Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - EuropeUS edition

Birth defect rate lowers as Turkmenistan celebrates 15 years of folic acid flour fortification

Turkemistan, the first former Soviet Union country to make fortification of the flour supply with iodine and folic acid mandatory 15 years ago, is reporting the success of the programme, with low rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) common to folic acid deficiencies.

Pressure group claims university ‘worryingly close’ to dairy industry

A row has erupted after Wageningen University rejected pressure group claims that its academics are “worryingly close” to the dairy industry, after the institution issued a press release that allegedly exaggerated research findings.

European probiotic conferences given fresh push via William Reed acquisition

William Reed Business Media (WRBM), the publisher of NutraIngredients.com, has taken control of two leading European probiotic conferences – Probiotech and Microbiota – from French firm Gate2Tech.

Plant extract blend offers potent antioxidant activity: Study

A blend of 20 plant-based ingredients may boost antioxidant defenses and combat oxidative stress, according to results of a small study.

Generix bets on a changing urban India for its supplements business

India-based Generix Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. is betting on changing lifestyle patterns and an increased awareness of health and fitness issues in India for its new nutraceuticals business.

Ingredient suppliers grasping opportunity inside Asia’s many markets

Intra-regional finesse is a necessity not a luxury when it comes to doing business in the many markets of the Asia-Pacific, as leading suppliers Chr Hansen and Danisco relayed at the recent Vitafoods Asia trade show in Hong Kong.

Galactofructose supplier forms Indian partnership

Galactofructose specialist Solvay has inked a deal with 20-year-old Indian company, Lactose India, to take the Belgian firm’s digestive health ingredient into the Indian market for the first time.

Antioxidant-rich cocoa shows short-term heart benefits: Harvard review

Eating antioxidant-rich cocoa products may improve blood pressure and boost levels of good cholesterol, according to a meta-analysis of studies.

Choice calls for shaming dodgy food labels in Australia

Consumer rights group Choice began its Campaign for Better Food Labelling last week by calling for a nationwide search to find food labels that carry dodgy nutrition claims.

Anticaking ingredients may help to degrade, not stabilise, powdered nutrients, suggests research

Instead of protecting certain nutrients from moisture, anti-caking agents in ingredient blends may in-fact accelerate the breakdown of beneficial compounds like vitamin C, say researchers.

Flours promise hidden whole grain benefits

NatureFibre Oat 100 is the latest addition to a new suite of flours from Kampffmeyer Food Innovation GmbH for formulating high fibre and whole grain bakery and snack products that taste as though they are made with conventional, refined flours.

Academics slam 'medicine-based' EU health claims system

A group of 13 academics has slammed the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) for its ‘evidence based medicinal’ approach that rules out what they view as perfectly valid nutrition science.

News in brief

GOED grows membership 51%, expands management team

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) has expanded and strengthened its management team in response to a 51% growth in membership.

Saw palmetto no better than placebo for urinary tract symptoms?

Supplements of saw palmetto do not benefit lower urinary tract symptoms in men any more than placebo, according to results of a new clinical trial.

Coffee lowers depression risk in women up to 20%: 10-year study

The risk of depression lowers by up to 20% with increased caffeinated coffee consumption, a study of more than 50,000 US women has found.

Cold chain challenges and infant formula drive Asian dairy demand

A growing middle class with rising disposable income is fuelling a rapid increase in demand for dairy ingredients in China and Southeast Asia, and North American dairy cooperative Agropur is finding opportunities in some specific market sectors.

GC Rieber Oils establishes direct platform to North American market

Norwegian supplier GC Rieber Oils AS has established a US office, giving it a direct platform to promote its VivoMega brand of fish oils and high omega-3 concentrates.

News in brief

PepsiCo plans hub for healthy products

PepsiCo India will make its existing facility near Kolkata in the state of West Bengal a hub for making new products as it expands its portfolio of health and nutritious food products.

Novel ‘raffinose-derived’ oligosaccharides show prebiotic promise

Forms of oligosaccharides derived from some vegetables, grains like lupine, cottonseed and soy whey could have commercial applications following an in vitro study that demonstrated prebiotic gut health benefits.

Low B12 levels may boost brain shrinkage: Study

Vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk of reduced mental function and increase the loss of brain volume in older people, says a new study.

Chr Hansen inks Japanese probiotic-plant extract deal

Danish probiotics giant Chr Hansen says its just-announced alliance with a Japanese botanical supplement maker will yield plant-probiotic combination food supplement products on European and global markets kicking off in Q1 2012.

Genistein supplement shows prostate cancer potential

Supplementation with a synthetic version of the soy isoflavone genistein could reduce tissue biomarkers of prostate cancer after just a few weeks, according to new research.

News in brief

Ingredients group Sudzucker reports earnings hike of 9%

German food ingredients giant Sudzucker, in a trading statment in advance of its results, reports positive earnings for the half year.

Food matches supplements for omega-3 dosing: Study

Consuming omega-3 via capsules or fortified foods produces equal increases in blood levels of the fatty acids, says a new study from Norway.

New plant to double Dutch healthy bar maker capacity to 300m

Europe’s leading specialist healthy bar manufacturer – VSI – will open a new facility in January 2012 that will double its capacity to 300m bars per year.

Finnish firm aims to reinvent food supplement design

A Finnish-based designer who has spent much of his career working in household interior design has turned his attention to food supplements to meet what his licensing partner calls “a really boring design category”.

Fruit waste may provide cheap source of antioxidants, suggests study

Fruits and vegetables waste by-products could be utilized as a good source of cheap antioxidants for improving human health and reducing the risks of some chronic diseases, according to new research.

Research reveals dietary behaviours of supplement users

The notions that vitamin and mineral supplements users are used by people with unhealthy diets, and by people who least need them, both hold true according to new research into consumer behaviours.

US structure/function claims under scrutiny as EFSA ups the ante

Firms making structure/function claims about foods and supplements in the US could face difficult questions when the final list of general function claims permitted in Europe is released and it becomes clear that scores of products sold in the US feature claims EU regulators believe are not supported by science, experts have warned.

Omega-3 may ease depression symptoms, slash dementia risk: RCT

Fish oil supplements may reduce symptoms of depression and a subsequent risk of dementia, suggests new data from Australia.

DSM and Herbalife unite to battle malnutrition in Ethiopia and Kenya

DSM and Herbalife are providing 20m micronutrient sachets to a campaign to tackle maternal and infant malnutrition – with Ethiopia and Kenya the first ports-of-call.

Functional drink benefits 'not as impressive' as implied, suggests Which?

Consumer watchdog Which? says it has held trials relating to health claims for 'functional' drinks, and found that the effects of one specific calorie-burning soft drink were not 'as impressive as implied', while the likes of Yakult and Actimel add pounds to shopping bills.

Review backs prebiotics for prevention of gut infections

Despite the recent regulatory challenges in Europe, prebiotics can be predicted to continue their success as functional foods, according to a new review.

Barley by-products boost pasta’s functional claims

A new genre of pasta made with barley by-products, may mean that spaghetti can soon claim it is a ‘good source of dietary fibre’ and ‘may reduce the risk of heart disease’, say researchers.

News in brief

Dark chocolate does not give you a 'workout', insists NHS

Dark chocolate does not 'give you a workout', the UK National Health Service (NHS) has insisted, as it reacted to 'misleading newspaper headlines" that suggested such effects in light of a small-scale study of 25 mice.

Review highlights possibilities for healthier processed meat

The meat industry must move towards the production of healthier processed meats by formulating new and innovative products, according to a new review.

News focus: Asian hunger grows for healthy foods and supplements

NutraIngredients and our brand new sister site, FoodNavigator-Asia.com, recently attended the first Vitafoods Asia trade show in Hong Kong, where we found 100s of thriving healthy foods, food supplements and ingredients companies eyeing and displaying innovation and expansion.

Vésale Pharma opens Belgian probiotic production plant

Belgian supplier Vésale Pharma has opened a production facility for the patent-pending probiotic microencapsulation technology it kicked into life at the start of the year.

Olympics supplement contamination concerns gain (yet) another airing

The issue of supplements contamination has been raised again ahead of the London Olympics next year by a Loughborough University academic who has warned of micro-contamination problems – inadvertent or otherwise.

UK watchdog rules against acai ageing, energy, weight ads

UK start-up Cleanse & Detox.co.uk has been rapped by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making claims its supplements, “could reverse ageing, improve energy, or manage weight” along with other claims.

News in brief

Sabinsa opens Korean offices as global expansion continues

Phytonutrient and specialty fine chemicals supplier Sabinsa has announced the opening of offices in Seoul, South Korea, as the company continues its global expansion.

Chinese seeking premium and healthier products, says CFC CEO

The Chinese population’s growing affluence is offering opportunities for premium and healthier products, says the CEO of the China Food Company (CFC) Plc, as the company posts better than expected revenues.

Walnuts can boost “inferential reasoning” in young adults: Study

Antioxidant-rich walnuts won’t improve memory, mood or non-verbal reasoning abilities but can increase “inferential reasoning” according to new research published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Peanut protein: an untapped opportunity?

European food manufacturers have yet to wake up to the potential of peanut flour as an alternative source of plant protein and a value-adding ingredient in bars, cookies, breads and weight management products, according to a peanut industry trade association.

Hilary Clinton to tell United Nations to back nutrition interventions in NCDs

The UN is set to adopt a policy to tackle the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after meetings this week in New York City featuring Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Blueberry powder may slow breast tumor growth: Mouse data

Extracts from blueberries may slow the growth of breast cancer at a level easily obtained in the human diet, says a new study with mice.

US prompts EFSA to review safety of vitamin D and calcium

The safety and upper safe levels (USLs) for vitamin D and calcium will be reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following a US-prompted request from the European Commission.

Lutein sales double in 12 months for Chinese supplier, but marigold shortage threatens

Chinese ingredients supplier Fenchem reports that sales of eye health carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have doubled in a year to break the million-dollar mark for the first time – even as a marigold shortage sets in.

Olive oil, nuts better than drugs for heart disease: Spanish researchers

Early results from a Spanish cohort study featuring 7500 people with heart disease risk have found Mediterranean diets high in virgin olive oil (VOO) and nuts are more effective in reducing heart disease event likelihood than drug treatments.

Vitamin B5 derivative works for cholesterol reduction in US subjects

Daily supplements of pantethine – a derivative of vitamin B5 – may reduce cholesterol levels above and beyond the effects of a cholesterol-lowering diet, says a new study.

Antioxidant vitamins may boost/hinder probiotic formulations

The inclusion of antioxidant vitamins in probiotic encapsulant formulations may have beneficial or detrimental effects on the bacterial strains used, depending on the vitamin used, says a new study.

EC expects "smooth adoption" of article 13 health claims list in Q1 2012

The European Commission’s directorate for health and consumer affairs, DG Sanco, has said it is close to finalising the 2758 claim-strong list of generic claims for publication in the European Union register of claims.

Soluble fiber may help shed 1.5kg in 12 weeks: Roquette study

Daily consumption of soluble fiber may boost feelings of fullness and lead to measurable reductions in body weight, says a new study from Roquette using its Nutriose ingredient.

White flesh fruits can cut stroke risk 52%: 10-year study

Consuming fruits with white flesh like apples and pears can reduce the risk of stroke, new research published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association has found.

Premium Ingredients cuts casein with new pizza products

Spanish ingredients company Premium Ingredients is poised to launch two new pizza topping ingredients targeted at cutting casein levels to reduce end product cost.

News in brief

Nordic Sugar resubmits sugar beet constipation claims to EFSA

The Danish group Nordic Sugar has resubmitted to article 13.5, emerging and proprietary science health claim submissions linking sugar beet fibre consumption and digestive health benefits to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Fiber’s weight management potential depends on structure

The potential of dietary fiber to aid weight loss and management is dependent on the type and structure of the fiber, but impressive results can be achieved for the right fibers, says a new review from Wageningen University and Kellogg Europe.

Creatine can fight fatty liver disease: Rat study

A team on international researchers has found that the sports nutrient, creatine, can help prevent the build-up of fat in the liver in rats on high-fat diets.

Catalent boosts Italian production in vegicaps and more

International nutra and pharma contract manufacturing organisation, Catalent, has expanded its Italian operations and diversified its potential in vitamins, minerals and supplements.

Food supplements setting up for golden London Olympics

Improved anti-doping testing methods will make it almost impossible for athletes to blame contaminated food supplements if they are caught for doping at next year’s Olympiad in London, a science congress has heard.

‘We’ve learnt our lesson’, says Alkalized water firm after ASA sanction

Alkalized water firm Balance Water says it has “learnt its lesson” after the UK Advertising Standards Authority ruled yesterday that its advertised health claims were unsubstantiated.

News in brief

Rocket Fuel re-enters UK market

Food Brands Group has re-launched its Rocket Fuel coffee product, which comes packaged in self-heating cups, onto the UK market.

Consumers willing to pay a premium for tooth-friendly confectionery: Beneo

Consumers seeking a healthier alternative to sugar-coated chocolate sweets are willing to pay up to a 10 per cent premium for tooth-friendly variations of sweets and confectionery products, if they came to market, according to Beneo

Vitamin B can slow cognitive decline: Researchers

A double-blind clinical study with people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has found vitamin B can slow the ailment.

Omega-3 supplements show benefits against anxiety: Human data

A daily dose of 2.5 grams of omega-3s may reduce symptoms of anxiety by about 20%, according to new data from the Ohio State University.

Increased dietary potassium reduces stroke risk, study suggests

Increased intake of dietary potassium sources such as dairy foods, fruit and vegetables can reduce one’s risk of suffering a stroke, according to a new study by scientists in Sweden.

DSM joins Dutch university ageing programmes

Royal DSM and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands have signed a deal to work together on healthy ageing projects.

Immunity and hypertension ingredients sector set for 45% growth: Frost

Market analyst Frost & Sullivan has fingered immunity and hypertension as two promising nutrient areas, with events such as the recent Swine flu crisis feeding consumer interest in nutritional solutions to health issues.

Nestlé invests in Asia expansion strategy

Nestlé is investing a total of $320m in expansion projects in Indonesia and Thailand in an effort to target health conscious consumers in Asia, the company said.

News in brief

Touchi novel foods approval becomes EU law

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) novel foods approval for the fermented black bean extract called Touchi has been writ into law by the European Commission.

Dispatches from Vitafoods Asia 2011

Vitamin D deficiency is an Asian problem too (despite the sun)

Campaigns against vitamin D deficiency have gained prominence in the western world but the dietary issue is just as relevant in Asia, according to supplier DSM, even if sunlight hours are greater than most regions.

Lonza to expand vitamin B3 production in China

Swiss supplier Lonza will open a new vitamin B3 manufacturing facility in China in 2012 that will significantly lower production costs for the vitamin and boost output by 40%.

Probiotic intake linked to fewer birth complications

Regular consumption of dairy-based probiotic formulations are associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia, suggests new data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Fatty acids can inhibit cancer treatment: Researchers

Fatty acids including omega-3s and omega-6s can inhibit chemotherapy treatments, Dutch researchers have found.

DSM sells Personalized Nutrition business

Royal DSM ongoing focus as a life sciences company has continued with the sale of its Personalized Nutrition business to New Jersey firm, Viocare.

News in brief

Danisco launches health condition portal

 DuPont-owned ingredients supplier Danisco has launched a web portal designed to assist food manufacturers improve the nutritional profile of their foods. “Here manufacturers will find a...

Martek name to disappear as DSM creates new Nutritional Lipids business

Seven months after sealing a billion dollar deal to acquire Martek, DSM has created Nutritional Lipids, a new division that will combine Martek’s algal omega-3 and omega-6 products and DSM Nutritional Products’ polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) portfolio.

Maternal omega-3 intake may influence childhood allergy

Omega-3 fatty acids may aid the development of the infant gut and improve how gut immune cells respond to bacteria and foreign substances, making the baby less likely to suffer from allergies in the long term, according to new research in pigs.

News in brief

Daily dark chocolate snack doesn't rule out weight loss, study

Dieters can still achieve weight-loss by consuming a daily dark chocolate or "non-chocolate snack" within the context of a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dietic Association.

Beneo ends two-year prebiotic price freeze

Leading prebiotic supplier Beneo-Orafti has pushed up prices for its inulin and oligofructose prebiotic fibres by 8%, citing rising input costs in its first price increase in two years.

Dispatches from Vitafoods Asia 2011

Vitafoods Asia counts 2000+ quality visitors among successes

As Vitafoods Asia closes its doors on a successful three-day debut edition in Hong Kong today, event director Chris Lee shares impressions of the show with Shane Starling, and ponders refinements to the event in 2012.

Researchers develop ‘green’ extraction method for grape-waste antioxidants

A team of US researchers have developed an environmentally friendly way to extract the powerful antioxidants found in grape waste products.

GM rice research may give hope to micronutrient deficient

A team of Australian researchers have produced a strain of genetically modified rice with enough iron and zinc to meet the recommended requirements intake.

News in brief

Senior management changes at Arla

Arla will reoganise its senior management team from October, in a move that it says will shorten decision-making timeframes and devliver the DKK 75bn turnover growth demanded by its strategy to 2015.

Multi-nutrient supplement shows anti-inflammatory benefits

A supplement containing a mix of B vitamins, amino acids, and botanical extracts was effective at reducing markers of inflammation, says new research.

Dispatches from Vitafoods Asia 2011

EFSA boosts Asian prospects for Spanish olive extract supplier

Spanish supplier Genosa brought its olive extracts to Vitafoods Asia in Hong Kong this week where it found a recent EFSA-approved health claim resonated well beyond European shores.

Herbalife claims almost a third of global meal replacement shake market

Herbalife’s share of the global meal replacement shake category has more than doubled from 12% in 2003 to 30%+ today driven by the success of its daily consumption model, the direct selling giant has revealed.

Chondroitin sulfate eases stiffness caused by osteoarthritis: FACTS

Daily supplements of chondroitin sulfate may ease pain associated with osteoarthritis in the hand and reduce stiffness in the morning, according to results of the Finger osteoArthritis Chondroitin Treatment Study (FACTS).

Probiotics again show immune boosting activity: Study

Daily supplementation with beneficial bacterial strains may boost measures of immune function by about 50%, say new findings from Chr. Hansen.

Scientists find way of producing good quality breads with prebiotic effect

A new study has shown that rye or wheat bran fortified breads treated with a particular xylanase can yield good quality breads with a prebiotic effect.

Micronutrient powders may reduce anaemia and iron deficiency: Cochrane review

Adding a micronutrient powder to the foods of infants and young children reduces the risk of anaemia and iron deficiency, according to a new Cochrane review.

Red wine in moderation may lead to weight loss: study

Light consumption of red wine in particular may protect against weight gain, according to a recently published review study from Spanish academics at the University of Navarra.

Europe continues to dominate aronia berry product launches

Food product launches containing antioxidant-rich aronia berries continue to increase in Europe, with the US market lagging far behind.

Marine, but not plant, omega-3s may boost heart health for women: Study

Long chain omega-3s from marine sources may reduce the risk of heart disease, but alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources offered no such benefits, says a new study from Denmark.

BASF launches nutrition solutions initiative

Ingredients giant BASF has launched a new global initiative for innovative nutrition solutions.

UK children could exceed ADI levels for Sunset Yellow, finds EFSA

A decision is awaited from the Commission on the use of Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110) in non-alcoholic flavoured drinks following a revised exposure assessment from EFSA showing some children in the UK could still be over the ADI levels for the additive.

Aronia berry extracts may enhance blood flow: Human data

An extract from aronia berries may improve blood flow measures and reduce markers of clotting in people with metabolic syndrome, according to new data from Poland.

Biopolymer protection may be boost to probiotic industry

A new biopolymer technology that protects probiotic bacteria during transit through the body could provide a major boost for the industry, according to new research.

Riboflavin shows blood enhancing properties for UK women

Daily supplements of riboflavin may improve measures of blood health, including haemoglobin levels, says a new clinical trial that highlights the potential significance of moderate deficiency of the B vitamin.

Whey more potential in protein market, claim new partners Fonterra and First Milk

European food and sports beverage makers are set to benefit from a new dairy ingredients joint venture, which is aimed at increasing whey protein manufacturing capacity in Europe as well as improving the speed and reliability of the supply of such ingredients, claims Fonterra.

Resveratrol may prevent metabolic syndrome, suggests animal study

Postnatal administration of resveratrol supplements could reduce the risk metabolic syndrome in offspring affected by impaired intrauterine growth, according to a new animal study performed by Canadian researchers.

Aker BioMarine forms scientific advisory board

Krill oil producer Aker BioMarine ASB has announced the formation of a scientific advisory board that it says will help to the company to navigate the development of new products in the supplement and food industry.

Enzymotec gains novel foods approval for brain health ingredient

The European Commission has granted novel food status to Israel’s Enzymotec for its soy-phosphatidylserine (PS) ingredient, which opens up the use of the ingredient in foods and beverages.

Ginger extract shows prostate benefits: Human study

An extract from ginger may slow growth of prostate tumor cells with good tolerability, according to the first study to demonstrate anti-prostate cancer activity of ginger.

You are what you eat: Gut bacteria enterotypes linked to diet

The type of food you eat may help to determine the type of bacterial population – or enterotypes – in your gut, according to a new study.

Purple potato shows blood pressure promise

Two servings of potatoes per day could reduce blood pressure without causing weight gain, according to new research.

Organic tomato juice more ‘nutritious’ than conventional juice?

Juice from organically grown tomatoes contains higher levels of bioactive polyphenols than juice made from conventionally grown tomatoes, says a new study.

Dairy foods linked to better brain function: Study

Frequent intake of dairy foods are linked to better mental performance, suggests data from a study of about 1,000 people in the US.

Stable fish oil emulsions possible, says study

The addition of whey protein to fish oil emulsions at high pH can help to create stable emulsions with up to 70% fish oil, according to new research.

EFSA stands by probiotic cheese rejection

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) health claims panel says there are no grounds for it to alter its rejection of a claim that sought to link probiotic cheese consumption and healthy blood pressure.

Look to the East for natural functional ingredients

Industry should be looking to plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for the next wave of functional ingredients, according to Professor Monique Simmonds of Kew Gardens.

Production facility opening completes Nestle centre of excellence

Nestlé has officially unveiled its new CHF 200 million production unit at its nutritional centre of excellence complex in, Switzerland.