Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Talking point

Will health claims doom innovation in Europe?

Hope that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) might moderate its clinical-trial weighted approach for general health claims in the EU dried up on October 1, when it rejected 70 per cent of 500+ dossiers, including 181 of 181 probiotic dossiers.

Maternal folic acid, iron linked to better baby survival

Taking folic acid and iron supplements during pregnancy may reduce infant mortality up to age 7, suggests new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Folic acid and colon cancer: Some benefits and no harm

Supplements of folic acid may reduce the recurrence of colorectal cancer in people with low levels of the nutrient, but not people who already have adequate amounts, says a new study from Harvard.

Further glucosamine health claim rejected

No causality has been established between glucosamine hydrochloride and a reduced rate of cartilage degeneration in individuals without osteoarthritis, according to an opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on an Article 14 health claim.

Rooibus extract may boost acai's health punch

Formulating açai products with extracts from rooibus tea may enhance the colour and improve the stability of açai’s healthy components, suggests a new study from Texas.

Collagen ingredient better than glucosamine for joint health?

A patented collagen ingredient may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, according to results of randomized, double-blind study.

Waiting game continues in high dose supplement battle

A further delay in the publication of the EU draft amendment of the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) for nutrients in food supplements leaves the UK and other member states' high dose supplements industry with still all to play for.

EU doctors back elderly vitamin D fortification

A coalition of European doctors has recommended vitamin D be given to over-75s at 600-800IU per day, after meeting in England over the weekend.

News in brief

EFSA rejects article 14 cholesterol-lowering claim

EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) has issued a negative opinion for a grape extract (Vitis vinifera) claiming to have cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Mum’s veggie-rich diet may protect baby from diabetes

Mothers-to-be should eat a vegetable-rich diet in order to protect their babies from type 1 diabetes, according to results of a new Swedish study.

Soy isoflavones may slow bone loss for women

Supplementation with soy-germ derived isoflavones may reduce the loss of bone in postmenopausal women, according to results of a new study from the US.

News in brief

EC expands substance list for nutritionally beneficial foodstuffs

The European Commission has released its updated list of substances that can be added to foods for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS) under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 953/2009.

Sage product first in UK to show quality mark

Salvian, a sage product from Bio-Health designed to reduce excessive sweating in post-menopausal women, is the first herbal product to display the new Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) mark in the UK.

Use sustainable palm oil or suffer consequences, warns WWF

Many manufacturers and retailers are not using sustainable palm oil as much as they should to stimulate supply and lead to long-term environmental benefits, says a damning report from the WWF.

EFSA affirms omega-3 can benefit baby brains and eyes

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and ALA, can benefit eye and cognitive development in babies.

Pomegranate’s prostate protection potential grows

The anti-prostate cancer effects of pomegranate and its extracts may be related to stopping an enzyme in the liver which processes environmental carcinogens, says a new study.

Vitamin D supplements show anti-diabetes potential

Supplements of the sunshine vitamin may improve insulin resistance and sensitivity, both of which are risk factors for diabetes, says a new study from New Zealand.

Nutrient database can assist health claims

Pooling nutrient information is becoming an important and time efficient way for companies scientific data about nutrients – especially those seeking to back health claims under the European Union’s tough claims system.

News in brief

Sanofi-Aventis enters China’s OTC market

Sanofi-Aventis has signed a joint venture agreement with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Group of Hangzhou to exploit the country’s booming OTC vitamin and mineral market.

Industry split on glucosamine health claim rejection

Industry is divided in its reaction to the recent rejection of glucosamine and joint health claims by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), with one manufacturer advocating a medical licensing route as an alternative way of securing claims.

Folic acid over-intake not an issue: Study

Less than five percent of Americans are exceeding safe limits of folic acid despite intakes from a multitude of sources, both enriched and natural, says a new study.

Tate & Lyle backs Asian prebiotic in Europe

A new partnership with chemical group Solvay will enable the distribution of a low dosage prebiotic food ingredient with multiple food and drink applications within Europe, the Middle East and Africa, claims Tate & Lyle.

Krill oil safe, well tolerated and effective, says study

Daily supplements of omega-3-rich krill oil is a safe and effective way of increasing levels of EPA and DHA, says a new study from Aker Biomarine.

EU doctors deciding on elderly vitamin D levels

A group of European doctors is moving toward a vitamin D recommended level for the elderly, something that, if implemented, may influence vitamin D levels across the European Union for all age groups.

News in brief

Himalaya International invests in Indian functional foods

India’s burgeoning middle class is opening up opportunities for functional foods, with nut-based products eyed by Himachal based Himalaya International set to open a new functional food project.

Weekly comment

Tackling E.coli – legislation or self-regulation?

Everybody wants food to be safe - but the recent slugging match over how best to protect US consumers from E.coli-tainted meat highlights whether legislation or self-regulation is the answer to mending the country's flawed safety system.

News in brief

HFMA answers supplements doubting professor

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has responded to a professor who recently claimed, “many people think that they can reduce their cancer risk by taking supplements, but evidence does not support this”.

Phytochemical index measure may aid obesity battle

A phytochemical index (PI) that ranks the number of calories consumed from plant-based foods compared with overall daily calorie intake could be a useful tool to optimise dietary intake for disease prevention, says a new US study.

Consumer response to health claims varies by country: Study

Italians are unswayed by healthy messages and images on foods, whereas the Finnish respond to medical pictures and British consumers are more likely to buy foods making even a weak health claim, indicates new research.

Plant stanol and sterol claims now law in EU

Two of the three article 14 cholesterol-lowering health claim opinions relating to plant sterols and stanols have been written into the European Union legislature – along with 19 other claims.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Regulation: the rules governing healthy chocolate

In the final part of our series on healthy chocolate, NutraIngredients scans the regulatory landscape to see how the movement towards healthy cocoa offerings is being affected by the rules in some of the lands they are proliferating in.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Supply: Sourcing heart healthy chocolate

In the third part of a special series on the health benefits of cocoa polyphenols, NutraIngredients looks at the sourcing and supply issues associated with ensuring antioxidant levels in chocolate.

Study fails to find omega 3 benefit for depression

New research, contrary to previous studies, shows augmenting antidepressant therapy with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement does not result in improvement in levels of depression in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

EFSA publishes probiotic guidance

Genetic typing, internationally recognised naming protocols and evidence of consistency in the final product have been highlighted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as critical factors for probiotic health claim submissions.

Leading probiotics researcher slams vaginosis study

Probiotics pioneer, Professor Gregor Reid, has criticised a Cochrane review of science that questioned the ability of probiotic treatments to battle bacterial vaginosis (BV), for including combinations of strains that have never demonstrated probiotic effects – vaginal or otherwise.

Ocean Spray extends Pepsi partnership beyond cranberry

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray have added more single-serve juices and juice drinks to their three year-old sales and distribution agreement.

News in brief

GOED continues to push for higher omega-3 DRVs

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED) continues to fight for higher EU omega-3 dietary reference values (DRVs) of 500mg per day or more.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Science: Getting to the heart of chocolate’s benefits

In the second part of our special series on the health benefits of cocoa polyphenols, NutraIngredients looks at the science behind the claims, and asks how much is too much

High protein diet may make brain lighter: Animal study

Eating a high protein diet appears to make the brains of mice lighter, report researchers who hypothesise that this could make them more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.

Green tea may combat depression in elderly

Drinking frequent cups of green tea a day is linked to a lower incidence of depressive symptoms in elderly people, say Japanese researchers.

Chr. Hansen highlights science behind probiotics

Chr. Hansen is remarketing its probiotics to underline their scientific backing as the industry reels from EFSA’s mass rejection of probiotic dossiers.

UK ponders folic acid options

The UK government could consider different options before implementing the Food Standards Agency’s advice to make the addition of folic acid to bread mandatory, says the Institute of Food Research.

Olive oil component could avert Alzheimer’s

A compound in extra virgin olive oil could deter proteins from disrupting nerve cell function that causes the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.

New dairy partnership improves dairy product safety and shelf-life

Improved safety standards and longer shelf life are claimed to stem from a new marketing collaboration between Danisco and DuPont Qualicon. The venture matches Danisco’s patented protective cultures with DuPont’s Qualicon detection system for the early prediction of shelf life in naturally protected dairy products.

No evidence that probiotics treats bacterial vaginosis: Study

There is not enough evidence to support the claim that probiotics can remedy or prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV), according to a new study conducted jointly by scientists in the United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Italy.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Markets: functional chocolate finding its feet

In the first of a four-part special series, NutraIngredients.com dips its investigative strawberry into the world of healthy chocolate and finds a relatively embryonic sector still finding its way but buoyed by ever-more cocoa polyphenol science, exciting product innovation and increasing public interest.

Health claim rules gag freedom of speech, says EU lobby group

Pan-European better nutrition advocate, the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), says the European Union health claims system is going way beyond its remit to protect consumer interests and curtailing freedom of speech.

Shoppers still prepared to pay for healthier foods, says research

Consumers are prepared to pay more for foods that note health attributes on packs, and are becoming more aware and sophisticated in their attitudes to diet and food labelling, according to research from Tate & Lyle.

Med diet cuts breast cancer risk in older women, says study

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet along with avoidance of Western-type foods may contribute to a reduction in postmenopausal breast cancer risk, claims new French study.

News in brief

UK professor bags high-dose food supplements

High-dose vitamin and mineral supplements taken to protect against cancer “may be doing more harm than good,” reports UK newspaper the Daily Mail.

Weekly comment

Branded Corn Flakes are great for branding

Will we all be waking up bleary-eyed to bowls of tattooed Corn Flakes any time soon? Probably not, but by suggesting that we could, Kellogg’s has hit on a winning marketing ploy.

Chitosan marine compound claimed to remedy obesity

A compound derived from the shells of crabs, shrimps and other sea crustaceans could tackle obesity, according to recent research results presented by the Irish government-funded Marine Functional Foods Research Initiative or NutraMara project in Dublin.

Heart health claims grow in uncertain times

Heart health claims are becoming an increasingly common sight in food stores but Leatherhead Food Research says future success is not guaranteed.

Omega-3 may protect healthy men from chest pains

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA, and DHA may protect men against acute coronary syndrome (ACS), says a new study.

Scientists attack proposed EU omega-3 DRVs

An international consortium of concerned lipid scientists says the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-recommended omega-3 dietary reference values (DRVs) are seriously flawed and should be amended before they see the light of day in the European Union legislature.

Immune boosting product now low cost, says developer

A new process for the production of the human milk oligosaccharide Fucosyllactose that allows for large-scale production of the saccharide means the immune boosting food ingredient is now low cost, claims its German developer.

Antioxidant OPCs may boost memory: Animal study

Supplements of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) improved memory in animals with age-related cognitive decline, says a new study from Japan and Korea.

News in brief

Vitamin D researchers win DSM nutrition prize

Professors Michael Holick of Boston University and Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari of the University of Zurich have won this year’s DSM Nutrition Award for their contributions vitamin D research.

Resistant starch and wheat bran may boost bowel habits

Increased intakes of resistant starch and wheat bran may improve regular bowel habits in healthy adults, say findings from a new study funded by Tate & Lyle.

CoQ10 may protect against obesity problems: Study

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may protect or retard the development of fatty liver related to obesity, suggest findings from an animal study.

Omega-3 arguments continue after krill court case

Arguments about the nutritive value of Aker BioMarine’s omega-3 based dietary supplement Superba Krill are continuing even after it won a court case in Oslo, Norway against cod liver oil producer Axellus, owned by Orkla.

July 2010: When EU health claim compliance reaches store shelves

The European Commission has set itself the goal of processing the 94 generic article 13.1 health claim opinions issued by EFSA recently by the end of January, meaning claim rulings could be enforceable at retail level by July, 2010.

News in brief

Czech authorities ban Chinese supplement

The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) has banned a food supplement called Sagirra originating from China for containing a dangerous substance.

Lallemand puts spotlight on immune-benefits for probiotics

Immune health from gut health is not too obscure for consumers, but work needs to be done on identifying the mechanisms involved, said the conclusions from a two-day meeting in Toulouse.

Green tea extracts may slow smokers’ lung damage

Daily consumption of a Chinese green tea extract may slow the damage of cigarette smoke in the lungs, according to results from a rat study from Hong Kong.

UK censors Danone probiotic TV ads

The voluntary UK advertising watchdog has told Danone to cease broadcasting TV adverts that stated its one-shot probiotic drinking yoghurt, Actimel, could boost the immune system of children.

News in brief

Frutarom unveils symbolic new branding

Frutarom has launched a new branding image across its global operations, which aims to express its combined focus on health, innovation, creativity and excellence.

New organic-certified fucoidan for functional beverages

The first organic-certified fucoidan ingredient developed for the functional beverage market will be launched as Fucorich at Supply Side West next month, according to the Australian biotechnology company Marinova.

News in brief

Thirty years of infant formula regulations

The pro-breast milk lobby is highlighting the fact it is 30 years since WHO and UNICEF-backed regulations came into play to control the content and marketing of baby milk formulas.

Antioxidants may protect pilots from DNA damage

Increased intakes of vitamins C and E and other antioxidants from the diet may protect against DNA damage in people exposed to ionizing radiation such as pilots, says a new study.

Green tea may ease mental distress: Study

Drinking five cups of green tea per day may reduce the incidence of psychological distress by 20 per cent, says a new study from Japan.

News in brief

Finns ban breast enhancement ‘miracle herb’

Finnish authorities have banned products based on the Thai herb, Pueraria mirifica, because it does not have European Union novel foods approval.

Novel foods rules harm development, report

Novel food regulation functions as an unintentional trade barrier to heritage foods and affects supply chain development and poverty alleviation in developing countries, according to a new report.

Red Bull: EFSA taurine rejection won’t affect energy claims

Global energy drinks leader, Red Bull, says the recent rejection of taurine-based energy health claims by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) won’t have any bearing on its own claim-making.

Over-fishing no threat to krill harvest, says industry

Krill harvesting in the Southern Ocean is sustainable, despite fears that super swarms of the tiny crustaceans could lead to over fishing, claim two companies which rely on krill to make omega-3 rich nutraceutical products.

B vitamins fail to reduce heart-health problems: Cochrane Review

Supplements of B6, B12 or folate do not affect cardiovascular health, despite lowering homocysteine levels, says a prestigious Cochrane review.

Vitamin D recommendations don’t prevent elderly falls: Meta-analysis

Existing recommendations for vitamin D are inadequate to prevent falls amongst the elderly, according to a new meta-analysis from a team of international scientists.

No culture shock in DSM 'behavioural change'

DSM Nutritional Products’ Quality for Life program turned one recently. Shane Starling joined the company at its headquarters near Basel in Switzerland and spoke with its director of quality management, Dr Stephan Heck, who held a candle to a business ideology that has been responsible for widespread “change in behaviour”.

Industry calls Cochrane vitamin B review 'misleading'

The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) and the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) are both disputing the Cochrane Scientific Review’s conclusion that B vitamins should not be recommended for the prevention of heart disease.

News in brief

Oz/NZ mandates iodine fortification

All Australian and New Zealand bread products must now be fortified with iodine after a much-debated ruling came into force last Friday.

Weekly comment

Soda tax: A lot of froth over freedom

Is taxing soda really an evil plan to curb your individual freedom? Conspiracy theories aside, perhaps it’s simply a sensible scheme to tackle obesity when personal choice has failed.

News in brief

Poland agrees to Raisio marge sale

The Polish competition authorities have agreed to Raisio’s plan to sell its margarine business to Bunge, meaning the €80m deal can go ahead.

Snack Size Science: Hearing about folate’s benefits

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we look at how folate in green leafy vegetables and fortified flours may protect against hearing loss.

Freeze-dried strawberries may slash cholesterol levels

Supplements of a freeze-dried strawberry may improve cholesterol levels by about five per cent, according to a study with overweight women.

Green-lipped mussel supplier welcomes EFSA rejection

The green-lipped mussel extract market will benefit from the negative joint health claim opinion delivered by the European Food safety Authority (EFSA) last week because it has highlighted one-size-fits-all problems in the market, according to a leading supplier.

ASA slams jokey ads for Coke’s Vitaminwater

Slogans like “more muscles than brussels” and “keep perky when you’re feeling murky” are to disappear from UK ads for Coca-Cola’s Vitaminwater under orders from an industry watchdog.

Red Bull makes European energy shot debut

The UK’s emerging energy shots market has lured Red Bull into selecting the country for the European launch of its own energy shots products.

Firmenich plans post-recession with partnerships, innovation

Sweet goods, snacks and soups were amongst the categories that performed well for Firmenich in a recession struck year in which sales fell 4.3 per cent overall

Omega-3 may prevent age-related sight loss

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing age-related blindness by 30 per cent, says a new study from the US National Eye Institute.

Inulin-polyphenol innovation may offer weight loss opportunities

A combination of inulin fibre, green coffee polyphenols, and nut polyphenols could help with weight loss, in addition to promoting digestive comfort, according to its inventor.

Scientists question EFSA probiotic logic

Three University of Reading scientists wrote to the European Commission in July expressing concern about EFSA’s approach to evaluating probiotic article 13.1 dossiers.

News in brief

Probiotics player signs Denmark deal

Sedish probiotics specialist, BioGaia, has enlisted Danish firm, Pharma Nord, to sell its own-branded probiotic tablets and drops in Denmark.

Folate may prevent hearing loss in men

Increased intakes of folate and folic acid may reduce the risk of hearing loss in men by 20 per cent, says a new study from the US.

Milk protein may protect premature babies from infection

Supplements of the milk protein lactoferrin alone or in combination with a probiotic the reduced incidence of infection in pre-term babies, says a new study.

Yoghurt group unfazed by mass probiotics rejection

The European Food Safety Authority’s mass rejection of probiotic dossiers is not the disaster it appears if ‘technical’ obstacles can be overcome, according to a group that represents the biggest yoghurt players in the world.

New study supports antioxidant supplements for ageing skin

Taking a dietary supplement containing coenzyme Q10 and a selection of antioxidants and minerals can decrease skin roughness and fine wrinkles, according to a recent study.

Scientists protest as EC validates omega-3 labelling rule

The group of international scientists that last week petitioned the European Commission to amend a mooted omega-3 labelling regulation they believe would confuse consumers, have vowed to continue their fight in the European Parliament, after the EC backed the regulation.

News in brief

Health claims convention ponders uncertain future

About 80 representatives from some of the biggest functional foods and ingredients companies in Europe attended a health claims seminar in Brussels yesterday, with the need for better trial design high on the agenda.

Med-style diet may battle depression

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may prevent depression, according to a new study from Spain.

Fibre may replace trans-fats for snack formulations

Inulin can replace trans-fatty acids in snack food formulations, turning it into a healthy snack with good consumer acceptance, says a new study from Brazil.

Consumer press highlights probiotic health claim failures

Last week’s European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim opinions have received a lot of mainstream media attention in the UK national consumer press, with the probiotic claim rejections gaining the most attention.

Positive selenium health claim opinion welcomed

Lallemand’s functional food group, Lal’Food, has welcomed the positive opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a variety of health benefits for selenium.

Chilli extract may prevent obesity complications: Study

Dietary intakes of capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, may prevent the development of diabetes-like symptoms in obese people, says a new study with mice.

Weekly comment

Bad day at the EU health claims office

October 1 was not a good day for many in the functional foods and food supplements business in the European Union as the meaning of life under a highly restrictive health claims regime came more into focus.

Lecithin may boost fruit juice, sauce quality: Study

Formulating processed fruit and vegetable products with soy lecithin may enhance not only the physico-chemical properties, but also the nutritional profile, says a new study.

News in brief

Balchem hires de Boer to build Euro business

Balchem Corporation has hired a new European sales manager to manage its European choline business, and introduce new products and technologies.

UK warns against ‘herbal valium’

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a public warning against botanical products containing aconite.

Meta-analysis supports safety of soy, red clover

Phytoestrogens like soy and red clover isoflavones pose no safety issues with regards to heart health and breast cancer risk, according to a new meta-analysis from Austria.

Devil not so bad in EFSA health claim details

At first glance yesterday’s publication of the first batch of 94 article 13.1 health claim opinions, is a worst-case scenario for industry, with claims for the likes of omega-3s, beta-glucan, folate, probiotics and taurine all drawing negative opinions from EFSA scientists.

Article 13.1: winners and losers

Botanicals, probiotics and weight management claims were the big losers in yesterday’s first batch of article 13.1 claims, with not a positive opinion among them.

FSA opposes omega-3 claims that would ‘mislead consumers’

With the doors closed on an EC meeting due to decide the future of omega-3 nutrient content claims, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has suggested it opposes the proposed labelling.

Naturex builds sports case for Powergrape

Supplements containing a Naturex grape extract may improve the performance of elite athletes during competition, according to a new study.

News in brief

Naturex and Natraceutical Group formalise merger

Naturex and Natraceutical Group have formalised contracts yesterday for the €110m merger their ingredients businesses.

FSA seeks views on food supplement amendments

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is calling for comments on proposals to permit the continued use of 67 vitamin and mineral sources in England.

EFSA says yes to third of first Article 13.1 claims

Around one third of the first batch of article 13.1 health claim applications have drawn positive opinions from EFSA. Professor Albert Flynn, the head of EFSA’s health claims assessment panel, tells NutraIngredients.com why some claims were favoured over others.