All news articles for September 2007

Consumers thirsty for functional dairy drinks

The functional dairy drink market has hit €3,400m with consumption reaching 999 million litres - but the days of the probiotic yoghurt shot may be numbered, according to a report.

Commission hit with maximum vitamins transparency slur

Lobbyists have criticised the European Commission for failing to be "open or transparent" in making a document about the maximum mineral and vitamin levels freely available.

Probiotics may put skids on infant diarrhoea

Supplements of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic bacteria may provide added protection against gastro-intestinal infection and diarrhoea in infants, suggests a new study.

Decision News Media seeks Managing Editor for Montpellier, France

Decision News Media is seeking a Managing Editor to lead the editorial team in Montpellier, France.

Isoflavone-rich pasta effective to boost heart health - study

Pasta, enriched with soy isoflavones in the aglycone form, can effectively reduce blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol by about eight per cent, new research from Italy has reported.

Probiotics may increase isoflavone profile of soy milk

Adding probiotic strains to soymilk may have extra benefits by improving the bioavailability of the isoflavones in the milk, suggests new research.

Nutrition tops the poll for DSM's 2010 plan

DSM has today said it will accelerate its focus on the nutrition arm of its business in a bid to boost sales by more than five per cent, and assure income from innovation reach €1bn in the next three years.

Russia enters the beauty food market

A Russian producer of healthy food products has announced the release of its first beauty drink aimed at improving skin using a blend of antioxidants and minerals.

Increased whole grain consumption linked to better weight

An increased intake of wholegrain products in the diet may reduce a person's likelihood of being overweight or obese, suggests a new study from Holland.

Flavanol rich juice aimed at lowering vascular age

UK ingredient company Coressence is set to see its flavanol-rich Evesse Juice added to a line of organic drinks aimed at improving vascular health.

DSM casein ingredient to help glucose levels in diabetics

DSM is set to launch a casein ingredient aimed at regulating glucose levels in type-2 diabetics, which can be added to a wide range of functional foods and beverages to stop post-meal spikes.

Nestle points towards future of cocoa research

The future of research into the potential health benefits of cocoa should focus on the mechanisms and active compounds, with well defined clinical trials key to this burgeoning segment, says a new review by Nestlé.

Omega-3 may reduce type-1 diabetes

An increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources may protect children at high risk of type-1 diabetes from developing the disease, suggests new research.

Organic baby cereal incorporates probiotics and omega-3

A processor claims to have launched the first organic cereal for babies that is fortified with probiotics and omega-3.

Tea Council under fire for health claims posters

The UK Tea Council has been criticised for exaggerating the benefits of tea and banned from making further claims about the drinks antioxidant potential after running a series of adverts.

Selenium may protect against artery furring

Selenium supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, suggests a small study from Italy.

Equateq opens super omega-3 factory in Scotland

A production and research facility able to make super-pure fatty acid concentrates for the nutrition industry has officially opened in the Western Isles of Scotland with the potential to offer gold standard omega-3.

Guar gum's anti-diarrhoea potential gets boost

Partially hydrolysed guar gum extensively used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser, may also have potential as a health ingredient for protecting against diarrhoea, suggests new research.

Progress made on Hoodia weight management

Britain's Phytopharm has said it is making "good progress" in developing a weight loss product based on the active extract of the hoodia plant responsible for its satiety effect which once complete could revolutionise the market.

Cargill's glucosamine application Europe-bound

Cargill's plans to market a vegetarian form of glucosamine hydrochloride for use in dairy and beverage products faces further delay, pending a risk review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

CLA isomers show promise against colon cancer - study

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) may stop the spread of colon cancer, suggests a new study from Korea that adds important new data to our understanding of the ingredient.

Weekly comment

Consumers and the confidence crisis

Consumer demand - the holy grail of any industry - is a fragile and easily manipulated treasure. But influencing consumers for anything other than their own benefit will, more often than not, carry unintended consequences.

Michael Caine and co. join vitamin plea to Brown

Celebrities have added their weight to the Save Our Supplements campaign which today sent an open letter to UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for high levels for vitamin supplements to remain on the market.

Tocotrienol may protect against DNA damage, says study

Tocotrienols, the less studied form of vitamin E, may reduce DNA damage, considered an important trigger in cancer development, by about 50 per cent, new research suggests.

Protein purification on the menu for DSM

DSM has today announced an investment in Danish protein purification company Upfront Chromatography - a move which further bolsters the group's commitment to innovation.

Technicolour liquid supplements from Capsugel

Capsugel has extended its line of supplement capsules by adding a range of colours to them, which it says will make bland formulas more appealing to consumers.

Study backs lycopene against advanced prostate cancer

Increased blood levels of lycopene may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer by 60 per cent, but carotenoids in general do not appear to impact on the overall risk of the disease, says a large European study.

New chocolate bar healthy for your heart, claims manufacturer

In a bid to take advantage of the boom in demand for fortified chocolates, a manufacturer claims to have developed a product that benefits those with Type-2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

Omega-3 may boost blood vessel elasticity - study

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve the elasticity of blood vessels and improve overall cardiovascular health, reports a new study from China.

Is Asia the future for phytochemical research?

The future of research into the ability of phytochemicals to treat modern disease lies in Asia because of restrictive laws and "cynicism", a UK based research company has said.

Ginseng juice eyed as anti-diabetic dietary supplement

An extract from American ginseng berry may reduce blood sugar levels by 30 per cent and aid weight loss, reports a new study from the University of Chicago using obese diabetic mice.

Vitatene says Gday to Aussie supplements market

Vitatene has been granted permission to market two ingredients in Australia and New Zealand as supplements, a move which will open up further horizons for the Spanish company.

Scientists pinpoint inulin's calcium absorption site

The ability of prebiotics inulin and oligofructose to enhance absorption of calcium in the intestine is focussed in the colon, suggests a new study with young adults that backs up animal studies.

UK's CRN puts nutrition and healthy ageing on the agenda

Policy makers and health professionals need to wake up to the importance of nutrition in healthy ageing, the UK's CRN has said as it organises a conference on the issue.

Danisco bolstered by costs discipline, price increases

Controlling costs with an iron hand and upping sales prices has helped Danisco's ingredients division towards Q1 growth, against an overall profit dip as a result of ongoing sugar reform.

Eating competency linked to lower CVD risk

Training people to become more eating competent may be more effective at lowering their risk of heart disease than just providing them with dietary information, says a new study.

Vitatene hopes to expand lycopene horizons

Spain's Vitatene is looking to extend the use of lycopene by adding it into a range of food products such as drinks, and cereal.

Broccoli could help the brain heal

A substance found in broccoli could help preserve the integrity of a barrier protecting the brain following injury, according to an animal study.

Lawyers called in over maximum levels battle

A legal opinion gained by the Health Food Manufacturers' Association has been lauded as a "window of opportunity" for industry over the EU's proposed rules on maximum mineral and vitamin levels.

EU regulations stymie food innovation, says economist

Novel foods regulation is presenting a serious barrier to innovation by food ingredients companies in Europe, according to a new economic review, threatening the industry's competitiveness on the global stage.

Supplements for over 50s may boost diet deficiency

Men and women over the age of 51 who regularly take dietary supplements are more likely to get adequate amounts of several vitamins and minerals than those who do not, a study suggests

Long wait predicted for EU food laws

A Brussels consultancy group has warned that the harmonisation process for EU food laws, including maximum mineral and vitamin levels, has "a long way to go" before completion.

No let-up expected in ingredients price rises

Food ingredients prices rose at the fastest rate since 1998 in August, says a new report released just as ministers warn that the worst of the hikes is yet to come - a particularly for meat.

Low-fat veg diet may keep prostate cancer at bay

Eating a low-fat and plant-based diet could reduce the risk of prostate cancer or slow onset of the disease, a new study has found.

Natraceutical takes over high concentrate beta-glucan ingredient

Spanish biotech firm Natraceutical has entered the beta-glucan market with the acquisition of the high concentrate ingredient Viscofiber.

Apples could cut childhood asthma, study finds

Mothers who eat apples during pregnancy may help their child avoid the risk of asthma, a study has found.

Med diet found to benefit arthritis sufferers

Women suffering from arthritis who adhered to a Mediterranean diet for only nine months experienced "significant" alleviations in pain, according to a new study.

Healthy diet confuses consumers, FSA says

People in the UK are sometimes confused when it comes to making sure they eat a healthy balanced diet, a Food Standards Agency survey has found.

Commission told: Stay away from restrictive maximum levels

As member states are due to sit down next week to discuss the setting of maximum mineral and vitamin levels lobbyists have said there is "everything still to play for."

Weekly Comment

Arnie and the clones

Cloned foods have not yet made it to our grocery aisles, but in the advent of such a rollout consumers must have a defined right to decide if they want to swallow the technology or not.

100 apples a day keeps URTI away

A flavonoid found in fruit, such as apples and berries, could help reduce illnesses in people who have carried out extensive exercise.

Scientists propose vitamin C's potential cancer-blocking mechanism

Vitamin C may block growth of tumors by destabilizing their ability to grow under oxygen-starved conditions, as opposed to the prevailing theory that its preventative mechanism stems from capturing volatile oxygen free radicals.

Ohly shores up US yeast extract

ABF-owned Ohly has completed the expansion of its yeast-extract facilities in the US and now claims to be the only company offering the triumvirate of baker's, brewer's and torula yeast extracts to the market.

Breast feeding may not protect infants from asthma or allergies

Exclusive and prolonged breast feeding may not protect children from the risk of allergy and asthma, a study suggests.

Australian and New Zealand health claims update

An update on proposed health claim regulations in Australia and New Zealand, which could have far-reaching results for European companies, will be given at a conference later this month.

Tangerine peel could help fight cancer, researchers say

Scientists have formed a company to protect and promote their research on a molecule found in tangerine peel which could help fight cancer.

Astaxanthin taken to a new level by DSM

A new carotenoid from DSM is making a "generational step" for the powerful antioxidant, the company said this morning.

CLA cuts fat in mice, study finds

The efficacy of CLA as a weight management supplement has been supported in a new animal study, which found CLA boosted weight loss.

Peanut butter, the new weapon to fight world hunger?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are lauding fortified peanut butter as a potential saviour for the world's malnourished children.

Fish and 'fruity vegetables' may reduce asthma and allergies

A diet rich in vegetables, such as tomatoes and aubergines, and fish can help cut asthma and allergy incidence in children, a study suggests.

CardiaBeats European roll-out continues

Enzymotec has taken another step in rolling out its CardiaBeat heart health ingredient, signing an agreement with Genexo to see it enter the Polish market.

Chinese vitamin C supply could be under threat

The face of the vitamin C market may be on the verge of change as reports circulate that prices from China - the world's primary supplier - are rocketing.

Healthy eating boom sweetens Glisten's profits

Sales and profits for UK based confectionery and snacks manufacturer Glisten have benefited from its focus on the healthy options market.

Irish health stores fight EUs supplement directive

A petition by the Irish Association of Health Stores (IAHS) calling for the European Commission to allow "higher levels" for vitamin and minerals has been seen as a sign that the industry has not given up battling proposals under the Food Supplements Directive.

Lutein/zeaxanthin again linked to lower AMD risk

Supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin has once again been associated with a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a new report.

Vitamin E produces paradoxical results on CVD, study suggests

Supplementation with vitamin E has produced both positive and negative effects in helping to beat the risk factors in cardiovascular disease, an animal study has concluded.

DSM takes big step for nutritional products in China

DSM has today announced it will restructure manufacturing at its Nutritional Products arm in China, a move it called a "big step" in its plan for Asian expansion.

Med diet found to have further Alzheimer's benefits

Adhering to a Mediterranean diet could allow sufferers of Alzheimer's disease to live longer than patients who eat a more traditional Western diet, according to new research published today.

Low vitamin D linked to preeclampsia

A study has linked low vitamin D levels in mothers to a five-fold increased risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication in pregnancy which can lead to fetal death.

Vitamin B from LycoRed added to fizzy drinks

LycoRed has today said a range of its vitamin B complex will be launched in a line of carbonated drinks - a task made challenging through the vitamin's solubility issue.

Vitamin C in a fatty stomach may encourage cancer growth

According to a new study in Gut journal, fat inside the upper stomach may cause vitamin C to promote cancer-causing reactions rather than protect against them as previously found.

Weekly comment

Hooked on Es

This comment was amended to correct a statement about bans of additives in other countries. Some of the chemicals were previously banned by Norway, Austria and Australia but those bans have since been removed. Allura red AC, tartrazine and sunset yellow are allowed in the US, while quinoline yellow, carmoisine and ponceau 4R are not. None of the colour additives are currently banned by Australia, which lifted a ban on quinoline yellow in 2003. The country does not permit tartrazine to be used in medicines.

CLA developments to be explained at congress

A conference on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and its potential health benefits will be held in Italy later this month.

Commission wins over Germany in garlic supplement ruling

The European Court of Justice's opinion to not allow Germany to label garlic supplements as a medicine has been seen as a fine example of the intended use principle winning out.

Soy isoflavones could reduce infant mortality

A soy isoflavone used in soy infant formula could reduce diarrhea in infants, according to a new study, and thereby save lives in developing countries.

Investigation launched into citric acid dumping claims

The European Commission has launched an inquiry into allegations that Chinese suppliers are dumping citric acid onto the market and causing material injury to the European industry.

Folate and genistein cut disease risk, study finds

Maternal supplementation of a mixture containing folic acid and vitamin B12 or genistein had a positive result on reducing disease susceptibility in newborn mice, a study reports.

Asia could face food harmonisation difficulties, warn group

A move to harmonise food supplement law across ASEAN countries could become as complex as those being tackled in the EU, a consultancy group has warned.

Probiotics market set to hit 120m by 2013, report says

The European food and beverage probiotics market is expected to more than double by 2013, according to a market report, with the proposed EU health claims rules presenting "untapped" potential.

Lower intake in vitamins and minerals present industry opportunities

A report detailing a list of micronutrient deficiencies in children and adults has identified a hit list of vitamin and minerals which are not being consumed enough by various groups in the UK.

Vitamin D could halve breast and colon cancer incidence

As many as 50 percent of breast and colon cancer cases could be prevented by increasing intake of vitamin D, according to a study that backs continued calls for higher upper limits of the ingredient.

Grains can control blood sugar all day, new research

Eating certain grains with a low GI breakfast can keep your blood sugar regulated for up to ten hours, according to a new research study released this week.

Probiotics may cut neonatal gut infections, mice study

A series of probiotic studies on mice have presented positive results in protecting newborns from intestinal infections and reducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), research by Institut Rosell suggests.

DSM increases nutrigenomics investment

DSM has invested €2m in Finnish genetic research company Jurilab Oy - a move which reinforces the Dutch group's commitment to expanding further into personalized nutrition.

Study links body-building antioxidant to hypertension condition

An antioxidant commonly used in dietary and body-building supplements could lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension, according to research from the University of Virginia (UV) Health System.

Avocados linked to cutting oral cancer

Nutrients found in avocados may help combat oral cancer, a study suggests.

Orafti to pass on escalating costs for Beneo

Orafti has announced a price increase for its Beneo fibre ingredients in response to increasing raw material and energy costs - a measure it says it has tried to stave off as long as possible but which is now inevitable.

Weight management next stop for Danisco and probiotics

Danisco has signed a licensing agreement with the Dutch Research Institute (TNO) to use probiotic strains aimed at the weight management market.

Chr Hansen probiotics launched in Italian cheese

A cheese containing a Chr Hansen probiotic has been launched in Italy, a move which reinforces the growing trend for companies to use probiotics outside of the traditional yoghurt pot.

Weekly comment

Food prices and the death of the productionist model

Last week saw a string of communications about food price rises: first warnings were aired about wheat, then meat, then dairy. It's a vertiginous view from the heights of the commodity markets, and it's clearer than ever before that we need to re-jig our basic food supply systems if we are to feed the world in the future.

Vitamin E prices set to rise as DSM blames raw material hikes

DSM Nutritional Products has said it will put the price of vitamin E it supplies up by 10 per cent globally, in the wake of "sharp increases" in raw materials.

Overweight toddlers more likely to be iron deficient

A higher risk factor for iron deficiency in toddlers has now been associated with weight, leaving further room for food manufacturers and public health bodies to raise awareness on the issue.

Study links low-GI kids' breakfast to less calories

Sending your kids off to school on a low GI-breakfast could reduce their calorie intake throughout the day, suggests new research.

Vitamin B does not help cardiovascular problems, study finds

Supplementation with B vitamins does not reduce risk of death or major cardiovascular problems in people who suffer from coronary artery disease, a new study suggests.

Nestle campaigns for benefits of dark chocolate

A new Nestle-backed campaign in Australia is promoting the health benefits of dark chocolate to doctors, dieticians and nutritionists.

Tuna tax to boost sardine intake, report says

A tax on tinned tuna could lead to an increase in consumer health benefits when implemented in conjunction with a subsidy for canned sardines, a study has said.

Black raspberry promise in oesophageal cancer prevention

Freeze-dried back raspberries could help prevent the formation of tumours of the oesophagus, if the results of a rat study also hold true for humans, but were not seen to aid tumour regression.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Longevity to be the next wellness trend, says Campbell

The final article in a FoodNavigator-USA.com series on the health and wellness practices of major US food firms reveals that Campbell Soup Company is expecting a major shift in the market, which will affect the way products are developed and marketed.

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