Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Scientists warn against folic acid fortification

Researchers at the UK Institute of Food Research have warned that fortifying flour with folic acid may lead to a range of health problems, a finding that calls into question the Food Standard Agency's approval of the move earlier this year.

Flavonoids may help improve heart health

Quercetin, a common flavonoid, is metabolised quickly in the body, which may reduce the positive benefits the compound is believed to have on cardiovascular health.

Vitamin D doesn't reduce cancer risk, study

Reexamination of data relating to over 15,000 people has cast doubt on claims that increased vitamin D intake may reduce cancer mortality rates.

UK targets malnutrition in elderly

The Department of Health has announced new measures to address the issue of malnutrition among UK's older people in institutional care so as to appropriately meet their nutritional needs.

Finnish functional food program strives for taste and health

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Kuopio have announced a joint interdisciplinary research program on functional foods, bringing the possibility of further industry opportunities in this market.

Sudzucker forms Beneo functional foods group

The Sudzucker Group today anounced the incorporation of a new functional foods group called Beneo, which brings together Orafti, Palatinit and Remy to build critical mass to tackle the changing needs of a global, health focused food industry.

Finnish collaboration expands industry uses for beta-glucan

A research collaboration out of Finland claims to be increasing the functional applications of beta-glucan for food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals alike.

Enzymotec makes pact to take ingredients to Japan

Enzymotec is set to take its proprietary heart and brain-health ingredients into the Japanese market, thanks to a new marketing collaboration with Itochu Chemical Frontier (ICF).

Severely restricting calories could lead to longer life

A study out of the University at Buffalo has linked severely restricting calories to slowing the progression of physical disability in age, which could have lifespan implications if carried over to humans.

Brown marine algae mined for functional ingredients

Polysaccharides from brown marine algae could provide the ingredients for a new wave of beverages with health benefits, according to researchers in Ireland.

Natraceutical says revenue up by more than 30 per cent

Natraceutical has reported revenue of €123m in the third quarter of 2007 with 15 per cent growth in the food supplements division.

Micro-fibres eyed as future functional ingredients

'Micronised' insoluble fibres, insoluble fibres processed to the micron scale, could favourably change the gut health of hamsters and may translate into important ingredients for functional foods, suggests new research.

Riboflavin boosts folate's colorectal cancer protection - study

Riboflavin supplements could boost the protective effects of folate against colorectal cancer in people with colon polyps, suggests a new study from the UK and Ireland.

French fibre source claim opens new markets for Nutriose

Roquette has obtained recognition from France's AFSSA for Nutriose's fibre properties, meaning that products containing the ingredient in its home market can now carry 'source of fibre' and 'rich in fibre' claims.

Marigot moves into Iceland to meet seaweed demand

Marigot is expanding into Iceland with a new processing plant in response to a rise in demand for its calcified seaweed ingredient.

Raisio extends rights to cholesterol-busting Benecol

Raisio has reached an agreement with its European and American partners to extend its rights to the cholesterol-lowering Benecol brand in France and the United States.

Olive extract linked to better brain health

An extract from olive mill wastewater may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and guard against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, suggests new research.

Euro Parliament pledges investigation of retail prices

The European Parliament yesterday voted to investigate retailers' responses to the hike in food prices, but maintained that the increased demand for biofuels is not the main reason for the current situation.

Cranberry juice offers anti-viral possibilities - study

Cranberry juice's benefits may even extend to protecting against viruses, according to results of study from New York-based researchers.

Lonza dealt omega-3 patent blow

Lonza has lost a patent infringement suit in Germany relating to its Lonza DHA fatty acid, which was brought against it by US-based Martek Biosciences Corp.

Differentiation helps reverse vitamin price slide for DSM

DSM's nutrition cluster looks to be reaping rewards of its differentiation strategy, with quality-based branding initiatives such as Quali-C said to contribute to a reversal in the price-slide for vitamins.

Omega-3 to cut colon cancer: meta-analysis

A pooled analysis of the small but ever-growing body of science of omega-3 and colorectal cancer indicates more fish oil does protect against the cancer.

Institut Rosell's probiotic rolls further into Europe

Dietary supplements based on the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v probiotic by Institut Rosell-Lallemand have expanded further into Europe - a move which shows the increasing popularity of the friendly bacteria.

Maximum level models not fit for purpose, scientists claim

Methods the European Commission has looked at for calculating maximum levels for vitamins and mineral are scientifically flawed, the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) has said.

Grapefruit juice gets anti-cancer fillip

Grapefruit juice and its active components, furocoumarins, may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the activation of compounds into cancer-causing compounds, suggests new research from the US.

Black tea shows blood sugar benefits

A one gram drink of black tea may have the potential to stimulate an insulin response and reduce blood sugar levels, suggests new research from England.

Beta-glucan best in beverages and soups, research finds

Beverages and ready-to-eat soups are prime candidates as carriers of added beta-glucan so long as manufacturers maintain sensory properties, according to a new book.

Nature, not nurture, decides whether we like garlic

A new study has presented strong evidence that food preferences are largely governed by hereditary rather than social and environmental factors, especially when it comes to a taste for garlic, coffee and fruit and veg.

Pinto beans, beans good for your heart

The childhood favourite of 'beans, beans good for your heart' is backed by science, according to a new study showing that daily consumption of pinto beans may cut cholesterol.

Health claims amendment could boost innovation

The European Commission is to look again at article 18 health claims, which currently mean any claim supported by new scientific research will have to wait at least two years before they can be used.

Health claims research free to all

The Swedish Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has signed a contract allowing free access to scientific research, which will provide much needed evidence for companies wishing to make a health benefit claim.

Onion compound linked to lower blood pressure

Quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimitres of mercury, indicates new research.

Commission defended over maximum levels accusation

Allegations that the European Commission is unwilling to listen to demands to keep high amounts for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs are unfounded, a Brussels trade group has said.

Whole-grains breakfasts cut heart failure risks - study

Consuming at least one serving of whole grains cereal a day could reduce a man's risk of heart failure by 30 per cent, says a new study from the US.

Superfruit flavours get ever more exotic

Flavour industry innovators are seeking inspiration from ever more exotic superfruits like lula and camu camu, in a bid to both harness their healthy reputation and present new offerings to counter consumers' organoleptic boredom.

Prebiotics in formula may cut infant infections

Inclusion of prebiotic fibres in infant formula may cut the recurrence of infection during the first six-months of life by about 10 per cent, suggests new research.

Tate & Lyle gets heavy on weight and heart health

Tate & Lyle has entered into an agreement with Lipid Nutrition to develop a range of ingredient systems aimed at the weight management, heart and brain health markets.

One-stop-shop sets up for functional ingredients

A deal between a marketing agency and a University in England will offer a one-stop-shop for food companies wanting to develop and launch new functional ingredients onto the market.

Antioxidant interactions may cause formulation headache

The absorption of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) may be reduced by 36 per cent when the vitamin is ingested simultaneously with other antioxidants like carotenoids, suggests new research from France.

Weekly Comment

The weather excuse

With all the threats facing food and beverage production -- from contamination in the food chain, to rising input prices -- there appears to be one menace that towers above the rest, namely 'The Weather'.

Vitamin E pills may cut heart disease risk in diabetics

Supplements of vitamin E may counteract complications in type-2 diabetics linked to an increased risk of heart disease, says a new study from Italy.

Little capers pack a big antioxidant punch

The humble caper, a small addition to the Mediterranean plate, is a rich source of antioxidants, and exhibits protective benefits even when consumed in the small concentrations used for flavouring, says a new study from Italy.

CHC blows whistle on Commission over max levels

The European Commission will be reported to the ombudsman for showing "intransigence" and being unwilling to listen to demands to keep high amounts for vitamins and minerals when it comes to setting maximum levels.

Vitamin K shows potential in the fight against wrinkles

Research suggests that vitamin K plays a role in protecting skin elasticity and may help protect against skin aging and the development of wrinkles.

GraceLinc woos Barilla with beta-glucan bread

A beta-glucan ingredient researched by New Zealand firm GraceLinc will be making an appearance in a range of bread and brioches by Italian firm Barilla.

Children's health claims face further delay

A European Parliament vote on whether to allow a transition period for companies to make a health claim aimed at children has been set back a month - increasing fears that further delay would cause industry disruption.

Pine bark extract boost for blood flow and heart health

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may boost the body's production of nitric oxide - key to better blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles - suggests a new study.

Pre- and probiotics show promise against childhood eczema - review

Supplements of prebiotics and probiotics may prevent eczema and other allergic diseases and food reactions in infants who might be susceptible, according to two recent reviews.

Ministers request folic acid-colorectal cancer review

UK health ministers have asked the Food Standards Agency to take another look at studies on folic acid fortification and colorectal cancer risk before making a decision on mandatory fortification of some food products.

Obesity report lends weight to nutrigenomics

A shocking report which predicts more than half the population of Britain will be extremely overweight by 2050 could give an incentive for developing personalised nutrition as a tool for cutting obesity.

Berkem builds sports science behind Powergrape

Supplements of a polyphenol-rich Bordeaux grape extract increased power during exercise by 21 per cent, and increased recovery by eight per cent, says a new study.

Danone sales up, despite weather issues

Danone's sales for the first nine months of the year have been up year-on-year - despite beverage sales down by more than 11 per cent.

Indena reports new technique for bilberry purity standards

Only 15 per cent of commercial bilberry extracts actually contain sufficient quantities of the active anthocyanin to have a physiological effect, according to new research from Italy.

Lallemands cranberry powder gets green light

Lallemand Health Ingredients has reported a positive result for a pilot clinical study for its Nutrican90s supplement.

Raw coffee bean may aid obesity battle

Unroasted green coffee bean extract taken as a drink or supplement can help people reduce weight, according to a new study.

CLA in milk works for weight management - study

The use of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a functional ingredient in skim milk can cut body fat mass by three per cent, says a new study from Spain.

Chr Hansen markets cranberries to fight infection

Chr Hansen is set to launch a new range of cranberry ingredients available for both the dietary supplement and functional food industries.

Garlic's heart benefits pinpointed

The chemical compounds behind garlic's breath-tainting properties may also be the source of its heart benefits, according to new research from the US.

Commission needs pragmatic approach to health claims, industry warns

If the European Commission adopts a "lowest common denominator" approach to setting health claims innovation could suffer, an industry group has warned.

Coca-Cola seeks medicinal and coffee kicks

Coca-Cola this week announced plans to scour China for traditional medicines to develop a more nutritionally beneficial portfolio of drinks.

Frutarom snaps up Gewurzmuller in expansion drive

Frutarom today announced it had agreed to acquire German-based Gewurzmuller Group for $67m (€47m), a move to further expand the company's presence in the global market for flavours and functional ingredients.

Chocolate study signals way to personalised health diets

A study has shed new light on people's food preferences and a specific chemical signature that can be programmed into the metabolic system, leading the way to healthy diets that cater to an individual's needs.

Probiotic formula aimed at helping on-the-go travellers

A probiotic formulation aimed at managing intestinal disorders has been launched by Institut Rosell-Lallemand, a move which reinforces probiotics' potential in cutting diarrhoea.

Weekly Comment

Time to get serious on health claims criteria

The European Food Safety Authority's task to assess thousands of health claims is a headache in anyone's book - and one made worse through vague instructions to industry.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to greater pain

A new study has linked vitamin D and a reduction of chronic pain, lending to voices calling for increased fortification or supplementation of the nutrient in diets.

Alternative networks foster food trust and loyalty, says report

Research published this week into alternative food networks indicates that direct contact with food producers can garner greater trust and loyalty - important elements in building successful food brands.

Commission alarmed at thousands of health claim proposals

The head of food law and nutrition at the European Commission has expressed his concern over the number of health claims being submitted by industry to Member State regulators - which is already running into the high thousands.

Coca-Cola to give Provexis fizz with Fruitflow deal?

A deal between Provexis and Coca-Cola over the use of its tomato-based Fruitflow technology could be on the cards, according to The Times, which may see heart health functional drinks propelled into the mainstream.

Green tea may halve prostate cancer risk

Drinking five cups of green tea a day may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 48 per cent, reports a new study from Japan.

Fruit, veg antioxidant profile increases with time

The antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit and vegetables does not decrease during storage, and the polyphenol content even increases, suggests new research.

Global nanotech code up for consultation

A global consultation is underway to create a code that would guide companies developing, manufacturing and selling nanotechnology-engineered products.

Low fat diet shows decreased risk for ovarian cancer

A low fat diet could reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women, according to the US' Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Dietary modification trial.

Chr Hansen boosts kids' probiotics efforts

Chr Hansen has introduced a new probiotic mix for children, which the firm is marketing in an easy-to-use format that can be added directly to foods and drinks as a dietary supplement.

Mastertaste makes healthy flavours with Active Botanicals range

Mastertaste is aiming to tap two key trends for food formulation with it new range of Active Botanicals: natural flavours and perceived health benefits.

Low zinc levels may raise pneumonia risk in the elderly

Low blood levels of zinc may be linked to an increased risk of pneumonia amongst the elderly, suggesting the benefits of supplements for this at risk population, says new research.

Full-fat dairy may protect prostates from cancer

An increased intake of full fat dairy products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, says a new study from Hawaii.

Weekly comment: Food prices

Will value-added lose out to the basics?

Food companies have been focussing on value-added products in a bid to reduce their reliance on commodities, which can fluctuate wildly and deliver slim margins. But now that prices of basic foods are at an all-time high, can value-added foods still compete for their share of the consumer buck?

Crude palm oil may lower blood fat levels

A diet rich in crude palm oil, different from the refined industrial oil, may reduce blood levels of very LDL-C and triacylglycerol in healthy, young individuals, Brazilian researchers report.

Research targets better sweet potato pigments for foods

Fermenting purple sweet potatoes may lead to better extraction and stability of the anthocyanin pigments for use as natural food colourings, Chinese researchers report.

Soy may aid men at high risk of prostate cancer

Men at high risk of prostate cancer, a cancer on the rise worldwide, may benefit from increased intake of soy isoflavones, suggests a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Barry Callebaut launches new antioxidant cocoa

Barry Callebaut today said it is adding to its healthy chocolate portfolio with the official launch of a cocoa product containing a high level of antioxidant flavanols.

Special edition: Food prices

Double digit price rises for global ingredients supplies

High energy and commodity prices have plagued companies at all levels of the food industry for the past few years.

Vitamin C and linoleic acid may slow skin ageing

Higher intakes of Vitamin C and linoleic acid are associated with better skin-ageing appearance, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Swedes plough SEK 200m into anti-diabetic food research

The Swedish government has announced the funding of a research centre at Lund University for anti-diabetic foods, following a growing trend to harness diet to prevent or delay the onset of costly disease.

Folic acid supplements may slash arsenic levels

Supplements of folic acid may lower blood levels of arsenic in individuals exposed to the toxin in contaminated drinking water, researchers have suggested.

Daily cuppa may compare to calcium for bones

Drinking tea regularly may lead to improvements in bone health similar to that observed with calcium or physical exercise, suggests new research from Australia.

Study to strengthen bilberry-cancer link

A series of clinical trials is underway in the UK to test the anti-cancer effects of bilberry extracts, offer a potential boost to the anthocyanidin-rich extracts.

Phospha E gets set to fight metabolic syndrome

Nestle and Phosphagenics have said they will begin human clinical trials for the vitamin E based product Phospha E - which will bring the long-awaited health ingredient a step closer to the food market.

Probiotic soymilk makes calcium more bioavailable

Fermenting calcium-fortified soymilk with probiotics could enhance solubility of the mineral up to 90 per cent, thereby boosting bioavailability, new research reports.

Research centre to guide policy on diet-related disease

A research hub in the UK is hoping to tackle diet related diseases through developments in nutrition, which could help inform Government policy on the very real issues brought on by the growing obesity problem.

Sugary chocolate gets good for gums go-ahead

A new chocolate product is the first to be endorsed by Toothfriendly International as being harmless to teeth, despite it containing sugar, the manufacturer claims.

Plant sterols in low fat milk effective for cholesterol cuts

Phytosterols incorporated into low-fat fermented milk was effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels in people with slightly elevated cholesterol, French researchers have reported.

Raisio finishes cash-saving shake-up

Raisio has finished the final round of this summer's codetermination talks which will see a total of 54 job losses and the closure of two mills to save some €4m.

Tate & Lyle woos Asia with R&D drive

Tate & Lyle has opened a new research and development centre in Shanghai, China to help manufacturers develop food products that are targeted to the preferences of Asian consumers.

Lonza boosts FiberAid branding

Lonza has stepped up branding of its prebiotic ingredient FiberAid in a bid to make the firm more recognisable to consumers.

Review questions efficacy of tailored herbals

The efficacy of herbal medicines, tailored to an individual's needs, is not supported by 'good evidence', a new review has stated.

Recipe unveiled for 'Green Super Rice'

A sustainable harvest of nutrient-rich, pest- and drought-resistant, high-yield rice could be within reach thanks to recent genetic advances, Chinese researchers have reported.

Fast-paced Italians swell probiotic market

The Italian probiotic supplement market is the largest in Europe - even outstripping America - and it is still ripe for further expansion.

Innocent found guilty over antioxidant health claim

UK's Innocent has been rapped on the knuckles for making a health claim about its smoothie having a high antioxidant content and detoxifying effect.

Gene breakthrough could boost anthocyanin stability

British scientists have identified an enzyme in plants that chemically modify anthocyanins to alter their properties, and may lead to more stable and tailoring of the antioxidant pigments.

Broccoli compound identified for heart benefits

The heart healthy effects of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may be due to their ability to influence the secretion of a cholesterol transporter, researchers have reported.

European law differences hinder botanical products

Placing botanical products on the European market can be difficult for businesses because of a lack of harmonisation and differing rules between member states, the European Advisory Service has said.

Prebiotics may prevent excessive teenage weight gain

A daily supplement of prebiotic inulin and oligofructose may help adolescents maintain an appropriate body weight and BMI, according to new research from the US.

Vanilla acquisition boosts Symrise sourcing

Symrise, a manufacturing company of flavours and fragrances, seeks to strengthen its farm-to-fork approach in vanilla production and improve its international standing in the fragrance and flavouring market through its integration with Aromatics S.A.S.

Functional ingredients could boost the drinks sector

Functional mixers and natural ingredients could give the UK drinks market a shot in the arm, a report has said.

Ginger shows potential against infant diarrhea

The popular spice ginger has potential as a herbal supplement against bacteria-induced diarrhea, suggest results from a preliminary study in animals.

Carrier system to make omega-3 less fishy

A German company has developed a carrier system which is aimed at improving the absorption of fat soluble nutrients as well as providing a time release capacity.

Jobs go as Raisio plugs cash gap

Raisio has announced a round of job losses in a bid to boost profits in the wake of this summer's financial results, which saw a shortfall in its ingredients arm by nearly €4m.

Common sweetener eyed as new prebiotic

The sugar alcohol lactitol, commonly used as a sweetener, can positively affect the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, and may be considered a novel prebiotic, researchers have reported.

Weekly comment

Ripping the red tape

They say that patience is a virtue. But when it comes to the regulatory process on both sides of the Atlantic, patience too often results in dust gathering in the "to do" box on some regulator's desk.

Apples and onions may slash pancreatic cancer risk

A diet rich in flavonols from foods such as onions, apples and berries may cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by about 25 per cent, a multi-ethnic study has reported.