Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Calcium L-threonate safe for use in supplements, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has backed the use of calcium L-threonate as a source of calcium in dietary supplements.

Selenium supplements may boost heart health: Study

Supplements of selenium may increase levels of an antioxidant enzyme with a reported role in cardiovascular prevention, according to a new study.

A higher bar for infant nutrition

The infant nutrition market has shifted one notch upwards, adjusting to safety concerns and stricter requirements. Shane Starling speaks to DSM’s Fabiana Assis on how the firm has raised the bar in response.

Prebiotic-fortified fruit juice passes formulation test: Study

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be used to partially replace sucrose in fruit juices without detrimentally affecting physical characteristics of the juice, says new research from India.

France gets with European supplements programme

France has not been the fastest uptaker of European Union food supplement laws, but market liberalisation is underway, says French food supplements association (Synadiet) president, Alban Maggiar. If only EFSA would stop being so "Soviet-like"...

Vitamin K may have anti-diabetes benefits: Study

Supplements of vitamin K1 may reduce the development of insulin resistance in older men, and thereby offer protection against diabetes, suggests a new study.

New Hansen probiotic cultures target low-fat dairy

Chr Hansen has launched two new probiotic cultures which it says allow manufacturers of low-fat yoghurt to add the healthy bacteria to their products while also maintaining a thick, creamy texture.

Garlic and onions may reduce cholesterol gallstones: Study

Consumption of garlic and onions may reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by as much as 40 per cent, says a new study from India.

BMJ editorial says only drugs help weight loss

An article appearing in the British Medical Journal says that food and supplement products targeting weight loss are ineffective and misleading for consumers.

Early promise for almond’s prebiotic potential

Preliminary reports of a prebiotic potential of almonds are promising and intriguing, and impending human trials may reveal if the benefits can be translated from the lab to the layperson.

Cognis digs its way out of debt as sales growth continues

Germany-based ingredients supplier Cognis is unburdening its debt load thanks to continued sales growth all round, and strong Vitamin E sales in its Nutrition & Health segment.

What to do about intellectual property

Intellectual proprerty (IP) is an age-old issue for every industry, but the era of health claims in Europe and around the world is pushing intellectual property (IP) firmly into the spotlight for health, nutrition, and food. Stephen Daniells gauges opinion on the subject and asks how damaging it is when companies 'piggyback' on other people's science.

EU-wide labelling study launched

A new research project is aiming to be the first Europe-wide study of the various food labelling schemes and their effects on consumer dietary habits through a unique observation of consumers in ‘real life’ settings.

Omega-3 and the need for an RDI

Omega-3 is arguably one of the ingredients most essential to people’s overall health, but consumption still falls massively short. In this roundtable discussion, Lorraine Heller speaks to experts in the field about the necessity and challenges of establishing a recommended daily intake (RDI) for the healthy oils.

Are health claims doomed?

With concern about the severity of EFSA’s health claim rulings raging, industry is asking if the regime may be stifling innovation and restricting the market. Shane Starling reports.

Amino acid may ease symptoms of fatigue: Study

Daily supplements of the amino acid l-ornithine, found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs, may have anti-fatigue effects, says new research.

Study backs oral HA for joint and skin health

High molecular weight hyaluronan from oral supplements does reach skin and joint tissues, supporting a role for the compound in such products, says a new study.

Omega-3 may be better suited to supplements, says Mintel

Consumers are not sure whether they are gaining enough omega-3 from functional foods, says Mintel, and the ingredient could be best suited to dietary supplements after all.

New seal for ingredient quality assurance

DSM's global marketing manager Martijn Adorf explains why the company has launched its new Quality for Life seal and what it means for food manufacturers.

Weekly comment

Conjuring with calories: Regulation and labeling changes

There was something magical about the recent news that the caloric value of both gum arabic and erythritol have been officially lowered, but whether it turns out to be a sleight of hand or a real change remains to be seen.

News in brief

Danisco spies opportunities in xylitol health claim

Danisco has welcomed the approval of a ‘very strong’ health claim that xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children, saying it now puts its customers in a strong position.

DSM quality seal responds to consumer reliability demands

DSM has launched its new Quality for Life seal in response to growing demand for ingredient quality assurance, which guarantees the quality, traceability and sustainability of its ingredients.

Oily fish may boost prostate cancer survival rate: Study

An increased intake of fish and omega-3-rich seafood may improve prostate cancer survival by 38 per cent, according to a new study.

Study backs dairy recommendations for weight loss

Cutting out dairy products during a weight loss programme may be misconceived, according to a new study from the US.

Selenium may ease onset of metabolic syndrome: Study

An increased intake of selenium may decrease risk factors for metabolic syndrome and inflammation, suggests a new study from Spain.

Lutein safe but won’t help infant eye function, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed lutein safe for use in infant formula in doses up to 250-300mg/l and 500mg/l in follow-on formula.

Seaweed gel may help reduce energy intake

Consuming a strongly gelled alginate drink may reduce daily energy intakes by about seven per cent and play a role in weight management, says a new study.

Research brings grain breeding for nutritional benefits a step closer

Researchers at Rothamsted Research in the UK have analysed 200 globally-sourced whole grains for their known health-promoting components, which they say could lead to selective grain breeding for healthier wholegrain foods.

News in brief

Cosucra wins brand leadership award

Market researcher Frost & Sullivan has named leading inulin supplier, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing , Brand Leader of the Year in recognition of the company’s ‘Satiety Ingredients’ campaign.

Frutarom eyes opportunities thrown up by financial turmoil

The global economic crisis will yield rich pickings for food firms with a strong capital structure. So believes Frutarom, which has reported another quarter of impressive growth figures on the back of its most recent acquisitions splurge.

Gum arabic shows prebiotic potential in humans: Study

Ten grams of gum arabic may produce a prebiotic effect in humans by boosting gut populations of specific bacteria, says a new study from Kerry.

Can the EU traditional herbal medicines directive be amended?

This article has been modified from the original published version, to clarify that Harkin, ANH and IAHS are of the same view. Momentum to amend Europe’s botanicals directive is growing despite the European Commission stating no part of the controversial legislation will be altered before May, 2011, when thousands of products without appropriate registrations may be wiped from store shelves across the bloc.

Ginkgo biloba has no benefits against dementia: Study

The herb gingko biloba may not reduce the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study with 3,000 elderly people in the US.

Finding positives in EFSA's negative HC opinions

The level of science required to back health claims under Europe’s new regulations is high, and negative opinions are likely, but there is no need to panic, says Indena’s Christian Artaria. Yet.

What zero-calorie approval means for erythritol users

Henry Hussell, European marketing manager for Cargill Sweetness, explains what the recent EU approval of erythritol's zero-calorie claim means for food manufacturers.

EFSA says no to Valio probiotic gut health claim

A health claim submission linking probiotic consumption and gastro-intestinal health has not been supported after scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

'Call to action' issued for raising vitamin D levels

Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be raised to 2,000 International Units, says a group of 18 scientists from the University of California.

Beneo-Remy launches rice bran for added bakery fibre

Beneo-Remy has added a stabilised rice bran and germ mix to its range of rice-based ingredients, intended to improve the fibre content and nutritional profile of gluten free bakery products, extruded cereals and pastas.

News in brief

NattoPharma wins twice with K2

It’s been a good week for Norwegian supplier, NattoPharma, which has had its application for the safe addition of vitamin K2 (menaquonine) to various foods and food supplements accepted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and won a Frost & Sullivan award.

Round table: Gut health and obesity

Modifying our gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotics may be a new weapon in the fight against obesity. Three experts active in this field discuss the current state of play, and what the future may hold for weight management with probiotics and prebiotics.

New Natra chocolate ingredients deliver omega-3, fibre

Spanish cocoa firm Natra is launching a line of functional chocolate ingredients, which would allow manufacturers to improve the health profile of their products though the addition of omega-3 and fibre.

Unilever drops hoodia

Unilever is severing a multi-million euro arrangement with UK-based hoodia supplier, Phytopharm, after concluding the South African plant extract did not meet both safety and efficacy requirements.

Magnesium may be key to calcium’s cancer benefits: study

The anti-colon cancer effects of calcium may be linked to magnesium levels, suggesting a need for both minerals in reducing the risk of the disease, says a new study.

Weekly comment

Tackling obesity is no fair-weather game

The long shadow cast by obesity over public health means that encouraging healthier eating should be high on the agenda of every food firm, come financial rain or shine.

Blackcurrant compounds target Alzheimer’s progression

Armed with a ₤60 million war chest from the Scottish government, researchers in Aberdeen are aiming to slow the progress of Alzheimer’ with bioactive compounds from blackcurrants.

Naturex has grape expectations

French supplier Naturex is aiming the grape extract it acquired in January to the energy drinks market and shunning the traditional heart health marketing that accompanies antioxidants.

We need to talk about nanofoods, says UK group

UK-based Leatherhead Food International (LFI) has formed a focus group to foster industry-government communication about the use of nanotechnology in foods, beverages and “pharmafoods”.

Dispatches from HIE

Exclusive: EFSA speaks!...on gold standards; article 13,14; 2010 deadline

At HIE in Paris, NutraIngredients gained an exclusive interview with EFSA's chief health claim assessor, Professor Albert Flynn. EFSA has copped a lot of flak for its gold standard scientific approach, but Professor Flynn said his agency would not be changing tack.

French look past food grain for biofuels: the next generation

French authorities are set to amend their reliance on food crop use for biofuel production, a new report claims, amidst industry concerns over the impact of alterative fuel on commodity prices.

In search of probiotics' oral potential

UK-based Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is seeking commercial interest for a research project that will explore the potential of probiotics to deliver oral health benefits.

News in brief

DSM tests casein in foods and supplements

DSM research has demonstrated strong consumer interest in its hydrolysed casein ingredient, InsuVital, in the diabetes field of blood glucose control.

Ministers on board with ‘Southampton six’ phase-out

UK ministers have agreed with a Food Standards Agency proposal on voluntary phasing out of the ‘Southampton six’ food colours by the end of 2009, according the agency’s chief executive.

Hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure: researchers

Drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults, according to new research presented to the American Heart Association (AHA).

New Zealand opens up mineral water fluoride debate

Added-fluoride bottled water may soon be hitting chillers and shelves across New Zealand and Australia as authorities debates whether to bring their national formulation regulations inline with those of markets like the US.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

HIE round-up: quality, not quantity

As the stands came down on day three in Paris, NutraIngredients.com canvassed industry opinion about Europe's marquee healthy nutrients event, Health Ingredients Europe. Had it been affected by the financial crisis and impact of new EU regulations?

News in brief

Cognis launches new beverage concepts

Privately owned German ingredients giant, Cognis, used the Health Ingredients Europe show in Paris to launch a range of health benefit-backed beverage concepts ranging from natural carotenoids to lutein esters.

The pros and cons of antioxidant claims

Stephen Daniells canvases views on the use of the term 'antioxidant' and whether the industry is storing up future problems by over-egging their potential.

Brain link to mother’s high fat diet and offspring’s obesity: Rat study

A high fat diet during pregnancy may bring about changes in the offsring’s brain that makes them more prone to over-eating and obesity throughout their lives, according to a new rat study that may help explain the rise in childhood obesity.

Chr Hansen taking control in Eastern cultures push

Chr Hansen says that inauguration of a new legal entity within Romania is far from just a cosmetic change to their expansion plans and will offer greater control in the development and sale of its dairy cultures.

Vitamins E and C not OK for CVD

Vitamin E and C do not prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) this week.

Codex drops gold standard approach

The World Health Organization’s food supplements regulation guideline body, Codex, has broadened its definition of what can be considered worthy scientific evidence to back health claims.

Energy drinks still buzzing in Europe

Category fatigue that has blighted other segments of the beverage industry such as bottled water and carbonated drinks, is not affecting energy drinks which continue to draw in more and more users.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Ocean Spray launches all-natural cranberry puree

Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group (ITG) has introduced an additive-free cranberry puree for use in both sweet and savoury applications, including fruit fillings and glazes for baked goods.

Weekly comment

Beijing Olympic Games clean-up a dirty business

This year’s Beijing Olympic Games may have been good for China’s public image but the smooth running of the event was built on multiple state-prompted sacrifices and the food ingredients industry was one of the lambs that copped it in the neck for ‘the greater good’.

Convenience driving Western European juice boost - analyst

Fruit loving western Europeans are increasingly turning to beverages like juices, smoothies and nectars in their hunt for a more convenient health kick as regional sales of the products were up by 1.6 per cent last year to €23 billion, says new findings.

News in brief

Whey fortification 2008 conference programme announced

The full programme has been announced for the two-day Whey Fortification 2008 conference taking place in Amsterdam from 2 to 4 December.

Overcoming nutrigenomic obstacles

A Dutch researcher has found the world is not yet ready for nutrigenomics, with many unanswered questions existing around an idea that promises to match nutrition with genetics.

News in brief

Herbs directive is failing, delegation tells EC

The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) and the Irish Association of Health Stores (IAHS) have told senior EC officials the Traditional Medicinal Herbal Medicines Directive (THMPD) needs amending.

B vitamins may protect over-65s from cancer, says study

A daily supplement of B vitamins may reduce the risk of breast cancer and other invasive cancers in women over the age of 65, according to a new study from the US.

Milk facing soybean innovation battle

The dairy industry will have to step up to the challenge of matching ongoing developments in soybeans as a replacement for a number of milk-based products and ingredients, according to one New Zealand dairy supplier.

Chr Hansen sees results of tight focus

Chr Hansen has reported a year of strong growth in 2007/8, putting it in a strong position to expand in the life sciences arena, and in particular health and nutrition.

Probiotic may prevent respiratory illnesses: study

The bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 may protect intubated, critically-ill patients from pneumonia, suggests a small Swedish study.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Dow launches ingredient for reduced fat absorption

Dow introduced a new weight management ingredient at Health Ingredients Europe this week, which it claims has been shown to block the absorption of saturated and trans-fats in pre-clinical trials.

Pycnogenol eases jet lag, new study

A new study indicates that Pycnogenol, a flavonol derived from French maritime pine bark, can reduce jet lag in passengers taking long haul flights.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

DSM’s TensGuard receives top innovation prize at HIE

The champagne corks have been popping at DSM’s booth at HIE, as the company celebrated TensGuard winning the show’s gold award for most innovative new health ingredient.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe (HIE)

Don’t shoot the messenger, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will not moderate its ‘gold standard’ approach to health claims and should not be criticised for doing so, according to the chair of its claims assessment panel.

News in brief

C&E extends deadline for whole grain abstract submissions

Cereals and Europe has extended the deadline for receiving submissions of abstracts for the Whole Grain Global Summit meeting in Spring 2009 to November 7th.

Multivitamins and minerals help children's brain function: study

Daily supplements of multivitamins and minerals may improve the brain function of children, says a new study from British and Australian researchers.

Disptaches from HiE

Fortitech fortification initiative targets underdeveloped markets

Fortitech is coordinating its efforts to provide nutritional premixes to malnourished populations, through targeted partnerships in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Disptaches from HiE

HIE opens its doors - to reveal new ingredients

As Health Ingredients Europe opens its doors in Paris today, we preview some of the new launches we have heard about in advance.

Synergy flavour engineering boosts sports nutrition taste

Meeting the taste challenge for protein-based sports nutrition products, flavour and ingredients firm Synergy has teamed up with protein parent company Carbery to delve deeper into flavour engineering.

FSA reassess drink and chocolate caffeine pregnancy stance

The UK-based Food Standard’s Agency (FSA) has revaluated its guidance on the recommended caffeine intake for pregnant women in a variety of products such as coffee, tea, cola drinks and even plain chocolate over health concerns.

Palm oil groups aim to ship sustainability to Europe

The palm oil industry is claiming a major triumph in terms of sustainability ahead of an incoming shipment of the product to Europe next week, which is seen by some as a milestone for ethical sourcing.

News in brief

European backing for US food label

A new nutrition label launched in the US will make it easier for consumers to make better food and drink choices, according to the Brussels based, Choices International Foundation, a global, cross industry initiative to promote healthier eating.

Prebiotic oligofructose passes safety test: study

Consumption of the prebiotic fibre oligofructose at a dietary level of almost 10 per cent is safe, according to a new Anglo-American study.

Weekly comment

A menu for American food policy

At the time of writing, the US is poised to go to the polls. The next two days are going to be hugely exciting. And when it’s all over, after the victor gets some well-earned rest… he’ll rub his sleepy eyes and ask: ‘What’s for breakfast?'.

EFSA ok's cholesterol lowering claim

Benecol has joined its main competitor, Unilever-owned plant sterol-based, functional food range, Flora pro.activ, in having a cholesterol-lowering health claim approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Price volatility setting back lactose and whey value - report

While the availability of whey and lactose products continue to climb during 2008, price volatility has managed to hamper hikes in profitability of the segment as manufacturers hunt for cheaper ingredients, says a new report.

Artificial gut to measure GI levels

Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has commercialised a technology that will allow companies to determine the Glycaemic Index (GI) value of a food.

News in brief

HFMA BAGs new service

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has launched a new service to provide its members with access to a range of experts to provide advice on “practical answers to thorny, business-related issues.”