Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Nestle targets health and wellness with new Beijing R&D centre

Nestle is investing CHF 11.5 million (€7.8 million) in a new research and development centre in Beijing to focus on health and wellness.

CIAA keeps up pressure over labelling free-market fears

The issues of font size and co-existence of European and national front-of-pack nutrition schemes are still vital topics for discussions on the new labelling regulation, says the CIAA in advance of the rapporteur’s report.

Vitamin E may slash lung cancer risk: Study

Increasing intakes of vitamin E may decrease the risk of lung cancer by over 50 per cent, according to a new study from the US.

Who is behind the Scandinavian vitamins email scare campaign?

European Union food law reform campaigners such as the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) and the Danish groups Eliant and MayDay have distanced themselves from an email campaign slating the impact of European Union food supplement regulations.

Raiso doubles Q3 profits

Raisio, the Finnish plant stanol supplier and maker of the Benecol cholesterol-lowering consumer brand, reports third quarter profits of €7.6m, a 100 per cent increase on Q3 in 2007.

News in brief

EFSA and Danish authorities to discuss science ‘perspectives’

The European Food Safety Authority’s executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, will outline EFSA’s objectives and strategy at a meeting with the Danish National Food Institute on November 20.

The biggest challenges in making GMPs work

Many medium and small dietary supplement companies are still not close to meeting new GMP requirements, despite the looming deadlines. Lorraine Heller speaks to industry members about the major challenges that remain, and the next steps that should be taken.

News in brief

BioReal appoints UK and Ireland partner

BioReal, the Swedish subsidiary of Hawaii and Fuji Chemical Industry, will use Lake Chemicals and Minerals as its UK and Ireland distributer from November 1, 2008.

Green tea extract may lower blood pressure: study

Daily supplements of extracts from green tea (Camellia sinensis) may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and markers of oxidative stress, and all within three weeks, says a new study.

Science builds for L-carnitine and muscle ageing

Supplementation with L-carnitine may restore natural losses of the nutrient that occur naturally with age, according to a new study with rats.

UK deems vitamin K2 claims medicinal

Danish-based supplier and supplements maker, New Nordic, has been rapped over bone health and arterial claims it has been making for vitamin K2 food supplements in the UK.

DSM spies further food and drink sports potential

A supplier of sports nutrition ingredients for beverage and food products says it continues to target expanding the applications and availability of products amidst burgeoning interest for active-lifestyle targeted goods.

Olympic spirit not being felt by ingredient supply chain

The closure of many raw material facilities in and around Beijing in the lead-up to the Olympic Games continues to affect global suppliers in the form of constricted supply of key nutrients.

Supplements, functional foods and the era of tighter regulations

Lorraine Heller talks to Danisco’s director of regulatory and scientific affairs in North America – Stuart Craig – who predicts an environment of increased regulation for the nutraceuticals and functional food markets.

Grapes may protect against salt-induced hypertension: study

A diet rich in phytochemicals from grapes may reduce the blood pressure increases associated with high salt intake, according to a new animal study.

Could heart-healthy pistachios be the new pomegranate?

Pistachio growers in the US are hoping that as another study emerges highlighting the health benefits of pistachios, the nuts may gain the kind of consumer recognition pomegranates have achieved in recent years.

Whey protein and building muscle: the sum greater than the parts?

A supplement containing whey protein can boost the building of muscle in the elderly, with the effects beyond that of just the amino acid content, says a new study.

Exploring the sweet future for stevia

As regulatory approval for stevia and its extracts gathers pace in the US, Mark Blumenthal from the American Botanical Council gives his thoughts and inside knowledge on his nominee for ‘herb of the year’.

EFSA opinion prompts Finland to reassess Valio health claim

The Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira) will investigate an “arterial elasticity” health claim being made by Finnish dairy, Valio, about a peptide- and plant sterol-bearing dairy/juice drink after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) turned down a similar claim last week.

Kellogg’s ups ante on cholesterol campaign

Kellogg ’s in the UK has joined with one of the country’s leading heart health charities to launch a series of initiatives aimed at lowering cholesterol and reducing the incidence of cardio vascular disease (CVD).

News in brief

New website to act as supplements watchdog

A UK website has been established to scrutinise the estimated 24,000 food supplements on market in the UK and provide information about their quality to consumers.

Omega-3 needs of pre-term infants higher than thought: study

The requirements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may be higher for pre-terms infants than previously thought, according to a new study from Australia.

Raw broccoli best for anti-cancer potential: study

Consuming cooked or processed broccoli may result in less of the potential anti-cancer compounds being available for absorption, suggests a new study from TNO Quality of Life.

Suck it and see: has the probiotic straw arrived?

The probiotic straw is a concept that has been a long time coming but one which may be about to move from its current niche status into the mainstream, according to Swedish probiotics supplier, BioGaia.

US leading crackdown calls on caffeinated energy drinks

Pressure is mounting in both Australia and the US to crack down on the sale and availability of caffeinated energy drinks to young people, according to news reports in both countries.

Supplements makers deconstruct regulatory borderlines

A Brussels workshop has highlighted global regulatory issues affecting the food supplements industry, and found many companies are unclear about law changes that directly affect them.

Soy milk by-product targets healthy bakery sector

A new fibre and protein ingredient from okara, a by-product of soy milk production, is to make its debut on the European stage at HIE next week, targeting healthy bakery and flour-based products.

Weekly comment

The hour of stevia is nigh

The course of true love never did run smooth. The same could be said of stevia’s road to regulatory approval as a food ingredient. One final concerted effort is needed to ensure approval of this hot ingredient.

Bilberry extract may ease the damages of stress: study

Extracts from bilberry may reduce stress-induced damage in the liver, according to a new study with mice.

Nutrition division healthy amid mixed DSM Q3 results

DSM has turned in a healthy third quarter, with its nutrition division seemingly unaffected by the financial meltdown and demonstrating “sustained strong profitability”.

Denmark warns against vitamins scare campaigns

Scare campaigns about the effect of European Union foods and food supplements laws have been dismissed by Danish authorities where the email campaigns were mounted.

What NutraIngredients-USA took away from SSW

The curtains have closed on SupplySide West 2008. Our reporters Stephen Daniells and Lorraine Heller share their thoughts on the major take-aways from the ingredients, science and education on offer at the biggest annual event for the North American nutraceutical and functional food industries.

News in brief

Hansen targets kids with child-friendly probiotics stick

Danish probiotics supplier, ChrHansen, is launching a child-friendly probiotic stick at Health Ingredients Europe in Paris this year.

Enzymes enable greener value-added products, review claims

Enzyme technology can be a more economical and environmentally friendly way of converting low value agricultural produce and transgenic plants into high-value industrial products like health foods and sweeteners, says a new review.

The coffee and energy drink caffeine divide

Coffee and tea-based products are free from the caffeine labelling requirements of energy drinks. But is this in consumers’ best interests? Neil Merrett reports.

More responsive e-packaging on the horizon

Printed electronics will provide added value packaging to enable food and drink companies enhance their existing brands with multiple promotion, safety, security and entertainment features, claims a RFID and smart packaging consultant firm.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can benefit colon cancer, say researchers

Korean researchers have found alga-extracted carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce colon cancer growths.

Codex gold standard science approach flawed, says IADSA

Global food regulation guideline body, Codex Alimentrius needs to rethink its ‘gold standard’ policy on the science required to back health claims, says a global food supplements group.

GM purple tomatoes boost life of cancer-prone rats

UK scientists have found genetically modified (GM), anthocyanin-boosted purple tomatoes can increase the life-span of cancer-susceptible rats.

Stevia potential bigger than we thought, PureCircle

PureCircle is reviewing its operational strategy and development plans, as high purity Reb-A, derived from stevia, is attracting attention as a potential complement to sugar as well as a replacement for existing high intensity sweeteners (HIS).

Pine bark functional ingredient achieves GMP certification

A functional food and cosmeceutical ingredient derived from French maritime pine bark has been certified for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by the country’s health products association.

Bionade may extend Olympic efforts for sport-drink push

A German manufacturer of organic soft drinks says it may consider further cooperation with individual Olympic organizations in order to boost the international reputation of its branded range of sports beverages.

EFSA says yes to calcium, no to omega-3s and probiotics

The latest batch of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinions has surfaced with the assessor giving the thumbs up to three claims revolving around calcium, vitamin D and bone health.

News in brief

EFSA calls for more scientists

The European Food Safety Authority is calling for more scientists to renew membership of its Scientific Committee and Panels. EFSA will accept applications from interested scientists until January 7, 2009.

Tart cherries can reduce ‘belly fat’: rat study

Tart cherries, a relatively new entrant to the superfruit category, have been shown to benefit heart health as well as body weight, in a study on obese rats.

Danisco spies cardiovascular potential in beta-glucan buy

Danisco, hungry to boost its presence in cardiovascular health, has taken a minority stake in a New Zealand-based manufacturer of what it claims is a high concentrate beta-glucan.

Health claim embarrassment for Nestle, GSK, over wrong ads

The UK’s Advertising Standards Agency has upheld complaints against two ‘misleading and inaccurate’ adverts for Nestle’s Maggi Noodles and GlaxoSmithKline’s Horlicks which made unsubstantiated health claims.

Ingredient use key to optimising whey functional potential - industry

Despite a growing focus on finished whey products, one leading representative believes future development of the protein will be predominantly driven by its use as an ingredient in functional foods.

Europe approves vitamin B12 sources

Two vitamin B12 sources have been added to the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) positive list, after being found to be safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Russian regions present new possibilities for food firms

The high potential of the Russian market is no longer centered solely on Moscow and St Petersburg, according to National Starch Food Innovation, but prosperity in the regions is opening up broader opportunities.

Industry plays up mutual recognition potential

Although too early to access the direct benefits of the recently adopted Mutual Recognition Regulation, the health products industry says that officials and its members alike will see major benefits from the legislation.

Yoghurt can benefit bladder cancer, say researchers

Two servings of yoghurt per day can reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 40 per cent, say Swedish scientists.

MGP Ingredients outsources flour supply to boost profits

MGP Ingredients has announced that it has stopped production at its Atchison flour mill in Kansas and intends to switch the sourcing of its wheat flour to ConAgra for its protein and starch ingredients.

Omega-3 claims draw regulator attention in UK

UK food supplements manufacturer, Equazen, has had its wrist slapped by the advertising watchdog for the second time this year for making unsustainable claims.

Chicken proteins may lower blood pressure: Study

Collagen extracted from chicken legs may reduce blood pressure and potentially help against cardiovascular disease, according to a new study from Japan.

EFSA draft opinion flags need for more nanotech research

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a draft opinion that there are broad uncertainties over the safe use of nanotechnology for foodstuffs, and more research is recommended.

Doctors advise more vitamin D for infants

The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its advice on vitamin D intake by children and infants to 400 IU per day, on the basis of clinical evidence for the prevention of rickets and deficiency – and possible links with diabetes and cancer prevention.

Weight management has ‘untapped potential’, says Euromonitor

Manufacturers are hungry for ingredients that can aid weight management, says a new report from Euromonitor, but long-term advantages will only come with legislative approval and consumer education.

Weekly comment

Banks’ rescue package points the way for food crisis remedies

Question: When is a crisis not a crisis? Answer: When it’s a food crisis. Compare the two responses to failures in the food system and financial markets.

Dispatches from SIAL

New product design for confectionery targets the pleasure axis

Innovations in pleasure and sophistication gained pace from 2006 to 2007, mirrored by the innovative new confectionery product designs highlighted at this year's SIAL food exhibition that opened its doors yesterday in Paris.

Resveratrol may protect against fatty liver in alcoholics: Study

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, may prevent against the development of fatty liver disease associated with chronic alcohol consumption, according to a new study.

Danisco brings probiotic straw to functional drink makers

A new business partnership is providing beverage manufacturers with potential to market probiotic drinks without the need for chilling or tight shelf-life restrictions.

Special edition: Gut health

Science: The wider impacts of gut health

In the final part of our gut health series, NutraIngredients.com reviews the science behind the ‘friendly bacteria’ and the prebiotics fibres that ‘fuel’ them.

World Food Day

Rescue efforts for food 'should parallel bank bail-out'

The scale of the global food crisis merits the same swift fund-raising as the banking crisis, says Egypt’s first lady, as it emerges that just ten per cent of the help pledged this year has materialised so far.

Low cost, high purity fish protein isolate hits global market

Advances with membrane technology means lower price protein from fish are available to food manufacturers globally, with potential to not only replace whey proteins in some applications, but offer a base protein ingredient.

Apples and onions may protect athletes from flu: Study

Quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may boost the immune system and protect against flu, according to results of a study with mice.

Danisco invests in apple polyphenols for heart health

Danisco has signed a working agreement with UK-based Coressence, which will see the Danish company bring a range of polyphenol-rich apple ingredients to the European and US markets.

Chr Hansen gives Nordic superfruit extract global debut

Chr Hansen has launched an extract from a red Nordic berry it says has the nutritional payload to be the “new cranberry or bilberry”.

Special edition: Gut health

Supply: Gut health supply low-down

In the third installment of this gut health series, prebiotic and probiotic supply issues are examined.

News in brief

Herbal viagra banned from making drug claims in UK

The UK Medicinal Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned a number of products being sold as “Golden Root Complex” to cease marketing themselves being registered and approved by the MHRA.

Omega-3: Industry action could prompt policy change

Getting omega-3 into the UK diet may require a level of ‘reverse policy’, or making the moves before the policy is adopted, a nutrition expert has suggested.

Rousselot to increase prices for gelatins and hydrolysed collagens

European gelatin company Rousselot has announced that it is increasing prices for all its gelatin and hydrolysed collagen products.

Blocking vitamin K can harm kids' bone health: Study

Blocking vitamin K activity in the body via the use of anticoagulants can have a detrimental effect on bone health in children, according to researchers.

Special edition: Gut Health

Regulation: Rules and health claims for gut health

In the second part of a series on gut health, NutraIngredients examines the way products in this category are regulated – and what types of health claims they can make.

Carbon footprint falls highlight greener-milk success - industry

A new US study charting a 64-year fall in the carbon footprint of producing milk in the country, reflects wider global success in adopting sustainable milk production, according to one national dairy association.

News in brief

HFMA launches member ‘stamp’

The UK-based Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has unveiled a new stamp members can use on selected promotional materials to show affiliation with the trade group.

'Intriguing' results link vitamin D and Parkinson's: Study

People with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to be vitamin D deficient than healthy adults of the same age or patients with Alzheimer's disease, says a new study from the US.

Cognis expands presence in weight management sector

Cognis’ six-month old alliance with fellow German ingredient innovator, InterMed Discovery, has yielded its first fruit with Cognis licensing an ingredient that will target the weight management sector.

Open innovation: Food industry needs better strategies, says review

The food industry should embrace the possibilities offered by open innovation if they are to succeed in an increasingly competitive market place, says a new review.

Confectioners may benefit as speculators exit commodity markets

Turmoil in the global financial markets could, ironically, offer relief to prices in the commodity exchanges, where leading confectioners lock in key raw materials for their formulations, with evidence this week suggesting a wave of non-commercial speculators are selling their positions.

Special edition: Gut health

Market: How global consumers view digestive health

One of the first functional foods was a digestive health product – Yakult – a probiotic drink a Japanese scientist began selling in his home country in the 1930s.

News in brief

Quality concerns over chondroitin and glucosamine market

Poor quality material attracted by artificially high prices is flooding the chondroitin market, according to UK-based supplier Gee Lawson.

Pectin may protect against cancer: Study

A fragment released from pectin may protect against cancer by binding to a protein that plays a role in all stages of cancer progression, suggests new research from the UK.

Melamine crisis makes manufacturers extra-cautious over safety

The fall-out from the melamine crisis in China is prompting manufacturers to be super careful about sourcing safe ingredients, say industry sources – not just dairy and not just those coming from China.

Roquette develops algae culture

French supplier Roquette is moving beyond its protein and carbohydrates core area by investing in a five-year project to bring microalgae extracts to market.

Weekly comment

Waking up to smell the caffeine

Before reading this you’re probably going to need a coffee, in fact why not have a few? After all who’s to say when enough is enough in our hunt for a caffeine kick.

To your health – and the environment’s

Environmental and health concerns are merging, creating a huge surge in demand for products that meet consumer notions of “change”, according to new HealthFocus International research.

News in brief

Carbery launches sports nutrition website

Irish-based whey protein specialist, Carbery, has launched a website for sports food marketing companies, nutrition professionals and manufacturers.

Flavonoids’ heart health benefits in the blood vessels: Study

Oral supplements of flavonoids commonly found in onions and tea may enhance the function of the lining of blood vessels, according to new research from Australia.

EFSA says calcium sulphate safe in supplements

EFSA has backed an earlier Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) opinion concluding calcium sulphate can be safely used as a calcium source in food supplements.

Scientists deliver key info about soy-stabilised soy emulsions

Modifying the ingredients and manufacturing parameters may enhance the stability of soy stabilised emulsions for food, says a new study from Ireland.

Study pinpoints cashew allergens which survive processing

Researchers at Florida State University have found that key proteins in cashew nuts survive even after processing, which may lead to more accurate detection of allergens in mixed ingredient food processing environments.

Hands off our vitamins and minerals, says thespian

A website designed to educate consumers about the “threat to vitamins and minerals from the Foods Supplements Directive” has been launched in the UK by the British actress Jenny Seagrove.

Judge me by my colour, say foods

Foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, are increasingly being marketed on their colour and associated health benefits, according to new Euromonitor International findings.

St John’s wort works for depression, says review

Extracts of St. John's wort are effective in reducing the symptoms of major depression, according to a new review in the prestigious Cochrane Systematic Review.

Givaudan puts in solid nine month sales performance

Sales figures at Givaudan have held up solidly over the first nine months of the year against the backdrop of an increasingly difficult economic environment.

UK detects banned additive from China in mini jelly cup

Mid-melamine scare, food safety issues are compounded for European confectioners as Europe's alert system flags up a confectionery product for children containing an additive from China that could constitute a choking risk.

Wild blueberries take antioxidant crown

Wild blueberries have greater antioxidant content than common fruits such as apples, bananas, red grapes and strawberries according to Cornell University researchers.

Tate & Lyle disputes Roquette’s maltitol patent

The UK-based food ingredient processor Tate & Lyle is challenging Roquette’s UK patent for maltitol.

Olive oil compound may boost satiety between meals

Oleic acid from olive oil and other sources may prolong the feeling of fullness between meals, according to results of a new rat study published today.

Don’t ignore omega-3 for mood and behaviour, say UK experts

Academic and nutrition experts in the UK are calling for an increased focus on the benefits of omega-3 in mood and behaviour, especially in children, as a lack of consistent research is stunting potential in the field.

Vitamin D may protect skin from within: Study

Oral supplements of vitamin D may boost production of protective compounds in the skin, and may ultimate help prevent skin infections, according to a new study.

The two-track approach to dietary fibre

Dietary fibre is increasingly being linked to health benefits, but progress in the application of emerging science is being stunted by the lack of a clear definition of the term, according to the British Nutrition Foundation.

GlycaNova seeks novel foods approval for Lentinex – round three

Danish company GlycaNova is waiting for a final opinion from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) on its proposed lentinan-rich extract from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes).

Enzyme technology may lead to new prebiotics: Study

By playing with the starting sugars and applying enzymes, German scientists report they have produced potentially novel prebiotic fibres.

Economic slowdown fails to halt M&A activity

Merger and acquisition activity is still relevant and lucrative despite the global economic hiccup, according to both small and large ingredients companies.

Unpopular veggies vital for cancer protection: Study

Vegetables with the highest anti-cancer potential make up only a “miniscule” part of the diet, and measures should be taken to boost consumption, says a new study.

Gelatine costs rise amidst financial wobbles

A global producer of Gelatin-based products for use in functional food formulations says it has no choice but to raise the prices for its goods, owing to increasing material and energy costs.

Mediterranean diet linked to lower asthma risks

Getting children to consume a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce their risk of asthma by up to 40 per cent, suggests new research from Spain and Mexico.

Enzymotec launches high DHA, phospholipid omega-3

Enzymotec has launched a phospholipid-based, DHA-rich oil, as the Isreali company expands its phospholipid range.

Weekly comment

Bringing organic back down to earth

Organic has an image problem. As some consumers fear they are, quite literally, priced out of the farmers market, it’s time to stir up more debate about organic as a set of principals, not as a status symbol.

Calcium may be vital for CLA's bone benefits: Study

Combining conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) with calcium may enhance bone mass, and explain inconsistencies from earlier studies, says new research from the US.

EFSA outlines future food safety risks

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a draft strategic plan on Thursday pinpointing the areas where it foresees food safety issues to arise over the next five years.

Flax and borage oil may boost skin health from within

Supplements containing flaxseed or borage oil may protect skin against reddening and improve skin health from within, suggests new research from Germany and France.

Hope among EFSA’s harsh health claim rulings

The European Food Safety Authority’s hard line stance on health claims is bewildering some, resigning others, but steeling most to meet its ‘gold standard’ scientific demands.

Chondroitin sulphate linked to lower knee swelling

Supplements of chondroitin sulphate may reduce swelling in the knee of osteoarthritis sufferers, according to new analysis of GAIT II.

Health communication must be market orientated

The wording of health claims must be targeted to the consumer’s culture if the necessary interest and understanding is to be achieved, say experts from Syral.

Vitamin C may inhibit cancer fighting drugs: study

Vitamin C may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy by protecting the cancer cells, suggests new research that adds to the ongoing debate on the use of supplements by cancer patients.

Chromium picolinate may boost satiety, reduce hunger: Study

Daily supplements of chromium picolinate may reduce food intakes, hunger levels, and cravings for fat, according to a new study from the US.

Fonterra launches improved protein range for nutrition bars

Fonterra has launched a new range of concentrated dairy proteins for the nutritional bar market which it claims solve the discolouration, texture and shelf-life issues associated with traditional proteins.

Processes can bring ‘new’ hydrocolloids, Leatherhead

Leatherhead Food International has completed a three-year research project that aimed to improve the performance of hydrocolloids using physical processing – methodology likely to be better-perceived by consumers in the natural-centric era.

New ingredients round-up: September

With the end of summer, the new ingredients pipeline swung back into action last month. Innovations seeing the light of day included a pate of innovating flavours, convenient cheese cultures, and cost-saving enzymes.

Probiotics may reduce eczema in young children: Study

Daily supplements of a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce the incidence of childhood eczema by about 50 per cent, according to a new study.

Science expands caseinates' potential for gluten-free foods

A calcium-fortified caseinate ingredient may lead to a single ingredient for gluten replacement, according to preliminary findings from Australia and Ireland.

Martek responds to rejected omega-3 health claim

Martek Biosciences Corporation is disappointed but not devastated by the European Food Safety Authority’s rejection of its article 14 DHA/ARA infant nutrition health claim.

New system aims to boost ‘Made in China’ brand

A new online traceability system for Chinese ingredients and products will provide quick and accurate information for food companies, consumers and regulators, claims it developers.

France set to liberate herbal products

France has taken a step to liberalise its highly restrictive herbal regulations by issuing two national decrees that should allow for greater access to botanical supplements.