All news articles for July 2007

Proteins to help make low-fat ice cream?

A novel food application to use an ice structuring protein, derived from a yeast, in low-fat ice cream has been recommended for approval by the UK's Food Standards Agency.

Expert comment

Nitrite free: Where does the truth end?

Cured meat products are appearing on the market as 'naturally cured', 'no nitrite added', 'without added nitrite' or even 'nitrite free' to promote a health image to consumers. Industry expert Gerhard Feiner believes such statements can be misleading.

Coenzyme study backs heart health claims

Supplementation with the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may boost naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), researchers have found.

Goat milk prevents iron deficiency - study

A study of the nutritional benefits of goat milk, compared to cow milk, at preventing iron deficiency could prove to be a huge benefit to human health.

Cosmeceuticals next up for all-conquering NutraLease?

NutraLease, the patented nano-scale delivery system for hydrophobic nutraceuticals, could soon be entering the cosmeceuticals world, its inventor said after yet another award.

Nestle's Gerber acquisition cleared by EU

The European Commission has cleared Nestle's proposed acquisition of Novartis's Gerber business, saying it would not lead to an uncompetitive concentration in baby foods and cereals.

Precautionary principle left out by Codex

Codex has agreed to exclude the controversial precautionary principle in its risk analysis standards, marking the end of a long battle between the EU and trade groups.

One per cent can help reduce sat fat, says agency

Milk that contains only one per cent fat can be used as an ingredient in food products to help formulators reduce saturated fat levels in line with guidance targets, says the FSA - advice that could help stimulate a sector of the dairy industry.

Anthocyanin-rich corn products may benefit dieters, diabetics

Using blue corn to make tortillas and other products may offer significant benefits for dieters and diabetics, suggests a new study from Mexico and Venezuela.

Green tea ingredient rides trend

A green tea extract has been launched by Danisco as a food ingredient, reinforcing the perceived benefits of the antioxidant and its "consumer friendly" appeal.

Study finds omega-3 greater anti-inflammatory potential

An increased intake of fish oil over vegetable oil can help reduce the inflammation of various tissue and organs, a study has found.

Antioxidants linked to better bone health for osteoarthritis

Increased intake of fruit and the antioxidants they contain, like vitamins C and E, may improve bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

Consumers making healthy fat distinction

Consumers are starting to recognise that some fats can actually be good for them, stimulating growth in the market for polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 and CLA, says Leatherhead.

Health, nutrition claims get green light

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released long-awaited details on how companies can submit statements they wish to be accepted as part of the EU's new legislation on health and nutrition claims.

Echinacea and green teas on the rise, report says

People who are turning to complementary healthcare - including green teas and echinacea - are set to spend £191m in Britain this year alone, according to a new report.

Broccoli and cauliflower may slash prostate cancer risk

Eating more than one serving of broccoli and cauliflower a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 45 per cent, says a new study.

Sales up for DSM despite tough time

DSM has today reported a rise in sales for its nutrition division in the second quarter of 2007, however the loss of contracts tied in with the take-over of Roche vitamins and a poor exchange rate both took their toll.

Anthocyanins' anti-inflammatory properties probed

Increased intake of anthocyanins - compounds behind the red and blue colour of berries and other fruit - from dietary or supplemental sources may protect against inflammation, says a new study from Norway.

Probiotics with a two-year shelf life?

A €4.5m ($6.3m) investment in New Zealand firm EnCoate could help it develop a technique to extend the shelf life of probiotics, opening up the uses for the bacteria often found only in dairy products.

Healthy snacks market will boom, says report

The whole grain and high fibre food market will reach $21bn (€15bn) by 2010, according to a new report by Global Industry Analysts.

Zeaxanthin linked to better mental performance in the elderly

Increased intake of the carotenoids lycopene and zeaxanthin may improve the mental performance of the elderly, according to a new study from France.

Soy isoflavones may halve prostate cancer risk

Increased intake of soy isoflavones may cut the risk of prostate cancer by 58 per cent, suggests a new study from Japan.

Global carotenoid market to hit a new high

The world carotenoid market is expected to reach €0.77bn ($1.06bn) by 2010 as consumers continue to look for natural ingredients, a new report has predicted.

Low vitamin D levels linked to higher blood pressure

People with low blood levels of vitamin D may be at an increased risk of higher blood pressure - a problem that could be easily remedied with supplements, says a new study.

Dairy Crest to ride omega-3 trend

A third omega-3 enhanced spread is being planned by UK's Dairy Crest - a move which rubber stamps the increasing trend for food companies to take advantage of the health benefits of the fish oil.

Organic meat and dairy linked to better quality breast milk

The breast milk of mothers consuming organic meat and dairy contains higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, and has an overall improved quality, suggests new research.

More health claims increase sales, study finds

Products offering more than one health claim are more attractive to consumers and this could translate into a 20 per cent sales boost, a study in Germany has found.

China introduces new novel foods regulation

China is set to introduce a new regulation on novel foods on 1 December.

Tate & Lyle cash boost for sustainable ingredients

Tate & Lyle has today agreed to plough cash into the UK-based marine biotechnology firm Aquapharm Biodiscovery, a move which enhances the firm's progression in sourcing sustainable ingredients.

Probiotics show potential against burns

A probiotic supplement of Lactobacillus bacteria may help reduce sepsis and cut mortality from acute burns, suggests a study from Israel.

Revolutionary emulsions to take nutra market by storm?

CRS Technologies has revealed its novel shearing process applied to fruit and vegetable waste produces stable emulsions and powders rich in phytonutrients, and with increased bioavailability.

Weekly Comment

Could the E-number be up?

The European Food Safety Authority's review of additive safety could have a bigger effect on the ingredients industry than the ejection of certain colours and flavours with a suspect safety record. It could give the natural ingredients trend an extra push, and possibly prove the death-knell for the ne'er loved E number system.

More support for encapsulated sterols for cholesterol cuts

Regular use of plant sterol esters in capsules improved blood lipid levels and may reduce heart disease risk, says a study from the US and Canada.

EU health and nutrition claims update

A one day conference to help businesses improve their understanding of how the European health and nutrition claims regulation will affect them has been called for later this year.

Mango peel extract shows functional food potential

Mango peel extract, a by-product of the mango processing industry, offers a rich and inexpensive source of antioxidants for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods, says new research from India.

More work needed on EU novel food catalogue

The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA) has called for more work to be done by the European Commission as it draws up the first EU novel food catalogue, listing approved ingredients from across member states.

Aromatech boards the superfruits flavours wagon

French flavours firm Aromatech has developed a new range of superfruit flavours that it says combines a popular taste trend with antioxidants and a connotation of health.

Low maternal cholesterol may boost blood flow in foetus

Lowering maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy may improve the blood flow in the foetus and produce noticeable benefits later, says a new study from Norway.

Alltracel steps closer to releasing cellulose bioactive on the market

Alltracel hopes two new delivery formats for its cellulose based bioactive substance, which is aimed at cardiovascular health, will help it repeat a second successful financial year and bring the product closer to the dietary supplement and functional food markets.

Dairy calcium linked to lower breast cancer risk

Increased intake of dairy products may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by at least 45 per cent, says a new study from France.

DRT compiles safety dossier for pine bark extract

French maritime pine bark extract firm DRT has reported successful scientific tests on the safety of its Oligopin product, which it expects will help it to reach out of the supplement market and into foods.

Cognis targets European obesity problem with CLA

Cognis has applied for permission to use its weight management product Tonalin as a food ingredient, helping the firm diversify it from the supplement market and take advantage of the European obesity problem.

AESGP to shed light on health claims and mineral levels

The Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP) is organising a conference on how new EU regulations will have a bearing on herbal products for later this year in Brussels.

Soy protein hydrolysate shows promise for weight management

Consuming a soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) increases heat production compared to carbohydrate, and when the protein is eaten before carbs the glucose response may be blunted.

Wild natural beverage concept to boost flagging sector

Riding the trend for natural ingredients in food and drink products, Wild says its natural ACE beverage concept - which uses vitamins exclusively derived from organic sources - is boosting flagging sales in the beverage sector.

Calls get louder to raise vitamin D levels

Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be quadrupled to 800 International Units, says a leading US expert from Boston University School of Medicine.

Questions raised over vitamin C's cold benefits

A review of 30 studies has concluded that a daily vitamin C supplement does not offer protection from common colds, adding to the ongoing debate about the vitamin efficacy on colds.

Baby milk consultation will reveal industry costs, FSA says

The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched the final part of consultation on a European directive governing the infant nutrition market, which once completed will reveal the potential cost of the changes.

Is vitamin K deficiency more common than thought?

Many apparently healthy people may be vitamin K deficient, says a new review, potentially increasing the risk of bone loss and also for arterial calcification.

Friesland partnership to boost prebiotics

A partnership between Warrnambool and the Dutch company Friesland Foods has now been finalised, which will see a €30m factory producing whey-based ingredients for the worldwide food and infant nutrition market.

Extra fruit, veg may not affect breast cancer outcomes

Doubling the five-a-day recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption does not provide any extra protection against the recurrence of breast cancer, says a new study.

Low vitamin D levels may increase metabolic syndrome risk

Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome among obese people, suggests a new study from Spain.

Cactus ingredient boosts sales for BioSerae

French nutraceutical ingredient firm BioSerae has said the launch of three premier ingredients last year helped bolster sales and allow more money to be spent on research and development.

Unhealthy diet a lifestyle choice, says UK study

People on low incomes consume just as much unhealthy food and drink as the general population, and so bad diets are the result of personal choice, according to a study published by the UK regulator Sunday.

Clarinol CLA gets gold standard safety boost

Supplementation with Lipid Nutrition's conjugated linoleic acid (Clarinol) does not affect insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism in overweight people, says a new study.

More info needed on plant safety, says German group

Plant ingredients that may be potentially harmful to people need to be properly assessed and even regulated, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has warned.

Meeting for European nutrition database

A conference to discuss how collecting data on the composition of food can help improve the quality, healthiness and safety of European diets has been called for later this year.

KiwiBerry Concentrate could be novelty fruit ingredient in Europe

US-based Effica has applied for authorisation to market a concentrate produced from the hardy kiwi as a food ingredient in Europe under novel foods legislation, which would pave the way for it to be used in a variety of food products.

Ginseng standard to cover one species?

A regional standard for ginseng in Asia currently being drawn up by Codex should only cover one species of the herb, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) has said.

Buckwheat protein may have cholesterol benefits

Scientists based in Wisconsin have identified the mechanism behind buckwheat protein's ability to reduce cholesterol absorption by about half.

Better B6 status linked to better pregnancy outcomes

High levels of vitamin B6 prior to falling pregnant may boost conception rates and reduce the odds of losing the baby during early pregnancy, suggests new research.

Health crisps increase growth

A developing demand for premium products such as those made with alternative ingredients is keeping the UK crisps market on a steady 2.5 per cent growth rate, Mintel says in a new report.

Algatechnologies announces European plans

Israeli firm Algatechnologies has announced a bold plan to step-up its AstaPure line further into Europe by targeting the functional food market, which it says is set for rapid growth.

Daily allowances for vitamins need to be changed, study says

New recommended daily allowances for micronutrients need to be set if European regulation on the maximum levels of vitamins and minerals is to be successful, a study has said.

Horny Goatweed linked to better bone health

Flavonoids derived from the Chinese herb Epimedium may increase bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and lower back, and may have benefits against osteoporosis, suggests a new study.

Canada's folic acid success to encourage others?

If anyone needed further support for benefits of folic acid fortification, a new study shows that the incidence of neural tube defects in Canada has dropped by 46 per cent since the advent of folic acid addition to flours.

AquaNova moves on alpha-lipoic trend in Europe

AquaNova has launched a water-soluble form of alpha-lipoic acid, which will move the firm into an area of nutraceuticals it says is only just capturing industry interest.

Dairy may protect against metabolic syndrome

Increased intake of milk and other dairy products may reduce metabolic syndrome and should be recommended as part of a healthy eating pattern, says new research from Wales.

Indian herb again shows promise for diabetics

The traditional Indian herbal Salacia oblonga, for diabetics to lower blood sugar and insulin responses after eating, says a new study from the US that helps build the science behind the herb.

Frutarom funds research on plant's anti-viral potential

A cinnamon extract which has shown potential in fighting viruses including HIV and bird flu could come forward as early as next year, if a new research project by Frutarom and Tel Aviv University yields positive results.

Energy drinks market will grow, says report

Beverage groups will turn more production over to high margin, functional products over the next three years, to meet the growing demand for sports and energy drinks, according to a forecast report.

Glanbia reports gains despite dairy difficulties

Glanbia remains on course for an estimated 20 per cent increase in profits, despite difficulties within its dairy production unit, the company said yesterday.

Vitamin C may boost folate supplement response

Supplementation with vitamin C may increase the uptake of a folic acid derivative, suggests new research from Belgium.

Health claims confusing for consumers, study says

A review of current health and nutritional claims on food products has found consumers struggle when it comes to understanding what the claim really means.

Different omega-3 may offer different colorectal protection

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids from marine source, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may offer differing levels of protection against colorectal cancer, suggests a new study.

Phospha E extension for Nestle

Nestlé and Phosphagenics have extended the deadline for concluding their agreement for the use of Phospha E in foods while the Swiss firm incorporates Novartis Medical Nutrition into its portfolio.

Fish oil suppliers not motivated to meet hygiene deadline

The Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) has added its voice to concerns that the new EU hygiene laws will spell a European wide shortage of omega-3.

Danone eyes Numico for healthier future

Danone yesterday tendered a €12.3bn offer for nutrition group Numico in a bid to dominate the growing market for high margin, added-value products.

Kids in nothern climes at risk of low vit D levels

About 55 per cent of seemingly healthy adolescents may be vitamin D deficient, says a US study, and are at increased risk of osteoporosis and other health problems later in life.

Fishy, fruity diet may cut asthma risk - study

A diet rich in fruit, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitic symptoms, and wheeze says a new study.

Folic acid study reveals Europe-wide confusion

A new study presented today has revealed that variations in recommended daily allowances for folic acid across the EU are causing confusion for consumers.

Vitamin D, calcium boost bone health after fractures - study

Supplementation with vitamin and calcium could cut reduce bone loss in patients with recent osteoporotic fractures, suggests a new study from Denmark.

Weekly comment

The aspartame science kerfuffle

The publication of a new animal study on aspartame last month has - as expected -sparked yet another bout of head butting from the two opposing sides of the debate. But it also highlights a bigger issue: one of transparency.

Pumpkin extract may protect against diabetes

An extract from pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia) may improve blood glucose levels in diabetics, and exert antioxidant effects, suggests an animal study from China.

Codex's GSFA accepts nine dietary supplement additives

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) is claiming a victory in securing higher levels for nine additives used in food supplements into Codex's draft risk analysis standards for safety.

Setback for Cargill's glucosamine novel food bid

A decision on whether to allow Cargill's Regenasure vegetarian glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) as a novel food ingredient has been delayed because of a lack of information on whether it would affect people with diabetes.

Price rise for vitamin-B3

Swiss biotech company Lonza has announced a worldwide price hike of up to 12 per cent for vitamin B3 in a bid to pass-on increasing production costs.

More fibre choice for consumers

The resistant starch ingredient Hi-maize has been launched as a stand alone product in Europe, which for the first time will allow consumers to supplement their own diets with additional fibre.

More support for carotenoids for eye health

Supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin, an unusual and consequently rare isomer of zeaxanthin, may offer protection against age-related macular degeneration.

Folate may reduce liver damage study

A diet low in folate may increase the risk of developing liver cancer, says a study based in China, highlighting potential additional benefits of folic acid fortification.

Study highlights EU vitamin and mineral differences

The stark differences between EU member states' allowances of maximum vitamin and mineral levels have been brought to the forefront once again with a report published by the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP).

Hygiene rules force fish oil shortage

A European-wide shortage in fish oil supplements has been predicted by the European Federation of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) because of new EU hygiene rules.

Fucoidan extract process protected

A unique technique to extract fucoidans from sea weed through a coldwater extraction process has been trademarked by Marinova, allowing the company to protect its processing capability and gain further leverage in the nutraceutical market.

Are organic tomatoes more nutritious?

Organically grown tomatoes contain higher levels of beneficial flavonoids, says a new study from the US that fans the flames of the debate between conventional and organic foods.

More magnesium-rich food for less diabetes - meta-analysis

Eating more magnesium-rich foods, like green leafy vegetables and nuts, may reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes, suggests a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Probiotics may help against stomach ulcers

People with stomach ulcers may benefit from probiotics to speed up recovery, suggest results from an animal study from Hong Kong.

Vitamin D levels may affect heart health - study

Increasing levels of vitamin D could boost heart health, says a large study from the US that also calls for studies to assess a direct benefit of vitamin supplements.

Nibble of chocolate may lower blood pressure

Having a morsel of chocolate every day may lower blood pressure levels and lead to clinically important reductions for cardiovascular diseases, suggests a new study.

Frutarom continues acquisitions with US Abaco

As part of a rapid growth strategy, Frutarom announced its second acquisition in the space of two weeks - this time for US ingredients maker Abaco.

UK FSA consult on infant nutrition

A major round of consultation has begun by the UK's Food Standards Agency on a European directive governing baby milk, which aims to improve how infant nutrition is regulated.

Diet without losing lean body mass

A whey peptide ingredient aimed at helping people to lose weight without dramatically changing their lean body mass is planned for release in the European market.

Pomegranate juice may ease erectile dysfunction

A glass of pomegranate juice every day may help manage erectile dysfunction, suggest results from a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study.

Frutarom boosts plant extract potential with Adumim buy

Israeli ingredient company Frutarom has now bought Adumim in a deal worth more than US$4m (€3.125), after first being revealed by NutraIngredients.com last week.

Nutrition claim threat to botanics?

The European Botanical Forum has said there needs to be changes to the health and nutrition claims regulation, which does not include any reference to the traditional use of botanicals as food ingredients.

Provexis favours functional focus

Provexis yesterday ceased the manufacture of its Sirco juice brand, but the decision may not herald the end of the company's involvement in the functional beverage market, the group said.

More support for Med diet's heart benefits

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may decrease oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol and protect against coronary heart disease, suggests a new study.

European health claim rules come into force

The European Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation came into force yesterday, meaning food companies will only be able to make claims about their nutritional or health benefits approved by the European Food Safety Authority.

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