All news articles for June 2007

Probiotics may cut diarrhoea amongst the elderly

Probiotic-containing drinks may help reduce diarrhoea among older people receiving antibiotics, reports new research that could offer savings to public health services.

Gut health protein and peptide study begins

The potential uses of proteins and peptides to improve gut health are to be explored through an industry-led collaborative project launched by Leatherhead Food International today.

Low B6 intake linked to colorectal cancer study

Low intake of vitamin B6 may increase a man's risk of colorectal cancer by 31 per cent, suggests a study from Japan.

Burgundy protects botanical extract process

Burgundy has secured a patent for its botanical extract products IridoForce and UTIrose which will help it to extend its presence in the joint health and urinary health markets.

Experts to debate the great food-health conflict

Food industry experts and academics are to convene next week to debate the conflicts between modern food provisions and healthy living, and how these could be considered in devising food marketing strategies.

Sea buckthorn may cut inflammation, CVD

Regular consumption of sea buckthorn berries reduced levels of a protein that is associated with inflammation, diabetes and heart disease, say Finnish scientists.

Novel foods relaxation would boost trade

A proposal by the European Commission to ease novel foods regulation for foods with a safe history in other parts of the world is eagerly anticipated by industry experts, who believe it will have a positive effect on EU trade and innovation.

Industry's Article 13 list expected by July

European trade associations for health products and food supplements have announced that the EU-wide industry list of hundreds of Article 13 health claims for authorisation should be finished by the end July.

Cranberries may fight ulcer-causing bacteria in humans

Cranberry juice may enhance the power of antibiotics to clear the stomach of women of a bacteria known to cause ulcers and cancer, new research reports.

DSM unveils 100m profit plan for nutritional products

DSM has today announced a major improvement package to boost profit margins of its nutritional products division by €100m, which is aimed at offsetting costs tied-up with acquiring Roche vitamins in 2003.

DSM unveils 100m profit plan for nutritional products

DSM has today announced a major improvement package to boost profit margins of its nutritional products division by €100m, which is aimed at offsetting costs tied-up with acquiring Roche vitamins in 2003.

Long-term vision for vitamin C and diabetic eye health?

Long-term supplementation with vitamin C may one day help prevent diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, if preliminary results from animals can be reproduced in humans.

Blueberries may reduce Alzheimer risk

Eating a diet rich in blueberries may reduce the severity of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or cognitive disorders relating to ageing, if results from an animal study can be translated into humans.

DSM, Buhler to start production of fortified NutriRice kernels

DSM and Buhler today announced the opening production facility of their Chinese joint venture Wuxi NutriRice Co, marking the imminent start of the first commercial production of nutritionally-enriched rice kernels for mixing with natural rice.

Barentz Europe steps into Swiss market

Barentz Europe has further strengthened its ingredients position on the continent by stepping into a joint venture with another company to break into the tough Swiss market.

Frutarom again on acquisitions trail

Ingredients company Frutarom has today confirmed it is in talks to buy Adumim, a move which if successful would strengthen the firms hold in the functional ingredients arena.

Cinnamon again linked to better blood sugar

Using cinnamon as a functional ingredient may lead to slower emptying of the stomach and reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating, says a new study.

Algatechnologies explores business beyond astaxanthin

Israeli's Algatechnologies is considering ways to extend its business beyond astaxanthin. It is investigating opportunities to derive other nutritional ingredients and biofuel from microalgae.

Unilever deal aims at added-value future

Unilever revealed yesterday it will sell a stake in some of its margarine brands in Brazil, as it moves to extend its focus on functional foods.

Phytopharm's China agreement to expand functionals

Britain-based Phytopharm today announced a collaboration and licence agreement with The Beijing Institute, for the development of novel functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Fish omega-3 linked to lower prostate cancer risk

Higher intake of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) may cut the risk of developing prostate cancer by 40 per cent, says a new study from Harvard.

Weekly comment

Clinical trials - gold standard or white elephant?

Randomised clinical trials are the ultimate. Forget what the observational studies tell us, if the RCT gives us an answer it must be the final word, right? Wrong.

Synergy pastes to counter 'bland' taste of health

Synergy is expanding its ethnic flavours offering with a new line of pastes intended to help manufacturers counter the perception that healthy foods are bland by definition.

LycoRed brings high-lycopene tomato raisins to functional market

LycoRed is introducing a new lycopene ingredient in the form of a dried cherry tomato that is remarkably high in the antioxidant, enabling foods to be fortified without complex regulatory situations posing a barrier.

Echinacea effective against colds - review

Taking the herbal Echinacea may cut the risk of catching the common cold by almost 60 per cent, suggests a new study from the US.

Omega-3 eyed for retina protection

Omega-3 fatty acids may protect our eyes against the development and progression of retinopathy, a deterioration of the retina, is results from a mice study can be translated to humans.

Novel hunger-stopping glucan from probiotics

Reuteran - a novel alpha-glucan produced by the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri - could be finding its way into bakery and dairy products as a weight management ingredient, Dutch scientists have reported.

Is fruit peel the next snack craze?

One in five UK adults regularly snack on or eat fruit peel as part of their diet, according to a survey released this week.

SourceOne brings Sytrinol to Europe

Chicago-based SourceOne Global Partners is partnering with Solgar Vitamin & Herb to introduce Sytrinol in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland.

More omega-3, less omega-6 better for prostates

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid levels, and decreasing levels of omega-6, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer risk in individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer, if results from an animal study can be translated to humans.

Omega-3 again linked to Alzheimers protection

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may help combat the depression and agitation symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, says a new clinical trial.

Scientists look for prebiotics from corn cobs

Scientists in Portugal have reported a novel method for producing fibres from corn cobs capable of boosting the growth of friendly gut bacteria.

British Nutrition Foundation defines 'fibre'

The food industry must innovate to develop a wider range of fibre-rich foods, says a new report from the British Nutrition Foundation that also defines "fibre".

Guar gum - science builds for health benefits

Guar gum, extensively used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser, may also have potential as a health ingredient for lowering cholesterol levels, suggests new research.

Naturex eases maca patents for benefit of Peruvian growers

Naturex is looking to protect the interests of maca growers and communities in Peru by loosening restrictions surrounding its patents on the herbal product.

Novel lycopene encapsulation method reported

Using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process to encapsulate lycopene could lead to greater stability and offer important advantages over the conventional method of encapsulation.

Fats - quality more important than quantity?

Replacing unhealthy fats with healthy alternatives reduces risk markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) more than reducing the quantity of fat, suggests new research from the US.

Appetite reduction is key for weight management - consumers

When consumers think about weight management and foods, appetite-suppressing ingredients are key, suggests new independent consumer research.

Genistein may boost bone formation in older women

Supplementation with the soy isoflavone genistein led to increases in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, says a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from Italy.

Probiotics protect against bacterial infection, says study

A newly characterised strain of probiotic bacteria may have potential to kill Listeria monocytogenes, an often-lethal pathogen in pregnant women, Irish researchers report.

Enzymotec, AAK form Advanced Lipid joint venture

Israeli Enzymotec and Swedish specialty oil and fat manufacturer AarhusKarlshamn (AAK) have entered into a joint venture to deliver advanced lipids to the food industry - starting with InFat for infant formulas and working towards ingredients for functional foods.

Skin health could sustain lutein expansion

The global lutein market is set to hit $124.5 million (€93 million) in 2013, says a new report from Frost & Sullivan, with skin health offering a major new avenue for the carotenoid.

Add methyl cellulose for healthy battered food

Making batters with methyl cellulose could remove the need for pre-frying of fried foods and boost the healthy image of battered foods, suggests new research from Spain.

Orafti launches study for prebiotics in infant immune health

Orafti has announced the launch of a new long-term study into the potential effects of prebiotic infant formulae on the development of the infants immune system and the incidence of allergy in infants.

Partnership targets cosmeceutical industry

Yet another partnership has been forged in the cosmeceutical industry following Laboratoires Expanscience's acquisition of Laboratoires Cegipharma last week - a specialist in weight loss nutritional products.

Low-carb diet bad for gut health?

Eating a low-carbohydrate diet, like the once fashionable Atkins diet, may adversely affect the numbers of certain types of bacteria in the gut of obese men, Scottish researchers have reported.

Tate & Lyle completes Hahn acquisition

Tate & Lyle has completed its majority stake acquisition of the German family-run specialty ingredients firm GC Hahn - a further step in its plans to focus on value-added ingredients over commodities.

Goji berries not novel food, says FSA

Goji berry consumption in the UK has been significant for many years, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has declared, meaning the berry does not need to be authorised as a novel food.

Weekly comment

A sobering thought for the alcohol industry

Much against my own better judgement, there are some issues it seems, where corporate social responsibility must really live up to its name and truly look after its consumers.

Mulberry extract may prevent diabetes - study

A new mulberry powder, rich in a compound that inhibits the digestion of carbohydrates, may have the potential to prevent diabetes, suggests a new study from Japan.

Dietary calcium better for bones than supplements - study

Women who get most of their daily calcium from dietary sources have healthier bones than women whose calcium comes mainly from supplements, says new research.

Is organic food really more nutritious?

The overall body of science does not support the view that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food, says a new review from the British Nutrition Foundation.

Labochim opens doors with novel ALA pellets

Italian firm INFA-Labochim has introduced a new alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) pellet with increased stability that could open doors for the antioxidant to wide range of nutraceutical combinations.

Astaxanthin linked to improved heart health

Astaxanthin, the nutrient that gives salmon its pink colour, may also have heart health benefits, suggests a new study from Finland.

Breakfast cereals as good as special drinks for sports recovery?

A bowlful of whole-wheat flake cereal and nonfat milk may work just as effectively as specialized sports drink in boosting recovery after exercise, researchers told attendees at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Folic acid in the UK: Bread vs flour debate unresolved

The board of the UK's Food Standards Agency yesterday gave the go-ahead for the recommendation on mandatory folic acid fortification be made to health ministers, but it remains unclear whether the nutrient will be added to flour or bread.

Cocoa's heart benefits given another boost

Consumption of the polyphenol-rich cocoa may cut cholesterol levels, says a new study from Japan that adds to the ever-growing body of science supporting the potential heart health benefits of chocolate.

Is Down Under the new Amazon for superfruits?

Scientists in Australia are scrutinizing the country's flora for fruit with the potential to tap into the growing trend of exotic fruits as sources of colours, flavours and health ingredients.

Ireland urges industry to co-operate with health claim discussions

Ireland's food safety regulator has urged the nation's food industry to be more involved with the EU health claims process to make the most of the opportunities it offers.

LycoRed, Oenobiol target male appearance from within

The French launch of a new sun protection supplement for men containing lycopene could pave the way towards more male-oriented products in the beauty-from-within category.

Cod liver oil linked to less depression

Regular and long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich cod liver oil may protect people from symptoms of depression, says a large study from Norway.

Flavonoids linked to improved mental health

A diet rich in flavonoids, compounds in fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea and chocolate, could reduce the decline in mental function associated with age, says a new study from France.

Can DHA during pregnancy reduce problems for kids?

Supplementation of women with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy could boost the problem solving abilities of the children, suggests new research.

Nutrition, health claims perception differs by country - survey

A consumer's perception of nutrition and health claims labeling differs not only between the US and Europe, but also among European countries, says a new survey from Unilever.

Gelatin combo eyed for tomato waste encapsulation

Researchers from Taiwan are eying a combination of gelatin and poly(-glutamic acid) (-PGA) for the encapsulation of lycopene from tomato pulp waste, offering alternatives for the ingredient increasingly in the consumer's eye.

Processors nix proposal to charge fees for risk assessments

The EU's processors have called on the bloc's administrative arm to drop a proposal that would allow the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) to charge companies fees for assessments.

Stakeholders meet for health claim discussions

Stakeholders in the new European health claims initiative have met to discuss the technical and scientific aspects the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) draft guidance to applicants on the submission of health claims.

Addition of folic acid at milling stage shifts cost burden

A UK food safety panel is recommending that the mandatory addition of folic acid should be made at the milling stage rather than at the manufacturing stage, shifting the cost burden to suppliers.

Fungus to join mushrooming immune health market?

Consumption of the humble white button mushroom may boost the immune system and protect again infection, suggests a new animal study from the US.

Probiotics again linked to lower eczema risk

Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and then for the infants after birth could reduce the incidence of eczema, suggests a new clinical trial from Sweden.

EC extends deadline for Nestle-Novartis approval

The European Commission has extended the deadline for its decision on Nestle's proposed buy of Novartis' medical nutrition unit for US$2.5bn to allow time for responses on proposed remedies to competition issues.

UK superfood sales soar

Sales of superfoods like beans, blueberries, broccoli, spinach, tea, tomatoes, and walnuts are soaring in the UK as consumers continue to seek the health benefits linked to the foods.

Whole grains linked to lower atherosclerosis risk

An increased intake of wholegrain-rich foods has been linked to improvements in blood vessel health, says a new study that adds to the heart-health benefits of a diet rich in wholegrains.

EFSA issues opinions on allergen-derived ingredients

The European Food Standards Authority has issued opinions on the likelihood of certain ingredients and additives causing allergic reactions, underscoring the importance of including full scientific data in dossiers to allow the panel to make a full assessment.

Cosucra builds science behind prebiotic ingredient

Two low doses of the prebiotic inulin every day can efficiently boost levels of beneficial gut bacteria, and reduce levels of an enzyme linked to colon cancer, says a new study sponsored by Belgium's Cosucra.

ReGen talks Colostrinin and cognition to natural health practitioners

ReGen and Metagenics are preparing for the launch of Colostrinin with the presentation of data on the nutraceutical's potential for cognitive function before a group that could be instrumental in its success - natural health practitioners.

Glucosamine may slow arthritis sufferers' bone turnover

Arthritis sufferers may be able to help slow the bone turnover that appears with the disease by supplementing their diet with glucosamine, if the results of an animal study can be applied to humans.

Tate & Lyle unveils Promitor to help bridge fibre gap

Tate & Lyle has announced the introduction of a new line of branded fibre ingredients called Promitor, which can be used in a broad range of food products to help consumers meet fibre intake targets.

Vitamin D vital for cancer prevention, researchers

A growing body of scientists believes that most Americans and Europeans do not receive enough vitamin D, and according to the latest study this could be putting them at a significant risk of developing cancer.

Chr Hansen to untangle bacteria genes

Chr Hansen has teamed up with researchers from Denmark and Japan in an effort understand the genetic make-up of bacteria and see whether this knowledge can be used to improve probiotic food products.

UK Dairy Council conference spreads health message

UK's Dairy Council yesterday held a Diet & Health conference geared at getting the message of the diverse health-promoting properties of milk out to health professionals and as such on to consumers.

EU safety agency gives nod to bird flu vaccination

Vaccination programmes of poultry with approved drugs and proceedures could be used to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza, the EU's food safety assessment agency said yesterday.

Choline recommendations may be too low, study

Current choline recommendations may not be enough for some people, suggests a new study which found requirements differed between men and women, and pre- and post-menopausal women.

Nestle sets out 10 year health and wellness model

Nestle is eyeing organic growth in health, wellness and nutrition of five to six per cent over the next ten years, the chief financial officer was due to told investors at a seminar today.

Green tea drinking may halve the colorectal cancer risk

Regularly drinking antioxidant-rich green tea may halve the risk of colon and rectal cancer, suggests a new study based in China.

Calcium link to prostate cancer risk, study

Too much milk and cheese appears to increase the risk of prostate cancer in male smokers, say researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.

Dietary vitamin E linked to lower prostate cancer risk

Increased intake of vitamin E from dietary but not supplemental sources may cut the risk of prostate cancer by over 30 per cent, says new research from the US.

Diana sale to AXA Private Equity confirmed

AXA Private Equity has confirmed its intention to acquire Diana Ingredients from Cognetas for €710m - a move that indicates strong potential for further growth by the French company.

Folic acid may increase risk of colorectal tumours

Folic acid does not decrease the risk of benign colorectal tumours and may increase the likelihood of contracting some types of tumours, say researchers - but the supplements industry urges caution in light of documented benefits.

Healthy starch advances for processed foods

The search for low glycaemic and slowly digestible starch continues, with scientists from Purdue University reporting a new starch that may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar and perhaps ease hunger pangs.

Meat-free market poised for more growth, says Prosoy

The European meat-free foods category is ready to enter growth phase following a period of consolidation, says Prosoy, just as consumers are becoming more aware of health benefits of soy and are more prepared to meat-free meals on occasions.

Gum arabic suppliers: Sudan threats are not serious

Ingredients suppliers say threats by Sudan's US ambassador to cut off gum arabic supplies from the country are not serious, and an embargo would not have a catastrophic effect on the world supply.

Researchers recommend apple peel to protect against cancer

Apple peel may be more nutritious than apple flesh for people trying to keep cancer at bay, according to researchers at the Cornell Institute, New York, US.

Ginseng could relieve cancer-related fatigue

Ginseng may help patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue, according to researchers based at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, US.

Norwegian institute plans market-oriented seafood research

Norwegian research institute Fiskeriforskning has underscored the importance of market-oriented research in its new annual report, especially in the area of marine ingredients, seafood by-products and research into health benefits.

Eating flaxseed may halt prostate cancer growth

Daily consumption of flaxseed may stop the growth of prostate cancer tumours, according to research presented this weekend.

Weekly comment

Could organic eat itself?

Just when organic food has begun to make a noticeable dent in the overall food market, air freighting - a measure that solves the segment's biggest current problem - is facing potential prohibition.

Orange cauliflower could lead to more nutritious crops

Scientists who identified the gene mutation behind orange, beta carotene-rich cauliflower are investigating ways to apply their knowledge to transgenic potatoes, with a view to developing more nutritious stable foods.

Folic acid seen to reduce stroke risk

Folic acid supplementation is best known as a means of protecting unborn children against birth defects, but research suggests that it could also be beneficial to adults and significantly reduce their risk of suffering a stroke.

Branston baked beans now brainy with omega-3

Premier Foods has given canned baked beans a makeover and enhanced their healthy profile by adding omega-3 fatty acids.

Chr Hansen to sell coatings and excipients division

Chr Hansen has announced plans to divest its coatings and excipients business in order to focus on core activities in cultures, enzymes, natural colours and flavours.

Protein quality more important than source, say scientists

It does not matter so much whether protein is sourced from animals or vegetables as whether it is of sufficiently good quality and has the functional characteristics that enable it to be used in food applications, scientists said at a debate hosted by Solanic.

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