Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Clarinol closer to Novel Foods approval

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has won approval for use in foods and beverages within the European Union from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

Tereos confirms interest in Danisco sugar

French sugar and food solutions company Tereos has confirmed it is hoping to acquire Danisco's sugar business, and that it is bidding against Germany's Nordzucker.

Flavonoids linked to lung cancer protection amongst smokers: study

The risk of lung cancer amongst smokers may be decreased by as much as 50 per cent by an increased intake of certain antioxidant flavonoids, according to a new study from UCLA.

Failure to publish research retards probiotic progress

The failure to publish clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of certain probiotic strains to reduce the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is bordering on scientific negligence, according to Gregor Reid, PhD, an expert in the area.

Beta-carotene effective as sunburn protector: meta-analysis

Oral supplements of beta-carotene may protect against sunburn, and the longer the supplementation period the greater the protection, says a new meta-analysis.

Chefs take centre stage in developing future foods

Chefs have long had a role to play in the food industry's development of new products, but ingredients companies are placing greater emphasis on how their sensory skills can be used to prepare foods that are more appealing to consumers, and to determine trends for the future.

Rehydrating tomatoes boosts anti-cancer punch: study

The anti-cancer activity of tomatoes, particularly in the prostate, could be boosted by dehydrating and then rehydrating the fruit, suggests a new study with rats.

Ephedra supplements cause death in Denmark

The Danish Medicines Agency has issued a public warning against an illegal ephedrine-containing supplement that has been linked with several adverse event reports and one death.

Tate & Lyle inks 'bran' new gut health deal

UK-based ingredients giant Tate & Lyle has dipped into its independent €30+m venture capital fund to the tune of €3.5m to partner with a Belgian start-up researching the gut health and antioxidant properties of bran fibres.

Sales soar for Chinese potato starch supplier

There is evidence that European potato starch suppliers are losing out to Chinese competitors, as anti-dumping measures drive rampant growth for leading Chinese starch maker.

Weight and mood drive Euro functional food development

Foods that assist weight management, cognition and mood and that are high in antioxidants, fibre and whole grains are leading functional foods development, according to a UK-based market analyst.

Vitamin D levels should be multiplied by ten for children: study

Raising current vitamin D levels from 200 International Units (IU) to 2,000 IU could boost bone health amongst children and have long-term health benefits, says new research.

Cognis fails to turn higher sales into profit growth

Escalating raw material prices have prevented Cognis from translating its strong first quarter sales increases into profit growth.

Apple polyphenols may protect stomachs from aspirin damage

Polyphenol extracts from apples may protect stomachs from ulcers and other complications associated with aspirin, suggests a new animal study from Italy.

DSM reignites omega-3 Ropufa supply

DSM Nutritional Product's omega-3 fish oil production is back on line two years after a fire at its UK plant caused a major disruption in supply.

Italy number one for antioxidant-rich kiwi supply

Supplies to food and supplements makers for the fruit that packs a powerful antioxidant punch continue to grow as Italy, the world's largest producer of kiwis, reports strong production figures for 2007.

New sucralose supplier enters European market today

Food makers to see alternative supplies for sucralose as new manufacturer for this booming sweetener hits European markets for the first time, launching today in Amsterdam.

Sodium benzoate removed from Diet Coke

Coca-Cola is phasing out the use of the controversial additive sodium benzoate in Diet Coke on the back of consumer demand for more natural products.

Nutrient fortification and label claims mismatched, finds food watchdog

Food manufacturers fortifying their foods with vitamins and minerals for the New Zealand market are under the spotlight as the country's food watchdog takes a closer look at nutrient claims, finding more than half of the foods tested did not meet the label claims.

Cocoa flavanols show promise for diabetic cardiovascular health

A new study has indicated that cocoa flavanols could help improve blood vessel health in diabetes patients, potentially offering protection against cardiovascular complications that standard medication does not.

Vitamin and mineral foods markets to flower in Africa?

Opportunities in emerging markets continue to flower for foods fortified with vitamins and minerals as growing urbanisation sees populations turning away from fruit and vegetables in Uganda.

EFSA gives green light to six flavouring agents

Six flavouring agents used in a variety of foods are cleared by Europe's risk assessor but industry is still awaiting the outcome for seven other agents evaluated at the same time.

Chr Hansen homes in on nutrigenomic probiotics

Chr Hansen is stepping up its probiotic research programme in a quest to find new functionalities and competencies for some of the 100s of strains of probiotics it has in its possession.

News briefs: healthy and premium chocolate launches

In recent years there has been an increasing trend towards healthy and premium confectionery products, aimed at making consumers feel better about the treats they eat and giving them a taste of luxury and sophistication.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence of one or two skeletons rattling around in there.

Collaboration unlocks huge fermentation bacteria source for foods

The food industry has a new resource of bacteria for the development of fermentation-based foods, thanks to a collaboration between Nizo Food Research and BCCM/LMG.

Sea buckthorn could have liver benefits, say scientists

A new study on sea buckthorn has found that the extract may ward off liver disease, leading researchers to conclude that it could be incorporated into a nutraceutical food or supplement targeting the condition.

Walmark to distribute Bristol supplements in eastern Europe

Rising Czech nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturer, Walmark, has gained the right to produce and distribute several brands from American pharma giant Bristol-Myers Squib (BMS) including supplement products, as its eastern European presence grows.

EU harmonisation ideals marred by business pragmatism

European Union harmonising Directives and regulations that give companies the right and power to trade their wares in any Member State are rarely utilised because companies fear a commercial backlash, according to a European regulatory expert.

Process development targets dairy cholesterol cutting

A proprietary processing development for natural dairy-based ingredients can offer a lower cholesterol alternative to regular milk, while maintaining the same taste profile, according to its manufacturer.

Making a krilling

The tiny crustaceans best known as whale fodder are making a splash as a nutrient-rich marine-sourced alternative to fish and algae in the omega-3 market. Tina Sampalis, PhD, chief science officer at leading krill player, Neptune Technologies & Bioresources, scrutinises the sector.

Italians, women most interested in prebiotic health claims

Italians and women are the most interested western Europeans in digestive health claims while Dutch are the least, according to new consumer research funded by French fibre specialist Syral.

Red wine keeps liver healthy, suggests new study

Fresh evidence that supports the potential protective health properties of wine with a US study suggesting a glass of red wine a day could actually protect against liver disease.

Researchers to identify obesity botanical extracts

Two research groups have joined forces to identify natural compounds that could hold potential in the prevention of metabolic disease and obesity.

UK herbal product told to withdraw advert

A Guernsey-based company has been told by the voluntary watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), to withdraw an advert for a prostate supplement because it failed to provide supporting evidence for its claims.

Sugar and currencies blamed for Tate & Lyle profit drop

Tate & Lyle has reported an 11 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £244m (c €307.3m) for full year 2008, a result of troubles in international sugar trading and inclement exchange rates.

Pizzey's Nutritionals heads for Europe

Pizzey's Nutritionals has launched a flax/fish oil ingredient in Europe after being purchased by Glanbia Nutritionals in 2007. Founder and president of the 17-year-old Canadian supplier Linda Pizzey discusses that move and other aspects of the omega-3 market.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise: the power of pooling resources

NZTE is a government-backed scheme that has helped Kiwi ingredients start-ups compete with companies with much deeper pockets around the globe. Andrew Easdale, business development manager at NZTE's UK office, explains the benefits.

Acquisitions pay off for Frutarom

Frutarom has seen the benefits of its seven acquisitions of 2007 on its profits in its Q1 results, and is pledging to keep profits on an even keel by adjusting selling prices in line with raw material costs.

Glanbia adds science to Prolibra for weight loss

Glanbia Nutritionals is building up the science behind its Prolibra weight management ingredient, with a new study finding that it can help result in a lower glycemic index.

Supplements a solution for B6 deficiency, says study

Researchers at Tufts University have suggested inadequate vitamin B6 levels across large sections of the US population, which could be reduced via supplementation.

DSM quantifies quality commitment with Quali-Blends

Dutch ingredients giant DSM Nutritional Products has pooled its quality control, formula customisation and environmental programmes under one brand concept as it refines its differentiation strategy.

How to behave with new parents

Being bought out by Iranex won't change French herbal extracts supplier Bio Serae's independent approach, says managing director, Olivier Houalla.

Tapping into changing consumer preferences

Peter Wennstrom, president of HealthFocus Europe, and a leading branding consultant, says the next big change in the nutrition industry is not about taste or convenience, but change it self.

Soy comes of age

The soy ingredients market has grown up a lot in 20 years. Solbar vice president of marketing and development Gary Brenner casts an eye over a mature ingredients sector.

IADSA appoints new chairman

A heightened focus on the development and communication of science will be a major priority for the leading international food supplements body after the appointment of a new chairman.

Russian growth trickles down to opportunities for ingredients

Increasing consumer power in Russia is drawing food and beverage manufacturers to set up base in the country - which, in turn, is opening opportunities for ingredients suppliers to do more business in the emerging market.

Zinc bound in yeast promotes superior bioavailability, claims study

The bioavailability of zinc organically bound in yeast is superior when compared to zinc gluconate salts, claim two recent studies backed by Lallemand Health Ingredients.

First Milk grant delivers green whey project

A major UK dairy and ingredients supplier has completed a facility renovation after being awarded a Welsh government grant to upgrade its plant while making it more environmentally friendly.

Nutrient-dense supplement could help overweight, study

Overweight people could benefit from taking a daily portion-controlled, nutrient-dense food supplement, according to a recent study.

Capsugel program allows fast access to colored capsules

US Capsule manufacturer Capsugel has launched a new program to provide dietary supplement manufacturers with easy access to a range of colored capsules at short notice.

The drug threat to weight loss supplements

Robinson Pharma marketing vice president, Kenn Israel, discusses the recent GlaxoSmithKline petition for weight loss claims be treated as disease claims, and the potential impact of this on the dietary supplement market.

DSM lights a green lantern

DSM Nutritional Products global marketing manager, Martijn Adorf, discusses why green values are as important as price competitiveness to the multinational ingredients giant.

Grape fibre beats other fibres for heart benefits: study

Antioxidant-rich fibres from red grape may reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease more than other fibre sources, suggests new research from Spain.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to bury their differences and concentrate on the benefits an alliance may bring.

Vitamin D and breast cancer: sunlight or supplements?

Higher vitamin D levels from exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB), may reduce the incidence of breast cancer, according to a new study.

Natural beverage quality certification extended

An international certification program for mineral water has been extended to allow manufacturers of natural functional drinks and mineral waters to support quality and safety claims on their labels, its developer says.

Self-regulation key for Europe's supplements makers

European food supplements companies need to up the ante on self-regulation in the absence of codified and harmonised quality control standards, according the European Federation of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM).

Omega-3 linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

Regular and long-term consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and oil fish may slash the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 40 per cent, suggests a new study.

UK smoothie market booming but missing essential fibres

The booming market for one-shot smoothies has been one of the healthy foods success stories of recent years but the products are not as nutritionally potent as they appear, according to an ingredient supplier.

Green tea extracts show promise for sleep-disordered breathing

Antioxidant-rich extracts from green tea may reduce the effects of oxidative stress caused by breathing problems while people are sleeping, according to US researchers.

Arla UK deal targets process push

European cooperative Arla Foods says it will form a new joint venture with its UK arm to step up investment in its processing operations within the country.

Suppliers react to Chinese earthquake

Western suppliers and manufacturers are contributing to earthquake recovery in China while trying to cope with the effect the quake has had on their operations.

Belgium adds detail to herbal drug plans

The Belgian Medicines Agency (AFMPS) has published further detail of draft amendments to a Royal Decree that may switch the classification of 250 herbal products from food and food supplement ingredients to medicines.

Cocoa prices bounce back, stay buoyant

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) monthly review of the cocoa market suggests that a decline of the monthly average ICCO daily price in April compared to the previous month could be misleading as far as futures markets are concerned.

Chromium ingredient may lower blood pressure: study

Supplements of niacin-bound chromium(III) may reduce blood pressure and offer knock-on benefits for cardiovascular health, according to new research.

Omega-3 carrier key to boosting children's attention: study

Esterified omega-3 fatty acids may improve the attention scores for children, says a new study from France and Israel's Enzymotec that appears to highlight the importance of the omega-3 carrier.

Carbery throws weight behind nutrition business

Irish whey protein specialist Carbery is engaging in a major investment and recruitment programme in response to a whey market it says has "exploded".

Evolutions in the omega-3 market

Adam Kelliher founded the UK omega-3 supplements company Equazen about 10 years ago after giving up a career as a BBC TV journalist. Leaving Equazen, he recently founded fatty acids researcher and developer, Equateq, which is headquartered in Scotland and developing novel and high-potency omega-3 forms.

The importance of science for branded ingredients

Joerg Gruenwald, president of Analyze & Realize, underlines the importance of branded ingredients for Western companies, and why strong science is imperative for global success.

Prostates protected by vitamin D: study

The benefits of vitamin D for prostates may be due to the action of the vitamin on a specific gene, suggests new research that deepens our understanding of how nutrients and genes interact.

Superfruit success not grown on trees, say authors

Superfruits are created by progressive product strategy and have little to do with the far-flung location in which they might be grown or even their nutritional payload, according to a new book.

Vitiva improves Inolens 4 for oil stability, colour

Slovenian natural extracts supplier Vitiva is introducing a new version of its Inolens rosemary extract, targeted at increasing the shelf-life and stability of food grade oils and fats.

Nestle and GE team-up to tackle nutrition-body composition issues

Understanding the associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits could be key to the struggle against obesity, and gaining an advantage in formulation.

Europe finds lycopene safe for foods

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found the carotenoid lycopene to be safe in a number of new applications.

Vitafoods 2008 overview

This year's Vitafoods trade show was the largest to date, attracting over 6000 visitors and 450 exhibitors. As the event becomes more widely recognised and respected in the functional foods and supplements industries, Nick Craig Waller from organisers IIR Exhibitions discusses the possibility of taking the show to other markets...

Kaneka targets CoQ10 at European supplements market

Japanese Co-enzyme Q10 leader Kaneka is targeting European supplements manufacturers with the launch of a high-potency form of CoQ10.

Omega-3 EPA linked to less depression

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the severity of symptoms of depression, particularly in people taking antidepressants, suggests new research from France.

China takes big step forward in nutrition labelling

China has introduced new guidelines for nutrition labelling on packaged foods which, although not mandatory, will standardise presentation of information on products that already state nutrient levels.

Lignans' prostate cancer protection gets study boost

The lignan metabolite enterolactone may prevent the spread of prostate cancer by acting at the genetic level, suggests new research that deepens our understanding of the topic.

Risk tool from Commission detects aflatoxin in food supply chain

European food industry must continue its crack down on food safety as the European Commission identifies six food alerts in just seven days.

UK weight loss supplements ads deemed misleading

A weight management food supplement claiming fat-binding powers has been told to alter its marketing strategy by the UK advertising watchdog.

Vitamin D and cancer: maintaining levels key to protection?

Ensuring levels of vitamin D never get low could be a way of protecting against cancer, suggests a new study from Germany.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Pine bark extract may boost diabetics' heart health

Supplements of extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce blood pressure and the use of blood pressure medication among diabetics, suggest results from a new study.

EU seeks further safety advice on GMOs

The European Commission remains cautious over genetically modified organisms (GMOs), returning to its safety advisors for a third time for a verdict on three biotech products.

Burgundy builds science for hibiscus extract for UTIs

An extract from hibiscus may cut the incidence of urinary tract infections by 60 per cent, suggests preliminary data from Burgundy.

Hop extract takes science leap into menopause market

French supplier Naturex has launched a botanical ingredient aimed at the women's menopausal market it claims offers a scientifically-backed alternative to existing menopausal relievers such as soy extracts, flax, red clover and black cohosh.

Gut microflora and obesity - Nestle expands the possibilities

Modifying the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity, suggests a new study from the Nestlé Research Center.

Green movement takes centre stage at Vitafoods

Green business practises were one of the few themes to emerge from this year's Vitafoods trade show in Geneva, which was strangely devoid of true ingredient innovation.

B vitamins fail to show heart benefits, says study

Supplements of folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 may not affect cardiovascular health, despite lowering homocysteine levels, says a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

More accurate data needed on dietary intake

Policymakers need to know more about actual dietary intake levels of nutrients before they make hasty decisions on recommended maximum and minimum consumption levels.

Ancient grains on the rise, says Datamonitor

New food and beverage products featuring ancient grains are appearing on markets worldwide, reports Datamonitor's Productscan Online, bringing new opportunities for lesser known types of grain.

News focus: Global nutraceuticals market

Eastern Europe: The fastest growing market

Sales of nutraceutical products in Eastern Europe have shot up in the past decade, as the market catches up with the rest of the world, according to an industry veteran.

Vitamin D to boost mood in older adults: study

Increasing your vitamin D intake may lead to mood improvements and protect against depression, suggests new research published today.

Unexpected result on iron levels in infant formulations set to spark debate

Food makers face fresh research on optimal iron levels in infant formula as new study suggests extra iron may delay development in infants that already have sufficient levels.

Naturex offers polyphenols from lettuce

Dietary supplement makers are offered new source of polyphenols from cost-effective raw materials as French natural ingredients firm Naturex buys into new patented technology that produces polyphenols extracted from onion and lettuce.

News focus: Global nutraceuticals market

The four markets dominating EU supplements

Italy and Germany are the two largest single markets for nutraceutical products in Western Europe, followed by the UK and France, according to a recent market overview.

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success may not be quite as simple.

Sabinsa builds science behind weight loss blend

Sabinsa's weight management ingredient, LeanGard, may boost weight loss and cut body fat, according to a new study from the company that builds the science behind the product.

CoQ10 may cut muscle injuries for athletes

Supplements of co-enzyme Q10 may reduce the occurrence of muscular injuries in athletes, suggests new research from Japan.

BioGaia tie-up brings new twist to Life Top Cap

Swedish probiotics supplier and technology developer BioGaia has signed a deal with one of the world's biggest cap makers to bring its Life Top ingredient-delivering cap to market.

Raisio reports across-the-board quarterly profits

Raisio has notched a 20 per cent increase turnover for the first quarter of the year as its ingredients and food divisions have surged.

Pepsi invests in UK aquaceuticals

PepsiCo has beefed up its presence in the European functional waters market by acquiring three-year-old UK start-up V Water for an undisclosed fee.

Juicing may boost a fruit's antioxidant punch: study

Long term supplementation of antioxidant-rich apples and purple grapes, particularly in juice form, may prevent artery hardening, researchers from France have reported for the first time.

GLG signs 10-year stevia supply contract with Cargill

Chinese ingredients company GLG Life Tech has signed a 10-year agreement to supply Cargill with extract from the stevia plant to make its rebiana sweetener.

Enzymotec launches cut-price krill oil

Israeli phospholipids specialist Enzymotec has debuted a modified krill oil it will sell at a "significantly lower price" to its existing high-grade version.

Green tea extract may counter fatigue for workaholics

Supplements of the green tea compound EGCG may offset the signs of physical and mental fatigue associated with modern stressful lives, suggests research from Japan.