All news articles for July 2009

Green tea may protect against blood cell cancer

Drinking five or more cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of blood- and lymph-based cancers by about 50 per cent, says a new study from Japan.

Supplement users may have better cancer survival: Study

Lung cancer patients who were regular dietary supplement users prior to diagnosis may have better survival chances than non-users, says a new study from Norway.

Fluxome readies for US and PUFA expansion

Danish biotech start-up, Fluxome, has moved to new premises in Copenhagen as it prepares to move into the poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) market in 2010 and expand into the US.

New blend makes antioxidant rich chocolate easier to create, says Wild

Wild has launched a blend of plant extracts to help chocolate manufacturers create antioxidant rich products without needing to buy special quality cocoa beans.

Omega-3 milk maker turns record H1 profits

Spanish food company, Ebro Puleva, has bucked the recession by registering a record first half result, with net profits surging 25 per cent to €98 million on turnover of €1.12 billion.

News in brief

MHRA reappoints botanicals and medicine chairs

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reappointed its Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (HMAC) and Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) chairs.

Probiotics may reduce cold and 'flu symptoms for children

A daily supplement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may reduce the incidence of cold and 'flu-like symptoms in children by 50 per cent, says a new study from Danisco.

Nutrigenomics explains omega-3’s immune health benefits

Omega-3-rich fish oil beneficially affects gene expression, says a new nutrigenomic study that enhances our understanding of the health benefits of omega-3.

News in brief

New omega-3 supplier gains EU hygiene approval

Relative newcomer to fish oil supply, Florida-based Originates has won hygiene approval from the European Union to sell its EssentiOmega ingredient across the bloc.

Organic nutrition review a call for stronger science

A new review of studies on the nutritional content of organic and conventional produce has broadly concluded that there are no differences – but the investigators raise big concerns over standard of the science.

Vitamin B13 cannot be proven safe, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found 10 forms of orotic acid, or vitamin B13, cannot be deemed safe, after conducting a review.

The fight for a fibre definition

Tighter definitions will assist, but not resolve, issues surrounding the marketing and understanding of various fibre forms, according to a Tate & Lyle-penned editorial appearing in the June issue of the British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin.

Antioxidants from black tea may aid diabetics

Polysaccharides from black tea may blunt the spike in sugar levels after a meal more than similar compounds from green and oolong tea, and offer potential to manage diabetes, says a new study.

L-carnitine supplementation may prevent pregnancy-related declines

Daily supplements of L-carnitine during pregnancy may reverse the decline in the nutrient’s levels that occurs naturally during pregnancy, says a new study supported by Lonza.

EU safe vitamin and mineral source list finalised, finally

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has completed the assessment of more than 500 vitamin and mineral dossiers it began scrutinising in 2005, with few surprises, and little reformulation required of industry as a result.

News in brief

FSA seeks chair, molecular biologist

The UK’s FSA is seeking a new chair and an expert molecular biologist to join its Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP).

Functional foods and ingredients booming in India

Despite low levels of public awareness compared to western markets, functional foods and ingredients are finding growth in areas of India, as consumers switch on to the promise of healthier foods, beverages and supplements.

Snack Size Science: Unwrapping chocolate's heart benefits

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the top nutrition research news every two weeks. This week we spill the beans on the potential of chocolate to lower blood pressure.

High-dose, short-term folate may cut blood pressure

A short-term, high-dose supplementation period with folate may reduce blood pressure, and improve other cardiovascular measures, suggests a small study from Italy.

Danone to resubmit EU probiotic health claims

Danone, the French dairy giant, will resubmit withdrawn gut and immunity probiotic health claims to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), after receiving guidance from the European Union’s head science body.

Scientists extend fat reducing potential of pectin-protein complexes

Combining sugar beet pectin and milk proteins could lead to the formation of core-shell systems for use as encapsulators or fat replacers, suggests new research.

Developing world benefits from vitamin A fortification

German ingredients supplier, BASF, is driving forward its developing world food fortification programme with new government and corporate partnerships and a “mini lab” to speed vitamin A fortification.

News in brief

ANH slams Sunday Times over health claims

European better nutrition lobby group, the Alliance for Natural Health, has criticised the UK Sunday Times newspaper for unnecessarily putting “the boot in” into the functional foods industry over health claims.

Phytosterols may prevent cancer development: Review

Phytosterols, commonly consumed to reduce cholesterol levels, may also “potentially prevent cancer development”, according to a new review of all the science.

Probiotic supplement not authorised to use EFSA logo

The Italian arm of Wyeth Consumer Healthcare is employing the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) logo on newly-launched probiotic products without authorisation of the Parma-based body.

Vit D-curcumin combo offers brain health potential

A combination of vitamin D3 and curcumin, from tumeric, may boost the immune system, and help it clear the protein plaques linked to Alzheimer’s, says a new study.

News in brief

China tightens food processing laws

Food producers in China must record all food processing procedures and keep records for least two years under a new food safety regulation that came into force today.

Weekly comment

Imagining a world where we eat less meat

Cutting back meat consumption is the new darling cause of pop stars. But if necessary environmental and health goals are to be achieved, the whole supply chain needs to be strumming along in tune.

UK broadsheet questions probiotic efficacy

Industry has hit back at an article that appeared in the UK Guardian newspaper at the weekend which questioned the role of probiotics in nutrition.

CLA may protect against elderly muscle loss

Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) prevented age-related muscle loss in mice, says a new study using Lipid Nutrition’s Clarinol ingredient.

EU health claim rules cast shadow over science kingdom

The 2006 EU nutrition and health claims regulation is putting the brakes on the commissioning of trials to back claims, according to Cédric Bourges-Sevenier, PhD, general manager at French science and regulatory consultancy, Nutraveris.

Omega-3, -6 levels linked to bowel health

Increased intakes of omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid may double the risk of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, says a Pan-European study.

Managing in China: Part One

The different language, culture and regulatory set-up may make running an ingredients company in China a daunting proposition for Western executives. But Yossi Gohary, general manager of Solbar Ningbo, says it’s all about cultural compromise.

Herbal Viagra recalled in Singapore

Tadalafil, a pharma ingredient commonly used in Viagra-like drugs by men with erection problems, has been detected in a herbal supplement by Singapore health officials.

News in brief

MHRA impersonators seek competitor data

UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) officers are being impersonated by people seeking to extract information from companies, the agency has said.

Omega-3 may prevent blindness in the elderly: Study

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the over-50s, suggests a new study.

Olive extract may have obesity, diabetes benefits

An extract from extra-virgin olive oil may stimulate the function of mitochondria in cells, and prevent diseases associated with dysfunction like diabetes and obesity, says a new study.

News in brief

Volunteers wanted for dark choc health trial

A study with dark chocolate is recruiting 40 post-menopausal women with type-2 diabetes to test the heart health potential of a super-strength specially formulated chocolate.

Prebiotic follow-on formula ads censored in UK

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against Nutricia-owned Milupa over adverts promoting its prebiotic-fortified, follow-on formula, Aptamil.

Ingredients demand is stable, says Tate & Lyle

Food and beverage ingredient demand has been ‘stable’ in Tate & Lyle’s Q1, says the company in its interim statement, and the year so far has exceeded expectations.

Consumers back nanotech benefits, but remain wary

A new study has found European consumers think the benefits of nanotechnology outweigh the potential risks, but are concerned about current risk assessment procedures.

Barry Callebaut develops low calorie, heat resistant chocolate

Food engineers at Barry Callebaut have developed a chocolate that has both a high melting point and a low calorie count.

Chocolate powder may slash blood pressure: Study

Consumption of a commercially available cocoa powder, enriched in flavonoids, may decrease blood pressure and boost heart health, suggests a new study with rats.

Potassium supplement may ease epileptic kidney issues

A daily supplement of potassium citrate may prevent painful kidney stones developing in epileptics adhering to a high-fat ketogenic diet, says a new study.

Metallic pine nut taste: Industry hypotheses

Since we reported on the UK’s Food Standard Agency’s investigation of reports of a mysterious metallic taste after eating pine nuts last week we have received a number of hypotheses on the cause from the food industry.

Making the most of isoflavone marketing

The manner in which pre-menstrual and menopausal indications for soy and red clover isoflavones that recently won approval from the European Patent Office can be translated into marketing messages, is being debated among soy players.

News in brief

NZ folic acid fortification delayed to 2012

The mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid in New Zealand is likely to be delayed for another three years, following heated debate over the risks and benefits of adding the synthetic B vitamin to bread.

Study pinpoints Pycnogenol’s pain-relieving potential

The anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects of an extract from French maritime pine bark may work by stopping two enzymes linked to inflammation, says a new study.

Omega-3 linked to lower body weight: Study

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA is linked to lower incidence of obesity, suggesting a role for fish oils in weight management.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA rejects probiotic immunity health claim

The string of probiotic health claim rejections has continued with the European Food Safety Authority rejecting another emerging science dossier for failing to demonstrate its proposed health benefit.

Arla free to continue lactose-free advertising

Danish dairy, Arla, has had UK advertising for its lactose-free milk backed by the voluntary advertising watchdog, after the ad was challenged for being misleading.

Cranberries offer promise for diabetics: Study

Sweetened dried cranberries with a reduced sugar and increased fibre content may benefit type-2 diabetics by delivering healthier glycemic and insulin responses, suggests a small study.

Chitosan with omega-3 boosts fillet life, nutrition

Coating frozen fish with a mix of chitosan and fish oils can boost shelf life and improve the nutritional load, according to new research on lingcod from the US.

News in brief

Cyanotech goes condition-specific with new supplement blends

Hawaiian microalgae specialist Cyanotech is launching a line of condition-specific products that include its branded astaxanthin.

Multivitamins may lower heart disease death risk

Long-term regular consumption of a multivitamin may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 16 per cent, according to a new study from the US.

Weekly comment

Mainstream press ‘exposed’ for health claim sensationalism

Not again! As if industry is not struggling enough with the severity of the European Food Safety Authority’s nutrition and health claims rulings so far, the situation has not been helped by the kind of articles that appeared in the UK press today and yesterday.

News in brief

Peres opens Enzymotec facility

Israeli lipid specialist, Enzymotec, has marked the opening of a new plant with an inauguration ceremony at which Israeli president, Shimon Peres, praised the company for turning “food into a cure".

EFSA opinion against four probiotic and prebiotic health claims

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected three article 13.5 probiotic and prebiotic health claims and one article 14 claim linking prebiotics with a range of benefits from immunity to diarrhoea for failing to demonstrate causality.

Carnosine may help prevent cateracts: Study

A new study conducted on rat eye lenses indicates that the dietary supplement carnosine may help to prevent – or even treat – cataracts.

Martek wins omega-3 EU Novel Foods approval

Global DHA leader, Martek Biosciences, has gained a draft European Union Novel Foods approval for its proprietary omega-3 ingredient, life'sDHA, to be used in a host of food and beverage applications.

‘Metallic’ pine nut mystery stumps food analysts

The UK’s Food Standards Agency is investigating curious reports of a lingering metallic taste in the mouth of people who have eaten pine nuts, sometimes lasting as long as two weeks.

News in brief

UK FSA official accused of abuse of position

A UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) official has been accused of abusing his position to alter the Novel Foods status of an ingredient that was then used illegally by a Welsh supplement manufacturer, Asphalia.

Pre-, probiotics combo may reduce food allergy: Danone study

A supplement combining a prebiotic fibre and a probiotic strain may reduce allergic responses to cow’s milk, when used in conjunction with small amounts of whey, says a new study.

Urgent article 13.1 health claims dialogue needed, says CIAA

The pressure is mounting for formal discussions between industry and the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on more than 4000 generic health claim submissions, with the CIAA urging immediate dialogue.

French women embrace food supplements

More than a quarter of French women used food supplements over the past 12 months – more than twice the number of men, according to a government agency survey on French dietary habits.

News in brief

New Zealand to review folic acid fortification

The New Zealand government has announced it will review its mandatory folic acid bread fortification policy before it has even begun.

Grapefruit extract may prevent metabolic syndrome: Mouse study

The citrus flavonoid naringenin may prevent cholesterol increases, and changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism linked to metabolic syndrome, says a new study with mice.

News in brief

Soy forms win patent approval

Israeli supplier, Frutarom, has had a patent validated by the European Patent Office (EPO) for the soy isoflavone forms, genistein and daidzein.

EFSA launches project to assess threat of climate change on aflatoxin B1 in cereals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a project to predict how climate change could increase the amount of aflatoxin B1 in cereals.

EFSA: First article 13.1 health claim opinions delayed until September, 2009

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Commission have acknowledged for the first time that the July 31 deadline for publication of the first batch of health claim opinions will not be met.

‘Better no regulation than a bad regulation’ say EU omega-3 scientists

A group of prominent lipid scientists has petitioned the EU calling for a rethink of draft daily reference intake levels for omega-3s they fear will only confuse consumers and disadvantage marine-sourced omega-3 suppliers.

Omega-3 DHA boosts memory for healthy adults, not Alzheimer’s sufferers

Daily supplements with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve both memory function and heart health in healthy older adults, according to a new study from Martek.

Soy sauce may help with salt reduction in foods: Study

Adding soy sauce to certain foods may enhance perception of saltiness and enable food manufacturers to cut salt content without affecting taste, according to new research from Japan.

Weekly comment

Safety is no accident in food factories

Industrial accidents are not funny. Does anyone need a reminder? Apparently yes; judging by how some headline writers and bloggers made light of the plight of Vincent Smith who died last week after falling into a vat of liquid chocolate at a New Jersey processing plant.

EU omega-3 recommendations welcomed by industry

Major omega-3 suppliers have welcomed the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) omega-3 opinion on recommended daily consumption levels for EPA and DHA but will continue lobbying for higher levels.

High-dose plant stanols reveal new cholesterol benefits

Two studies using Benecol plant stanols have shown the ability of the clinically-backed extract to reduce cholesterol levels beyond previously held expectations.

Calorie restriction leads to longer life: Study

Restricting the amount of calories we consume, while avoiding malnutrition, may extend lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggest results from a monkey study.

News in brief

Synbiotic fails to redress African malnutrition

Adding a probiotic-prebiotic mix to a conventional high-energy foods used in feeding programmes in Africa failed to improve severe malnutrition outcomes, says new research in The Lancet.

CLA may aid weight loss in diabetic women

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help reduce body fat mass in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes, says a new study.

Bran may slash hypertension risk: Study

Increased intakes of whole grains, and bran in particular, may reduce the incidence of hypertension in men, according to new findings from Harvard.

EFSA proposes reference intake levels for omega-3, omega-6

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that 250mg should be the labelling reference intake value for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil during pregnancy may slash infant allergy

Supplements of omega-3-rich fish oils during pregnancy may reduce the risk of food allergy and eczema in children, according to a new study from Sweden.

Soy may help men remember anniversaries: Study

Daily supplements of soy isoflavones could help boost a man’s mental function and memory, according to findings of a small study from Australia.

EFSA prepares to publish omega-3 reference intake values

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is due to release an opinion as early as tomorrow on the labelling of reference intake values for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

News in brief

Review supports health benefits of dairy

Three to four servings a day of dairy foods may benefit child nutrition, help with bone and cardiovascular health, and help maintain weight, according to a new review.

Med diet components linked to longer life: Study

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may lead to longer life, according to a new study from Greece.

Oily fish may reduce dementia risk: Transcontinental study

Increased intake of fish may reduce the risk of dementia by about 20 per cent, according to a new study spanning three continents.

Modified gum arabic may boost heart health

The modified gum arabic product 'SuperGum' may reduce blood pressure, even in people with normal levels, according to a new study from the UK and Japan.

Amino acid could prevent compulsive hair pulling, say researchers

An antioxidant commonly found in supplements could help people suffering from a compulsive hair-pulling disorder, University of Minnesota scientists have found.

EFSA receives alternative article 13.1 claims assessment model

Food industry associations have banded together to present the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with an alternative model for assessing article 13.1 health claims.

Weekly comment

Defining nano: Size does matter

The Atlantic Ocean separates continents; it also separates schools of thought on the definition of nanotechnology. In order to educate manufacturers and consumers on nanotechnology a definition is critical.

Caffeine may reverse Alzheimer’s disease: Mouse study

Five cups of coffee’s worth of caffeine may reverse the impairment of memory associated with Alzheimer’s disease, suggest two new studies with mice.

Science grows for xylitol’s tooth health benefits

Formulating products with xylitol may reduce the development of tooth decay, according to a new study from the US.

Codex fiber nutrient claims unlikely to promote consistency

Fiber nutrient content claims recommended last week by Codex are unlikely to generate consistency in product labeling due to widely varying national differences in serving sizes.

Melon extract may help against obesity: Study

Daily consumption of an antioxidant-rich melon extract may prevent obesity, according to a study with hamsters fed a high fat diet.

Folate linked to lower colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of folate from the diet may reduce a woman’s risk of colorectal cancer by about 50 per cent, according to new findings from Korea.

NZ company eyes European markets for venom-spiked honey

A New Zealand company has applied to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for novel foods approval to market its honeybee venom to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

Codex adopts new dietary supplement provisions

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted new provisions for food supplements, including recommendations on the substantiation of health claims.

Codex adopts definition of ‘fiber’

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted a new definition of fiber, designed to harmonize the use of the term around the globe.

Walnuts can cut cholesterol, say Harvard researchers

A meta-analysis of walnuts by Harvard scientists has found diets rich in walnuts can significantly reduce cholesterol levels, supporting growing evidence to suggest these popular nuts can improve healthy blood lipid ratios.

Vegetarians less likely to develop cancer, say researchers

Vegetarians will develop less blood, bladder and stomach cancer than meat eaters, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

EFSA says ‘no’ to probiotic health claims guidance

The European Food Safety Authority is unlikely to consider setting guidance for probiotic health claims, despite mounting pressure from industry and the scientific community stressing the need for a clear regulatory framework.

News in brief

Brits neglect heart health (and don’t believe the hype)

Only one third of Brits pay attention to their heart health, and 45 per cent said heart health claims were untrustworthy, according to Datamonitor research.

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