is investing US$65m in the construction of a new biotech centre in China for to evaluate genetically-modified and native traits in soy and corn.

Omega-3 EPA linked to improved gullet health

An increased intake of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve the fatty acid levels composition in the gullet, and reduce the risk of cancer, suggests a new study.

Antioxidant supplements again called into question

A meta-analysis of 67 randomised trials with antioxidant supplements has reported that vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16 per cent.

Southampton study causing supplements rethink

Food supplements manufacturers may have to reformulate thousands of products aimed at both children and adults if calls for bans on the use of certain artificial colours become reality.

Increased innovation puts Danisco in patent top 10

Long term R&D strategies look to be paying off as Danisco is recognised as being one of the strongest patentees compared with other companies in the food sector.

FSA issues health claims guidance

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a detailed 81-page document advising companies on how to negotiate the various European Commission processes involved in health claims submission, approval and application.

Southampton study causing supplements rethink

Food supplements manufacturers may have to reformulate thousands of products aimed at both children and adults if calls for bans on the use of certain artificial colours become reality.

Green tea for sports nutrition?

Antioxidant-rich green tea may counter the effects of resistance exercise by reducing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, suggests a small trial from Brazil.

Probiotics may offer benefits for alcoholic livers

Supplements of friendly bacteria may restore the immune function of white blood cells in alcoholics, suggests new research from the UK.

UK agency issues fortified foods guidance

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued guidance to assist companies understand European Union rules regarding the addition of vitamins and minerals to foods.

Iranex sees synergy in Bio Serae purchase

Gallic supplier, the Iranex Group, has acquired fellow French natural extracts specialist Bio Serae Laboratories as part of a strategic drive into the health and wellness sector.

EFSA flags high intakes in lycopene safety opinion

Lycopene from natural sources and as a food colour would likely be within the ADI for most people, concludes EFSA, but its use in beverages is high and young children may consume more.

Vitamin D, calcium's colon benefits pinpointed?

Epidemiological studies supporting vitamin D and calcium for protection against colorectal cancer may be biochemically and biologically plausible, suggests new research.

Canola protein shows anti-diabetes potential

Substituting milk proteins for proteins from rapeseed (canola) could delay the onset of insulin resistance and protect against diabetes, suggests a new study with rats.

D-Ribose lined up for novel foods assessment

US firm Bioenergy is seeking European novel foods status for its D-Ribose ingredient, a type of sugar that is said to help boost energy levels.

Friesland finding whey to infant nutrition

Friesland Foods Domo has recognised the lucrative nature of the infant nutrition market by boosting production capacity of specialised whey proteins.

Kraft chooses Probi for North American probiotic push

Kraft Foods is throwing its weight behind the booming North American probiotic market by signing a deal with a Scandinavian probiotics specialist that will see the food giant expand its digestive health range of foods called LiveActive.

Cola copy-catting may foil Red Bull

Red Bull GmbH's recent move into the cola market is unlikely to mimic the success of their pioneering energy drink, according to an industry analyst.

Skullcap needs to wear quality hat

The active constituents in many botanical products varies greatly, leading to anomalies in efficaciousness which damage the whole sector, according to UK researchers.

UK supplements maker rapped for misleading adverts

A UK company has been told to remove UK press adverts that implied it was a medical institution when it is merely a supplements manufacturer.

Maternal omega-3 again linked to children's coordination

Increased intake of the omega-3 DHA during pregnancy could produce improved motor function in the offspring in later life, suggests a new study from Canada.

Blueberry flavonoids could have Alzheimer's benefits, study

Blueberries and other phytochemical-rich foods could help in increasing memory capacity by reversing age-related deficits in memory, according to a new rat study by UK researchers.

European food groups edging past US rivals in obesity focus

European-based food groups are generally ahead of their US rivals in providing health and wellness products to consumers, though they must do more to ensure the focus is a core part of their business, a new report claims.

Dark chocolate gets pulses racing

Consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa may not boost heart health, and could actually increase pulse rates, according to new research.

Red grape's antioxidant benefits identified

A dietary supplement of red grape juice may reduce the activity of an enzyme linked to cardiovascular disease, suggests a new study said to be first report of its kind in humans.

Shifting health claim criteria may provoke legal challenge

A pan-European industry group has criticised the European Commission for issuing guidance that it will reject scientific health claim dossiers that do not contain clinical data.

Cruciferous veg again linked to bladder cancer protection

An increased intake of cruciferous vegetables may slash the risk of bladder cancer by 36 per cent, says new research that attributes the benefits to the isothiocyanate content.

German Anglo alliance to tap medical foods market

German flavour and fragrance house Symrise has built on its interest in the food supplements area by entering a strategic partnership with UK-based Cambridge Theranostics.

Dairy flavourings designed for clean label sugar reduction

A new range of natural flavourings for use in dairy formulations offer a clean label alternative to existing products and reduce sugar content by as much 30 per cent, according to the manufacturer.

EHPM urges companies to fight for free trade

The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) says companies should take matters into their own hands in the wake of the Food Supplement Directive's (FSD) failure to achieve trading harmony in Europe.

LycoRed backs business partners with consumer site

LycoRed has launched a consumer-oriented website it hopes will boost worldwide lycopene awareness and understanding and add value to its present and future co-branding arrangements.

Omega-3s offer no Crohn's disease benefits: study

Despite studies supporting the anti-inflammatory potential of omega-3 fatty acids, the oils are not effective for managing Crohn's disease, suggests a new international study.

EHPM urges companies to fight for free trade

The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) says companies should take matters into their own hands in the wake of the Food Supplement Directive's (FSD) failure to achieve trading harmony in Europe.

Vitamin K2 linked to lower prostate cancer risk

An increased intake of vitamin K2 may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35 per cent, suggest results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Glanbia debuts omega-3 ingredient in Europe

Specialty ingredients supplier Glanbia Nutritionals has launched its first omega-3 ingredients in Europe in a move that will see it target functional foods and beverages.

Essential oil combinations offer shelf-life prolongation

Combining low levels of essential oils (EOs) could enhance their antimicrobial power and remove adverse taste effects, suggests a new study from Ireland.

Green tea extract may stop breast cancer growth - in mice at least

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea may stop the growth and spread of breast cancer cells by impacting on the tumour's blood vessels, results from an animal study suggest.

CoQ10 emulsions boost bioavailability: study

The bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 can be enhanced by formulating emulsions with coconut oil, skimmed milk, and the emulsifier calcium stearoyl-2-lactate (CSL), Japanese researchers report.

Olympic ideals raise bar on supplements contamination

Greece's Olympic weightlifting team is blaming contaminated Chinese-made food supplements for some of its members being charged with doping violations.

Fytexia pushes into Chinese market

French supplier Fytexia has launched three specialty ingredients on the Chinese market in a bid to tap into the growing numbers consuming food supplements in the world's fastest growing economy.

Passion fruit peel may ease breathing for asthmatics: study

A flavonoid-rich extract from purple passion fruit may ease wheezing amongst asthmatics, suggest findings from a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Omega-3 EPA may benefit depressives, says study

Dietary supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may ease symptoms associated with depression, suggests a joint Anglo-Iranian study.

Commission proposes nutrition labelling revision

Consultations are open on proposals to define dietary fibre, update recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and change energy conversion factors in European labelling amendments.

Weekly comment

HFCS and the battle for natural

It is hard for food companies not to get drawn into the temptation of using attractive label claims that may be shrouded by a veil of doubt. But the real risk comes when the 'if you don't know, don't ask' question is finally answered.

Lonza to boost vitamin B3 capacity

Lonza is to expand its production of vitamin B3 in a bid to meet growing demand for the ingredient from the food industry, the company has said.

Leatherhead proposes green tea research project

Leatherhead Food International is looking for industry collaboration in research into how to maximise absorption of green tea from food products.

Wine and tea compounds linked to diabetes benefits

Antioxidant-rich red wine and tea could help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, suggests a new study from the University of Massachusetts.

Frutarom enables additive-free fruit and veg preparations

Frutarom is launching new premium fruit, vegetable and herb preparations made with a unique process, which is said to retain their natural characteristics and reduce the need for additives.

Red seaweed extract shows joint health benefits

A natural, multi-mineral ingredient derived from the red seaweed Lithothamnion Corallioides may improve osteoarthritis symptoms by about 15 per cent, say the results of a new pilot study.

Glanbia builds science behind whey protein for weight loss

A whey-protein-rich ingredient can reduce body fat and maintain lean muscle mass, reports a new randomised, double-blind study from Glanbia.

Going nuts for cholesterol reductions

Incorporating more nut and nut-containing foods into the diet at the expense of foods full of saturated fats could reduce cholesterol levels by six per cent, suggests a new study with macadamia nuts.

Inulin range offers obesity solutions

Cosucra Groupe Warcoing has launched two new ingredients designed to boost fibre and reduce sugar in food and beverage products.

Profits remain flat for Barry Callebaut

Barry Callebaut today said profits for the first half of the year remained stable as high input and expansion costs offset overall sales volume increases for the Switzerland-based firm.

EFSA adapting to increasing workload, says executive director

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) expects to process applications for 1000-2000 health claims, 900 food additives and 2800 flavours in the next 12 months, according to EFSA executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle.

EFSA adapting to increasing workload, says executive director

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) expects to process applications for 1000-2000 health claims, 900 food additives and 2800 flavours in the next 12 months, according to EFSA executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle.

Givaudan continues to focus on sustainability and R&D in 2008

A continuing focus on research and development and further moves towards sustainability are likely to characterise Givaudan's movements in the year ahead.

Fish and krill oils mixed in global joint venture

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources and Croda Health Care have developed a high-dose krill/fish oil suite of ingredients targeting the supplements markets in the US and Europe.

Salmonella study to build prebiotics knowledge

Studies are underway to investigate the use of galacto-oligosaccharides to protect animals from salmonella infection, both to reduce the risk of the bacteria entering the food chain and increase knowledge on prebiotics' benefits.

UK scientists gather to discuss obesity

'Growing up in an obesogenic environment', 'Have we sacrificed our children on the altar of a free market?', 'Endocrine disrupters and obesity - old chemicals, new questions' and other presentations will lead a UK symposium next month.

UK supplements comparison website established

A UK-based food supplements comparison website has launched today that rates the 20,000+ products on-market there in a bid to provide consumers with unbiased purchasing advice.

Apple gaining functional ingredient makeover

A UK company is finding success for a range of ingredients derived from specially-bred, red-flesh apples it claims have boosted flavanol levels.

Naturex targets margin growth after year of consolidation

Naturex is targeting an operating margin of 11 per cent in 2008 as its acquisitions of Chart and Berkem's Actifs Innovants yield profits, but it will take longer to turn loss-making Hammer Pharma into a positive contributor.

Aker not phased by krill patent

Aker BioMarine, the Norwegian krill supplier, has said a new krill patent granted to competitor Neptune will have no effect on its own recently launched ingredient.

Green tea shows superbug-battling potential

Green tea can boost the potential of antibiotics to battle superbugs and other bacterial strains and even make previously antibiotic-resistant bacteria susceptible to treatment, according to "surprised" Egyptian scientists.

Flavonoids shown to boost immunity of birds

Scientific findings directly linking flavonoid consumption to increased immunity in birds could pave the way for more research involving mice and humans, say German researchers.

Aker not phased by krill patent

Aker BioMarine, the Norwegian krill supplier, has said a new krill patent granted to competitor Neptune will have no effect on its own recently launched ingredient.