Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

IADSA event to examine Russian supplement market

A one-day workshop to take place in the US next month is set to examine the Russian dietary supplement market, providing manufacturers with clarification and guidance in relation to the country's regulatory network.

Buckwheat protein shows potential for cholesterol reduction

Proteins from tartary buckwheat and common buckwheat helped reduce cholesterol levels in rats on a high cholesterol diet by at least 25 per cent, report Japanese researchers.

EU health claims law broader than companies may realise, EAS

Many companies are under the misconception that EU's nutrition and health claims regulation only applies to claims made on actual products, say food law experts.

Omega-3 encapsulation in chitosan gets study boost

Chitosan plus maltodextrin could offer an interesting alternative for the encapsulation of omega-3 rich fish oils, suggests a new study that uses a novel ultrasonic technique to generate impressive results.

No selenium, vitamin boost for organic milk, say researchers

Organic milk was not seen to be richer in vitamins or selenium than conventional milk, found a new study presented this week that contradicts the conclusions of an earlier, similar study.

Flaxseed shows potential against hot flushes

Flaxseed, a rich source of plant omega-3 and lignans, may reduce the frequency of hot flushes by almost 60 per cent, suggests new research from the US.

Glanbia gains fuelled by US and nutritionals

Glanbia has reported a strong performance for the first half of 2007, largely thanks to its US food ingredients and global nutritionals businesses.

Food policy expert fears impact of nutrient profiling

The European Union's (EU) nutrient profiling system - one of the most controversial elements of Europe's proposed health claims law - could give member states a tool to discriminate between foods, a food policy expert has said.

Study positions Pycnogenol against menopause symptoms

A new study has yielded positive results on the use of Pycnogenol for managing menopause symptoms, supporting potential use of the pine bark extract in place of hormone replacement therapy.

Chr Hansen sets up new Health & Nutrition business

Chr Hansen has created a new dietary supplement Health & Nutrition business division in an effort to revitalize and speed up its innovation as it attempts to meet the growing global focus on health.

Study extends understanding of phytosterol benefits

Phytosterol-enriched products may reduce apolipoprotein levels by up to four per cent, says a new study that highlights these markers as better than traditional risk factors.

Natraceutical to continue US polyphenol sales, despite Mars dispute

Natraceutical Group said it has been notified that food giant Mars has withdrawn its request for a preliminary injunction filed against the Spanish ingredient maker over the US sale of its CocaonOX products.

Tea extract could reduce purported diabetes link

A US study presented last week claimed to establish a link between high fructose corn syrup and diabetes, particularly in children - but researchers say a compound found in tea could reduce the effect.

Studies support green-lipped mussel's anti-inflammatory properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of New Zealand green lipped mussels have been given a significant boost, as two new studies report the potent benefits of the mussel's lipid fraction.

Weekly comment

Is it harsh? Is it fair? No it's a consumer watchdog

In 1993, it seemed superheroes had reached their lowest peak when Superman was slain by an unstoppable monster known as "Doomsday".

China-Biotics expands probiotics presence with ice cream deal

Probiotics manufacturer China-Biotics has signed an agreement with Chinese dairy firm Bright Dairy & Food to supply probiotics for its ice cream products, an application the companies claim is a first in China.

Low selenium levels may be weakening muscles - study

Low blood levels of selenium could double the risk of weaker muscles in the elderly, suggests new research based in Italy.

Public-friendly report calls for nanotechnology research

The European Commission has ordered a re-write of its report calling for more risk assessment of Nanotechnology, aiming to make the subject understandable for industry and the public.

Shortages feared in superfood berry market

The harvest for berries in Europe has been a bad one this year with shortages expected, according to nutraceutical firm Berry Pharma, which could impact on an area which has seen clear growth in the past few years.

Calcium and vitamin D linked to cutting fractures

A new meta-analysis on calcium and vitamin D supplementation in cutting osteoporotic fractures in people aged over 50 could quell concerns over conflicting outcomes of previous studies.

Nutrigenomics will underlie food future, Chr Hansen

Chr Hansen regards nutrigenomics as technology to underlie the food industry's future away from one-size-fits-all nutrition, and has placed exploration of this area high-up on its R&D agenda.

Higher vitamin E doses may produce better results for heart

Increased doses of vitamin E may produce positive results for heart health, says a new study from the US that questions the 'under-dosing' used in earlier clinical trials.

BioGaia stays in the black with more sales in Europe

Swedish probiotic biotech company BioGaia has recorded increased sales in Europe but a downfall in the Asian market in its interim results released today.

Probi-ng further into Indian supplement market

A second deal has been reached to sell Probi probiotic dietary supplements aimed at gastro health in India - which will help the small firm grab a bigger slice of the global market worth more than $1bn.

Vitamin K linked to fewer varicose veins, better vascular health

Inactivation of a vitamin K-dependent protein may contribute to the development of varicose veins, says a new study that highlights the role of supplementation for improving vascular health.

Nestle predicts calmer acquisition outlook

Nestle expects to significantly reduce its acquisitions spending for the foreseeable future following a hectic twelve month period of expansion.

Chr Hansen antioxidants for vending machines

One of Chr Hansen's carotenoids is set to be used in hot chocolate drinks sold from vending machines - and it will be aimed at people who want to look beautiful.

Mastertaste unveils botanical extracts for flavour customisation

Mastertaste has developed a new line of natural botanical extracts using a process that allows for specific aromatic factions to be isolated, then blended into a custom solution for use in beverage or dairy products.

Refinancing pays off for Cognis

Cognis has announced an increase in sales for the first half of the year - up 6.2 per cent - with profits reaching €39m despite rises in raw materials.

UK flaxseed market set for revolution?

British based Nutrition Geeks is using a raft of scientific studies to help it promote flaxseed supplements, which it says is primed for a renaissance in the UK.

Green tea may cut oral cancer risk - study

Drinking five or more cups of green tea a day may reduce a woman's risk of mouth cancer, but men may not experience similar benefits, suggests a new study from Japan.

Sales up for Frutarom but margins suffer

Frutarom has announced an increase in sales in its second quarter results issued this morning, which it says is down to reaping the rewards of a strategy of buying smaller companies - but work is needed to boost its profit margins.

Pectin shows potential against prostate cancer

Pectin, a type of fibre found in fruits and vegetables and may induce programmed cell death in prostate cancer cells, suggests a new laboratory study from the US.

Vitamin K help for diabetes?

The vitamin K dependant protein osteocalcin may have a positive effect on reducing obesity and diabetes, suggests a new study with mice.

Raisio takes cost cutting measures to boost profit

Raisio is planning to streamline its food and ingredients division to boost profits and offset any potential costs brought on by unseasonable European weather.

Astaxanthin off the menu for Tate & Lyle

Production of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin at a plant in the UK has been called off after operating losses mounted to more than £3m (€4.4m).

Omega-3 plus vitamins may prevent bed sores in hospitals

Bed sores, which afflict up to one-tenth of hospital patients, may be prevented by adding key supplements to a standard hospital diet, reports new research from Israel.

Nestle nourished by health aims

Nestle's drive to be a major health and nutrition player resulted in a strong first half fiscal performance for the company.

Deadline set for children's health claims

The European Commission has adopted a transition period for companies making health and nutrition claims aimed at children, which sets a date of the beginning of next year for claims to be submitted.

Green tea spurs detox chemical production

A new clinical study provided evidence that green tea catechins can stimulate production of cancer-protective enzymes in people with low natural levels - the first to demonstrate this effect in humans, say researchers.

Study doubts antioxidant benefits for heart risk women

Women who are at a high risk of heart disease are unlikely to realise any benefit from taking antioxidant vitamins C, E or beta carotene, concludes a major study - but nor are they likely to suffer any harm.

Milk helps weightlifters increase lean body mass

Drinking fat-free milk after resistance exercise has a greater effect on helping to increase lean body mass compared to soy or carbohydrates in young male weightlifters, a study has concluded.

Salmonella fears for shark cartilage

Batches of shark cartilage capsules originating from the United States could contain salmonella, the UK Food Standards Agency has warned.

Weekly Comment

A helping hand to the confused consumer

Consumers are bombarded with an overload of nutritional advice and product marketing - be it from magazines, television shows, and product advertising - and without a degree in nutritional science, it's a wonder they can make sense of it at all.

Blackcurrant extract to compete with blueberry in Europe

Just The Berries hopes its blackcurrant nutraceutical will help the New Zealand firm break into the European market, which it says is currently dominated by blueberry and bilberry.

EU concerns over EFSA costs

EU member countries are concerned about the feasibility of companies paying fees to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for vetting ingredients, packaging and food contact materials for use in the bloc.

Probiotics work out against constipation, says study

Probiotics, friendly bacteria with known benefits for intestinal health, may boost the number of bowel movements and relieve constipation, suggests a new pilot study from the Netherlands.

Omega-3 DHA improves blood lipid levels - study

Men with high blood levels of triglycerides, a risk factor for artery hardening, may benefit from supplements of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), says a new study.

Superfoods market set to double by 2011

The superfood and drink market is expected to almost double in the ten year period up to 2011, says a report published today, with soy products and exotic fruits leading the charge.

Increased folate may slash breast cancer risk

An increased consumption of folate may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent, says a new study from Sweden.

Green tea may stop colon cancer in its tracks - study

Green tea may stop the growth of colon tumours in their infancy, suggests a new study using mice, but merely drinking green tea offers no benefits against larger tumours.

Raisio streamlines business structure to cut costs

Raisio has stepped up its campaign to streamline the business structure by cutting salary costs and decreasing the layers in the Food Division.

Speirs Nutritionals targets Europe with omega-3

New Zealand group Speirs Nutritionals hopes a new omega-3 plant will help it branch into the European market and beyond, offering both EPA and DHA molecules into a range of food products.

Exemptions to help ease burden of mineral and vitamin levels?

The European Commission has issued a paper to Member States outlining the next step for the setting of maximum mineral and vitamin levels across the bloc - with many highlighted for exemption on the grounds of no evident safety concerns.

European sports nutrition to hit 4bn

The sports nutrition market in Europe is set to surpass the €4bn mark by 2010 and is outstripping growth in North America, a report has said.

Omega-3 again linked to calmer ADHD kids

High-dose supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids calmed children with attention and hyperactivity issues, says a new study from the US.

Danone marches towards Numico acquisition

Groupe Danone expects to conclude its acquisition of nutrition company Numico in the first half of November, the two companies said today, setting a timetable for the French group's bid to lead the field in health and nutrition.

Thiamine may improve vascular health for diabetics

Supplements of thiamine may boost vascular health for diabetics, English scientists have suggested after their research indicated that low levels of the B vitamin may be key to a range of vascular problems.

European sports nutrition to hit 4bn

The sports nutrition market in Europe is set to surpass the €4bn mark by 2010 and is outstripping growth in North America, a report has said.

R&D plant to boost business for Enzymotec

Enzymotec hopes a new 200,000 sq foot research and development centre, aimed at helping the company grow to meet increasing demand for its products, will be complete within a year.

Probiotics for children the new trend?

Chr Hansen's probiotic ingredients are to be used in supplements marketed for children in Italy, thanks to an agreement it says reflects the growing demand and opportunity for pediatric probiotic supplements.

Educate on natural E-numbers, urges Frost

The European market for natural food colours is set to grow by some 25 per cent by 2013, according to Frost & Sullivan, but more education on natural E-numbers is required.

Fruit fibres offer novel encapsulators for bioactives

The use of natural fruit fibres to encapsulate bioactive compounds could offer a multipurpose functional food, and remove the need for maltodextrin for spray-drying, Australian scientists have reported.

Probiotics for children the new trend?

Chr Hansen's probiotic ingredients are to be used in supplements marketed for children in Italy, thanks to an agreement it says reflects the growing demand and opportunity for pediatric probiotic supplements.

Infant formula adverts should be banned, coalition says

Mothers need to be allowed to make an informed choice about breast feeding, say three UK charities who are calling for a blanket ban on infant formula milk advertisement.

Coffee drinking may slow cognitive decline in women

Drinking more than three cups of coffee a day may decrease a woman's rate of cognitive decline associated with age, but offers no such benefits for men, suggests a study.

Olive extract may improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers

Supplementation with an olive extract decreased pain and inflammation, and improved the quality of life of people suffering from osteoarthritis, claims a new study.

Vitiva makes lutein ester for smaller supplements

Vitiva is introducing a lutein ester ingredient extracted from marigold flowers that is being aimed at enabling higher dosages in dietary supplements in the US and Europe.

Weekly Comment

Reflections from IFT

As the dust settles on this year's IFT Food Expo 2007 in Chicago, health and wellness and food safety came through as the star performers, and drivers for the future of the industry.

Propionic acid production boost from BASF

BASF is increasing its annual capacity of the chemical intermediate propionic acid - a major component in the production of vitamin E - at two of its sites.

Cocoa-rich diet may boost thymus antioxidant defences

A diet rich in cocoa flavonoids could boost one's antioxidant defences, particularly in the thymus, suggests a new Spanish study on rats.

Tocotrienols show promise against cancer growth

Tocotrienol, the less well known form of vitamin E, could prevent the formation of new blood vessels, and therefore hold promise against a range of diseases, suggests new animal study.

Barry Callebaut jumps on healthier bandwagon

Nine new chocolate ingredients are being released on the market, aimed at processors targeting the demand for funcional foods with health benefits.

Multivitamins and minerals may boost mood in elderly

A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may improve depressive symptoms amongst the elderly, suggests a new trial from the University of Sheffield.

Probiotic and protein push for Dutch athletes

DSM hopes two ingredients can be used by Dutch athletes to beat high temperatures and humidity as they train for next year's Olympics in Beijing.

European nutrition sales up for Numico

Royal Numico has today revealed sales in its nutrition division are up some 15 per cent for the first half of the year, with its products showing "strong performance" in the UK and France.

European standard for nutrigenomics?

A set of guidelines have been drawn up to aide researchers studying the interaction of nutrients and genes in the fledging science of nutrigenomics.

Coffee drinking may cut liver cancer risk - meta-analysis

Regular and high coffee drinking may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 55 per cent, says a new meta-analysis of observational studies.

Skimmed milk better than isotonics for post-sport rehydration?

Drinking skimmed milk after exercise may promote recovery and rehydration better than water or an isotonic sports drink, suggests a new study from the UK.

Chocolate biscuit sales hit by obesity concerns

Sales of chocolate biscuits in the UK fell 17 per cent between 2001 and 2006 as consumers made the switch to healthier varieties, according to new figures.

Russian and Asian markets next step for Raisio

Raisio remains determined to crack the Asian market in a bid to turn the table on slipping sales in its ingredients arm, which fell by some €4m in a year.

Fish oil crisis still feared despite EC extension

The European Commission has decided to extend the deadline for fish oil processing firms to be approved under new hygiene laws - but it is still not enough to quell fears of a Europe-wide shortage of omega-3.

Keep up with healthy convenience, says Datamonitor

Healthy foods in convenient packaging is a consumer need that is growing in momentum, according to Datamonitor, with 59 per cent of European and US consumers seeking a combination of the two selling points.

Industry must wake up to tocotrienol opportunities

Tocotrienols, the other form of vitamin E long in the shadow of tocopherols, offer interesting opportunities for industry thanks to their unique properties, scientists from Ohio State told IFT attendees.

Anti-cancer support for omega-3

Omega-3 could help cut down colorectal cancer, if a new study in mice can be translated to humans.

Severe heart attacks linked to bad fat intake

A diet rich in saturated and trans fatty acids increases the risk of severe heart attacks, research from Canada has found.