Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Omega-3 may protect diabetics from heart failure

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may protect diabetics from heart failure, according to a new study from the Netherlands.

Danone splits from Wahaha; not talking to Mead

Danone’s troubled relationship with China’s Wahaha looks finally to be at an end; and rumours of a new deal with Mead Johnson over baby food are flatly denied.

Target women with energy drinks, says Mintel

UK consumers view energy drinks as value for money rather than a luxury, with sales for the products expected to soar over the next five years, according to the latest statistics from Mintel.

Scientists unite to stop omega-3 ‘Euro-mad rush’

Twenty one of the world’s leading omega-3 scientists have petitioned the European Commission in a last-ditch effort to convince EU rule makers its omega-3 nutrition labelling plans are flawed and should be significantly revised.

News in brief

EFSA to publish first 13.1 opinions tomorrow

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has again pushed back the deadline for the publication of its first article 13.1 health claim opinions – but has confirmed that these will be released tomorrow.

Probiotics may protect against gum disease: Yakult study

A daily shot of a probiotic milk drink may reduce inflammation and bleeding in the mouth linked to gingivitis and gum disease, says a new study from Germany.

Prebiotics may protect against travellers’ diarrhoea: Study

Supplements of a prebiotic galactooligosaccharide mixture may reduce the incidence of travellers’ diarrhoea by about 34 per cent, says a new study from the UK.

Chocolate passes clinical trial test for artery and heart health

Daily supplements of a flavonoid-rich chocolate may reduce biochemical markers of arterial hardening and boost heart health, say results of a randomized controlled trial.

Mutual recognition key to overcoming trade barriers: EAS

The newly effective mutual recognition regulation has again been praised by experts in the nutritional food industry as a means to overcome the challenge of a lack of harmonisation for certain ingredients across Europe.

Time for a change? More food jobs around now

The UK food job market has seen an upturn in recent months, according to a recruitment expert, and it’s no longer a buyers market for those in the hiring seat. But for mainland Europe, recovery is still to come.

News in brief

Correction: Kraft moves closer to sterol approval down under

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has recommended that Kraft be given approval for plans to use plant sterols in reduced fat cheese but no final permission has been given.

Exclusive interview

How tomatoes are informing Danone's probiotic claims

Danone’s newly submitted article 14 probiotic, diarrhoea health claim, is a product of the ongoing learning process that is occurring as companies come to grips with the reality of the European Union’s new health claim regime, according to the French dairy giant’s regulation chief.

Life under the Food Supplements Directive

The reality of the recently finalised Food Supplements Directive (FSD) positive list for vitamins and minerals is kicking in, as ingredients suppliers and supplements manufacturers reformulate to meet the Directive’s requirements.

Weekly comment

The benefits of a probiotic witch hunt

Get your pitchforks ready! There are evil-doers out there! We’ve been conned: Probiotics don’t work. Dannon’s settling out of court, EFSA’s rejecting health claims, and the media is starting a witch hunt.

Folic acid may also boost baby’s behaviour

Recommendations to increase folic acid intakes during the early stages of pregnancy may reduce mental and emotional health problems in children, says a new study.

FSA dismisses Codex supplement conspiracy theory

The UK’s Food Standards agency has published a blog entry dismissing an internet conspiracy theory that Codex Alimentarius is preparing to ban dietary supplements.

Naturex merger to double 2009 earnings

Naturex, the French-based botanicals giant that recently acquired the ingredients business of Spanish company, Natraceutical Group, will earn €185m in 2009 – up from its 2008 income of €93.2m, as it announced details of the deal.

News in brief

Finland: Ginger supplements dangerous for pregnant women

The Finnish food safety agency, Evira, has recommended warning labels for ginger supplements, after its Risk Assessment Unit highlighted dangers for consuming them for pregnant women.

Low vitamin D levels again linked to higher death risk

Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of dying from all causes by 150 per cent, suggests a study with over 700 elderly women.

National Starch creates animal free emulsifier for instant foods

National Starch has developed a new fat encapsulation system for instant desserts or other dried products that replaces animal derived ingredients like sodium caseinate.

Fish oil supplements (sans liver) are ok, says UK professor

The UK professor who found himself at the heart of an industry storm after his remarks on the value of food supplements were misquoted in the national press has spoken out to clarify his position.

News in brief

Fraudsters hit UK food businesses

UK food businesses are being targeted by fraudsters, claiming to represent the Food Standards Agency (FSA), who impose illegal penalty fees for bogus hygiene infringements, warns the agency.

Ultra-sensitive nutrient assays to boost health claim dossiers

UK-based third party testing service, HFL Sports Science, has developed a series of ultra-sensitive lab assays that will allow supplements and functional food manufacturers to more accurately measure molecular profiles and their potential health effects.

Hindustan Unilever scientist on cutting ayurvedic barriers

A leading scientist at Hindustan Unilever has spoken out about the need to improve product quality and documentation to grow the market for ayurvedic nutraceuticals in India.

Special edition: Brain health

Regulation: Communicating cognitive health

In the sixth article in our series on brain health, regulations governing the area are explored.

Exclusive interview

Inside Yakult's probiotic science culture

In HG Wells’ The War of the Worlds it is not the almighty weapons of humanity that defeated the invading Martians. It is a lack of immunity to the earth’s tiny pathogenic bacteria.

News in brief

Tomato extract maker seeks investor millions

UK fruit extract specialist, Provexis, hopes to raise €5.5 in a deal that may see it offer shares at a significant discount to the current listed price of about €0.10.

Special edition: Brain Health

Nestle’s thinking on brain health

Nestle is investing tens of millions of dollars in brain health. In the fourth part of our series on brain health Dr Jeroen Schmitt, head of cognitive sciences at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland explains why it's not naive to think that diet can boost mental development in our children, and ease the burden of age-related problems in our grandparents.

A chance to milk new developments in dairy

Advances in technologies for the extraction and modification of milk components have opened up new opportunities for the food and nutraceutical industries, say the publishers of a new book.

Doctors debate vitamin D levels

The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) is preparing a vitamin D policy paper it hopes can influence European national associations considering vitamin D medical recommendations.

Danone kills beauty yoghurt but comeback likely

Danone has killed the Essensis beauty yoghurt worldwide blaming lower consumer spending but the dairy giant remains convinced of beauty food potential.

Industry turning food supplements media bashing around

The positive discrimination food supplements reporting campaign being mounted by the head of the Irish Health Trade Association (IHTA) has had a successful start with Irish and UK newspapers picking up stories brought to its attention by the IHTA.

Special edition: Brain health

Science: Backing the claims of brain foods

In this fifth part of our series on brain health, we look at which ingredients have the science to back up their hype as edible brain enhancers.

Royal wedding sparks 'herbal valium' concern

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned the public of the dangers of Aconite after media reports suggested a celebrity had taken the poisionous plant to reduce stress before her wedding to a member of the royal family

Vitamin D may improve colorectal cancer survival

Higher blood levels of vitamin D may double survival rates of colorectal cancer patients, suggests a new study from Harvard researchers.

Mutual recognition a must for ‘traditional’ novel foods

The amended novel foods approval must reinforce the principle of mutual recognition between member states if the fast-track process for traditional foods eaten outside the EU is to work, says an expert.

Kraft moves closer to sterol approval down under

Kraft Foods is a step closer to becoming the first company to win approval to use plant sterols in reduced fat cheese in New Zealand and Australia after a positive regulatory assessment.

Irish establish functional foods initiative

Four of Ireland’s biggest healthy ingredients companies have joined with academics to form Food for Health Ireland (FHI), a group that will bring together partners up and down the value chain to develop and market ingredients and functional foods.

Fenugreek extract may boost satiety, aid weight management

A galactomannan-rich extract from fenugreek may increase feelings of fullness and help reduce subsequent food intakes, says a new study from Frutarom and the University of Minnesota.

DSM’s fat emulsion appetite-suppressing power pinpointed

The appetite-suppressing activity of Fabuless, DSM’s fat emulsion, may be due to slowing transit through the intestine, says a new study.

EPAX builds its house on low-oxidant fish oils

A supplier of marine-based Omega-3 products to capsule manufacturers is expanding its Norwegian operation with a new operational facility to accommodate a three-fold rise in staff numbers over nine years.

Danone to resubmit bolstered article 13.5 dossiers

Danone will resubmit withdrawn article 13.5 European Union probiotic health claims by year’s end with additional trials added to the dossiers to strengthen their claims, according to a health claims expert working with the company.

Special edition: Brain health

Markets: More brain food needed for the elderly

‘Brain food’ – or food that helps address cognitive health – is set to take the global market by storm. But marketers of such products have so far missed a gaping hole of opportunity, according to analysts.

Codex can unite Asian food regulations

The importance of the Codex Alimentaria in developing regulatory harmony in a region like Asia where rules differ so greatly, has been emphasised at a recent event hosted by the Asian arm of Belgian consultancy, EAS.

Inadequate vit D doses boosting elderly heart disease death risk

Older people with insufficient levels of vitamin D may be at an increased risk of dying from heart disease than those with adequate levels of the vitamin, says a new study.

Probiotic-containing apple wedges may offer dairy-free alternatives

Applying probiotic bacteria to fresh-cut apple wedges may offer an alternative way for a daily boost to gut health, and offer a dairy-free alternative, suggests new research from Ireland.

Supplement has a touch too much Viagra

A food supplement for men which claims to help prevent erectile disfunction has been withdrawn from the market because it contains substances similar to sildenafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Viagra.

Weekly comment

Are health claims curbing freedom of speech?

The US FDA is being sued over its health claims regime – actions that are unlikely to succeed according to most pundits – but they raise serious questions about healthy food messaging and free speech that are being felt globally.

Fytexia expands on weight management boom

French herbal supplier, Fytexia, has moved into a new premises at its southern French base as it responds to growing demand for natural ingredients and attempts to gain high-level European GMP certification.

Modified collagen may stimulate cartilage re-growth: Study

Daily supplements of a modified collagen may help with the regeneration of cartilage tissue, and aid joint health, according to a new study from Germany.

Special edition: Brain health

Markets: Leaders in global brain food sales

In the first of a series of articles on cognitive health, NutraIngredients examines the global market for food and ingredients leading the category.

Vitamin insufficiency may accelerate age-related diseases

Current recommendations for vitamin K are not being met, placing people at increased risk of age-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease, says a new analysis.

Red wine powder gives the benefits without the booze

The health benefits of wine could be available to those who prefer not to drink alcohol, says a German team who are adapting the by-products of red wine production to make a powder for use in yoghurts and chocolates.

Special edition: Market insights

CPL: Deciphering the European cholesterol-lowering market

The European cholesterol-lowering market presents many opportunities for food supplements and functional foods despite threats such as statin drugs and a tough new health claims regime, says Dr Robert Harwood, principal consultant at UK-based CPL Business Consultants.

India set for nutritional supplement boom

India’s nutritional supplement market is set to boom over the next few years, with some analysts predicting it will double in value by 2013.

News in brief

FSA advises on sustainable fish choices

The UK’s Food Standards agency is sticking by its advice for people to eat at least two fish portions a week, of which one should be oily – but is highlighting the need for sustainable choices.

Irish fight food supplements media bashing

The Irish Health Trade Association (IHTA) has begun a mainstream media campaign to promote the positive role food supplements can play in the diet.

‘Gut friendly’ pizza – coming to a neighborhood near you

With probiotic yogurt shots beginning to establish themselves on US grocery store shelves, are consumers ready for a gut-friendly pizza?

Omega-3 may improve blood pressure in kidney disease patients

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may decrease blood pressure and heart rate in kidney disease patients, says a new study.

Chocolate may ease migraines: Study

Dietary supplements of cocoa may repress inflammatory responses in the brain linked to migraines, suggest results from an animal study.

Special edition: Market insights

F&S: The danger of overstepping health claim boundaries

Health claim confusion has never been greater as industry adjusts to the new European health claims process. As part of a NutraIngredients series canvassing analyst insights, market researcher Frost & Sullivan urges caution.

ASA rules against ad for weight loss aid

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has decided that an advert for the supplement LIPObind does make a weight loss claim and ruled that it must not be broadcast until medical evidence supporting that claim is provided.

New high potency ginkgo concentrate launched

Dutch start-up Xenobiosis is promoting a ginkgo biloba extract it says is 16 times more potent than regular versions of the cognitive and energy boosting herb.

News in brief

Kemin wins global award for satiety potato extract

Market researcher, Frost & Sullivan, has handed Iowa-based Kemin Health its Global New Product Innovation Award in the Appetite Suppressants and Satiety Ingredients category for its Slendesta potato extract.

News in brief

Dieticians recommend foods for flu prevention

Registered dietitians in the US are recommending that consumers “protect” their family during the flu season with foods that can help boost immunity, including probiotics, vitamin D and garlic.

Current vitamin D doses insufficient for mothers-to-be

Many mothers to be are not getting enough vitamin D, even those taking supplements at the recommended doses, says a new study from Northern Ireland.

Special edition: Market insights

Zenith: European frontrunners in beverage functionality

As Europe continues to play catch-up to American activities in the functional beverage industry, the new health claims regulation is likely to benefit – rather than hinder – the market. Zenith International shares its thoughts on the state of play, as part of a NutraIngredients series canvassing analyst insight.

Danone re-enters EU probiotic health claim game

Global probiotics leader, Danone, has submitted a new disease reduction article 14 health claim linking consumption of its probiotic drinking yoghurt, Actimel, and diarrhoea, after withdrawing three article 13.5 immunity and digestive health claims in April.

Solbar launches calcium-fortified soy ingredient

Israeli soy specialist Solbar has launched a calcium-fortified product, which it claims is a ‘single-pack solution’ for manufacturers of ready-to-drink pH neutral beverages.

DHA-enriched formula boosts infant brain development

Feeding babies formula enriched with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may enhance their cognitive skills, compared to babies fed non-enriched formula, says a new study.

Snack Size Science: Soy’s promise for long-life

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we look at the potential of soy to slow the ageing process and extend lifespan.

Antioxidant-rich melon extract may ease stress, fatigue

Daily consumption of a melon extract rich in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) may relieve stress and fatigue, suggest findings from a French study.

Special edition: Market insights

Mintel: Preparing for a functional foods turnaround

The intrinsic health benefits of foods are likely to become a key focus of functional food growth in Europe as industry prepares for a major shift in the coming year. As part of a special NutraIngredients series canvassing analyst insight, Mintel tells us why.

News in brief

Ecological Food Manufacturers Association seeks members

Helping food companies meet growing demands for foods and beverages that are safe, nutritious and ecological is the aim of the new Ecological Food Manufacturers Association (EFMA).

Danes debut healthy ingredients database

A Danish start-up has launched a database of healthy food ingredients and active molecules that food, drink and food supplements manufacturers can tap into when researching and sourcing ingredients.

Apple extracts offer antioxidant promise

Apple cracking specialist Val de Vire Bioactives has developed a natural antioxidant extract for the functional beverages market.

News in brief

EFSA botanicals advice does not consider QC, says EHPM

The guidance on the safety of botanicals published last week by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) does not take into consideration quality control measures industry has taken to address safety concerns, according to an EU trade group.

Celiacs may benefit from antioxidant supplements

Sufferers of celiac disease have significantly reduced antioxidant capacity, says a new study, and could need natural antioxidants and appropriate dietary supplements.

Special Edition: Resveratrol

Science: Resveratrol’s miraculous promise

In the final part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the science behind the ingredient. Is there nothing it cannot do?

Carbery finds bodybuilders embracing health

Whey protein supplier Carbery says new bodybuilding supplements should become more than just fuel for muscle growth and offer added nutritional value to consumers.

Gene study allays folate-prostate cancer fears

Folate levels are not linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to results of a gene study and meta-analysis from the UK.

Industry hits back at anti-supplements professor

The UK Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) has defended its members against a UK professor who last week poured scorn on the food supplements industry by slamming many supplements as useless or even harmful.

News in brief

Danone-backed Yakult expands in India

Distribution of probiotic one-shot drinks is broadening in India, with a major push occurring in cities like Mumbai, as disposable Indian rise, and more people take an interest in health benefits promised by functional foods.

Special edition: Market insights

Datamonitor: New horizons for omega-3

Most European consumers identify omega-3 as essentially healthy, but there is a “significant knowledge shortcoming” about specific health benefits, Datamonitor tells NutraIngredients as part of a special series revealing insights from market analysts.

Weekly comment

Bisphenol A: Hearts versus minds

Forget GMO and nanotechnology - the biggest food safety issue of our times is bisphenol A (BPA).

Could soy isoflavones extend life?

Soy isoflavones may activate anti-ageing proteins and lead to an extension of life, suggests preliminary research from Newcastle University in the UK.

EFSA issues long-awaited herbal product safety guidelines

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued long-awaited safety guidance for botanicals use in food supplements that proposes a lenient approach toward non-clinical and history-of-use data.

Martek settles second omega-3 patent dispute in a week

Capsugel France has agreed to purchase all its algal DHA omega-3 exclusively from Martek Bioscience Corporation in the second patent dispute Martek has settled in a week.

Australia adopts mandatory folic acid fortification

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced that as of Sunday, Australian bread makers must use folic acid-enriched flour to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns.

Special edition: resveratrol

Regulation: Resveratrol from GRAS to novel foods

As with many relatively new ingredients, resveratrol has had to prove its safety and efficacy to gain regulatory approval in various markets since its widespread commercial availability in the early 1990s.

Onion compound may protect colon from cancer: Study

Increased intakes of the compound quercetin, found in onions and apples, may reduce the risk of developing cancer of the colon by 50 per cent, says a new study.

Callebaut-Natra chocolate plan turns sour

Barry Callebaut has confirmed it has ended negotiations with Spanish chocolate producer Natra over the integration of its European consumer chocolate business, citing differences over valuation.

News in brief

Bifodan launches vaginal health probiotics website

Probiotics specialist, Bifodan, is launching a new website to promote probiotic products targeted at women suffering from vaginal infections.

Astaxanthin shows anti-diabetic potential: Study

The pigment that gives salmon its pink color acts as an antioxidant and may protect against the development of diabetic kidney disease, says a new study.

Omega-3 demand not depleting fish stocks, says industry

An association representing marine sourced Omega-3 suppliers and food manufacturers has refuted claims that higher demand for the fatty acids is eating into fish stocks.

UK professor says supplements are a waste of time

The likes of vitamin A and vitamin C are a waste of money for most people and can even be detrimental to health, a UK-based nutrition professor has told the British Science Festival.

Special Edition: Resveratrol

Science: Is resveratrol really behind the French Paradox?

In the third part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the science behind the ingredient. Is the French Paradox exclusively due to resveratrol?

Study raises concerns over CoQ10 for cognitive health

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may not benefit mental function, and at high doses equivalent to 1700 mg per day may even be damaging, say findings from a mouse study.

Health claims focus

European Union health claims: where to now?

By this time next year, one of the central ambitions of Europe’s brand-spanking new nutrition and health claims system may well be in place – a centralised list of approved claims available for all to use across the European Union bloc.

Omega-3 boom eats into fish stocks, says study

Growing demand for long-chain Omega-3 oils is eating into fish stocks creating a need to regulate and reduce use of fatty acid-rich wild fish in the feed of farmed varieties, according to a Stanford professor.

Menopausal herb wins EU herbal registration

UK start-up, Bio-Health, has won its second herbal products registration in a year for a sage product that reduces excessive sweating in post-menopausal women.

News in brief

Danisco backs low-carbon future

Danish supplier, Danisco, has signed the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change, an international measure to coordinate green measures such as carbon cutting.

Special Edition: Resveratrol

Supply: Resveratrol, from grape to grateful consumer

In the second part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the ingredient’s supply. What is it extracted from, how much resveratrol does it contain, and who is offering the ingredient?

‘Designer probiotics’ may ambush gut pathogens

Specially ‘designed’ probiotics may prevent the development of disease during gut infections of bacterial pathogens, according to new research presented today.

Central and eastern European OTC market grows by 26 per cent

Over-the-counter products are booming in eastern and central Europe (CEE), as consumers increasingly seek non-prescription cold and flu and digestive remedies.

Special edition: Resveratrol

Markets: A global break-down for resveratrol

In the first part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the state of the market for the heart-health ingredient. What has driven growth so far, and what are the opportunities and challenges ahead?

Weekly comment

Acrylamide: The consumer health scare that isn’t

Consumers love to get their teeth into a good health scare. So how is it that acrylamide has slipped under the radar?

Researchers partner up to improve health ingredients service

Bio2com and Sagacious have struck up a partnership to prepare new market reports and services that draw on their respective expertise in health ingredients and intellectual property.

Health claims focus

Inside Europe’s health claim conundrum

In the third part of this European health claims series we examine some of the key decisions to see where companies have got it wrong – and right.

Green tea slashes heart disease death risk: Study

Seven cups of green tea a day over the long-term may massively reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer and heart disease, suggests a new study from Japan.

Antioxidant-rich juices boost heart health: Study

Consuming antioxidant-rich raspberry juice or tea may prevent artery hardening, and lead to improvements in heart health, say results of a European wide research.

Broccoli extract’s heart health benefits pinpointed?

A compound found in vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, may protect arteries from disease by boosting a natural defence mechanism, says a new study from the UK.

News in brief

Cargill invests for CEE animal protein industry

Cargill has unveiled new investment in its animal plant in Sura Mica, Romania, as it positions to take better advantage of demand for animal protein products in Central and Eastern Europe.

Nestle opens luxury chocolate research centre

Nestle has opened a chocolate research centre in Switzerland to inspire new formulations, product concepts and packaging designs in the luxury segment.

KitoZyme wins OIV approval for animal, allergen free wine agents

Belgian ingredients supplier KitoZyme has gained approval from the OIV for two vegetal polymers designed to stabalise and clarify wine, therefore clearing the way for their commercial use.

Health claims focus

The evolution of Europe’s health claims system

In part two of a series on the European nutrition and health claims regulation, we take a look into the past to scrutinize the reasons for its inception and wonder whether it is meeting its goals.

Folate may improve artery function and heart health

Supplements of folic acid may improve cardiovascular health and reduce the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), suggests a new study.

Prebiotics may stop early stage colon cancer: Study

The products of prebiotic fermentation in the gut may prevent the growth, and promote the death of cancer cells in the colon, says a new study from Germany.

Health claims focus

Timeline of key EU health claim opinions

In the first of a special four-part series, NutraIngredients constructs a timeline of key opinions issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) since it got the ball rolling back in August last year.

Low-fat chocolate breakthrough could replace fat with water

Innovative emulsions containing up to 60 per cent water may reduce the fat content of chocolate and offer low-fat formulations, suggests new research from the UK.

High flavanol chocolate can protect skin from UV damage

High flavanol chocolate can help protect the skin against UV damage although marketing on this claim may be challenging.

News in brief

Symposium to tackle new era in soy marketing

Taking place on 5th and 6th November, the second International Symposium Soy & Strategic Marketing will involve soy market updates, case studies on successful product introductions, and the latest on soy health claims in Europe.

Kids’ beverages target ‘all-natural’, ‘free-from’, immunity

All-natural, “free-from” ingredients perceived as unhealthy and ingredients that strengthen the immune system are the main trends in the kids’ beverages market, according to a New Nutrition Business report.

News in brief

Omega-3 bread targets school kids

Norwegian baker, Bakers, has launched an omega-3 fortified bread – its second – aimed at school-aged children.

Early vitamin C deficiency linked to impaired brain development

Vitamin C deficiency in the first weeks and months of life may impair the development of neurones in the brain, and decrease spatial memory, says a new animal study from Denmark.

Polyphenols may protect omega-3 formulations

The shelf-life of omega-3 formulations may be extended by adding quercetin, an antioxidant polyphenol found in onion, apples, and tea, suggests a new study.

Australian state ponders energy drinks ban

Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), is considering a ban on high caffeine energy drinks in the Red Bull-led sector, after its Primary Industries minister, Ian McDonald, highlighted products loaded with up to 15 times recommended caffeine limits.

Release novel foods documents, rapped supplements maker tells FSA

A Welsh food supplements company is calling on the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to release documents that may shed light on why a herb’s novel status was changed shortly before a court case it lost over illegal use of that same herb – Festuca arundinacea.

Barry Callebaut builds on Acticoa success

Barry Callebaut’s Acticoa blend of high-antioxidant cocoa and chocolate ingredients is being expanded across a range of products under Prestat’s Choxi+ brand in the UK.

Med diet beats low-fat for diabetes benefits: Study

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, is more effective for diabetes control than a low-fat diet, says a new study.

Blueberry juice displays weight management benefits: Mouse study

Drinking a modified blueberry juice may reduce food intake and body weight, and offer weight management potential, suggest findings from a new study with mice.

€5m Irish project seeks sea-based nutrients

An Irish initiative is looking at ways of extracting nutritional extracts from various marine sources with seaweed and shellfish showing the most potential so far.

FSANZ sees reasons to approve new GM soy

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has published a second assessment report on the potential use of a herbicide-tolerant soybean line in food products, giving its preferred option of approval.

World first probiotic 100% juice launched

Swedish dairy pioneer, Skånemejerier, has extended its Scandinavian-leading juice range, Bravo, to incorporate probiotic strains, believed to be the first in the world to do so in a fresh 100 per cent juice product with a cold-fighting claim.

Danone: Everyday gut problems eased by probiotics

Daily consumption of a probiotic fermented milk product may improve gut health and well-being in women with everyday digestive problems, says a new study from Danone.

New Chinese player enters probiotics market

Fenchem says its entry into the probiotics market is prompted by global growth in demand for probiotic products in North America and Europe.

DHA daily dose pin-pointed for optimal heart benefits?

A daily 200 mg dose of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is enough for preventing cardiovascular disease in healthy men, says a small study from France.

News in brief

Cantox plans seminar on novel foods and additives

Regulatory consultant Cantox is planning a seminar on key changes to regulations on food ingredients and additives in the EU, including the update on novel foods regulation.

Weekly comment

Sugar and strife – not so nice if the price is not right

Sugar politics means high prices are a bitter pill for US and Indian sweet food and beverage makers; while the European industry is sitting pretty on the back of the recent sugar reforms.

DSM finds protein partner in UK

DSM Nutritional Products has joined with the UK’s leading online sports retailer to promote its casein-based endurance and recovery ingredient, PeptoPro.

News in brief

Danisco pushes probiotic ice cream

Danisco Bio Actives is upping its commitment to developing probiotic ice cream products globally by developing a kit to assist dessert manufacturers.