Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Celery flavonoid may cut ovarian cancer risk

Increased intake of the flavonoid apigenin, found in celery, parsley, and tomato sauce, may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 20 per cent, suggests a new study from Harvard.

News in brief

Astaxanthin launched in softgel capsules

Global leader in human-use astaxanthin, Algatechnologies, is launching 4mg softgel astaxanthin capsules at the Vitafoods trade show in Geneva next week.

Insufficient vitamin D may boost asthma risk

Children with insufficient vitamin D levels may be at higher risk of developing asthma, suggests a new study from equatorial Costa Rica.

Study favours dairy calcium over fortification for bone boost

New industry-funded research suggests that calcium from dairy products can help ensure stronger bones that when derived from fortified, non-milk based goods.

EU Novel Foods amendment proposal accepted

European Union novel foods applications will be processed more quickly and the definition of what constitutes a novel food broadened, if a proposal for a new novel foods regulation is accepted by the European Parliament (EP).

Elixi promotes dairy-free probiotic yoghurts

Finnish biotech firm, Elixi Oil Oy, says a patent-pending, probiotic-based fermentation system can produce probiotic, yoghurt-like products derived from flax and other grains that are suitable for the lactose intolerant, those with celiac disease as well as vegans.

Low vitamin D linked to female infections: Study

Low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggests a new study from the US.

GM corn may promise vitamins A, C, and folate

Corn, genetically modified to contain high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folate, may help address multiple vitamin deficiencies worldwide, European researchers report.

Lipid Nutrition enters vitamin E market

Lipid Nutrition has launched a branded version of rising vitamin E form, tocotrienol, which a growing body of science is backing as one of the most powerful in antioxidant payload.

Enzyme industry responds to EFSA’s draft safety guidelines

The Association of Manufacturers and Formulators of Enzyme Products has welcomed EFSA’s draft guidelines for assessing food enzyme safety, but cautioned that regulation should be proportionate and clear.

Lycopene foods set to explode after EU approval

Formal European Commission approval of several lycopene forms for use in foods is set to significantly expand the market for the tomato-based antioxidant that is now no longer restricted to food supplement applications.

News in brief

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Nutrition and pharma holding up in recession, DSM results

Industries deemed essential, such as nutrition and pharma, are having a much smoother recession ride than other sectors, DSM’s Q1 results indicate.

Vitamin E may reverse male pattern baldness: Study

Daily supplements of a patented tocotrienol (vitamin E) complex may increase hair growth in people with male pattern baldness by 42 per cent, suggests a new study from Carotech.

Pomegranate juice may slow prostate cancer recurrence: Study

Men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer could benefit from drinking pomegranate juice, according to findings of a new study from the US.

Chr Hansen launches probiotic satiety program

Danish probiotics supplier, Chr Hansen, is investigating the satiety potential of a version of the probiotic strain, Lactobacillus casei, under a new programme called ProSat.

First whey form meets sports testing standards

UK whey-based performance nutrition specialist, Volac, has become the first raw ingredients supplier to meet the stringent requirements of testing programme, Informed-Sport.

Weekly comment

Supplements: Time to change the nay-saying record?

As yet another TV show concludes that supplements are unnecessary, is the ignorance of the mainstream media few putting the health of the many at risk? Isn’t it time to change the record?

News in brief

Supplements blamed for mass polo pony death

Defective food supplements are being blamed for the sudden death of 21 horses from internal bleeding at a recent international polo event in Florida.

Curcumin may cut body fat and weight gain: Mouse study

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may prevent reduce body weight gain, and help in the fight against obesity, suggests new data from a study with mice.

Crystallisation offers high-dose omega-3 potential

Scottish omega-3 supplier, Equateq, has launched high-dose omega-3 forms using a crystallisation method it says “offers a real alternative to other methods of concentration”.

Belgium approves CoQ10 at 200mg

Belgium has officially authorised the use of of CoEnzyme Q10 in food supplements at levels of 200mg, in a move that may be followed in other European Union countries, and potentially all of them, if mutual recognition principles are pursued.

Snack Size Science: Fishing for powdered omega-3 salts

NutraIngredients’ Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we explore the potential of powdered omega-3 salts as a way of taking this big fish of the nutrition world into yet more products.

Organic apples beat conventionals on antioxidants

Organically produced apples have a 15 per cent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples, says a new study from Germany.

Alli obesity drug launched OTC in Europe

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has launched its weight loss drug, alli, in Europe as an over-the-counter (OTC) offering after receiving European approval to do so in January, in a move that will have an undoubted impact on the weight management food supplements industry.

News in brief

BBC show slams food supplements

A BBC televisual programme broadcast last week has concluded there is no need for food supplements in a balanced diet and that much of the science backing claims is bogus.

EFSA cannot approve calcium form in supplements

A dossier has failed to convince the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of the safety of calcium phosphinate in food supplements, after one of its panels conducted a review of the nutrient.

Fatty fish may slash men’s heart failure risk

One portion of fatty fish per week may reduce a man’s risk of heart failure, according to new research from the US and Sweden.

Tate & Lyle enters high-dose green tea extract market

Tate & Lyle has continued its push into the health and wellness area by linking with a Canadian coffee and tea specialist to distribute a green tea extract in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Textural analysis putting food into orbit, says SMS

Stable Micro Systems (SMS) said that NASA's Space Food Systems laboratory, located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, has recently enlisted its TA.XTPlus texture analyser in order to ensure that astronauts are provided with food with optimal appearance, colour, odour, flavour, texture and overall palatability.

Carotenoids may halve metabolic syndrome risk

Increased intakes of antioxidant carotenoids, and particularly lycopene, may reduce the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome by about 50 per cent, says a new study.

Microflora research centre launched in Holland

Dutch research institute, TNO, has brought its microbial research services under one roof by launching a centre dedicated to the task and specialising in advanced DNA diagnostic methods.

News in brief

Sue Croft wins Natural Products Outstanding Achievement Award

The director of the high-dose supplements lobby group and consumer advocate, Consumers for Health Choice, Sue Croft, has been recognised for decades of hard work by being awarded the Natural Products Outstanding Achievement Award.

Anti-fructose science may be swaying public opinion

Consuming beverages sweetened with fructose leads to weight gain and a build up of abdominal fat, and impairs insulin sensitivity, says a new study.

Vitamin D may boost heart health during weight loss: Study

Supplements of vitamin D may improve cardiovascular health during weight loss, without impacting on how many pounds are shed, suggests a new study.

Low magnesium levels may increase stroke risk

Low blood levels of magnesium may increase the risk of stroke by 25 per cent, suggest findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Potent 30 per cent PAC cranberry extract launched

Lallemand Health Ingredients and Decas Botanical Synergies have debuted a cranberry extract with 30 per cent proanthocyanidins (PACs), a level they say is the highest in the world.

News in brief

Wrigley SWOT analysis gives info for friends and foes

A new SWOT analysis of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company from companiesandmarkets will give insights for potential partners and competitors, said the research company.

‘You are not number one’, ASA tells Healthspan

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Healthspan, a Guernsey-based distributor of food supplements to cease making claims that it is the number one supplier of “vitamins and supplements” in the UK.

Middle Eastern herb shows potential against pancreatic cancer

An extract from the Middle Eastern herb Nigella sativa may not only stop the growth of pancreatic cancer, but inhibit the development of the tumours, suggest new results from the US.

Soy and breast cancer – isoflavones don’t affect breast density, says trial

Soy isoflavones do not increase or decrease the density of breasts, say results of a new clinical trial from the US that support the safety of the supplements.

Chinese to boost vitamin B2 output by 4000+ tonnes

Two Chinese operations are set to significantly increase the global supply of vitamin B2 in a move that will likely place downward pressure on price on the popular nutrient.

Naturex revamps image, hones market focus

Naturex has divided its business into three distinct business units so as to develop products that are targeted to the main markets it serves, and has unveiled a new corporate image.

News in brief

Symrise sets up in Dubai

Symrise has set up a new sales branch and applications lab in Dubai, in order to be closer to its Middle Eastern customers.

Danisco beating mercury poisoning claims

Initial claims that Danish supplier Danisco was responsible for mercury poisoning of workers at one of its vitamin plants in the 1960s and 1970s have been dismissed by a Danish tribunal.

Curcumin’s immune-boosting powers pin-pointed

The health boosting activity of curcumin may be due to the molecule’s ability to stabilise cell membranes and increase the cell’s resistance to infection, suggests a new study.

Antioxidant tests not suitable for complex foods: Study

Using antioxidant assays like ORAC and DPPH to predict a food’s antioxidant activity is not accurate, suggests research that has implications for claims on complex foods.

Danone awaits EFSA guidance on probiotic health claims

French dairy giant Danone has withdrawn claims from the controversial EU nutrition and health claim process because it is waiting for procedural guidance from the claims assessment agency, the European Food safety Authority (EFSA).

News in brief

Singapore to host Asian functional foods seminar

Regulatory experts will convene in Singapore on June 5 to discuss functional foods marketing, with a focus on health claims rules in the Asian region.

Weekly comment

Who’s hoodwinked by a healthy halo?

What does health taste like? As a kid, I was encouraged to hold my nose and swallow down broad beans and cod-liver oil. If they tasted bad, it was only ‘cos they were good for me.

Ocean Spray to sell concentrates eBay-style

Ocean Spray's Ingredient Technology Group is to hold online auctions for its cranberry concentrate, which it claims will help customers ensure supply and protect against commodity fluctuations.

Oat extract may cut cigarette cravings: Pilot study

A standardised oat extract may reduce cravings for smoking and offer would-be quitters an alternative to the patches and gums, suggests research from Japan.

News in brief

Kid’s omega-3/probiotic supplement launched in Europe

Israeli firm, Anlit Ltd, has launched a children’s probiotic and omega-3 supplement in European markets after notching success with the product in Israel.

Low vitamin A and C levels may boost asthma risk

Low dietary intakes of vitamins A and C may increase the risk of developing asthma, suggests a review of 40 studies and 30 years of research.

French cranberry claim unaffected by EFSA stance, says Ocean Spray

The world’s only officially mandated cranberry health claim will not be affected by the recent rejection of a similar claim at European Union level, according to the company that submitted the claim, Ocean Spray.

Kievit wins infant nutrition tech innovation award

Dutch firm, FrieslandCampina Kievit, has been recognised for its encapsulation work in the area of infant nutrition, by market researcher, Frost & Sullivan.

Danone bins EU probiotic gut health claim submissions

French dairy giant Danone has withdrawn the EU health claim applications for its market leading probiotic yoghurt products Activia and Actimel.

Natto enzyme may boost heart health in at-risk people

Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, may reduce levels of compounds linked to blood clotting, and cut the risk of heart disease in people at-risk of the disease, suggests new research from Taiwan.

Danisco pinpoints growth drivers for enzymes

The food and beverage enzyme market looks set to continue growing, says Danisco chief, as food firms turn to processing aid to solve issues of cost, safety and quality, and new health and nutrition benefits are uncovered.

Do the panda: Bamboo shoots may boost female bowel health

Fibre-rich bamboo shoots may improve cholesterol levels and improve bowel health, according to results of a small study from the US and Korea.

China approves allergy-battling probiotics

Stock market-listed Taiwanese probiotics specialist, GenMont, has won “health food designation” from the Chinese Department of Health for two of its probiotics for use in food and beverage products.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA rejects Merck omega-3 health claim

DHA does not benefit visual or cognitive development in infants and unborn babies, according to two article 14 opinions published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) today.

News in brief

IFT to host IP swap shop

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has announced a new event at its annual meet next month to stimulate the purchase or license of intellectual property rights.

You are what your mother eats: High GI diets may give obese kids

Snacking on foods with a high glycaemic index like white bread and chocolate during the later stages of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of obesity in the offspring, says a new study.

Med diet, vegetables and nuts come out top for heart health

The Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, E and folate, is the only dietary pattern associated with a lower risk for heart disease, says a new review.

Chia close to winning EU Novel Foods approval

A chia seed is on the verge of difficult-to-come-by European Union Novel Foods approval for use in bread products, with further categories potentially coming onboard down the line.

Heart healthy spread v2.0: Blood pressure plus cholesterol

A spread containing plant sterols and bioactive peptides from milk may reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, says a new study from Valio.

UK issues herbal products registration guidance

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued guidance to companies wishing to make the switch from existing national product registrations to those required under EU herbal laws.

News in brief

Former Solgar CEO wins HFMA Maurice Hanssen award

The UK-based Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has posthumously handed food supplements pioneer, Rand Skolnick, its highest accolade for his service to the natural health sector.

Omega-3 salts: ONC explores solid, powdered fish oil

Powdered omega-3 salts may soon be offering supplement makers an alternative to the traditional liquid fish oil, according to new research from Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC).

Omega-3 linked to lower levels of inflammation

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are associated with lower levels of a marker of inflammation linked to heart disease, says a new study from Australia.

News in brief

FDF adds environmental category to CPA awards

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has launched its 2009 Community Partnership Awards, including a category to recognise environmental projects for the first time.

Weekly comment

Food supplements proving recession-proof

The ongoing slide of global capitalism is decimating industries, but the food supplements industry is not one of them as fraught consumers turn to its potential low-cost, anti-medical, wellness promise.

EU election posters are irresponsible, says breastfeeding group

UK-based pro-breastfeeding group, Real Baby Milk, has criticised the European Union over the manner in which has been marketing European Parliament elections in June.

Winclove targets female niche with probiotic health claim

Dutch probiotics specialist, Winclove Bio Industries, has launched a six-strain probiotic supplement that has earned a vaginal infection-related health claim certification in the Netherlands.

Capsaicin plus green tea combo aids weight loss: Study

A combination of capsaicin and green tea could promote the feeling of fullness and sustain satiety, indicating it could be successful for weight management, says a new study.

Germany highlights contaminated Chinese weight loss herbs

Seventeen people have been poisoned by a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the German cities of Freiburg and Göttingen since 2005, according to a German report.

News in brief

CNI gains BRC safety certification

Colloïdes Naturels International (CNI) has obtained the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety certification, adding to the quality standards behind its Acacia gums.

Pomegranate’s anti-inflammatory effects strengthened

A polyphenol-rich pomegranate extract may reduce inflammation, and positively effect chronic disease risk, according to results of a new cell study from the US.

European Commission nutrition chief to address industry

Basil Mathioudakis, the European Commission’s head of Food Law, Nutrition and Labelling, will take part in a discussion on labelling, health claims and more at Vitafoods in Geneva next month.

Evidence mounts for soy's menopause benefits

Soy isoflavones in the aglycone form may reduce cholesterol, improve antioxidative properties of the liver, and prevent degeneration of the vaginal wall, suggests a new study with rats.

Probiotics may ease anxiety: Pilot study

Supplements of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota may ease symptoms of anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to new research funded by Yakult.

Pomegranate juice cannot ‘cheat death’

UK billboard adverts proclaiming pomegranate juice could ‘cheat death’ have been deemed misleading and must not appear again, according to the voluntary advertising body there.

News in brief

Jopling joins Croda Health Care

David Jopling is Croda Europe’s new functional foods manager and will target sales and marketing of its new Omelife omega-3 emulsion in the UK, Europe and North America.

Consumer group slams breakfast cereal formulations

The levels of salt and sugar in breakfast cereal formulations targeted at children are slammed in Australia after consumer group finds key 'cereal' offenders are "heavy on marketing spin and light on good nutrition".

Guest article

ECJ red rice verdict relaxes EU food supplements law

Dr Gareth Morgan, a partner in the London office of European law firm Taylor Wessing, says a recent European Court of Justice verdict may have a liberating effect on the European food supplements market.

‘Great potential’ of probiotic ice-cream

Ice-cream as a vehicle for delivering probiotic strains has ‘great potential’, giving a health boost without affecting the sensory profile of ice-cream, say Brazilian scientists.

News in brief

Emmi acquires majority share of Nutrifrais

Emmi has reached an agreement with Switzerland’s LRG Group to acquire a 60 per cent share of Nutrifrais, in a bid to build its market share in yoghurts and dairy desserts in French-speaking Switzerland.

Herbal Viagra seized in UK

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) marketing itself as a botanical form of the male erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra, has been seized by UK authorities after it was found to contain pharmaceuticals at banned doses.

News in brief

HFMA launches early warning system in the UK

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) is assisting industry to respond to “potential issues” by establishing an early warning system.

Flavanol-rich chocolate drink helps maths performance

Chocolate makers seeking to leverage sales through health-positioned products could find a fresh direction with new research from the UK suggesting cocoa drinks rich in flavanols could help consumers do maths.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA rejects another probiotic health claim

Swedish probiotics specialist, Probi, has had a health claim linking probiotic consumption and improved iron absorption dismissed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Red seaweed extract may cut NSAIDs need for arthritis sufferers

A natural, multi-mineral ingredient derived from the red seaweed Lithothamnion Corallioides may allow osteoarthritis sufferers to reduce their use of NSAIDs by 50 per cent, say the results of a new pilot study.

Omega-3, vit C, and zinc may ease childhood asthma

A combination supplement containing omega-3, vitamin C and zinc may improve symptoms of asthma, a condition on the rise, suggests a new study from Egypt.

Yorkshire putting in for functional ingredients initiative

UK clean-label ingredients specialist, Ulrick & Short, is targeting functional foods in a new Yorkshire-based, multi-party initiative that will deliver its first product by year’s end.

Broccoli sprouts may cut stomach ulcer risk

Daily consumption of broccoli sprouts may cut Helicobacter pylori infections, and offer protection against stomach ulcers, and maybe cancer, says a new study.

News in brief

Functional food maker Mastix Medica buys private label gum

US functional food manufacturer Mastix Medica has acquired the private label division of edible novelties firm Koko’s Confectionery & Novelty. The business, operating from a 28,000 square foot facility in Baltimore County, US, currently manufactures tableted chewing gum and mints for contract and private label customers.

Folic acid and colorectal cancer: Chilean study adds to concerns

Rates of colorectal cancer may have increased in Chile since introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification, says a new study.

Nestle's shredded wheat for weight-loss: Study

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals could potentially compete for a slice of the £850m slimming industry with fresh research from the UK suggesting when eaten as a meal substitute, cereals could play a role in weight-loss.

Natural chemical in liquorice hints at new cancer prevention strategy

Opportunities could potentially dovetail for liquorice in the nutraceutical domain with new research from the US suggesting a natural chemical component in this sweet ingredient could offer a new approach to preventing bowel cancer.

DSM targets fungal enzyme at lactose-intolerant supplements

DSM Food Specialties has launched an acid lactase enzyme used in food supplements that allow those with lactose intolerance to consume dairy foods, as the Dutch ingredients giant expands its lactose portfolio.

Weekly comment

Could clones be hiding out in ice-cream?

Ben & Jerry’s campaign to ensure produce from clones is detectable in the food chain shows that bundling biotech in with conventional produce remains unacceptable – but lessons from GM do not seem to have been learned.

Why 'wellness' sells

Wellness has firmly ingratiated itself in the minds of mainstream food and beverage companies, according to a leading UK branding consultancy.

ECJ blurs news-PR line in landmark case

Those that write about food supplements that in some countries are classified as pharmaceuticals risk having their missives interpreted as illegal marketing materials, according to a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling yesterday.

Folic acid before conception may boost birth weight: Study

Supplements of folic acid before conception may increase the birth weight of the baby by over 60 grams, according to a new study from the Netherlands.

Snack Size Science: The new kid in vitamin E town

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we consider the discovery of a new form of vitamin E in the peel of kiwifruit. Italian researchers reveal the furry little fruits secret nutrient content.

Irish potatoes seek to ease selenium famine

Selenium-enriched potatoes are being sold on the Irish market despite the company behind the product admitting the Irish population knew next to nothing about the mineral and may resent paying a premium given the economic slump, which so far has hit Ireland harder than most EU economies.

News in brief

Study supports potential of inulin for fibre boost in bread

Replacing 5 per cent of the flour in bread with inulin could boost the nutritional content of white bread without detrimental effects on the sensorial profile, says a new study.

CoQ10 may boost heart health of diabetics on statins

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 may increase the vascular health of diabetics receiving statins, according to a new study from Australia.

B vitamins may offer migraine relief

Supplements of vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid may reduce the frequency, severity and disability of migraines, according to new research from Australia.

Resistant starch website launched

National Starch Food Innovation has debuted a “global online portal” to air latest data and facts in the area of resistant starch (RS) at a business, consumer and health professional level.

Probiotics must meet Europe’s new health claim laws head on

Probiotics will continue to expand beyond the yoghurt and yoghurt drink category that has brought them to global prominence according to a probiotic market review conducted by French health food sector consultancy, Alcimed.

Probiotic ingredient could reduce oral cavities, says BASF

BASF and OrganoBalance have developed a probiotic ingredient for oral care products that they claim helps fight against dental caries.

News in brief

Ghana boosts cocoa processing output

Ghana's Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) has more than doubled its cocoa bean processing capacity to 64,500 tonnes a year, after completing a five-year rehabilitation and expansion programme.

News in brief

Omega-3 doesn’t help heart attack patients, say German researchers

University of Heidelberg researchers in Germany have found heart attack patients don’t benefit from omega-3 supplementation in a randomised study involving about 4000 post-heart attack patients.

CoQ10 may cut pre-eclampsia in high-risk women

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition, suggests a new study from Ecuador.

Seaweed extract promises polysaccharide immune benefits

Chinese supplier, Kangcare, has debuted a polysaccharide ingredient sourced from Laminaria japonica seaweed it says is scientifically backed in animal testing to deliver immunity and liver benefits.

New vitamin E form extracted from kiwifruit: Scientists

Italian scientists have identified a new member of the vitamin E family, extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'), according to results of a new study.

EFSA approves calcium, magnesium and zinc forms in food supplements

Calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate and zinc ascorbate are safe for use in food supplements, a panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found.

News in brief

New site offers enhanced food safety data, says FSAI

A newly enhanced Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) website provides information on HACCP as well as a section on ‘legislation’ which has links to all the Irish and international food acts and regulation, claims the safety agency.