All news articles for August 2009

News in brief

Study challenges coffee’s reported brain benefits

Increased intakes of coffee do not affect the rate of decline in mental functions as we age, nor the risk of dementia, according to new results from Finland.

Antioxidant content of fruit more than previously thought?

We may be underestimating the antioxidant content of fruit and vegetables, according to an international team of scientists from Spain and the UK.

Citrus hybrids may offer antioxidant-rich extracts for nutraceuticals

Crossing clementines and blood oranges may yield a new citrus hybrid with an enhanced content of antioxidant phytochemicals, according to new research from Europe.

Wild lupins’ protein could rival soy, say Spanish researchers

Wild varieties of lupin seeds could be tapped for their high quality protein content, report researchers in Spain, and could reduce the need to import soybean to Europe from places such as the US, Brazil and China.

Lithos Foods begins distributing high purity GOS prebiotic

Dutch firm Lithos Food has begun selling the soluble prebiotic fibre Purimune, a high purity form of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), on behalf of partner GTC Nutrition.

News in brief

Solbar gains top honors for soybean analysis

Solbar has been awarded first place for analysis of its soybean meal by the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) Laboratory Proficiency Program, the company said on Monday.

Rye for breakfast may boost feelings of fullness

Eating a high-fibre breakfast from rye may increase feelings of satiety and lead to reduced food intake later in the day, says a new study from Sweden.

Soluble fibre may benefit IBS sufferers: Study

Adding soluble fibre to the diet may improve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but insoluble fibre may worsen the effects, says a new study.

Consumers warned of arsenic and lead in 'health' drinks

UK consumers have been warned not to drink a range of clay-based beverages marketed for digestive benefits and detoxifying qualities as they contain harmful levels of arsenic and lead.

Letter to the editor

Folic acid: Why mandatory fortification is vital

Relying on voluntary fortification of grain products with folic acid is not sufficient to ensure adequate intakes and relieve the burden of birth defects, says an eminent British professor.

Vine root extract has heart health supplement potential: Study

Extracts from the roots of a vine that has overgrown almost 10 million acres in the southeastern United States may improve heart health, says a new study from the US.

Plant sterols survive tight economy, says Cognis

Strong demand for plant sterols has helped support overall flagging sales over the past six months for the food ingredient firm Cognis.

Glanbia ingredients affected by higher-than-market input costs

Dairy ingredients dragged down the first half of 2009 for Glanbia’s Dairy Ireland division, as sale prices dropped but the price paid to milk suppliers was above the market low.

News in brief

Omega-3 shows no diabetes prevention benefits: Harvard study

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are not associated with a reduction in the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, according to new findings from Harvard.

US leads in healthy food product launches

The United States is far ahead of all other markets in the launch of new food and beverage products that claim to deliver health benefits, according to new market statistics.

News in brief

Wasted watermelons could yield nutrients, fuel

Researchers at the USDA have established that watermelons not sold for food use due to cosmetic imperfections could be a source of nutraceutical ingredients and biofuel.

Soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels for diabetics, too

Increased intakes of soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels in people with type-2 diabetes, says a new study that expands on the heart healthy potential of soy.

Low carb diet may increase heart risk: Mouse study

A new study has concluded that low carb-high protein diet leads to more atherosclerosis in mice, findings that could have implications for diet strategies if they also hold true for humans.

Pomegranate seed oil may prevent diabetes: Study

Consuming oil from pomegranate seeds may prevent the development of diabetes, suggest results from a study with mice fed a high-fat diet.

New Zealand bakers agree to voluntary folic acid fortification

The New Zealand baking industry has said it will move towards a voluntary fortification of some breads with folic acid as the government is expected to delay plans for mandatory fortification.

Tea consumers may have younger biological age

The cells of regular tea drinkers may have a younger biological age than cells from non-drinkers, according to new research from China.

Melon extract linked to cardiovascular benefits: Study

Daily consumption of an antioxidant-rich melon extract may lower cholesterol levels and prevent hardening of the arteries, according to a study with hamsters fed a high fat diet.

Meat in moderation is good nutrient source, says FSA

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said the potential link between red meat and bowel cancer should not discourage consumption, highlighting that meat “in moderation” can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Weekly comment

Folic acid: Old women and children first!

Look at the globe and you’d be hard pressed to find two countries further apart than Ireland and New Zealand. But they stand side-by-side on the folic acid fortification issue – it is not needed.

Study identifies vitamin D’s benefits for diabetic heart health

Vitamin D may inhibit the build-up of cholesterol in blood vessels, says a new study that support calls for vitamin D supplements to improve heart health of diabetics.

Chickpea crackers offer iron-rich gluten-free options

Crackers made from the flour of chickpeas may contain between 3 to 6 times more iron than existing products, offering nutrient-rich options to the burgeoning gluten-free market.

Glucosamine still limited to three major markets

Global launches of glucosamine products have risen just over 50 percent in the past five years, with the top markets remaining Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

News in brief

Nutrients journal goes live, open to all

The first issue of a new, peer-reviewed publication called Nutrients, is freely available to everyone online; with the emphasis on helping others reproduce the findings.

Could GM offer the next generation of probiotics?

A look into the probiotic crystal ball reveals that genetically engineered "friendly" bacteria could be switched on by specific prebiotic sugar, possibly leading to a new generation of pre- and probiotic products.

‘Unknown’ cholesterol in processed food poses big heart health risk

With all the focus on LDL (bad) cholesterol, a ‘virtually unknown’ form called oxycholesterol may pose the biggest heart health threat, say Chinese scientists.

Court finds Welsh company guilty of novel foods breach

Welsh supplements company, Asphalia Food Products Ltd, has been found guilty of using an unauthorised herbal ingredient in products marketed to assist sleep because it did not have novel foods approval.

News in brief

Martek signs omega-6 deals in Europe and Asia

Martek Biosciences has signed two new deals to supply its omega-6 ARA (arachidonic acid) ingredients to infant food makers in Australia and Spain.

Zeaxanthin suppliers unite

A group of zeaxanthin suppliers have united to form the Zeaxanthin Trade Association to increase global awareness of the eye health nutrient and adopt quality standards.

Could probiotics protect us from gut parasites?

The gut health boosting effects of probiotics may also extend to preventing and eradicating parasitic infections, according to ‘early data’ from the US.

German firm claims new omega-3 source found

German biotech firm, InterMed Discovery (IMD), has licensed a “microbial source” form of omega-3 it says offers an alternative to existing fish, algae and plant sources.

China launches new food safety reporting system

China’s State Food and Drug Administration has launched a new food safety reporting system which it has offered for public consultation.

High-dose supplements fight taken to EC president

UK-based food supplements lobby group, Consumers for Health Choice (CHC), has launched a kit to help consumers, manufacturer, retailers and practitioners personally envoy their pro high-dose food supplement messages to European Commission president, José Manuel Barroso.

News in brief

EU nano uptake rapid, says researcher

French health food market analyst, Alcimed, says nanotechnology will grow rapidly in both food and processing applications, as the technology improves and more companies show an interest in the area.

Vitamin D may reduce pre-eclampsia risk: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin D during pregnancy may reduce the development by about 25 per cent, suggests a study with over 20,000 Norwegian women.

Next generation yoghurt cultures set for global roll-out

Chr Hansen will unveil a new range of premium yoghurt cultures within weeks in response to needs identified by yoghurt producers across the globe.

Omega-3, vitamin E mix shows potential for autistic speech

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E may lead to speech improvements in autistic children with verbal disorders, suggests a new study.

Austrian supplements infringe isoflavones patent

An Austrian court has ruled against a red clover food supplement for making misleading menopausal claims in breach of a European health indications patent held by the Australian firm, Novogen.

Rosehip extract censored over bone health claims

UK supplements company, Goldshield Healthcare Direct, has run foul of the advertising watchdog there for making misleading joint health claims in full-page national newspaper adverts about a rosehip extract.

Antioxidants pose no cancer danger for skin

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins and minerals are not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, despite reports to the contrary, says a new study.

Emerging probiotic markets drive BioGaia sales boom

Swedish probiotics player, BioGaia, has notched a 55 per cent increase in sales for the first half of 2009, with emerging markets in central and eastern Europe driving the recession-bucking result.

Danisco boosts cultures capacity as probiotics market swells

Danisco has said that it is investing €60m ($85m) to boost capacity for its frozen and freeze dried direct vat inoculants (DVI) in Europe and the US, primarily to feed growing demand for probiotic cultures.

News in brief

Science builds for National Starch's resistant starch

Consumption of resistant starch may reduce insulin resistance, and the development of diabetes and heart disease, according to preliminary results from National Starch.

No need for Irish folic acid fortification, say researchers

Irish researchers have backed an earlier government working group finding that there is probably no need to mandatorily fortify parts of the Irish food supply with folic acid, as voluntary measures by food players have already done the job.

Chocolate again linked to better heart health

Increased intakes of chocolate may decrease the risk of a heart attack victim from dying from heart-related problems, according to a joint US-Swedish study.

News in brief

Fluxome gets on its bike(s)

Danish biotech firm Fluxome is providing bicycles for its staff as part of a project that is also benefitting African communities.

UK protein and fibre satiety initiative launched

UK-based Leatherhead Food Research wants companies to bring their fibre and protein ingredients to the lab table as part of a research project into the satiety-boosting effects of the nutrients.

Weekly comment

Free farmers to farm and bank UK food security

How best should Britain plan to secure reliable supplies of reasonably-priced food? Should the nation put its trust in home production or food imports from the world market?

Danisco pushes probiotic straw range

Danisco is using major trade shows in Europe and Asia to boost exposure of the probiotic straws it launched last year in conjunction Australian firm, Unistraw.

Martek teams with BP to develop fermented biofuels

Martek Biosciences is joining forces with petrochemicals giant BP to develop microbial biofuels derived from sugar feedstocks, and employing Martek’s lipid-based technologies.

Asparagus extracts may ease hangover: Study

An extract from asparagus may increase the function of enzymes in the liver and boost the metabolism of alcohol, according to new research from Korea.

High-fat diets linked to poor mental function

High consumption of fatty foods may reduce both cognitive function and physical endurance, according to results of a rat study from Oxford University.

Fenchem earns US and EU organic status for inulin

Chinese supplier, Fenchem, has won organic certification in the US and European Union for its proprietary inulin ingredient, In-fibre, in what the company describes as a “huge project”.

News in brief

HFMA tops approved supplement nutrient source list

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) submitted more approved vitamin and mineral dossiers than any other group to the soon-to-be-finalised positive list of the European Union Food Supplements Directive (FSD), it has revealed.

EFSA provides guidance on food enzymes safety evaluation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a guidance document outlining what information industry needs to provide for the safety of food enzymes to be assessed.

EU tomato extract health claim wording gets user-friendly treatment

UK start-up Provexis is confident the European Commission, in consultation with member states, will issue consumer-friendly wording for its tomato extract blood circulation health claim.

Lycopene linked to healthier blood vessels

Higher levels of lycopene in the blood are associated with lower stiffness in the arteries, says a new study supporting the heart health benefits of the carotenoid.

Targeted and talkative: the Benecol success story

UK Benecol licensee, McNeil Nutritionals, says “daily messaging” of its core audience is the key behind its rise to leadership in the UK cholesterol-lowering foods market.

More omega-3, less omega-6 for colorectal protection

Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and decreasing intakes of omega-6, could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, suggests a new study from China.

EU lycopene ADI discussions to continue

The Food Standards Agency in the UK says lycopene levels – at least for the carotenoid’s use as a food colour – are under review at EU level.

Eggshell membrane may outperform glucosamine for joint health

Extracts from the membrane of an eggshell may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and offer an alternative to glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, suggest new findings.

Pesticides debate heats up after UK’s Food Security Assessment

The European Crop Protection Association has expressed concern that restrictive EU regulation on pesticide use could stand in the way of global food security, following the UK’s Food Security Assessment.

Regulatory approval to boost EU vitamin K2 market

The formal European Union approval of vitamin K2 as a safe food ingredient in foods and food supplements will benefit Norwegian supplier, Natto Pharma, both in Europe and abroad, the company says.

News in brief

Denmark proposes vitamin D fortification

Denmark has backed a Swedish scheme that sees voluntary vitamin D milk fortification up to 10 per cent of recommended daily intakes (RDIs).

Snack Size Science: Beetroot catches up with sports nutrition

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we catch up on the science behind beetroot juice’s sport nutrition potential.

Licorice oil may offer weight management potential

Antioxidant-rich oil from licorice may increase fat loss and aid in weight management, suggests a new study from Japan’s Kaneka.

JECFA lycopene additive approval could influence EU levels

The recent approval of tomato extract-derived lycopene as a food additive by international body, JECFA, could influence a rethink of Accepted Daily Intakes (ADI) in Europe, according to world-leading Israeli supplier, Lycored.

Benecol smoothie courts younger cholesterol-lowering market

McNeil Nutritionals has launched a Benecol smoothie in the UK and Ireland in a bid to reach a younger audience with a product it will market on dual benefits – plant stanol-derived cholesterol-lowering and its fruit content.

Omega-3 fish oils linked to better semen quality

Infertile men have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their sperm than fertile men, suggests new research that opens up the possibility for supplements to boost sperm quality.

Lutein, blackcurrant extract may reduce visual fatigue: Study

A supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin and blackcurrant extract may reverse signs of visual fatigue, according to a new study from Japan and Singapore.

EFSA Health Claim Opinion

EFSA accepts bone health claim for calcium, vitamin D

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has accepted a health claim linking calcium and vitamin D to bone health in older women, but said there is insufficient evidence to support the proposed dosage levels.

Weekly comment

FDA’s Commissioner Hamburg: Beefing up US food safety

It looks like the FDA has finally got some muscle. Never mind new legislation – if anything can prevent America acquiring a weedy reputation for food safety, it’s the might of Dr Margaret Hamburg.

Long-term green tea supplements do little to improve photoaged skin: study

A two year, placebo controlled trial refutes claims that taking green tea supplements can have a positive effect on photodamaged skin.

Beetroot juice may boost endurance: Study

Consuming beetroot juice may boost stamina and allow people to exercise for up to 16 per cent longer, according to a new study from the UK.

News in brief

Polish police probe farmer over ‘puppy lard’

A Polish woman is under police questioning following an animal welfare group tip-off that she was fattening up dogs, slaughtering them, and selling the lard as a health supplement, say reports.

Study adds to DSM's resveratrol safety reputation

Resveratrol can safely be consumed at doses up to at least 450 milligrams per day for a 60 kg individual, according to a new paper that supports the product’s safety.

ASA censors ads for prebiotic-fortified infant formula

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled that an advertisement for Aptamil Follow On infant formula may not continue to be broadcast because it implies it can stop children from catching colds.

News in brief

Functional foods branding expert hits the road

Swedish global branding expert, Peter Wennstrom, will share knowledge about his “Four Factors of Success” methodology in three events in three cities next month.

Processors under spotlight as food ingredient suspected in listeria outbreak

An investigation has been launched after tainted airline food was linked to a dramatic jump in listeria cases in one Australian state.

Fortified broccoli, tomato powders show anti-prostate cancer power

Biofortification of broccoli and tomatoes may lead to increased levels of potentially anti-cancer compounds, according to results of an American study.

Green tea extracts linked to healthier bones: Study

Compounds from green tea may lead to stronger bones by promoting bone formation, while also inhibiting bone resorption, which leads to weakening, suggests a new cell study.

Naturex buys Natraceutical to form botanicals giant

Naturex has succeeded in its stated ambition to become the world’s biggest independent botanicals extracts supplier by striking a deal that brings on-board the ingredients division of Spanish company, Natraceutical.

EFSA rejects lycopene-whey heart health claim; company set for fight

Cambridge Theranostics has vowed to confront the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) over its rejected lycopene-whey/arterial health claim, after the assessor found its dossier wanting.

DSM files patent for stevia as cognitive health ingredient

Stevia extracts may boost brain function and tap growing interest in natural ingredients for cognitive health, suggests a patent application from DSM.

Whey protein may improve heart health: Study

A whey-protein-rich ingredient may improve blood vessel function in healthy individuals, reports a new randomised, double-blind study supported by Glanbia.

'Bush mango' enters weight management market

South African supplier, Afriplex, has debuted a weight management extract derived from a fruit tree native to west Africa it says has attracted the interest of at least two major US food producers.

UK supplements company rapped over lutein eye health claims

UK supplements manufacturer, Nature’s Best, has been rapped for making unsubstantiated claims that food supplements containing 10mg of lutein and berry extracts can protect the eyes.

ADM reports 83% profit decline; corn processing division battered

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported an 83 percent decline in net earnings for Q4 2009, and in corn processing increased profits from corn-based starches and sweeteners were buried by losses in ethanol.

Raisio Q2 results dip but not beyond expectation

Raisio, the Finnish ingredients supplier and owner of the Benecol plant stanol cholesterol-lowering range, reports lower sales and profits for the second quarter of 2009, drops the company said it was prepared for.

Weekly comment

Downsize me! FSA right to push for smaller snacks

Chocolate bar makers should embrace the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposals on snack portions and adapt their supersizing skills to downsizing.

Omega-3 review: Half a gram needed for heart benefits

The science behind the cardiovascular health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supports recommended daily levels of 500 mg, according to a ‘state-of-the-art’ review.

Low vitamin D levels linked to metabolic syndrome

Increasing blood levels of vitamin D are linked to a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, as well as improved ‘good’ cholesterol levels, says a new study.

Nutrition division stars as DSM H1 profits plunge

Dutch life sciences giant, DSM, is feeling the effects of the recession with profits sliding 76 per cent, but its Nutrition division has bucked the trend to be the only section of the company to record improved sales over the second quarter.

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