Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

News in brief

Opportunities in Chinese healthy foods market

Chinese supplier Fenchem has highlighted its local market as an area of new opportunity as the Chinese middle class grows and develops spending power.

Australian regulator attacked over Ginkgo quality

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has come under attack for failing to pull contaminated versions of the herb, ginkgo biloba, from the market.

Symposium details Calcium-Vitamin D fracture potential

As research continues into the role of calcium and vitamin D in maintaining bone health, a new study suggests a possible link between their combined supplementation and reduced hip fracture rates in the elderly.

Cargill shows confidence in chocolate with €16m investment

Cargill has officially opened a new plant for chocolate fillings and coatings in The Netherlands, as part of a wider plan to grow its cocoa and chocolate operations.

EC publishes health claim comments

DG Sanco, the European Commission’s health and consumer protection arm, has published comments made to it by concerned parties about varying health claim opinions as they have come in from the European Food safety Authority (EFSA).

News in brief

Oz-Dutch JV to meet prebiotic demand

Dutch-based FrieslandCampina Domo and Australian firm, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory, have opened an Australian plant FrieslandCampina says will allow it to meet growing prebiotics demand.

EC commissioner: 2010 health claims deadline will not be met

The EC’s Basil Mathioudakis has admitted that the January, 2010, deadline for all nutrition and health claim submissions to be processed in the European Union is unrealistic and will not be achieved.

Frutarom blames currency and destocking for sales drop

Functional ingredients, fragrance and flavour supplier Frutarom has reported a decrease in sales and net income for the quarter but confirms growth plans.

Analyst spies global food process-functionality boost

Growing interest from food processors in providing healthier convenience products is driving a surge in global demand for functional ingredients, particularly in emerging markets like India, suggests recent market analysis.

EFSA health claim opinion

Tomato extract wins EFSA blood aggregation health claim

UK-based Provexis Natural Products Limited has won a positive article 13.5 claim linking tomato concentrate consumption and blood platelet aggregation from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

D deficiency: Data denotes dementia danger?

Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, says a new hypothesis based on existing risk factors.

Niche markets and recession-busting strategies

Consumers express their own values when they shop, and the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) market is no different. Jeff Hilton, the managing director of Utah-based Integrated Marketing Group, tells Shane Starling how companies can make the most of this market's potential.

Multivitamins linked to younger ‘biological age’: Study

The cells of multivitamin users may have a younger biological age than cells from non-users, according to new research from the US.

News in brief

Moscow hosts global supplements meeting

Scientific and regulatory experts from Russia, the European Union, China and the US are set to meet in Moscow next month to discuss food supplements and the global regulatory systems that govern them.

Vitiva plans AquaRox launch for hot-filled beverages

Slovenian extracts firm Vitiva is gearing up for the launch of a new rosemary extract for clear, hot filled beverages next month, which it says has a neutral taste and colour.

Prebiotics to prosper in Europe: researchers

Many consumers remain confused about just what prebiotics are and what they do, but they are responding to the general gut health messaging surrounding various prebiotic forms, and seeking prebiotic products, according to Frost and Sullivan.

Giving bread and patisserie a healthy makeover

Puratos’ R&D director explains how bakery products can be given a healthy edge by reducing the salt and fat content – and how the technical challenges can be overcome.

Prebiotic fibres may boost weight loss: Study

Daily consumption of prebiotic oligofructose may lead to weight loss by suppressing levels of hormones linked to hunger, says a new study from Canada.

News in brief

Hoodia product rapped for misleading advertising

A UK company has been told to amend advertising for a hoodia gordonii product for which claims were being made that it could reduce calorie intake, lose weight, boost mood, act as an aphrodisiac and more.

Round table: Nanotech and nutraceuticals

Food and nutrition is a 'hot spot' for nanotechnology, experts have said. Stephen Daniells talks to two such experts and asks where the developments are, is enhanced bioavailability a good thing, and whether we should be concerned by nanotech.

EFSA issues health claims help

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a Q&A (question and answer) in advance of its stakeholders meeting in Brussels on June 15, to help industry better understand the nutrition and health claims process.

Germans ban Red Bull over cocaine content

Red Bull Cola has been banned in at least six German states after the newest offering from the world’s leading energy drink maker was found to contain cocaine.

Study strengthens Vitamin K1's heart benefits

Supplements of vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, may slow hardening of the arteries in people already suffering from the condition, says a new study from the US.

Prebiotics may boost teenage magnesium absorption

Daily supplements of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may enhance a teenage girl’s absorption of magnesium, according to a new study from Cargill and TNO Quality of LIfe.

Vertical integration: omega-3 from sea to supplement

Bjørn Refsum, chief executive officer at leading omega-3 supplier EPAX talks to Shane Starling about the benefits vertical integration has brought to the Norwegian supplier.

Lipogen makes brain lipid dairy breakthrough

Israeli supplier Lipogen has launched a version of its phosphatidylserine (PS) brain health ingredient that means the company’s flagship cognitive function-boosting lipid can be used in dairy products for the first time.

Weekly comment

Cheerios: Drugs for breakfast?

When is a breakfast cereal not a breakfast cereal? Well, when it’s a drug.

News in brief

Aussie fresh-bake omega-3 bread launched

A preservative-free, fresh-baked bread has been launched in Australia by bakery chain, Brumby’s Bakeries, the first time omega-3 has been available outside of long-life, supermarket versions.

Vitamin E tocotrienols' coming of age

Vitamin E tocotrienols are dwarves in a land of tocopherols – the vitamin E giants. But the tocotrienol market is growing. Stephen Daniells talks to Lipid Nutrition’s John Kurstjens, and Carotech’s Sharon Ling, about entry to the market, the benefits of competition, and new areas for tocotrienol science.

Orange juice shelf-life may be extended by natural chitosan

Using chitosan, an emerging ingredient extracted from fungi cell walls, may act as an anti-microbial ingredient for orange juice, and remove the need for pasteurization, says a new study.

EFSA: Boron-enriched yeast not safe in supplements

The European Food safety Authority (EFSA) says it cannot adjudicate on the safety of boron-enriched yeast in food supplements for want of data.

Swedish partnership debuts probiotic beverage

Probi, a Swedish probiotic specialist and major functional dairy, Skånemejerier, are teaming up to debut a probiotic beverage to complement a probiotic juice, ProViva, they have had on-market since 1994.

News in brief

UK parliament motion calls for Food Supplements Directive amendment

A Westminster motion is calling on Brussels to extend deadlines for enforcing maximum permitted levels of vitamins and minerals under the provisions of the EU Food Supplements Directive (FSD) and stop it applying to other nutrients such as glucosamine and creatine.

E for emerging nutrient? The growth of vitamin E tocotrienols

Vitamin E tocotrienols are slowing coming out of the shadow of tocopherols. Stephen Daniells talks to Dr Barrie Tan from American River Nutrition, about new sources of tocotrienols, new entrants to the market, and where the health benefits lie.

News in brief

European Parliament considers supplements petition

The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) has had a petition questioning scientific methods being used by European Union authorities to establish maximum permitted levels for nutrients in food supplements accepted by the European Parliament.

Valio debuts cholesterol and blood pressure lowering spread

Finnish dairy Valio has launched what it says is a world-first margarine product with both cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure benefits and coincides with Valio-funded research published recently in a peer-review journal on a similar product.

Cognis opens new affiliate to grow Indian business

Cognis has opened an affiliate in India following the successful establishment of a liaison office in the country last year.

Economic blues fuel health and wellness platform

A Euromonitor International report has highlighted the rising importance of prevention of disease and unwellness as opposed to treatment in the minds of large swathes of consumers.

Review supports vitamin K's fracture reducing power

High dose supplements of vitamin K are effective for reducing the risk of fractures in post-menopausal women, according to a new review of the ‘reliable literature’.

Gluten-free diet not friendly to gut bacteria: Study

Following a gluten-free diet may be detrimental to gut health, which may also affect immune health, according to a new study from the Spanish National Research Council.

EU mutual recognition rules to benefit industry, says EHPM

Mutual recognition rules have been confirmed by the European Union, a move that can benefit food and supplements manufacturers seeking to trade products across the bloc’s 27 member states.

Magnesium may benefit blood pressure in hypertensives

Supplemental magnesium may reduce blood pressure people with high blood pressure, but seemingly normal magnesium levels, says a new study from Korea.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Inside DSM’s quality commitment

Philipp de Simone, human nutrition and health regional sales director for the east, south east and middle east at DSM Nutritional Products, tells Shane Starling why DSM’s Quality for Life initiative reaches all the way from the factory floor to finished products.

Scientists boost ellagic acid bioavailability: Study

Forming a complex with phospholipids could enhance the bioavailability of ellagic acid, a polyphenol with antioxidant activity, according to new findings from India.

Chewing almonds may boost satiety

Thorough chewing of almonds may increase the absorption of unsaturated fat and suppress hunger for longer, according to findings from Purdue University.

Low vitamin D may boost metabolic syndrome risk

Insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome by 52 per cent, according to a joint Anglo-Chinese study.

Lactalis signs ARA deal with Martek

France’s Lactalis Nutrition Sante is the latest company to use Martek’s ARA in infant formula and milk for young children, after signing a multi-year single-source agreement with the micro-algae specialist.

Weekly comment

Different shades of green: Looking beyond carbon footprints

You can try your best to avoid it, but when it comes to measuring carbon footprint, almost everything we do these days, either as a business or individuals, is likely to have a negative impact on the environment.

Probiotics may reduce eczema risk by 60 per cent

Daily supplements of a multi-bacterial strain food may reduce the risk of eczema by 58 per cent during the first three months of life, according to a new study from The Netherlands.

Synbiotics may cut infant infections: Lallemand study

A combination of probiotic strains and prebiotic fibre may reduce the incidence of childhood infections by about 25 per cent, according to a new study from Lallemand.

Lallemand builds science behind probiotics for immune health

Henri Durand, scientific director at Lallemand, and Amelie Peigny from Laboratoires Urgo tell Stephen Daniells about the importance of supporting products with science.

News in brief

Chr Hansen signs service deal with ProteoNic

Chr Hansen has signed a service agreement with ProteoNic, which it says will enable it to increase its protein yield, save on production costs, and improve competitiveness in dairy enzymes.

Are cranberry PACs all they are cracked up to be?

In a NutraIngredients.com round table discussion, three leading cranberry suppliers discuss the merits of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in benefiting urinary tract infections(UTIs).

Dairy could mask bitter taste of antioxidants

Milk could be the ideal functional food matrix for delivery of polyphenolic-rich antioxidant extracts, suggests new research from South America.

Antioxidants needed by exercising populations: Nutritionist

Conclusions that supplements of vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are a "gross over extrapolation of the experimental findings", says a nutrition expert.

Time for an EU health claims rethink

In a NutraIngredients.com round table discussion, DSM’s Bas van Buijtenen expresses widespread industry concern with the EU nutrition and health claims process, while Cantox’s Nigel Baldwin tells us what we should expect from next month’s meeting with EFSA.

Enzymotec teams up with French firm for PS distribution

Israeli firm Enzymotec has joined forces with the French firm Phosphotec in order to boost the presence of its phosphatidylserine (PS) products in the French market.

Folic acid may boost baby’s heart health: Study

Increased intakes of folic acid by mandatory fortification of grain products to reduce neural tube defects may also reduce a baby’s risk of severe congenital heart defects, says a new study.

Raisio sells margarine business to Bunge for €80m

Raisio is to sell its margarine portfolio to Bunge, a move that will allow it to focus on its grain business and give it a powerful new partner for its Benecol plant stanols brand.

New high bioavailability DHA reaches North America

A concentrated DHA ingredient that claims to closely resemble DHA found in human breast milk has been launched on the North American market, following a distribution agreement between Spanish firm Brudy and New Jersey-based Xsto Solutions.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

K for Kartilage? New health areas for vitamin K

Vitamin K has been linked to bone, heart, and even prostate health, but could joint health and cartilage be next on the horizon for the unKnown vitamin? Stephen Daniells talks to Prof Cees Vermeer from VitaK, about raising awareness on vitamin K, dietary intakes, and new applications.

Glucosamine link to liver damage is unlikely, says FSA

Glucosamine is not likely to cause hepatitis, the FSA’s Committee on Toxicology (COT) has concluded after examining existing evidence – a review prompted by a small number of case studies suggesting a link.

What NutraIngredients took away from Vitafoods 2009

Last week, executives in the functional food and dietary supplement industries gathered in Geneva for the sector’s biggest European trade event. Here, NutraIngredients reveals some of the key messages it took away from Vitafoods 2009.

Guest article

Appellation controllée for food comes of age

This month saw the final stage in the introduction of a Europe-wide system for registering and protecting geographical names for foodstuffs and drinks. Owen Warnock. food law partner at Eversheds, explains why we will see PDO/PDI labels on more foods in the future.

Antioxidants may ‘block’ benefits of exercise: Study

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins after exercise may decrease the benefits of the workout by blocking the positive effects of reactive oxygen, says a new study.

Vitamin-exercise study questioned

Reports that vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are misleading, according to an antioxidant expert.

Glanbia guns for sports and infant nutrition market

Chief operating officer at Glanbia Nutritionals Dr Raimund Hoenes sat down with Shane Starling at Vitafoods in Geneva and shared insights into some of the challenges the sub-division of the Irish dairy giant has faced since its inception two years ago with a brief to develop an infant and sports nutrition ingredients portfolio.

News in brief

Beneo labelling surging worldwide

Consumer awareness of Beneo Orafti’s inulin and oligofructose is increasing, with a reported 350 products in over 30 countries now carrying the Beneo label, says the company.

Danone plays waiting game on health claims

After taking part in a Pharmanager seminar at Vitafoods in Geneva, Dr Jean-Michel Antoine, a 30-year research and development veteran at Danone, tells Shane Starling why the French dairy firm has pulled three article 13.5 probiotic yoghurt claims from the European Union nutrition and health claims process.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

The true cost of health claims and why patience is a virtue

Are health claims dossiers really that expensive, and has the ‘wait and see’ approach to submitting dossiers won? Stephen Daniells speaks to Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, President of Analyze & Realize, about how much it costs to compile a dossier, and why it’s better to wait than rush a health claims proposal.

Weekly comment

The quiet potential of supplements and fortified foods

What do companies like Vitamin Shoppe, Johnson & Johnson, DSM, Whole Foods, NBTY and even Pfizer have in common?

Mediterranean diet may lower blood pressure: Study

Following a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil and fruit and vegetables, may improve vascular health and reduce the risk of hypertension, says a new study.

Asian brands show western functional potential

While analyst suggests Asian food and drink companies are behind their Western counterparts in driving product innovation, manufacturers in the region may still be able to lead in way in meeting western demand for certain functional goods.

News in brief

Fruit and veg may slash colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 25 per cent, says a large European study.

Probiotics may help women regain their figures after pregnancy

Probiotic supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy may help women lose weight after the infant’s birth, say new findings presented today at the European Congress on Obesity.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

EFSA scientist offers rejected health claim hope

The presentation of science backing some health claims, as well as problematic wording, have been the culprits behind some European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) article 13.5 and article 14 health claim rejections and not the science per se, according to an EFSA scientist.

Unilever finds strength in emerging markets and innovation

Unilever’s activities in the developing and emerging markets and the US have proved key to growth in Q1, but private label presents a challenge to brands.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Hydrolysed collagen may boost beauty from within: Rousselot studies

Daily supplements of a hydrolysed collagen may improve skin hydration by 28 per cent, and reduce the wrinkles by 30 per cent, say two new studies from Rousselot.

Selenium linked to lower skin cancer risks

Higher blood levels of selenium may reduce the incidence of skin cancer by about 60 per cent, according to a new study from Dutch and Australian researchers.

Nutrient-rich and GI diet cuts eye disease risk: Study

A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the results of a new study.

White tea extract has potential anti-obesity effect

An extract from white tea can reduce the number of new fat cells produced and break down the fat in existing ones, according to new research which could help in the battle against obesity.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Moving towards a cranberry PACs pact

Julie Rosenborg, from Lallemand Health Ingredients, and Diana Naturals' Mathieu Besnard spoke with Shane Starling about some of the issues surrounding the proanthocyanidin content of cranberry and how the French urinary tract infection health claim passed in 2004 has influenced scientific development and the market.

How the EU health claims process could impact US

How will the new health claims system in Europe impact the state of play in the North American market? Lorraine Heller speaks to a leading international ingredients supplier about the potential marketing and regulatory implications.

B6 may slash colorectal cancer risk: Harvard study

Increased intake of vitamin B6 from dietary and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

Snack Size Science: Vitamin E and the quest for thick hair

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we consider if vitamin E from palm oil can help men with thinning and receding hair. Malaysian researchers suggest there’s potential for the vitamin in mane-maintenance.

Nestle ranks second in innovation index for Asian markets

Swiss firm Nestle ranks second in terms of innovation targeted at Asia's emerging markets, claims a fresh 'business vitality' index from the Global Intelligence Alliance Group (GIA).

Manufacturer says refinery tech aids whey process ‘purity’

A range of whey processing technology is designed to allow dairy groups to produce value-added ingredients with long-term reductions to costs and environmental impacts, according to its manufacturer.

BioActor team-up testing olive polyphenol potential

Belgium-based BioActor has entered into a collaboration with one raw material supplier to jointly market a new olive polyphenol formulation currently under development to offer possible bone health benefits for food and drink.

News in brief

NutraIngredients Twitter from Vitafoods

Keep up to date with all the latest industry and science headlines from this year’s Vitafoods by following NutraIngredients' journalists on Twitter.

NutraIngredients previews Vitafoods

As the doors open on Vitafoods 2009 at PalExpo in Geneva this week, NutraIngredients’ Shane Starling and Stephen Daniells share their insights ahead of the Europe’s biggest nutraceutical event.

Folic acid may ease asthma symptoms: Study

Higher levels of folate may reduce the risk of having asthma by 16 per cent, suggests new research from the US.

Dried plums for healthy, satiating snack: Study

Snacking on dried plums could be more effective as an appetite suppressant than a low-fat snack, say researchers.

Weekly comment

Food safety reform: Not a century too soon

On a summer’s day in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt pushed through new food safety regulation. The Food and Drugs Act passed that day over 100 years ago was the last time the US food safety system was modernized.

Dairy probiotic dominance not threatened by diversification

The probiotic dairy market is not yet under threat from developments of the use of similar strains in vegetable and soy-based functional products, though the industry is bracing for challenges ahead in educating consumers on their use.