Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Dispatches from IFT

Giving process cheese a healthy makeover

Land O’Lakes discusses the latest development in process cheese, with 50 per cent lower fat and 35 per cent lower sodium.

Australian heart health market ripe for education

The Australian market for heart-healthy foods or supplements could be a tough one to crack, but consumer signs indicate that it holds potential for manufacturers willing to make the extra awareness-raising efforts.

Rat study: Krill beats fish omega-3s in battling metabolic dysfunctions

Omega-3s sourced from krill are more effective than fish oil in combating some metabolic symptoms including raised fat levels in the heart and liver and violent mood swings in obese individuals, according to Italian researchers.

Red yeast rice demonstrates cholesterol-lowering potential

American researchers have found red yeast rice to be effective in treating hyperlipidemia – the elevation of potentially damaging lipids in the blood – but who cannot tolerate statin treatment.

Healthy chocolate and candy products to beat the recession

Confectionery product ranges featuring new flavours, flexibility and variety will help manufacturers grow consumer purchases over the next five years despite economic uncertainty, according to the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) Confectionery Industry Trend Report 2009.

Weekly comment

Confusion reigns in cosmeceutical name game

The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

Calcium, zinc, chromium forms safe, says EFSA

Forms of manganese, potassium, chromium, calcium and zinc have earned positive safety opinions from the European Food safety Authority (EFSA) and can continue to be used in food supplements across the European Union’s 27 member states.

Soy linked to lung benefits: Study

The consumption of soy products could decrease the risk of lung disease and breathlessness, according to a new study from Japan.

News in brief

Asia seeks health claims harmonisation

Brussels-based consultancy, EAS, reports a health claims meeting held this month in Singapore has highlighted concerns among industry and regulators especially in regard to harmonisation.

UK Dairy Council calls for health claims common sense

The UK Dairy Council has welcomed the European Food Safety Authority’s recent statements about greater transparency in its nutrition and health claims assessment process, but warned now-valid claims in member states were in jeopardy.

EFSA questions safety of mineral forms

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued negative safety opinions on forms of calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium and selenium for use in food supplements.

Silliker buys French firm for more healthy food research

Silliker is building clout in the provision of food clinical studies with the acquisition of French CRO Biofortis, as the healthy eating drive and claims legislation demand top notch research.

Female soldiers benefit from iron supplements, say researchers

The physical and cognitive performance of female soldiers can be improved if they are given iron supplements, according to new research.

News in brief

EC agrees to explore GM opt-out proposal

The European Commission has agreed to draw up a list of options for further discussion after 11 countries urged that individual nations be allowed to opt out of growing genetically modified (GM) crops.

No additional weight loss with CLA, arginine combo: Rat study

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and L-arginine consumed together have separate but not additive effects on weight loss, according to a study conducted on rats.

DSM courts academia with Science Awards

Manfred Eggersdorfer, director of research and development at DSM Nutritional Products, sat down with Shane Starling to discuss the value of open innovation and business/academia interaction after the 2009 DSM Science and Technology Awards in Switzerland recently.

News in brief

Which? gives salads a dressing down

Which? has found that the average pre-prepared salad sold in UK supermarkets is almost as loaded with calories and fat as a burger – largely because of their dressings.

Guest article

EU health claims conversation must continue

Nigel Baldwin is one of Europe’s canniest consultants when it comes to the tricky business of European Union nutrition and health claims. He was at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stakeholder’s meeting in Brussels on June 15 and came away with mixed feelings.

Honey extract may ease heat stress for cyclists: Study

An extract from propolis, the waxy resin collected by honeybees, may reduce the detrimental effects prolonged exercising in hot climates, according to a new study.

Antioxidant supplement shows potential against AMD

A combination of antioxidant pigments and vitamins may slow down sight loss in elderly people, according to researchers from Queen’s University, Belfast.

Young nano scientist scoops €10,000 DSM award

Alexandra Teleki, PhD, yesterday won the southern section of DSM’s annual science awards for young European scientists, claiming a €10,000 prize above 11 other finalists for her nanotechnology research.

Organic shift would drive healthier diets: report

A major shift towards organic agriculture in the UK would cause a shift in the commodity mix – and subsequently be accompanied by healthier eating options, concludes a new report.

Omega-3 may boost heart health for diabetics

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce levels of compound in the blood of diabetics linked to heart disease, says a new study from Iran.

Could probiotics affect behaviour?

Increasing knowledge of how the gut and brain is opening up the possibilities for probiotics. At the 5th International Yakult Symposium in Amsterdam, Stephen Daniells met Professor John Bienenstock from McMaster University to find out where the current thinking is with probiotics and brain health.

Fibre-enriched pasta beats tradition in taste test

A resistant starch-rich powder from unripe banana could boost the nutritional content of pasta, report researchers from Mexico.

News in brief

Folic acid-cancer concerns rumble on

Concerns over a possible role of folic acid in development of colon cancer are continuing, as results of a rat study suggest the vitamin may promote tumour formation.

Australians skeptical about probiotic claims, says Datamonitor

Most Australian consumers are still not ready to believe the claims made by probiotic products, despite a steady and growing interest in their value for improving digestive health, according to Datamonitor.

Green tea’s anti-prostate cancer potential gains support

Consuming green tea may reduce levels of compounds linked to prostate cancer progression, according to findings of a small study with 26 men with prostate cancer.

News in brief

Kiwis gain US nutraceutical market insights

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has put together a data programme to assist local companies understand the US market and how to move into it.

EU omega-3 levels must be higher, say UK academics

It will be too easy for omega-3 bearing functional foods to make content claims under a proposed amendment to European nutrition and health claims rules, according to UK researchers.

Keys to functional foods success

When shopping, consumers very quickly decide on a brand’s worth and unless they are making positive ticks in their minds to an array of factors, it is likely they will pass your functional food by, according to a leading consultant.

Frutarom buys Chr. Hansen savoury unit in Germany

Acquisition-hungry firm Frutarom continued its rapid growth strategy, today announcing an "extremely synergetic" €5.2m deal to buy Chr. Hansen's savoury functional systems activities in Germany.

News in brief

DSM and Lonza extend 'intense partnership'

DSM Nutritional Products and Lonza will continue a decades-old working relationship, as the companies seek to “intensify partnerships” as the economic climate bites.

Antioxidants plus exercise may boost bones in older women

A combination of antioxidant supplements and resistance training may protect against bone loss in postmenopausal women, suggests a new study from Canada.

Open innovation speeding health and wellness transition

Opening up the innovation process to outside expertise is increaingly seen as a way to advance and cut costs.

News in brief

Baltic babies in world first probiotic baby bottle boost

Danish supplier, Chr Hansen, has launched what is believed to be the world’s first probiotic supplement aimed specifically at 0-2-year-olds in the Baltic states of northern Europe.

Europe to get omega-3 food content claim

A draft amendment to the 2006 nutrition and health claims regulation will see omega-3 content claims permitted across the European Union for the first time, possibly by year’s end.

Iodised salt to be mandatory for Australian bakers

Australian bakers have until October 9 to replace all regular salt with iodised salt when making bread products, as the Australian government attempts address an iodine deficiency that has been noticed among sections of the country’s 22 million inhabitants.

Could vinegar be natural fat fighter?

Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain, according to results of a study with mice from Japan.

Inneov calls for cosmeceuticals claims clarity

Inneov, the joint venture between Nestle and L’Oreal to develop beauty supplements, says regulatory clarity is needed in the area of beauty claims on non-topical beauty applications that in many cases fall between cosmetics and food law.

EFSA approves calcium forms for supplements use

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found some calcium, magnesium and potassium forms are bioavailable and safe for use in food supplements.

News in brief

Just another Meat Free Monday…

The movement towards avoiding meat one day a week to help address the impact on the climate is gathering pace, as Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and other stars launch a new campaign.

Science supports dairy calcium for weight loss

Increased intakes of calcium can increase excretion of fat in the faeces, and may play a role in weight management and preventing weight gain, says a review of the science.

News in brief

DSM wins Frost infant nutrition gong

DSM Nutritional Products has won a Frost & Sullivan award for Global Excellence in Quality in infant nutrition for implementing new safety standards.

Summit shows EU health claims change not coming, says ERNA

Shane Starling met with Patrick Coppens, the secretary general of the European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA), after the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) article 13.5 and 14 health claim stakeholders meeting on Monday in Brussels.

EFSA: Health claims summit ‘very successful’

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says the detailed guidance it gave to industry at Monday’s technical health claims meeting will ensure “shared, mutual understanding” in the health claims evaluation process.

Flagging UK supplements market boosted by over-65s and women

Falling demand and a negative profile mark today's €466 million UK vitamins and supplements market, but women, the over-65s and own-label developments could inject growth opportunities, finds a Mintel consumer survey.

Nitrates and nitrites may be nutritious: Study

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help cardiovascular health, suggests a study from the US.

EFSA opens up on EU health claims

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) promises greater transparency and thoroughness in its health claim opinions, as well as more intimate communication with claims applicants, after a long-awaited meeting with industry in Brussels yesterday.

EU health claims day 'fruitful': Chr Hansen

The long-awaited meeting between the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and industry was 'fruitful', said industry representatives, and follows promises from EFSA for greater transparency and thoroughness in its health claim opinions.

CoQ10 may boost sperm quality: Study

Supplements of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve the motility and density of sperm in infertile men, according to a new study using Kaneka’s ingredient.

Omega-3 plus AREDS supplement works for eye health: Study

Higher intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids, combined with the age related eye disease and nutrition (AREDS) supplement, may reduce the risk of AMD, says a new study.

Artificial gut cuts GI food development costs

An artificial gut that predicts the glycemic index (GI) and resistant starch in food products could bring cost-savings for formulators pushing new product development in health-positioned foods.

Weekly comment

IFT '09: In defence of trade shows

As the dust settles on another IFT the absence of several big players has left some questioning the relevance of trade shows in the 21st Century.

UK warns of liver damage from weight loss supplements

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning against Hydroxycut weight loss supplements, a full six weeks after the products were recalled from the US market for a suspected connection with serious liver damage.

Industry demands 'urgent' article 13.1 EU health claims dialogue

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should shelve plans to publish its first batch of 1024 article 13.1 health claims by the end of July until a dialogue can be opened with an increasingly apprehensive industry to clarify key aspects of the scientific assessment process, trade groups have said.

Big hopes for EFSA’s big health claim day

Shane Starling reports from the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) much anticipated industry stakeholders’ meeting about health claims in Brussels today.

Dispatches from IFT

Super fruit expertise opens up super veggie potential

Expertise garnered from studying super fruit is opening up possibilities to make super veggies. NZ Plant & Food Research’s Karl Crawford tells Stephen Daniells how the recent merger between HortResearch and Crop & Food Research has opened up new possibilities for transferring knowledge from super fruit to vegetables and beyond.

Vitamin D linked to successful weight loss with dieting

Increased intakes of vitamin D may improve weight loss while following a calorie-restricted diet, according to new findings from the US.

Burgundy launches spinach extract

French supplier Burgundy has developed a spinach extract it says has a higher antioxidant payload than vitamin E and which trades for about the same price as its standardized grape seed extract.

News in brief

Global flu pandemic declared

The first global flu pandemic of the century was declared yesterday after the World Health Organisation held an emergency summit.

Polish functional foods market open to all ages

The elderly and younger people are consuming functional foods at similar levels, despite differing expectations, health outcomes and education, according to researchers writing in a recent edition of Food Policy.

Beauty foods and drinks: In good taste?

Chocolates, jams and juices sporting beauty claims were showcased by market researchers Mintel at the In-Cosmetics show in Munich. NutraIngredients' Cosmetics Design cousins hit the show floor to put the latest beauty foods and drinks to the taste test.

Sterol margarines: Low-doses best for heart health, says study

Frequent low doses of plant sterols may be more effective at cutting cholesterol levels than one daily dose, say findings of a new North American study.

Reader response

Probiotics slamming professor slammed

Yesterday’s lead story on NutraIngredients.com reported comments made about probiotics by Michael Wilson, a London-based microbiology professor, when speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK last week.

News in brief

Sponsors sought for new food dictionary

The authors of a new online dictionary to give the names of food ingredients and products in 34 different languages are seeking sponsors to speed up translation.

Learning from functional foods failures

Eighty per cent of functional food product launches fail within 18 months, according to a new report that draws lessons from 15 high-profile failures from the likes of Danone, Emmi, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Unilever.

Lycopene-enriched hamburgers pass taste test

Tomato peel may enhance the nutritional profile of hamburgers with a dose of 4.9 mg of lycopene per 100 g of cooked hamburger achievable, report Spanish researchers.

EFSA HEALTH CLAIM OPINION

EFSA cans breast enlargement health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected a health claim linking consumption of hops food supplements and “firmer and fuller breasts”.

Copper safe in supplements, says EFSA

Copper oxide can be safely used in food supplements, a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel has found after reviewing the nutrient.

Plant proteins key to weight loss, healthy cholesterol, suggests study

A diet low in carbohydrates and high in plant-based proteins could improve blood cholesterol levels while promoting weight loss, according to a new study.

UK professor slams probiotics

Probiotic foods and supplements don’t help the healthy and can cause problems for those unfortunate enough to be sick, a UK microbiology professor has said at a science event.

Dioxins in food chain linked to breastfeeding problems

Dioxin exposure through the food chain during pregnancy could explain why some women have trouble breastfeeding or produce too little milk, new research suggests.

News in brief

Singapore approves five food health claims

The Singapore Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has approved five nutrient and product-specific health claims that can now bear a ‘Healthier Choice’ symbol.

Dispatches from IFT

Nano iron could lead to big fortification future

Nano-complexes of iron and zinc could lead to improved opportunities for fortifying staples such as wheat and rice, according to early data from Switzerland.

News in brief

DSM gains nutrition award for NutriRice technology

Ingredients firm DSM has received the first GAIN business award for innovation in nutrition 2008, presented at a ceremony during the recent GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) Business Alliance Global forum in Amsterdam.

Tetley red-carded over UK green tea ad

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Tetley Tea to amend advertising for a green tea product that implied antioxidant-derived energy and health benefits.

Red Bull confirms energy drink is cocaine-free

Under-fire Red Bull has moved to clear up some of the confusion surrounding traces of cocaine being found by German authorities in one of its brands.

Omega-3 science review supports DRI for heart benefits

A comprehensive review of studies on the benefits of omega-3 consumption has led scientists to recommend the establishment of a Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for EPA and DHA to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol cuts not the only benefit from stanol yoghurts: Study

Daily consumption of stanol-enriched yoghurt may reduce cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, according to new study from The Netherlands.

Weekly comment

A big day for European health claims

Next Monday, June 15, is a big day for the European healthy foods and food supplements industries. Let’s call it Big Monday. Or J15.

EFSA returns 2000+ health claims to EC for clarification

The European Botanical Forum (EBF) says the European Union nutrition and health claims process cannot “credibly proceed” in a climate where about half of the 4000+ health claims received by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have been returned to the EC for further clarification.

Healthier compounds cementing chocolate’s candy innovation dominance

The potential health benefits of certain compounds found in chocolate are helping to drive greater levels of innovation and product launches in the candy segment compared to sugar confectionery, according to recent research.

News in brief

HFMA launches AER initiative

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has established an Adverse Event Reporting (AER) system aimed at companies that don’t have a formal recording/reporting procedure.

News in brief

DHA pregnancy sales drive Martek sales growth

DHA supplier Martek Biosciences has said growth in its product sales in the second quarter was led by the pregnancy and nursing market, whereas sales in the infant formula category were down on last year.

Vitamin K2 may boost bone health in adolescents

Supplements of vitamin K2 may improve bone health in prepubescent children, and potentially protect them from osteoporosis later in life, says a new study.

Syral unveils investments and strategic direction

Starch specialist Syral has opened a new applied research centre and a new spray drying tower in Marckolsheim, France, as part of a major investment programme.

News in brief

Stevia conference comes to Europe

Companies planning to be present in the European stevia market will be convening in Leuven, Belgium, on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd of July for the Stevia in Europe conference organised by EUSTAS.

Greenshell mussel supply gains strength but issues remain

New Zealand supplier Waitaki Biosciences says the quality of the greenshell mussel supply has never been better, but a failure to implement and monitor quality standards is holding the industry back.

Authorities play down drink extract cocaine concerns

Decocainised coca leaf extract, which has been linked to the recent alleged discovery of traces of cocaine in some samples of Red Bull Simply Cola, will not face regulatory scrutiny regarding its wider use in formulations.

Red Bull ban is a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction, says trade group

Banning Red Bull Cola over its use of decocainised cocoa leaf extracts will be difficult to make stick in the absence of adverse events, according to the pan-European better nutrition trade group the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH).

Calcium-fortified ice cream ideal booster for bones?

Absorption of calcium from ice cream is no different than from low-fat milk, highlighting the potential of the summer treat as a potential bone health food, says a new study from Unilever.

News in brief

Cargill talks texture in Spanish

Cargill has launched a Spanish version of its texturising website, so it can share application and technical tips with professionals in the Spanish and Central and Latin American markets.

EC moves to block health claim withdrawals

The European Commission and European Union member states are moving to halt the flood of nutrition and health claim withdrawals in a bid to preserve what it is calling “transparency in the regulation”.

Grape seed may boost health and safety profile of bread

Addition of a grape seed extract to bread may not only increase the antioxidant content of the staple, but also inhibit formation of a potential toxin, says new research.

Selenium form not safe in supplements, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said there is insufficient data to back the safety of the selemium form, Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine (Semethylselenocysteine), in food supplements.

Antioxidant vitamins may protect against female cancer

Increased intakes of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus, according to a new review and meta-analysis of the science to date.

Time for a health claims time-out, says industry

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should delay publishing the first batch of 1024 article 13.1 generic health claims due by the end of July, a meeting was told in Brussels yesterday, as industry concern about its “innovation-killing” effect reaches fever pitch.

Cambridge Theranostics makes bioavailable lycopene pill

UK researchers have boosted the bioavailability of the tomato skin extract lycopene and produced a pill that they claim can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by more than 90 per cent.

Meet Our New Owners

Don’t miss this video interview with Robert Marr, chief operating officer of William Reed Business Media, which recently acquired Decision News Media, publisher of NutraIngredients.com.

EU health claim rules blamed for R&D brain drain

At a health claims meeting attended by regulators, politicians and regulators, held in Brussels yesterday, one of the major concerns voiced was the stifling effect on innovation the process was having.

Spirulina extract may reverse pain sensitivity

C-phycocyanin, a compound found in blue green algae like spirulina, may reduce inflammation and have pain killing effects, suggests a new study.

Omega-3 may improve blood pressure during weight loss

Consumption of fatty fish like salmon, or fish oil supplements, may reduce blood pressure during an energy-restricted diet, suggests a pan-European study.

Weekly comment

Economic depression a stimulus for fresh business

The economic recession is biting across the globe, and bleeding casualties litter all industries, but now is not the time to cower. Those willing to spend may provoke a stimulation of their business that could set them up for years, if not decades, to come.

New inulin test to beat counterfeiters

Chinese supplier Fenchem says it has developed a test method to ensure inulin is of the highest quality and not adulterated with steroids and other impurities.

Ocean Spray shores up cranberry team in Japan

Ocean Spray has a new strategic partnership to identify new opportunities and stimulate growth for cranberries in the high potential Japanese market.

News in brief

Stevia market development will ease price importance

The price of stevia sweeteners relative to sugar need not be an issue as the market develops, according to PureCircle, as supply chain investments are expected to encourage penetration.

News in brief

Understanding ‘The Middle Years’

A seminar to be held in the UK in July will investigate those consumers in the 40 to 60-year-old age bracket who are starting “to think seriously about preserving or improving their health.”

Gee Lawson enlists Indian calcium specialist

UK supplier Gee Lawson has signed a deal with a world-leading calcium compound supplier as it seeks to develop its presence in the calcium functional foods market in the UK.

CLA-rich cheese may boost heart health: Study

Consuming cheese from ewe’s milk, rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), may reduce markers linked to heart disease, suggest results from a small Italian study.

NutraIngredients.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of NutraIngredients.com, NutraIngredients-USA.com and 16 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by the leading UK business-to-business publisher, William Reed Business Media.

Teen soy intake linked to lower breast cancer risk

High intakes of soy during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer before the menopause by about 40 per cent, according to new data.

News in brief

China's new food safety law comes into force

Chinese authorities have said its new food safety law, which comes into effect today, will help prevent the food contamination incidents that have caused so much damage to the reputation of its domestic producers.

Red Bull wings clipped in Jordan over cocaine use

Austria’s health department has confirmed that Red Bull Cola contains traces of cocaine but at levels that do not pose a public health risk but Jordan has joined a major German retailer and banned the drink.