All news articles for May 2007

Cognis nutrition sales take small dip from bumper 06

Cognis' nutrition and health sales took a small dip in organic terms Q1 2007 compared with an exceptionally strong quarter last year, especially in functional food ingredients.

Fish oil again linked to stronger bones

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake in the diet at the expense of omega-6 fatty acids may boost bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life, if a new study in mice can be translated into humans.

Green tea extract may boost blood vessel health

The heart healthy reputation of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main extract from green tea, may be due in part to improvement in blood flow through the vessels, suggests a clinical trial from the US.

United Biscuits rolls out healthier crisps

Following its decision to cut saturated fats from top snack lines, European biscuit and crisp manufacturer United Biscuits UK (UBUK) is venturing further into healthier reformulation with the relaunch of a new, improved Hula Hoops crisp brand.

Obesity white paper gives 3 years for self-regulation impact

The European Commission yesterday adopted a white paper setting out a European strategy on nutrition, overweight and obesity, including plans to review progress in three years.

Cactus pear pads linked to lower diabetes risk

Prickly pear cactus pads, consumed regularly in Mexico, could reduce blood sugar rises after a meal by up to 50 per cent, suggests a new study that may have implications for diabetes management.

EFSA supports calcium ascorbate safety, efficacy

The use of calcium ascorbate with threonate in food supplements is comparable in bioavailability to ascorbic acid as a vitamin C source, and does not pose health threats in the doses used, says a new opinion from EFSA.

Provexis plans Sirco exit strategy

Nutraceutical developer Provexis says it is in advanced discussions over exiting its demonstration juice brand Sirco to focus on the future, as it reports strong sales and a reduction in its operating loss in the full year ended March 31 2007.

Soy nuts may cut womens blood pressure

Using soy nuts as their source of protein in a healthy diet reduced blood pressure in postmenopausal women by up to 10 per cent, says a new study from the US.

Cows can make skimmed milk, say scientists

Cows could be bred to produce only skimmed milk within the next five years, researchers have said, offering a new way of meeting consumer demand for lower fat dairy.

Cognetas talks with AXA over Diana sale

Negotiations are underway between private-equity groups over the sale of French natural ingredients firm Diana-Ingredients, indicating a positive view of the company's potential in the marketplace.

Pakistan opts for NaFeEDTA for fortification programme

Fortitech Asia Pacific has been appointed to manufacture a vitamin and mineral premix containing Akzo Nobel's Ferrazone iron for Pakistan's National Wheat Fortification Program - a contract that underscores confidence in the science behind the ingredient.

Calcium, vit D may cut pre-menopausal breast cancer risk

Premenopausal women who consume higher amounts of calcium and vitamin D may lower their risk of developing breast cancer by almost 40 per cent, new research suggests.

Apple juice, bananas may lower childhood asthma

Increased consumption of apple juice or bananas may prevent childhood asthma, says new research from England that adds to an ever-growing body of science linking easy breathing to apples.

Ireland recommends vitamin D supplements for infants

The Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) has recommended the implementation of a national policy of vitamin D supplementation in all infants aged 0-12 months.

Weekly Comment

Press releases for the press?

In a world where getting your name out there is called branding, and branding in turn equals better market share, some companies will go to great lengths to draw attention to their name. With information sources driven by open-access Internet, companies can tailor press releases not always intended for the press.

Supplements promoted to boost summer of love

With spring turning to summer, retailers are looking beyond supplements for long-haul flights and hayfever by promoting ingredients for holiday romance and more.

Spinach eaters may have lower ovarian cancer risk

Burly sailors like Popeye may not be the only ones to benefits from spinach, with new research suggesting that women who eat spinach may have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who don't.

Study questions lycopene for prostate health

Lycopene, the carotenoid most commonly associated with tomatoes, may not offer protection from prostate cancer, says a new study that seems at odds with the majority of the literature.

Cruciferous veg may cut bladder cancer risk

Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables may slash the risk of bladder cancer by 30 per cent, says new research, that attributes the benefits to the isothiocyanate content.

World's processed cereals should all be fortified, expert

In the interest of global public health the world's cereals should be fortified with iron, says the senior nutritionist of a US-based non-profit health organisation.

BioGin confirms water solubility for 40pc SDG flax lignans

BioGin Biochemicals has announced that its recently launched SDG flax lignans are water soluble, a result that may also suggest good bioavailability and absorption, the company said.

Guarana extract shows promise as preservative additive

Extracts from the exotic fruit guarana showed excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which could see the exotic berry making a move into food preservatives, new research suggests.

Antioxidant-rich coffee may slash gout risk

Drinking four or more cups of coffee every day may cut the risk of developing gout, the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in adult males, by 40 per cent, says new research that adds to an ever growing list of potential health benefits associated with the beverage.

Industry welcomes EFSA guidance but gaps still remain

The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA) has welcomed the publication of draft guidance on nutrition and health claims submissions by EFSA, but highlighted unclear areas that could pose problems for industry.

Natural, ArkoPharma settle CLA patent dispute

Norwegian biotech Natural and ArkoPharma have reached a settlement in a patent infringement lawsuit relating to Natural's patents on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Benefits of omega-3 fed cows passed onto consumers

Cows fed a diet rich in omega-3 produce enriched meat that has significant benefits for consumers, suggests new research from Kansas State University.

Approval sees Enzymotecs plant sterols set for functional foods

Israel's Enzymotec are promising to take the European phytosterol market to the next level after the European Commission approved the company's CardiaBeat ingredient as a novel food.

Latest iodine fortification plan proposed

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has published a final set of proposals to make iodine fortification mandatory for bread.

Apple extract may reduce fatigue for sporty types

An apple polyphenol extract from unripe apples reduced symptoms of fatigue and improved physical performance during exercise, Japanese researchers have reported.

Cosmeceutical trend dogged by tight regulations in the UK

As more and more skin care and vitamin manufacturers tap into the growing trend for alternative beauty options, the cosmeceutical industry is booming - however, the UK is lagging behind other countries in Europe due to strict regulations and lack of product innovation.

Food and industrial ingredients drive Tate & Lyle growth

Tate & Lyle has reported a strong full year 2007, the third consecutive year of sales growth and a key one for repositioning towards value added ingredients. But despite this, EU sugar reform continues to prove a drag.

Could coffee cut Parkinson's risk?

Drinking a whopping ten cups of coffee a day or more could slash the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 74 per cent, suggests a new prospective study from Finland.

UK heart patients to get omega-3 on prescription?

The UK's health service watchdog has advised that heart attack patients may be given omega-3 supplements on prescription, news that may have both positive and negative implications for the industry.

Fish oil plus exercise linked to weight loss

A combination of fish oil supplements and exercise led to reductions in fat mass by about 1.5 kg, as well as improving heart health markers, says a new study from Australia.

Agrana reports fruit-based growth in annual results

Agrana has reported its first set of annual results in which its fruit segment outstripped sugar and starch as a source of revenue, following a refocus in the wake of EU sugar reform.

Exclusive interview

Full speed ahead for Frutarom

As growing companies go, Frutarom has its foot firmly on the accelerator. Jess Halliday talks to president and CEO Ori Yehudai about the secrets of completing fifteen successful acquisitions in twelve years and the challenges facing food ingredient suppliers today.

Carotenoids more bioaccessible from fruit than green veg - study

The bioaccessibility of carotenoids is greater from fruit than dark green vegetables, says a new study from Ireland that has important implications for the use of such ingredients in functional foods.

Tap Japanese functional food innovation, urges Euromonitor

Functional foods from Japan are a source of inspiration for large companies building the market in Europe, but there are some caveats over the kinds of products consumers are likely to accept and the need for scientific backing.

Voices grow louder against bilberry fakes

Calls from the bilberry industry for better testing of imported extracts are growing louder, as the industry reacts to reports of extracts mixed with mulberry or black bean skins or azo-dyes

Mediterranean diet linked to low lung disease risk

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 50 per cent, says new research from Harvard.

Nut consumers favour freshness

Consumers prioritise freshness and taste over appearance when it comes to selecting peanut products, according to a new UK study commissioned by the American Peanut Council (APC).

Probi probiotics to enter India before year's end

Probi probiotics are set to make their debut in India before the end of the year after the Swedish probiotic company's partner Institut Rosell signed an agreement with Aristo Pharmaceuticals.

Apples, fish during pregnancy may reduce kids asthma

Eating apples and fish during pregnancy may reduce the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in children, suggests a new study from the UK.

Weekly comment

Masterfoods and the vegetarianisation of food

Masterfoods' U-turn over its plan to reformulate its famous confectionery brands using animal-derived whey sets a precedent that will prevent any other food manufacturer from flying in the face of the global trend towards the vegetarianisation of our food.

Industry support for folic acid recommendation

The decision by the UK's Food Standards Agency to recommend mandatory fortification of either bread or flour with folic acid has met with a positive response, both from the bakery industry and medical researchers.

Vitamin D bone benefits need added calcium, study

Taking vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of fractures is only effective if accompanied by additional calcium, Belgian researchers have reported.

Study questions CoQ10 for Parkinsons

Supplementation with co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) does not produce any benefits for people with Parkinson's disease, suggests a new clinical trial from Germany.

Functional foods need closer monitoring - experts

Functional foods need systematic monitoring because not enough is known about their long-term safety and effectiveness, Dutch scientists have stated.

Cognis refinancing frees up cash

Cognis has completed a major refinancing, which brings a considerable reduction of financing costs and improves its liquidity position.

FSA finally agrees to recommend folic acid fortification

The board of the UK's Food Standards Agency yesterday agreed unanimously to recommend mandatory fortification of some foods with folic acid, but whether it is bread or flour is still up for debate.

Pine bark extract shows promise against heart failure

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may protect against heart failure, if a new study with mice can be translated into humans.

Danone and Yakult to accelerate R&D cooperation

France's Danone and Japan's Yakult will continue their strategic alliance involving closer cooperation on R&D and entry into new markets, maintaining their positions as leaders in the probiotics market.

EFSA publishes draft health claims guidance

The European Food Standards Authority has today published its draft guidance document for the submission of applications under the new nutrition and health claims regulation, giving the clearest insight yet of the impact the legislation will have on industry.

Omega-3 and vitamin D linked to better eye health

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent, says a new study.

Snack makers urged to target health nuts

Manufacturers of nut snacks could boost lacklustre sales by marketing the products from a health platform and being more vociferous in publicising the nutritional benefits of a diet rich in nuts, according to the American Peanut Council.

Study raises concerns over multivitamins and prostate cancer

A new study from the US National Cancer Institute has reported that taking excessive amounts of multivitamins may increase the risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancers by 30 per cent.

FSA board prepares to issue folic acid advice

The board of the UK's Food Standards Agency is set to agree on the advice it will give to health ministers on fortifying flour with folic acid on Thursday, following a consultation with stakeholders and a positive recommendation last year from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

Calcium, vitamin D stops weight gain in older women - study

Postmenopausal women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements weigh about 0.13 kilograms less than counterparts not taking the supplements, results from the Women's Health Initiative have reported.

Fibre, magnesium may slash diabetes risk

Increased intake of fibre and magnesium-rich grains may cut the risk of developing diabetes by more than 25 per cent, suggests a new study from Germany.

Pea protein seen as promising microencapsulator

Researchers in Brazil have identified pea protein as a possible novel encapsulator after results showed the protein capable of encapsulating vitamin E at high concentrations.

Gadot acquires Pharmline in ingredients expansion

Israeli minerals maker Gadot Biochemicals has announced the acquisition of 85 per cent US-based Pharmline Holding as the company expands its health ingredients business.

FAO looks to organics for food security

Leading proponents of the benefits of organic agriculture put their heads together last week to discuss how organic methods could help preserve food security for the future.

Oily fish may benefit heart rhythms, more support

A diet rich in omega-3-rich has beneficial effects on heart rhythms, and may offer protection against fatal abnormal heart rhythms, suggests a study from Greece.

Probiotics could improve premature babies' gut health

The risk of necrotising enterocolitis, one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in premature babies, may be cut by 74 per cent by probiotic supplementation, suggests a meta-analysis from Australia.

Fenchem moves in on beauty from within

Chinese ingredients supplier Fenchem is promoting a range of branded ingredients, hoping to take advantage of the emerging market for oral products that deliver outward beauty benefits.

Industry needs to wake up to adulterated bilberry extracts

Bilberry extracts mixed with mulberry or black bean skins are reported to have hit the Japanese market and elsewhere, duping the industry into creating cheaper alternatives and undermining quality.

Farm milk may reduce asthma and allergy

Regular consumption of unpasteurised farm milk may offer protection from range of allergies, but the researchers cautioned against drinking raw milk until more research is carried out.

Burgundy enters era of innovation with new product trio

France's Burgundy is redrawing its product catalogue to list only innovative and differentiated products - a sea-change for the six-year old company with its roots in the eponymous wine region.

Croda takes 'underrated' DPA into omega-3 market

Croda Health Care used this year's Vitafoods to launch an omega-3 concentrate containing the well-known EPA and DHA, in combination with the 'underrated' DPA, with the company predicting the ingredient to take the omega-3 market to the 'next level'.

Orafti restructures to tune into customer needs

Belgium-based Orafti has announced an internal restructuring of management as the company seeks to come into like with its parent company, and better serve its customers.

Post-launch monitoring supports safety of phytosterol/stanols

Using phytosterol and stanol enriched margarines in everyday life stabilises cholesterol levels in a free-living population, and concerns over adverse effects seem unfounded with lower than recommended intakes being observed.

Tate and Lyle talks sweeteners and starch sale with Syral

Tate & Lyle is in advanced talks with Syral SAS regarding the sale of certain food and industrial ingredients facilities in the UK, Belgium, France, Italy and Spain.

Studies support efficacy of Xangold lutein for eye health

A new human study has shown that Cognis' Xangold lutein and zeaxanthin ingredient is effective at boosting the eye health of those with early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Cosmeceuticals focus

Health claims could drive beauty foods market

The new health claims regulations for foods could prompt more companies to tout the beauty benefits of their products, since cosmetics are not generally subject to the same stringent rules as foods and supplements, says an analyst.

Gene foods could lead to consumers ruling the food industry

The emergence of foods based on nutrigenomics could spark a shift in the landscape of the food industry, says HortResearch's Karl Crawford, and the industry needs to start considering how it is going to cater for consumer demands.

Cosmeceuticals focus

Cosmeceuticals not for everyone - Vitafoods told

Improving beauty from within via nutritional means is not for everyone, Dr. Marie Bejot, President of Laboratoire Oenobiol told attendees at Vitafoods, and should be used to address nutritional inadequacies.

Waitaki targets 'inner' beauty with new collagen ingredient

New Zealand's Waitaki Biosciences has launched a bovine collagen ingredient for the growing cosmeceutical and joint health markets.

New Zealand pushes innovation and trade at Vitafoods

New Zealand's nutraceutical industry is out in force at this year's Vitafoods exhibition, backed up by the country's trade and enterprise agency.

LycoRed goes global with Sochim deal for Italy

An Israeli ingredients firm has taken the next step in expanding its European presence through a series of strategic partnerships, signing a deal with Sochim to sell its portfolio to the Italian supplements market.

Meta-analysis supports CLA's anti-obesity potential

A meta-analysis of human studies supports claims that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the potential to help reduce fat mass, highlighting it as a possible aid in the fight against obesity.

Functional cheese still niche in the UK

An unhealthy image for cheese in the UK threatens to prevent many varieties from leaping on the functional food bandwagon.

Weekly Comment

Ingredients for cheap?

As recent incidents of food contamination demonstrate, the cheapest source for ingredients may not turn out to be so cheap after all.

Geneva gears up for biggest ever Vitafoods

Vitafoods version 10.0 will kick-off tomorrow with the industry set to unveil new ingredients at what the organizers are promising will be the biggest and best event to date.

Soy effective for cholesterol cuts - meta-analysis

Soy isoflavones and proteins are effective at reducing cholesterol levels and offer significant benefits for cardiovascular health, suggests a new meta-analysis from Japan.

Whole grains and health claims: time for action

The new health claims regulation has rekindled interest in exploring the benefits of whole grains, said consultant Prof David Richardson, but there is a need for action to ensure grains do not miss out in the implementation process.

Science stacks up for CLAs weight management

Dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased lean body mass, adding to previous studies supporting the weight management potential of the ingredient.

Frutarom to commercialise bioavailable capsanthin

Israeli ingredients powerhouse Frutarom has teamed up with Ilex Medical with an exclusive agreement to apply technology that unlocks the antioxidant benefits of Capsanthin to the nutrition market.

Folic acid fortification should included B12, study

Fortification of grains to reduce the risk of neural tube defects should include vitamin B12 along with folic acid, says a new study from Canada.

Whole grain consumption will increase with better taste

Not surprisingly, perceived healthiness and pleasantness are the best predictors of whether or not consumers are willing to use functional food products, consumer behaviour specialist Dr. Richard Shepherd told attendees of an AACC International conference in Montpellier, France.

Clinical trial backs Fabuless efficacy

DSM's proprietary ingredient Fabuless, formulated in yoghurt, stopped weight gain after weight loss, says a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Science builds behind immune boosting microalgae derivative

Daily supplements of the microalgae-derived supplement Immulina boosted the immune system in healthy, young and elderly adults, says a clinical study from Denmark.

Investor group buys controling stake in Solbar

A group of investors has acquired a 51 per cent stake in the share capital of Solbar, a move expected to improve the Israeli soy protein company's financial position and balance sheet.

Scientists propose new process for high-flavonoid cocoa

Scientists in Spain are reporting development of a new process to make cocoa powder with eight times the levels of some flavonoids linked to chocolate's beneficial effects.

Epax lowers dioxin, dioxin-like limits yet again

Norwegian omega-3 supplier Epax has introduced new maximum limits for environmental pollutant levels in its oils, which it expects will further boost consumer confidence in products.

Lonza invests in vitamin K assets and technology

Lonza is building the technological basis of its nutrition business with the acquisition of assets from Canada's SAM Electron Technologies, plus the license for innovative and ecological vitamin K production technology.

South African herbs may offer blood pressure benefits

The flora of South Africa is increasingly being studied as a source of novel nutraceuticals, and Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) may find a role in helping to lower blood pressure, researchers told the 120th annual meeting of the American Physiological Society

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