Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Strategic focus directs corporate responsibility

The vast offer of aid to China following its devastating earthquake in May reflects the food industry’s increasing move towards displaying strategic corporate responsibility.

Omega-3s more effective for mental slowdown than Alzheimer’s: study

Brain benefits from regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be more pronounced in people with mild cognitive decline than people with mild Alzheimer’s: study.

Unilever struggles in the economic gloom

Falling sales volumes, rising commodity costs and the strong Euro colluded in the second quarter to drag down Unilever’s profits.

Europe approves new vegetarian omega-3 source

UK-based supplier Croda Health Care has won European Union Novel Foods approval for a vegetable oil-sourced, omega-3 ingredient, as it expands its omega-3 offerings.

Exclusive interview

Nurturing the next generation of food scientists

The number of food science graduates is falling across the globe, but measures are in place to halt the decline. Has disaster been averted? Is the industry’s future assured?

Omega-3-rich fish linked to better hearts in Japan

Large intakes of omega-3 fatty acids from fish may explain the low levels of heart disease in the land of the rising sun, says a new study.

Soy bean extract seeks EU Novel Foods status

Touchi, a fermented soy bean extract that has been used for centuries in Japan, China and other parts of Asia may be available to European consumers if a European Union Novel Foods application is approved.

Special edition: Natural colours

Sourcing natural colours is no easy feat

In the second of a four part series on natural colours, FoodNavigator looks at challenges in finding colours that work in formulations – and ensuring the supply chain is secure once a source has been identified.

Vitamin C-rich diet may slash diabetes risk

Increased blood levels of vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 62 per cent, says a new study from Cambridge.

Special edition: Natural colours

Natural colours catching up with synthetic

Colours derived from natural sources look set to overtake synthetic alternatives in market value as manufacturers continue to meet the rising demand for clean label ingredients.

Vitamins propel DSM to strongest ever quarter

DSM has upped its full-year profit forecast by €100m to almost €1bn after recording its strongest ever quarter on the back of a robust performance from its Nutrition cluster, and in particular its vitamins portfolio.

Weekly comment

Can we believe the Danisco – Apax rumours?

Rumour, according to the Romans, is a feathered beast with a myriad eyes and tongues. Last week she went bristling through the Danish business pages, spreading the news that Danisco could be bought by a private equity firm.

Green tea catechins go nano: study

The controlled release of green tea catechins may be achieved by encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles, suggests new research.

European omega-3 market to grow by 24 per cent: analyst

The European market for omega-3 fatty acids is expected to grow by about 24 per cent, according to an analyst briefing from Frost & Sullivan.

CLA achieves US approval for use in foods

Lipid Nutrition has confirmed its Clarinol conjugated linolenic acid ingredient has received approval by the US regulator to be used as an ingredient in certain foods and beverages in that country, a move that comes as the firm continues to anticipate the equivalent approval in the EU market.

Fructose again linked to fat build-up: study

Fat build-up from fructose consumption may be greater than what occurs when we eat other types of sugars, such as glucose and sucrose, according to a new study.

Microdispersed cellulose shows heart benefits: animal study

A dietary supplement containing microdispersed oxidised cellulose may reduce cholesterol levels by about 20 per cent, according to a new study.

Xylitol bears show dental health potential - study

Gummy bear candies, not traditionally seen as a first line of defence in battling tooth decay, may play some role in providing oral health care to children when containing some sugar alcohols, according to a new clinical trial in the US.

Treatt launches true-to-life natural fruity flavours

Treatt has expanded its portfolio of natural flavour ingredients with flavours distilled from fresh fruit, aiming to provide tastes that match as closely as possible to the real fruit.

Food better than supplements for omega-3, says ADA

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has said that a food-based approach to receiving adequate fatty acid levels is recommended, but careful supplementation is a feasible alternative if dietary intake falls short.

Valio establishes academic post for medical research

Finnish dairy and ingredients player Valio has set up a professorship at the University of Helsinki to carry out medical research.

Lonza 'pleased' with first half results

Swiss supplier Lonza has turned in a healthy first half performance with its Life Science Ingredients division that includes L-carnitine, vitamin K and nicotinates performing above expectation.

Natreon builds science behind its Indian gooseberry

New-Jersey-based Natreon says the latest study on its Indian gooseberry ingredient finds it to have longer lasting antioxidant properties than other extracts of the berry.

Resistant starch raises fibre in gluten-free bread: study

A new study has concluded that partially replacing corn starch in gluten free breads with tapioca and corn resistant starch can raise dietary fibre significantly, but without having a great impact on rheological properties.

Magnesium, calcium and zinc forms deemed safe by EFSA

EFSA scientists say there is no concern over the safety of three mineral forms commonly used in food supplements, even at doses twice that commonly found in the regular diet.

Muller quits '1 a Day' yoghurt range in UK

The UK arm of German dairy giant Muller has canned its '1 a Day' healthy yoghurt line after only 12 months, citing retailer disappointment with sales levels and downward pressure on its premiums as fundamental reasons.

Goji berry juice improves energy, happiness: study

Consuming goji berry juice for two weeks increases feelings of general well-being and improves gastrointestinal functions, according to a new industry-sponsored clinical trial.

Hot topic

HFCS – natural or not? Your views

The issue of whether high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may be considered natural or not has been an issue of hot debate in recent months.

Lonza fibre ingredient OK'd in Australia

Swiss supplier Lonza has won approval to use its prebiotic Larch arabinogalactan ingredient in food supplements in Australia.

UK Sport eases position on food supplements

UK Sport has altered its position in regard to the use of food supplements and now says supplements such as whey, isotonic drinks, creatine and multivitamin and mineral complexes should be safe in most cases.

Kellogg brand extension targets heart health for women

US cereal maker Kellogg targets the mushrooming heart healthy market with a new line extension – specifically aimed at women - to its Smart Start range.

Irish seaweed calcium supply is safe, says Marigot

The world's leading plant-sourced supplier of calcium has defended itself against an industry source's accusations that it has over-harvested its Irish seaweed supply and will soon be forced to source exclusively from its new Icelandic base.

Grapefruit pulp may boost bone health: study

The pulp of grapefruit may improve bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a new study with male rats.

Weekly comment

Budweiser to be Belgian? Big deal

The news that all-American brewer Anheuser-Busch is to be sold to Belgium’s InBev for $52bn has made sports bar patrons across the US weep into their Budweisers. But the idea that an American firm must remain American for all time runs counter to the world of global commerce.

FSA sets out areas for healthy eating action

The UK Food Standards Agency has set out core challenges for the food industry as part of its strategy to beat obesity, but recognises that work is already underway by industry to make food products healthier.

Probiotics putsch into eastern Europe

Swedish probiotics specialist Probi has signed two deals to distribute probiotic supplements in eastern Europe, a region it believes possesses "huge potential".

Study unlocks door to xanthophyll's eye health

The science supporting lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health is strong, but how the compounds move from the blood stream to the eye was not clear. American scientists have gained an insight, according to new research.

Commission raises big doubts over Friesland-Campina merger

An initial investigation of the European Competition Commission into the proposed merger of dairy cooperatives Friesland Foods and Campina has raised serious concerns, prompting the launch of an in-depth investigation.

Early probiotic consumption stops gut problems: study

Probiotic bacteria may reduce the occurrence of gut complications in premature infants, suggests new research with piglets.

Jungbunzlauer to up citric acid, xanthum gum capacity

Swiss ingredients firm Jungbunzlauer is to invest €50m in increasing capacity of its plants in Europe and improving the efficiency of its production lines.

Saturated fat solutions for bakers speared at new ADM baking facility

Fats and oils supplier ADM Pura steps up solutions for bakers, opening a new R&D test bakery at its production site in Purfleet, Essex to look into reformulation and novel fats.

Eastern markets provide fresh lactoferrin hope

Dutch supplier Pharming Group has inked a distribution deal for its new lactoferrin venture that opens markets in eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Vitamin K good for young bones, too: study

A child's vitamin K status could have important long-term implications on bone health, and higher levels could benefit children with arthritis, suggests a new study.

Food and the French presidency: Part one

Over the next six months the French presidency of the EU will be operating in a tricky economic environment, with food prices are soaring and supply issues are affecting major commodities.

Chinese inulin taps growing organic demand

Chinese supplier Fenchem is engaging in a global putsch for a newly-launched organic inulin ingredient aimed at the prebiotic digestive health market.

EFSA sets new intake level for aluminium in food

Scientists at EFSA have assessed the safety of aluminium in food and established a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of one milligram of aluminium per kilogram of body weight.

New developments in anti-acrylamide enzymes

DSM is introducing application-specific versions of its Preventase enzyme; meanwhile, Novozymes is launching Acrylaway in Australia and New Zealand after having received regulatory approval.

CLA closer to Novel Foods approval

German-based ingredients multinational Cognis has moved closer to European Union Novel Foods approval for its weight management ingredient Tonalin CLA after the Spanish food agency turned in its final assessment.

Science looks rosy for astaxanthin and stomach health

The pigment that gives salmon its pink colour may reduce the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, says a new study.

Valerian receives UK boost with THMPD registration

Botanicals manufacturer Bio-Health is proving smaller companies can cut it in the thrust and tumble of life under the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD), by having a valerian product registered in the UK.

Weekly comment

Diet better than statins in kids' cholesterol control

The prescribing of statins for eight years-olds is tantamount to saying that food and diet have failed, and that children are incapable of changing their eating habits and lifestyle.

CSM signs agreement for gluconates plant sale

CSM has announced plans to sell its Purac gluconates production plant in The Netherlands to Avebe, as part of a broader restructuring of manufacturing and focus on core competencies.

Black tea extract may offer heart benefits

Extracts from black tea may reduce total cholesterol levels by nine per cent and LDL cholesterol levels by 12 per cent, according to a new study from Japan.

Betapol approved for use in infant formula in China

Lipid Nutrition is set to launch Betapol in China, having received approval for the additive for infant formula from the Chinese Ministry of Health.

Low-fat dairy again linked to healthier hearts

A healthy lifestyle should include low-fat dairy products to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with poor kidney function, suggests new research from the US.

Blending food with cardiology

Cardiologist Richard Collins, a special guest of Cognis, explores the ease of formulating tasty and heart-healthy foods.

Resistant starch product gets second novel foods consultation, FSA

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to hold a second consultation on an application to approve National Starch Food Innovation's phosphated distarch phosphate as a novel food ingredient.

Colour and health driving rise of betalains

The potent antioxidant activity of pigments from beet and cactus pears may be the key to their potential, suggests a new review from Brazil.

Study may allay folic acid concerns

Concerns over folic acid promoting embryos in the womb with genotypes that increase the risk of disease in the offspring may be unfounded, according to new research.

Rousselot snaps up hydrolysed collagen range

Rousselot has acquired a range of hydrolyzed collagens from BHJ Peptan Products to widen its offerings in this area and establish itself as number one in the European market for gelatin and hydrolysed collagens.

The several ages of nutrition

Addressing consumers' nutritional needs is no longer a matter of one-size-fits-all. PL Thomas explains what consumers need and when they need it.

Healthy decadent chocolate

Decadent and healthy may not be words readily associated with each other, but Kerry Ingredients & Flavours showcases how to boost the fibre and protein content of chocolate without affecting texture.

Glanbia bolsters Chinese presence with new facility

After 20 years of doing business in China and the Asia Pacific, Irish-based dairy and ingredients group Glanbia has established its first plant in the Chinese city of Suzhou, near Shanghai.

Novel food draft report released

The European Parliament has published its draft report on amendments to the novel foods regulation, having made revisions to ensure better clarity.

Soy plant sterol wins European Novel Foods approval

The €400m European cholesterol-lowering, plant sterol market has a new entrant after a non-GMO, soy-derived sterol ingredient was yesterday approved for use within the European Union.

Nutrient cocktail may boost memory and learning: study

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids with the uridine and choline improved memory and learning in gerbils, and may have benefits for Alzheimer patients, suggests new research.

Not all flavonoids are created equal: meta-analysis

An increased consumption of flavonoid-rich chocolate and soy may decrease blood pressure and improve heart health, but other flavonoids from other sources are not as effective, according to a new meta-analysis.

The soy taste challenge

Solae surveys the market for soy-based products and responds to the challenge of making them taste good.

Health boom sets sales soaring for dark chocolate

The wave of health and wellness comes ashore for chocolate makers, with latest figures from Mintel showing the fresh healthier image for dark chocolate has brought a much-need, and strident, upward shift in sales for 2007.

Fake hoodia fears easing as market stabilises

A leading hoodia supplier says the presence of fake material is less of a problem now than it was two years ago when inflated prices attracted fraudulent traders and suppliers intent on exploiting a "hot ingredient".

Fish oil plus red yeast rice match statins for cholesterol cuts

A combination of fish oils, red yeast rice and other lifestyle changes reduced cholesterol levels by the same amount as a daily statin pill, according to new research.

Mum's vitamin D during pregnancy strengthens kid's teeth

Higher intakes of vitamin D during pregnancy may lead to stronger teeth in children, according to researchers from University of Manitoba, Canada.

Magnesium ingredient targets beverages market

Israeli supplier Gadot Biochemical has launched a "stable dispersion" magnesium citrate blend that can be used in soy beverages to boost levels of a vital nutrient.

Codex adopts 35 international food standards

Thirty-five new international food standards were adopted during last week's 31st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, including guidelines on the use of flavourings and gluten-free products.

Evidence lacking for polyphenols' brain benefits: expert

Years of research lie ahead before science can confidently support the apparent benefits of polyphenols for brain health, according to a new review from Canada.

FSA drops protein capping from nutrient profiling criteria

Protein capping has been removed from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) nutrient profiling model that has been in use for just over a year.

BASF raises prices for second time in three months

Giant German supplier BASF has increased the price of propionic acid for the second time since May as energy and raw materials costs continue to spiral.

Danisco extends Kefir output for global tastes

Ingredients group Danisco has announced that it has completed a major expansion of a Kefir culture plant in Poland as part of attempts to meet new global demand for the fermented product as a functional ingredient.

Taking ingredients around the world

Tate & Lyle discusses how it presents ingredient concepts to customers around the world, using prototypes that will appeal to different cultural preferences.

Mushroom extract seeks Novel Foods approval (again)

Novel foods approval has been sought for an extract of the shiitake mushroom.

Green tea's heart benefits gain support

Regular consumption of green tea may improve the function of endothelial cells - cells lining the walls of blood vessels - and boost cardiovascular health, according to new research from Greece.

Glanbia estimates good half year

Another positive year is estimated for Ireland's Glanbia, with ingredients and nutritionals again expected to lead the way.

Probio takes Gelkaps in hand in omega-3 push

Norwegian omega-3 specialist Probio has acquired microencapsulation specialist, Gelkaps, as it bids to become one of Europe's major omega-3 players.

Weekly comment

A half measure of alcohol reforms

Knife crime, obesity and skiffle music. Out of all the evils currently threatening the welfare of Western teenagers, recent US headlines finger the main culprit as the caffeinated alcoholic beverage.

Supplements maker rapped for false advertising

A Jersey-based supplements company has been pulled up by the UK advertising regulator for making health claims it could not substantiate.

CIAA questions need for labelling law

The need for new European legislation on nutrition labelling has been called into question by the CIAA (Confederation of Food and Drink Industries in Europe), as a survey indicates that uptake of its voluntary scheme has been significant.

Artichoke can lower cholesterol levels, say researchers

UK research has found artichoke leaf extract (ALE) can reduce cholesterol levels in healthy adults.

Raisio sells testing labs to Eurofins

Benecol-owner Raisio has signed a deal with analytical specialist and fellow Finnish company, Eurofins Scientific Finland, that will see it take over Raisio's laboratory operations in September.

Lycopene as effective as statins for artery health: rabbit study

Supplements of the lycopene, the carotenoid that give tomatoes their red colour, may be as effective as statins to reduce the formation of plaques in the arteries that cause atherosclerosis, says a new study with rabbits.

Bunge leads innovation with low-trans fat technology

Bunge North America has been awarded the 2008 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award for its trans fats reduction solutions.

France approves beta-glucan claim

A beta-glucan health cholesterol-lowering health claim has been approved in France, making it only the second disease reduction claim permitted in a country notorious for conservative food laws.

Nanoemulsions show potential for fighting cancer

Nanoemulsions containing bioactive compounds such as curcumin or antioxidants like lycopene may reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells by over 70 per cent, according to researchers.

Fonterra eyeing further global growth

After a busy period of expansion for Fonterra, the New Zealand-based dairy cooperative says it remains far from finished with its global consolidation plans as it looks to key markets such as Asia to target growth.

Astaxanthin wins Novel Foods approval

Israeli firm Algatechnologies has won European Union Novel Foods approval for its patented version of the antioxidant astaxanthin, and plans to take the ingredient into new European markets.

Baobab - newest kid on the novel foods block

Africa farmers could be set to tap into a billion dollar industry with baobab, as the baobab fruit pulp obtained novel foods approval yesterday, FoodNavigator.com can report.

EFSA in good shape after productive 2007

The European Food Safety Authority is bigger, better, more accountable to stakeholders and in touch with the 450 million citizenry it serves, according to its 2007 annual report.

Snacks players must embrace health and wellness to beat obesity

Only a true health and wellness vision can enable global snack players to tap into the booming market for obesity solutions, claim experts.

SMEs may suffer under strict health claims assessment

The European risk assessment body may apply "too strict criteria" for the substantiation of article 13 health claims, jeopardising small businesses, said the European Botanical Forum (EBF).

Almonds demonstrate prebiotic potential

Almonds are known for their high vitamin E and mineral content and cholesterol-reducing and diabetes-combating potential but new research indicates they have a prebiotic effect.