Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Simple, low-cost microparticles could replace fat, texturise

Microparticles made from red seaweed may provide low-cost fat replacers for food and texturisers for beverages, according to new research.

UK group formed to defend ‘divine weed’ from THMPD

A group has been formed in the UK to pressure regulators into “lightening” the impact of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) which requires all herbal medicines within the European Union to attain THMPD registrations before 2011.

Cargill expands canola innovation for better oils

Agricultural and ingredients giant Cargill has given an extra push to its canola presence with the formal opening of its expanded Specialty Canola Innovation Center in Fort Collins, USA.

Nano trojan horse delivers antioxidant benefits

Australian researchers have designed a nanoparticle one thousandth the width of a human hair, which they say has demonstrated potential to protect antioxidants from destruction in the gut.

Black raspberries show potential against cancer

Concentrated freeze-dried extracts from black raspberries may help prevent certain cancers by acting on multiple gene targets, suggests a new study with rats.

Glanbia profits up as international ingredients business surges

Irish food giant Glanbia has turned in promising half year results with net earnings rising 26 per cent and the US food ingredients and nutritional products divisions performing strongly.

Global Sweeteners secures corn starch supplies through acquisition

Glucose and maltose syrup supplier Global Sweeteners receives the green light to acquire Jinzhou Yuancheng Bio-chem Technology, thereby securing supplies for corn starch, the key raw material in its sweetener production.

Pharmalogica invests in high-dose omega-3 beverages

A line of high-dose, omega-3 juice drinks produced by Norwegian fish oil specialist Pharmalogica, has expanded its distribution from 200 to 1100 retail outlets in six months.

DSM shuts Chinese citric acid plant

DSM will quit its Wuxi, China-based citric acid plant after being told by the Chinese government its site is required for urban development.

Olive leaf extract shows heart benefits: Frutarom study

Extracts from olive leaves may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, according to a small human study from Israel-based supplier Frutarom.

DSM buys 30 per cent of Provexis

DSM has invested about £1.5 million (€1.87m) in UK functional ingredients and technology licensing specialist, Provexis. Neither company was available for comment...

High-caffeine Cocaine ok for Euro drinkers

The controversial energy drink called Cocaine, which while drug-free, contains 350 per cent more caffeine than rival brand Red Bull, this week hit UK shelves amidst criticism from politicians over the launch.

Price actions on cost rises deliver steady H1 for Kerry ingredients unit

Food firm Kerry delivers like-for-like trading profit of €134 million at its ingredients and flavours unit for the first half of 2008, thanks in part to 'prudent price actions' that have brought good cost recovery to the group.

Beneo-Orafti bumps inulin price 25 per cent

The world’s number one inulin supplier, Belgium-based Beneo-Orafti, has jacked the price of its inulin and oligofructose offerings for the second time in less than 12 months.

Milk helps exercise recovery: researchers

Consuming milk can assist muscle recuperation after exercise according to a study published in the August edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.

Rice bran contains high arsenic levels, study

A new study has found that rice bran contains high levels of arsenic, which threatens to seriously call into question its use in foods and supplements.

UK government stands behind GM

The UK’s environment minister has challenged claims by Prince Charles that genetically modified (GM) crops are causing environmental damage.

Mushroom extract demonstrates immunity benefits

Japanese researchers in conjunction with the Yale School of Medicine have found the mushroom extract, AHCC, can strengthen the immune system and fight the onset of cancer among over-50s.

Weekly comment

Omega-3 reality check

The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.

Industry still wary about nano in food: Leatherhead

Nervousness about nanotechnology in food in Britain may see the UK food industry left behind, warns an expert from Leatherhead Food International.

EFSA HEALTH CLAIM OPINIONS

EFSA health claim rejections 'shock' industry

The European Food Safety Authority has kicked off the eagerly awaited health claim assessment process with a slew of claim rejections signalling a hard line methodology that may see thousands of claims submissions binned.

Curcumin active in pancreatic cancer patients

An eight-week clinical trial has found consumption of curcumin can benefit advanced pancreatic cancer sufferers.

Danisco restructures to be "first choice": Knutzen

A decade of structural changes have helped Danisco position itself as “first choice” for customers, suppliers, business partners and employers, its chairman has said.

Growth hormone buyer eyes milk supply potential

Monsanto has found a buyer for its bovine somatotropin growth hormone, despite growing concern in the US over the use of such products in dairy cattle, as manufacturers continue to face commodity price uncertainty.

Nestle enlists BioGaia for infant nutrition initiative

Swedish probiotics specialist BioGaia this morning announced a deal with Nestlé Nutrition that will see its proprietary Lactobacillus reuteri strain employed in infant nutrition products globally.

Industry slams B vitamins trial

A clinical trial that concluded B vitamins do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events or death among patients with coronary heart disease has been criticised by industry for being poorly designed.

EU-wide dietary guidelines not feasible, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft opinion on food-based dietary guidelines, in which it concluded that guidelines to span the whole of the EU would not be feasible.

Natural glycol obtains EcoCert certification

DuPont and Tate & Lyle Bio Products has received Eco-Cert certification for Zemea, a petroleum-free glycol that it claims is an industry first.

Vitamin D deficiency increases hip fracture risk: researchers

US researchers have concluded lower blood concentrations of vitamin D increase the likelihood of hip fracture among menopausal women by up to 70 per cent.

UK regulator pours cold water on blood pressure claims

A functional water claiming to lower blood pressure has been deemed misleading by the voluntary UK advertising regulator.

EFSA consults on dietary reference intake levels

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation on Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) as it continues to work toward establishing common European Union-wide recommended nutrient levels by the end of 2009.

Cocoa flavanols may boost blood flow in the brain

Flavanol-rich chocolate may boost blood flow in the brain and reduce the risk of dementia and stroke, Boston-based researchers have reported.

Frutarom on the look-out for acquisitions by end 2008

Frutarom is ready to start casting about for new acquisitions in the second half of 2008, after another strong quarter in which it reaped the benefits of the seven businesses it acquired in 2007.

DSM hikes Quali-Blends price as input costs surge

DSM Nutritional Products has announced an undisclosed double digit price increase across its Quali-Blends range that specialises in customised blends of key vitamins and minerals.

Price increases provide new marketing opportunities

AB Enzymes has adapted the focus of its baking enzymes range to focus on how they provide solutions to the rising raw material costs that dog the baking industry.

Vitamin D3 stable for fortifying cheese: study

Fortification of Cheddar cheese with vitamin D3 may be an effective means of raising vitamin D levels in the population, suggest new results from Canada.

Weekly comment

False starting in the stevia race

The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener stevia to market.

High cocoa costs continue to plague industry

Confectionery manufacturers are facing increasing cost pressures as cocoa prices reach their highest in over 20 years as cocoa futures prices soared by 3 per cent.

Australian regulator pays Pan $55m after recall rethink

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will pay $55 million (€32.58m) to liquidated supplements manufacturer Pan Pharmaceuticals after inappropriately recalling the company’s entire 1600-product suite in 2003.

Gelling fibres may protect against the metabolic syndrome

Obese and overweight men consuming a strongly gelled alginate drink experienced a restoration of cholesterol and glucose uptake to healthy levels, says a new study.

Study links dairy to better bones in kids

Long-term dairy consumption, supplemented with other protein-rich foods such as meats can help maintain improved bone health in children, according to a new study.

India to boost noni cultivation

The Indian National Bank for Rural and Agriculture Development (Nabard) is forming a farmers’ club to promote the cultivation of noni, according to reports.

Omega-3 again linked to healthier eyes

Eating one portion of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish per week may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by over 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

EFSA affirms safety of selenium-enriched yeast

EFSA scientists say there is no concern over the safety of selenium-enriched yeast, provided they are produced using selenium selenite and doses are respected.

Asparagus waste investigated as new fibre source

A new study from Spain has found that portions of asparagus spears that are unused by vegetable processors could be tapped as a source of fibre, to bring both nutritional and technological benefits to food.

Low vitamin D may increase death risk: study

Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of death from all causes by 26 per cent, suggests a study with 13,000 initially healthy men and women.

CBI fears industry impact of poor science education

The chief of the Confederation of British Industries is proposing that all high performing 14-16-year olds should study triple science – a message that resonates with concerns over building a suitable skills base for future food industry employees.

British research club to target diet and health

A new partnership is set to deepen scientific understanding of the link between diet and health, and help food companies address obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.

Low-dose B12 plus folic acid effective for elderly: study

Fortifying bread with folic acid and low dose vitamin B12 is effective in improving vitamin B blood status in the elderly, according to a new study from Holland.

Weekly comment

Why food is the new oil

“Food is a weapon – don’t waste it.” This message, which featured on a Second World War poster issued by the US Office of War Information in 1943, is a lesson from history we would do well to heed.

IADSA keeps pressure on Codex over science for health claims

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) is keeping up pressure on changing how health clams are substantiated by Codex.

Calcium supply goes pearl-shaped for Galactic

Belgian lactic acid specialist, Galactic, is refining its presence in the calcium supply chain with a “pearl-shaped” ingredient it says delivers improved bioavailability, solubility and processing capabilities.

Study finds no extra nutrients in dried organic food

A new study from Denmark has added to debate about whether organic food is healthier than conventionally grown, as it concludes there is no evidence in favour of the argument.

Broccoli can reverse diabetic heart damage, say researchers

A UK study has found consuming broccoli can reverse damage caused to the heart blood vessels of diabetics due to the presence of a sulfur compound.

Scientists put bergamot waste to use in juices

A study indicates that bergamot juice could be used to fortify fruit juice in place of synthetic additives, opening up a potential new use for a by-product of the essential oil industry.

Beverage groups keeping hands clean amidst ‘greenwash’ attacks

Despite recent attacks on the environmental marketing of some beverages, drink and food manufacturers remain relatively behind other sectors in the practice of misleading green claims, says a marketing expert.

EFSA to judge almost 3000 health claims by 2010

Pan-European health and nutrition claims moved a step closer to reality after 2870 claims were delivered to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for assessment by January, 2010.

Is satiety the new salt, sugar and fat reduction?

Market researcher Leatherhead Food International (LFI) says satiety foods are growing in popularity but that manufacturers need to be careful not to alienate consumers.

DNA data to spur new kiwifruit species

New commercial varieties of kiwifruit optimised for their flavour, colour and health attributes will become available in the next few years, thanks to the publication of a huge collection of DNA sequences from the fruit.

Givaudan reports ‘resilient’ six months

Givaudan has reported a good first half to 2008 despite the economic environment, seeing above-market growth and hassle-free integration of its recent Quest acquisition.

Evgen invests in functional food fast-track

A UK start-up has launched with the aim of fast-tracking the process by which novel ingredients and technologies migrate from the academic arena to fully-branded, on-market, functional food status.

Natra launches healthy chocolate bar for private label needs

Spanish chocolate firm Natra sets its sights on the booming health and wellness market for adults and children, launching a chocolate bar with a healthy twist for the private label market.

UK firm puts fruit fibres to use in flavours

Ungerer has developed an innovative range of fruit flavours that uses fruit fibres as carriers in place of maltodextrose or wheatstarch, making a natural ingredient out of a by-product that can also boost food’s fibre content.

Fenchem fights fake ginkgo

Chinese supplier Fenchem has launched a testing method to detect fake ginkgo biloba, which has become more prevalent as increased demand has strained global supply.

Cooked bilberry better than cold for anthocyanin activity

Cooking temperatures up to 125ºc may be best for anthocyanin retention and activity, according to new research.

Superfruits disturb the five-a-day balance, warns Datamonitor

The popularity of exotic fruits has contributed to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK, says Datamonitor, but the consequences of so-called superfruits muscling traditional products out of the diet could be grave.

Weekly comment

Bringing an end to the food waste shame

Have you ever scavenged through a supermarket bin looking for your next meal? It’s a strange question to put to business readers – and most would shrink at the thought. But that’s just how the ‘freegans’ decide what’s for dinner.

5-Loxin can benefit osteoarthritis, says study

A PL Thomas-sponsored study has demonstrated the potential of the anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic herb 5-Loxin to relieve the symptoms of arthritis of the knee.

Novel Foods clarification welcomed but concerns remain

A European Commission statement that its recently published Novel Food catalogue is not legally binding for European Union Member States, has been welcomed by the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM).

Med diet in decline on home turf, FAO warns

Populations around the Mediterranean are abandoning their traditional healthy diets, the FAO has warned, as incomes increase and consumers opt for more meat, saturated fats and time-saving processed foods.

More calcium may lead to fewer strokes: study

An increased intake of calcium, particularly from dairy, may reduce the risk of stroke by 30 per cent, according to a new study from Japan.

Soft drink formulation: hard work ahead

As soft drink makers face growing criticisms over the potential detrimental health impacts of some of their ingredients, BeverageDaily.com takes a look at how the industry is adapting to ever-changing market concerns in the first of a two part article.

Omega-3 in crisis as functional foods flounder

Muller UK has sent a shot across the bows of an apparently booming sector of the fatty acids industry by removing the omega-3 component from its Vitality yoghurt range.

Australian CAM industry requires tighter rules

Australia’s complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) sector needs to be more tightly policed in line with pharmaceutical rules, according to critics.