Chr Hansen profits up despite Eurozone slowdown

Shares jumped more than 3% to just over €24.05 this morning in Danish enzymes, colours and cultures company Chr Hansen as its yearly revenue hit €699m. Profits improved 10.7% to...

Guest article

Resveratrol study results don’t tell the whole story on benefits: Expert

A new study that concluded resveratrol does not have metabolic benefits in relatively healthy middle-aged women is "flawed" and "tells us very little about the benefits or non-benefits of resveratrol",...

Curcumin may match exercise for heart health benefits: RCT data

Daily supplements of curcumin may benefit cardiovascular health to the same extent as exercise for postmenopausal women, says new data from a clinical trial from Japan.

Resveratrol may not have heart health benefits, says study

The red wine compound resveratrol may not have the metabolic benefits that previous research has suggested it may possess, according to new research data.

Bayer “absolutely open” to further acquisitions after $1.2bn Schiff shop

The consumer arm of German pharma giant Bayer Healthcare is to pay $1.2bn (€920m) for US food supplements company Schiff Nutrition International, a move that will make it one of...

News in brief

Nestlé unites Nutrition and Health Sciences divisions under single leadership

Nestlé is combining its Nestlé Nutrition and Nestlé Health Science arms under the leadership of Luis Cantarell after the departure of Kurt Schmidt, the deputy executive vice president in charge...

UK tells black cohosh makers to add warnings and backs THMPD

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned manufacturers of black cohosh products that the herbal supplements must contain warnings about potential liver problems.

DHA omega-3 may lower anxiety risk

Increased intakes of the omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are associated with a reduced risk of anxiety, a study from Australia has reported for the first time.

Regulation required for Vietnam's skyrocketing supplements

It is vital for Vietnam to manage its production and distribution of dietary supplements if it plans to prevent potential threats to consumers, according to a senior government food health...

Bean extracts show blood sugar management potential

Supplements containing extracts from beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with a meal may improve glucose and insulin levels, according to results of a clinical trial from Indena.

Vitamin price drops but BASF nutrition sees 4% sales growth

BASF’s nutrition and health unit (N&H) earned €492m in Q3 – 4% more for the quarter than in 2011 when it had sales of €471m – despite falling prices for...

EU-backed beta glucan trial explores immunity benefits

An EU-backed, 240-person trial is underway to investigate the ability of a range of beta-glucans to boost immune systems, with European Union health claim learnings firmly in mind.

Spruce extract could be ‘untapped’ prebiotic

An extract from spruce (Picea abies) may selectively enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and offer a novel prebiotic for the nutritional products, says a new study.

German concerns rise over food supplement regulation rethink

A revision of German food supplement laws will strip products from shelves and “could be a disaster” for consumers and practitioners, according a pan-European lobby group.

Higher dairy intake lowers semen quality – Harvard study

Young men with a high daily intake of full-fat dairy may be risking their chance of having children, US researchers have claimed.

Updated: Will CoQ10 prices increase as Mitsubishi quits the market?

CoQ10 supply to the nutraceutical market could be set to tighten as Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company announces it will withdraw from the manufacture and sale of the ingredient.

Nestlé invests $17m in medical nutrition down under

The world’s biggest food player, Nestlé, is investing A$17m (€13.6m) to renovate an Australian facility so it can produce medical foods for its Health Science division.

Arla launches “most sophisticated” recovery whey protein

The sports nutrition sector will appreciate a “finely chopped” whey that can deliver better recovery performance, says the ingredients arm of Danish dairy, Arla.

News in brief

Lucozade blows whistle on UK soccer sponsorship to focus on research

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) brand Lucozade Sport has ended its 20-year sponsorship of UK Premier League soccer as it shifts more funds towards R&D into sports nutrition products, according to Brand Republic....

Echinacea extract may help prevent common cold: Study

Daily consumption of echinacea herbal remedies could help to stave off the common cold, according to new research.

News in brief

Barry Callebaut appoints new chief innovation officer

Barry Callebaut has appointed ex-Unilever man Peter Boone as its new chief innovation officer.

‘Unique’ mood-boosting South African plant extract set for SSW debut

PL Thomas (PLT) and South African partner HG&H Pharmaceuticals are set to launch the first patented, standardized and clinically studied extract of Sceletium tortuosum, a succulent plant known by the...

Lycopene-rich tomato juice may slash inflammation levels

A glass of tomato juice may decrease levels of inflammatory compounds in overweight and obese women, says a new study with 106 participants.

Skooshed: UK yoghurt rapped over multiple misleading claims

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has invoked new European Union health claim rejections due to come into force on December 14, in a ruling...

King’s College backs probiotic at gastroenterology conference

Research backing the gastrointestinal potential of a multi-strain probiotic-fibre product is being presented at United European Gastroenterology Congress in Amsterdam today – a rare speaking opportunity at a medical-focused event...

Second chance: Yeast beta-glucan player seeks immunity claim

German yeast specialist, Leiber, says a new dossier containing a refined study linking its yeast beta-glucan to immune system benefits, can turn around EFSA’s previous rejection in 2010.

Lawyer urges FDA to ban energy drink sales to minors after US teen death

The mother of a US teenager who died due to caffeine toxicity after consuming energy drinks is suing Monster Beverage Corporation, and one of her lawyers is calling on the...

‘Statin-like’ bergamot extract offers novel approach in fight against ‘diabesity’

A new product containing a patented extract of the citrus fruit bergamot boasting ‘statin-like’ qualities - without the side effects - has been launched in the US claiming to tackle...

Açai reverses age-related cognitive decline in rat study

Açai fruit fed to aged rats reversed age-related cognitive and motor declines, a study conducted through Tufts University has found.

Asian krill boom drives krill joint venture

Australian, Japanese, South Korean, Taiwanese and other Asian consumers are driving rising demand in omega-3 source krill to levels that have prompted Norwegian krill supplier, Rimfrost, to ink a production-boosting...

Plant flavonoids may offer prostate cancer hope

High dietary intake of plant flavonoids cut slash the risk of aggressive prostate cancer by up to 25%, according to data from new research.

Motion sickness chewing gum gives platform for active ingredient formulation – researchers

A medicated chewing gum prototype that combats motion sickness could give a platform to incorporate other active ingredients with objectionable tastes into gum.

Negative Cochrane cranberry review: Juice makers have themselves to blame

Inappropriate products and trial design caused the Cochrane Collaboration to alter its position about the urinary tract infection (UTI)-reducing benefits of cranberry juice, the owner of a French cranberry supplements...

Barentz drives deeper into health and wellness

€650m Dutch supplier Barentz Europe has paid an undisclosed sum for Italian firm, Prochifar, that specialises in chemicals for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food and feed sectors

Resveratrol supplements backed for vascular benefits: DSM study

Supplementation with the red wine compound resveratrol could have ‘sustained’ benefits on cardiovascular functions and hold promise for cognitive functions, according to new research backed by DSM.

Sanofi-Coke beauty drink JV offers no ‘phood’ signal: Analyst

Sanofi’s new beauty drink joint venture with Coca-Cola is unlikely to precipitate a more serious leap into functional or medical foods for the French pharma titan, an analyst has said....

Cranberries ‘unlikely’ to prevent UTIs, says Cochrane

Cranberry juice does not appear to have a significant benefit in preventing urinary tract infections and may be 'unacceptable' to consume in the long term, according to the findings of...

Seven Seas to outsource manufacturing as volumes decline

Food supplements maker Seven Seas will outsource manufacturing for the first time after initiating moves to shut down its facility in Hull, northern England.

Prolonged formula feeding may increase risk of leukaemia

Extending the length of formula feeding, and delaying solid foods, could increase the risk for developing pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, suggest researchers.

Special edition: Immune support

Immune sector in rude health despite regulator attacks

Foods, drinks, botanicals and other food supplements that boost the immune system have been one of the best performing functional sectors since, well, the birth of functional foods and supplements.

Special edition: immune support

Immune support in the -omics age: Moving away from old ideas of nutrition and immunity

The advent of new technologies and greater understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the complex interactions between nutrition and immunity is paving the way for industry to investigate new aspects...

Special edition: Immune support

Top Immune Health Ingredients

As part of our special edition on immune support, NutraIngredients presents our pick of the top immune ingredients. First up: Echinacea.

Special edition: Immune support

Vitamin D’s immune benefits: Cold, flu and beyond

A recent study that dismissed the potential of the sunshine vitamin to reduce the incidence of the common cold should not dissuade consumers from seeking out the immune health benefits...

Emerging markets continue to drive Nestlé sales

Food and nutrition giant Nestlé has reported improved sales in its 9-month results driven by growth in emerging markets, but Q3 was a little slower than last year.

Multivitamin supplements may cut cancer risk: JAMA paper

Daily supplements of multivitamins may reduce the risk of cancer by a modest 8%, says a new study published in JAMA.

Probiotics on course for profound growth in the UAE

Research by Euromonitor has revealed that pre- and probiotics have been continually attracting new consumers in the United Arab Emirates, with growth becoming consistently strong across the segment.

Danone reconfirms targets after ‘solid’ baby nutrition and water sales

Danone has reconfirmed its full year targets after recording “solid growth” in its Baby Nutrition and Waters business segments in the third quarter of 2012.

ATP supplement shows ‘long-lasting’ exercise recovery potential

Supplements formulated with the branded ingredient Peak ATP may speed the recovery rate from exercise and ease muscle fatigue, say results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study.

Vegetarians have longer life expectancy than meat eaters, finds study

Following a vegetarian diet could mean you live more than nine years longer than you might by consuming meat based diets, according to new research findings.

Fish again linked to lower stroke risk

Increased intakes of fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, may reduce the risk of stroke, says a new study.

World Food Day

Food security is an industry issue, says Worldwatch expert

The food industry could be a powerful player in ensuring food security - and that makes sense from both an ethical and a business perspective, according to Danielle Nierenberg, director...

Silicon-rich mineral water backed for Alzheimer’s benefits

Regular consumption of silicon-rich mineral water could help to reduce the clinical signs of Alzheimer’s disease by removing excess levels of aluminium that are linked to the disease, suggest researchers....

Powdered fruit ingredients could help consumers reach intake targets

Powdered whole fruits incorporated into foods, drinks and supplements as functional ingredients could be a way for industry to improve the nutritional value of products and increase fruit intake, suggest...

Quaker thrives in China with traditional medicine cereal fortification

PepsiCo’s investment to localize its Quaker brand in China with traditional herbal medicine fortification and texture adaptations has enabled it to thrive, an analyst says.

Guest article

EU immunity health claims: Reformulate or reposition to win growth

Europe’s new health claim laws are the strictest in the world, with only the most strongly backed nutrient-health associations permitted on-product and whole sectors enraged about stripped comms tools. But...

Vitamin supplements of no benefit for colorectal cancer risk: Study

Combined supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 has no statistically significant effect on the risk of colorectal adenoma, according to new research.

Green tea extract shows blood sugar management potential

Supplementing the diet of lab animals with EGCG from green tea may suppress the digestion of starch and offer a means of controlling blood sugar levels, says a new study...

Merck and Chr Hansen jointly submit probiotic allergy health claim

German pharma giant Merck has teamed with probiotics ingredients player Chr Hansen in a bid to win the European Union’s first probiotic health claim.

Nestlé breakfast cereal reformulation needs tact, warns specialist

Cereal Partners Worldwide’s reformulation plan for 20 of its Nestlé breakfast cereal brands must happen gradually and unobtrusively to succeed, warns a nutrition policy specialist.

Researchers seek to identify environmental risk factors for obesity

A new €3.8m research project aims to pinpoint the environmental and social risk factors for obesity throughout the European Union, with a view to informing future policy.

BASF wants a share of pharma omega-3 market

BASF wants a share of the $1.5bn global market for drug grade omega-3 and expects the plant it is building to start shipping product early next year. 

Conflicts of interest audit

Best of a bad bunch: EFSA criticised (the least) over conflicts of interest

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) fails to adequately manage conflicts of interest – but it does a better job of it than three other agencies just assessed by a...

CoQ10 and vitamin B6 levels linked to lower artery disease risk

Increased blood levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B6 are associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), says new data published in Nutrition Research .

One in four Spanish hospital patients is malnourished, congress hears

Medical nutrition solutions have been raised at a Nestlé Health Science-sponsored congress in Bilbao, Spain, where a study showed one in four Spanish hospital patients is malnourished.

Omega-3 supplementation backed for depression in elderly

Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could help to reduce the symptoms of depression in elderly people, according to new research.

Market focus

Weightloss industry dragged down by unsubstantiated claims

Last week’s launch of global weightloss major Rapid Nutrition into India saw claims that the company’s Leisa’s Secret scientific programme will be the first of its kind in the country....

Quercetin may support lung health for smokers

Increased intakes of quercetin, a compound found in fruit and vegetables, may change the expression of genetic material in the lung function of smokers and reduce the risk of lung...

Nexira buys Tournay as it drives expansion plans

French botanicals and ingredients supplier, Nexira, has made good its promise to expand its portfolio and operations by acquiring fellow French firm, Tournay Biotechnologies, for an undisclosed cash sum.

Starch better than alginate for lutein and zeaxanthin bioavailability: Industry study

Research into the bioavailability of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin has confirmed that bioavailability is very much dependent on formulations used, with starch blends performing better than alginate.

Caffeine may block brain inflammation to reduce dementia risk

Caffeine consumption could help to ease cognitive decline and lower the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease by blocking inflammation in the brain, suggest researchers.

News in brief

EFSA welcomes national food safety body endorsement

The European Food Safety Authority has welcomed a statement issued by the food safety agencies of Europe that praises the work of Europe’s 10-year old central food science agency.

73% of Australian mothers buy food supplements

Almost three quarters of Australian expectant mothers (73%) purchase food supplements, according to Roy Morgan research.

Maternal folic acid use may benefit baby’s brain health

Folic acid supplements during pregnancy may reduce the risk of childhood brain tumors, suggests new data from Australia.

GC Rieber launches new ‘ultra omega-3 concentrate’

A new omega-3 concentrate is being launched by GC Rieber Oils, the company’s first 90% total omega-3 fish oil concentrate.

Probiotics on a charge in Asia, but players must get organised

With predicted growth of 15 to 20% imminent, probiotics in China and South Asia are destined for big things. But, according to Russell Ward, research director of food analyst Giract,...

UK herb player refutes echinacea allergy ruling

UK-based herbal supplements manufacturer A. Vogel says a recent medicines agency ruling that anti-cold and flu herb echinacea should not be sold to children under the age of 12 was...

Magnesium may reduce colon cancer risk: Meta-analysis

Increased intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, says a new meta-analysis of data from 338,979 people.

Vitamin K may slash diabetes risk: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin K1 may lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in elderly people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study.

Tomato compound could cut stroke risk

Consumption of lycopene-rich tomatoes and tomato-based foods could more than half the risk of stroke, according to new research.

Aker BioMarine set to merge with seafoods branch after AXA pullout

Norwegian krill specialist Aker BioMarine is set to merge with Aker Seafoods Holding after winning board approval, a move prompted by the intended divestment of a major investor.

TrackFast project asks: What makes the perfect food scientist?

Researchers are seeking to produce a database of the most desirable skills for food scientists and technologists in different parts of the European Union in an effort to better align...

"Next generation": Roquette launches vegetable protein research initiative

French ingredients giant Roquette has launched a pea protein research programme dedicated to, “the next generation of plant-based proteins”.

EFSA advisory forum: “European food safety has made resounding progress”

EFSA’s Advisory Forum (AF) has backed the agency’s work in a formal statement, with the head of one of the member agencies saying the statement was a reaction to waves...

Comment

Smell a rat? Flawed GM cancer study highlights flawed media approach

A French study on the effects of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) maize in rats has said little about the safety or otherwise of GM crops – but it has said...

Omega-3’s may improve inflammatory profile in obese people

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the fat tissue of obese people, says a new study from Austria.

Review calls for research on mood modifying effects of cocoa

Daily intake of flavanol-rich cocoa products could have benefits for mood and heart healt however there is a great need for detailed research into the mood modifying effects of such...

Firm eyeing India’s 'first scientific weight loss programme'

An Australian natural nutrition company has announced plans to invest INR100cr in an Indian manufacturing and sales operation to provide, it claims, the country's only scientific weight loss programme.

EFSA gives green light to synthetic zeaxanthin in supplements

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has offered a positive safety opinion for the use of synthetic zeaxanthin in food supplements at levels of up to 0.75mg per kilogram per day....

Time spent chewing food important for satiety, study suggests

The amount of time spent chewing food could have an important impact on feelings of fullness – calling into question the suitability of beverages for increasing satiety, according to a...

Barley baking mix enables blood cholesterol health claim

Bread manufacturers can make health claims on blood cholesterol with a newly developed barley bakery pre-mix from DeutscheBack.

Milk protein may offer cancer protection: Study

The milk proteins may have anti-cancer properties, say researchers, after new in vitro tests reveal the cancer fighting potential of lactoferricin4-14.

Fluxome US: “Business as usual” despite euro crisis

The US operation of financially stricken resveratrol supplier, Fluxome, says the cash crisis that has forced closure of its Danish research facility, will not halt resveratrol supply through its US...

Comment

Breakfast cereal in China: Snap, crackle… and flop

Western breakfast brands don’t often work in China. They need manipulating to appeal to very different tastes, packaging and format preferences and, of course, another language.

Breaking news

Claims on many supplements don't comply with law, report says

The structure function claims on many dietary supplement products do not comply with federal law, a government report released on Wednesday concluded.  The report recommends greater regulatory powers for FDA...

An apple a day keeps cholesterol at bay: Study data

Daily consumption of an apple or apple polyphenols could help to ‘keep the doctor away’ by lowering levels of LDL cholesterol by up to 40%, suggest researchers.

Study uncovers region's strong probiotic potential

As markets for probiotics in Europe and North America come under pressure, a new study from Giract opens the lid on the industry’s prospects for growth in Asia.

Fluxome cash crisis caused by “gross mismanagement”

Management at embattled resveratrol supplier Fluxome has come in for severe criticism as the company hovers on the verge of financial collapse unless a fresh investor can be found in...

EFSA rejects lycopene-vitamin E-lutein-selenium skin claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected a claim linking a proprietary lycopene, vitamin E, lutein and selenium blend and protection from UV sun rays.

Vitamin D pills show no common cold benefits for people with sufficient vitamin levels

Mega-doses of vitamin D once per month did not reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), compared to placebo, but would differences have been observed in people with...

Resveratrol player faces bankruptcy if omega-3 funding switch fails: Chairman

Global resveratrol player Fluxome has 8-12 weeks to raise millions of euros to fund a research switch to omega-3, or face bankruptcy, its chairman told NutraIngredients this morning.

Malnutrition, obesity a bipolar problem in Philippines

A Filipino research institute has reviewed the findings of a report that outlines the level of nutrition of selected population groups.

News in brief

Naturex founder Jacques Dikansky dies

The botanicals sector has lost a giant with the announcement that Naturex founder and chairman Jacques Dikansky died at the weekend after a long illness that saw him depart the...

Olive oil ‘waste’ backed for functional beverage formulation

Antioxidant-rich ‘waste’ from olive oil production could be useful in the formulation of functional health drinks, suggest researchers

New patent covers pairing of Ayurvedic workhorses

Nutragenesis, a Brattleboro, Vt.-based ingredient supplier with a history of experience with Ayurvedic ingredients, has obtained a U.S. patent in the area of women’s health for an ashwagandha/Indian gooseberry combination...

Probiotics can battle stressed student colds: Study

A blend of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12) reduced the duration of common colds among typically stressed out students, US researchers have found....

ECJ’s German health claim ruling opens door to rejected claims: Lawyer

A recent Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) ruling that rather non-specific claims like “aids digestion” are admissible under the nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) could open the way...

Cocoa flavanols give snail brains a boost

Cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate called epicatechin can improve the memories of snails, according to researchers.

News in brief

Aker earns krill processing patent in Russia

Norwegian krill supplier Aker Biomarine has won a patent for krill processing technologies in Russia (Number 2460309) for krill oils and powders that contain krill proteins and phospholipids.

Danone to expand experimental Indian business unit

The experimental business unit that is dedicated to rolling out new Danone products for the masses in India has been deemed a success and will be expanded to other cities...