Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

Omega-3 plus glucosamine ‘superior’ for joint health: Study

Combining omega-3 fatty acids with glucosamine achieves better improvements in joint health than glucosamine alone, says a new study from Germany.

Inulin-gum mix creams up low-fat custard

A mixture of inulin and carrageenan may allow the formulation of low-fat custard formulations with a creamier texture than the full-fat versions, says a new study.

Weekly comment

Krill conflict could threaten omega-3 potential

The krill category and the science backing it are still emerging, but there are many who believe krill extracts have the potential to 'go big' in the healthy foods arena. Very big.

News in brief

C for cataracts – study raises concerns over vitamin and eye health

Increased intakes of vitamin C may increase the risk of developing cataracts in some elderly people, according to a new study.

Dairy beats soy for inflammation improvements: Study

A dairy-rich diet may reduce levels of inflammatory and oxidative markers in overweight and obese people, says a new study from the US.

UK issues herbals advertising guidance

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its final guidance together with its annual report on advertising traditional herbal medicines.

News in brief

DSM ‘process efficiencies’ reduce resveratrol cost

DSM Nutritional Products says ‘process efficiencies and technology optimisation’ are allowing cost reductions in its resVida resveratrol ingredients, along with economies of scale.

Chia EU novel foods approval beckons bread deals

The omega-3 and omega-6 laden ancient grain, chia, has had its European Union novel foods status confirmed for use in bread products.

Oxford study links DASH diet to lower blood pressure

A diet consisting of low fat dairy foods, wholegrains, and fruit and vegetables has been linked to lower blood pressure in the first British study of the DASH diet.

Irish dairy and academia unite over functional ingredients

Four major Irish dairy ingredient players and four academic institutions form the nexus of a new Irish initiative to develop functional food ingredients – Food for Health Ireland.

Diet rich in polypenols might delay onset of Alzheimer’s

A diet rich in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through the production of new brain cells and the strenghtening of neural networks, according to a new Spanish study.

News in brief

Nestle withdraws; Danone resubmits EU health claims

Nestlé has withdrawn two article 14 children's health claims from the EU nutrition and health claims process for Nestec products via the competent authority in France, NutraIngredients has learnt.

Gut study may aid more effective probiotic selection

A breakthrough in the understanding of how bacteria bind to the mucus layer protecting the gut lining could result in more effective probiotic design and selection.

Inside the Beneo Institute

The Sudzucker-owned Beneo Group established the Beneo Institute in late 2009 to give “new oxygen to a squeezed industry”, as Executive Board member, Yves Servotte, puts it, to a functional foods industry facing unprecedented regulatory and scientific challenges in Europe and abroad.

Food beats cosmetics and pharma to nutra frontiers

Food companies are showing far more interest in nutricosmetics and nutraceuticals than pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies, according to Bernstein Research.

Business opportunities in sustainable ingredients

Developing a sustainability strategy makes sense for food ingredients companies to ensure security of supply, to leverage brand opportunity in innovations, and to realise returns on investment in agriculture, says an Oxfam expert.

UK HFMA addresses regulatory threats

A UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) workshop held this week in London has highlighted innovation challenges facing a health products industry that is “under considerable threat” from regulatory changes.

News in brief

Cargill Chinese ARA JV near completion

The ARA production facility owned by Cargill Alking Bioengineering, the joint venture between Cargill and Chinese company, Alking Bioengineering, will begin production in 2010.

Salt reduction requires regulation, say researchers

Millions of deaths could be prevented each year if individuals consumed 5g less salt per day, concludes a new meta-analysis that calls for top-down regulations in addition to self-regulation by industry.

Herbal mint 'tea' could be effective pain reliever

An herbal mint tea is as effective at relieving pain as an aspirin-style drug, claims new research.

Supplement weakness dampens Cognis nutrition sales

Cognis has reported a 6.8 per cent decline in nutritional and health product revenue for the first 9 months of 2009 as the European market weakens and supplement sales slump.

EU grants second krill novel foods approval

Norwegian omega-3 supplier, JFM Sunile AS, has won European Union approval for its krill ingredient under novel foods substantial equivalence rules.

News in brief

Pakistan implements vitamins policy

Pakistan will announce a “vitamins policy” in December, according to Federal Health Minister Ejaz H Jakhrani.

Flaxseed oil cuts osteoporosis risk in diabetic, older women - study

Flaxseed oil may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women with diabetes and those who are post-menopausal, according to a new study.

Exclusive interview

Naturex president: acquisition policy remains unchanged

Naturex president and chief executive officer, Jacques Dikansky, tells Shane Starling why in August the French botanicals giant bought Spanish supplier, Natraceutical Group, to double its size for the third time since 2002.

News in brief

India to issue probiotic guidelines

The Indian government is aiming to establish guidelines for probiotic products by the January 2010, the Third India Probiotic Symposium in New Delhi has heard.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA issues positive iodine and iron health claim opinions

Iodine and iron have both been shown to benefit children’s development by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists under article 14 of the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation.

DSM launches new health drink premixes

DSM has unveiled a range of instant beverage premixes packed with nutrients to allow formulators to easily turn ordinary soft drinks into specific health products.

Frutarom results herald more acquisitions next year

Frutarom has reported a rise in net profit of 6.3 per cent to US$10m in the third quarter of this year and pledged to continue its acquisition strategy.

Chr Hansen adds Australian probiotic to portfolio

Leading probiotics supplier, Chr Hansen, has inked a deal with Australian start-up, Probiomics, that will see it distribute a strain initial trials indicate has immunity benefits.

Ocean Spray launches whole cranberries

Ocean Spray is now offering whole dried cranberries as ingredients, to help raise confectionery and snack products into the premium category.

Weekly comment

Food prices face a welcome perfect storm

There’s a perfect storm building for food prices. You don’t have to scan the horizon to see the signs; the clouds are developing all around us - at a faster rate than anyone expected.

News in brief

UK FSA announces post-merger reshuffle

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a reshuffle of personnel following its merger with the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), creating two senior job opportunities.

Resveratrol could prove HRT alternative, study

Treatment based on resveratrol could be a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women and could help prevent breast cancer, according to a new study.

Yeast ingredient shows promise for reducing airborne allergies

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate may improve allergy symptoms like runny nose, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Resistant starch may cut food intakes: Study

Adding resistant starch to breakfast and lunch meals may reduce the amount of calories consumed over a 24-hour period by about 10 per cent, says a new study.

Dispatches from FiE

Food sector at the forefront of sustainability, says Oxfam

Food and beverage manufacturers are driving sustainability in the supply chain, says an Oxfam specialist, but they face more risks in catering to demand for ethically-produced products than retailers.

EFSA expands on article 13.1 health claim methods

Health claims backed by studies carried out on non-healthy populations are capable of winning positive opinions according to an EFSA assessment of its own methods sent to the European Commission and member states and published this week.

News in brief

IADSA meeting to clarify Brazilian regulatory demands

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) is hosting a workshop in Brazil to discuss regulatory issues in the country and boost success

Food firms: cash number one barrier to innovation

More than one in two food and beverage businesses cite cash as the number one barrier to innovation, finds a survey of decision-makers.

Folic acid study misleads claims supplement industry

A recent study linking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements with higher risks of cancer is misleading, claim two trade associations representing dietary supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

Dispatches from FIE

Provexis enjoys fruits of health claims victory

Provexis chief executive officer, Stephen Moon tells Shane Starling why becoming the first company to achieve an article 13.5 proprietary health claim has been such a boon to his company.

Dispatches from FIE

Bailiffs confiscate Aker krill products at FIE

The ongoing feud between the world’s biggest krill oil suppliers, Neptune Technologies and Bioresources and Aker Biomarine, has intensified after Aker products and materials were cleared from its stand by a German bailiff at the Food Ingredients Europe (FIE) trade show in Frankfurt, Germany.

Exposure to nano titanium dioxide could up cancer risk, says study

There may be a potential risk of cancer and genetic disorders for individuals working with high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, according to US scientists.

News in brief

FSA announces GM steering group members

The FSA has named the group members of a steering group that will shape and manage forthcoming consumer dialogue work on genetic modification (GM) in food.

Folic acid supplements lift cancer risk: Study

UK and Australian food safety officials should pay particular attention to a new study linking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements with higher risks of cancer, according to the lead scientist who conducted the research at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

The changing face of omega-3 supply

The omega-3 marine-sourced supply chain is changing as the success of the ingredient attracts new players. Bjorn Refsum, managing director of leading supplier, EPAX and sales manager, Baldur Hjaltson, discuss how these changes are affecting the market with Shane Starling.

Heart-health benefits of omega-3s depend on how fish is cooked: Study

Baked or boiled fish delivers the heart-health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids more effectively than fried, salted or dried fish, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2009 at Orlando, Florida.

Selenium supplements linked to high cholesterol

Taking selenium supplements may increase cholesterol levels by as much as 10 per cent, according to a new study.

Probiotics intake beneficial against infections in kids: study

Lactobacillus GG (LGG) can decrease the risk of upper respiratory tract infections including rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis, and the common cold in children attending day care centres, claims a new study.

GAT Food Essentials wins functional food microencapsulation award

Microencapsulation specialist GAT Food Essentials has won the 2009 Frost & Sullivan European Functional Food & Beverage Microencapsulation Technology Innovation Award in recognition of its new water-in-oil-in-water technology.

Beneo Institute seeks to give functional foods “new oxygen”

The Beneo Group today launched the Beneo Institute – a new arm of its operation that will assist its customers innovate in increasingly complex and strict regulatory environments.

GM soybean oil increases omega-3 EPA in blood, says research

Research presented this week at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions quantified the impact of GM soybean oil on levels of omega-3 EPA in red blood cells.

Weekly comment

Alleviation of hunger should top CSR agenda

Climate change dominates the CSR agenda but new USDA figures on food insecurity are a sharp reminder that alleviating poverty and hunger should always be the top priority.

France: e-commerce and aging population to rescue sales for food supplements

Following years of robust double-digit growth, the market for food supplements in France could fall by 6 per cent this year, predicts market analyst Precepta.

Sterols do not affect antioxidant defences: Study

Dietary supplements of plant sterols do not adversely affect our antioxidant defences, says a new study which boosts the overall safety profile of this booming ingredient group.

Diet rich in sulfur amino acids may aid bowel healing

A higher intake of sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine following intestinal surgery might aid healthy intestinal recovery, claims a new study.

News in brief

Fortitech aims to develop Russian fortified foods market

Fortitech Europe said it has teamed up with distributor, KUK, to develop fortification opportunities with food and beverage manufacturers in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Calorie guidance could be too low, says SACN

Scientists advising the UK government have called for an increase in recommended energy requirement levels.

Naturex launches brain health botanical

French botanicals supplier Naturex has launched an American ginseng extract, which a yet-to-be-published clinical trial has indicated can boost short term brain health and preserve mental alertiveness.

White bean derived supplement may lower GI of bread

The glycemic index (GI) of foods could be reduced through the intake of a white bean derived dietary supplement, claims a new study.

Barry Callebaut profits grow as chocolate market shrinks

Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut has reported increased profits and sales volumes for the full 2008/09 fiscal year, despite shrinking global chocolate consumption.

Supplement ban may breach EU law, says ANH

The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) has warned the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that the proposed 2010 ban on certain vitamins and minerals contravenes EU law.

News in brief

Natreon and pharma firm team up for diabetes project

Supplement ingredient supplier Natreon said it has teamed up with the European pharmaceutical specialty company CM&D Pharma to form Puredel with the aim of delivering Ossulin, a new oral insulin product.

Gut microflora and obesity: Study highlights potential for pre-, probiotics

US researchers have successfully transferred gut bacteria from obese humans to germ-free mice, a breakthrough that will allow a more detailed study of the link between gut microflora and obesity.

Omega-3 emulsion could boost stability of functional drinks

Dairy and beverage manufacturers can incorporate long-chain omega-3 fatty acids into their products without compromising taste and stability with a new high concentration omega-3 emulsion, claims supplier Lipid Nutrition.

Opportunity remains in dairy bioactives despite departures

Some companies are abandoning research into dairy bioactive ingredients because of high costs and regulatory uncertainty but market growth is still expected to be high, according to new research.

The healthy immune health market

As swine flu continues to grab headlines around the world, interest in immune health has never been healthier. Stephen Daniells talks to Jay Udani from UCLA and CEO of Medicus Research about the science behind the growing immune health market.

Milk may boost iron uptake from fruit juices

Formulating iron-enriched fruit juices with milk may improve uptake of the mineral, suggests new research that offers a way of boosting iron intake for people at risk of deficiency.

Marine collagen big in Japan now going west

Chinese supplier Fenchem said its new collagen peptide extracted from fish scales, an ingredient used in the joint health food and drinks market in Japan, is aimed at food and supplement manufacturers in the US and Europe.

Low-fat better for mood than low-carb: Study

People who lost weight by following a low-calorie, low-fat regime saw longer term effects on mood than those who used a low-carb approach, report researchers in Australia – but whether its down to social chemical reasons remain unclear.

Sales success for new Danone bone health yoghurt

Early sales figures for Densia yoghurt suggest that Danone has found a winning niche in the bone health market.

Functional water sales grow strongly across Europe

Sales of functional waters are growing strongly in Europe aided by health concerns, clearer marketing, and advances in formulation, according to a new report from Zenith.

Congress must fund omega-3 DRI review, say groups

A consortium of trade, scientific and consumer groups has launched a campaign to establish an Institute of Medicine expert panel to establish dietary reference intakes (DRI) for EPA and DHA omega-3, and secure funding from Congress.

Bilberries may prevent artery hardening, boost heart health

Extracts from bilberry may prevent the build up of plaques in the arteries, preventing hardening of the blood vessels and boosting overall heart health, says a new study from France.

Nano curcumin could boost spice’s health benefits

Nano-sized curcumin capsules may boost the body’s uptake of the ingredient, and enhance its potential to prevent colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, suggests a new study from Japan.

Call for stricter monitoring of folic acid intake

A potential link between high folic acid intakes and increased risks of cancer can not be ruled out, according to scientists from an EFSA led scientific cooperation project who are calling for tighter monitoring.

Weekly comment

Life in a European health claims wasteland

Ka-CHING! Hear that? No it’s not the sound of overflowing cash registers as consumers throw endless wads of euros at scientifically-backed, healthy foods in greater numbers than ever before.

New NI lycopene targets beverages and bars

BASF is building the use of its nature identical lycopene by introducing a new cold-water dispersible version for use in beverages and food applications.

News in brief

Blood pressure management ingredient receives industry accolade

DSM’s lactotripeptide blood pressure management ingredient, tensVida, won the Outstanding Application in Nutraceuticals category at this year’s European Outsourcing Awards.

Green tea extracts may protect against oral cancer: Study

Extracts from green tea may prevent the formation of mouth cancers in people with risk signs of the disease, according to a new study from Texas.

Talking point

Are EU health claims dooming innovation – Your views

NutraIngredients asked its readers for their views on whether the EU health claims regulation is stifling innovation in Europe. And we received a lot of responses...

Carotenoid-rich broccoli could lead to better extracts

Careful conventional breeding of broccoli may boost the levels of antioxidants in the vegetable, especially lutein – a carotenoid linked to improved eye health.

NutraIngredients Health Claims 2010 conference

Where now for EU health claims? The NutraIngredients Health Claims 2010 conference will unpick the problematic and controversial regulation.

Ageing concerns to stimulate brain food market, report

Rising concerns over dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline means the brain health functional foods category should be set for strong growth over the next few years, claims a report looking at anti-ageing foods.

Threat of EU health claims legal challenge grows

Three of Europe’s largest food supplement and healthy product trade groups have issued a 17-page paper that lays out its many concerns with the scientific approach being taken by EFSA in regard to health claims.

Maternal folic acid – pregnancy stage may influence asthma risk

Taking folic acid supplements in late pregnancy may increase the infant’s risk of developing asthma, but supplementation in early pregnancy presents no such risk, says a new study from Australia.

Huge scope for anti-ageing ingredients, says new research

The global anti-ageing food market shows huge potential, with an increasing number, size and variety of companies registering an interest in moving into the sector, claims a new report.

Consumers and regulation demand scientifically backed beauty foods

A combination of consumer pressure and a regulation overhaul is set to drive a more scientifically substantiated beauty foods, drinks and supplements sector.

Acid-sensitive gum may fill you up for longer, cut snacking

A solution that forms a gel on entering the acidic environment of the stomach may suppress appetite and offer an interesting opportunity for the burgeoning weight management market.

Guest article

EHPM: health claim rules are flawed and killing innovation

The European Union health claims regulation is a good idea being badly implemented according the Peter van Doorn, the chairman of leading trade group, EHPM. The economic fall-out may lead to the regulation being dragged before the courts, he argues, in this exclusive guest article.

Lychee extract may trim waist fat: Study

An extract from lychees may reduce abdominal fat in people with metabolic syndrome, a lead to improvements in overall health, says a new study from Japan.

Dairy proteins again linked to blood pressure benefits

A combination of milk proteins may reduce salt-induced increases in blood pressure by about 10 mmHg, according to results of a rat study from Valio.

Bioscience brings growth for Chr Hansen

Chr Hansen’s refocus on bioscience over the last four years, and a pipeline of new products, has yielded yet another year of growth in both sales and profits that defies the economic downturn.

Wild seeks guidance to validate immune boosting claim

An ingredients manufacture said it is seeking additional information from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as to how it should proceed in terms of further studies following a rejection of its immune boosting claims for a beverage compound.

Walnut-rich diet may boost diabetic heart health

Daily consumption of walnuts, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may improve the health of blood vessels, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease, says a new study from Yale.

‘Lumpy micro-rods’ to enrich and structure food foams

Simple micro-rods made from food grade polymers can not only stabilise food foams, but also encapsulate bioactive ingredients for added value, suggests a new study supported by Unilever.

DSM contracts suspended in China

DSM has said that it intends to look for new partners in China for its nutritional products and anti-infectives, after its contracts with North China Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (NCPC) were suspended.

Low vitamin D again linked to higher mortality

Low blood levels of vitamin D have again been linked to lower survival in the elderly – a study which strengthens calls to confirm if vitamin D supplements could offer protection.

Side effects of supplement intake focus of French project

With increasing dietary intake of food supplements in France, a government programme to monitor their consumption and any undesirable side effects arising from their use is underway.

Weekly comment

Clinical trials are EFSA’s fool’s gold

There’s gold to be found in them health claims mountains, but prospectors from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) must be happy with the little chunks that add up to a lot, and stop searching for nuggets the size of your fist.

News in brief

Multivitamins may cut food allergy in children: Study

Daily supplements of multivitamins do not have any effect on allergic disease in eight year old children, says a new study from Sweden.

Folic acid shows benefits for diabetic heart health

Supplements of folic acid may reverse the detrimental changes in blood vessel health associated with diabetes, according to results of a new mouse study from Hong Kong.

Paper proving source of antioxidants for Swiss firm

A Swiss company extracting what it claims are antioxidant polyphenols from pulp and paper processing waste is to scale up the project to offer the product as a functional food ingredient.

Processed food could have role in depression, says study

People reporting a high consumption of processed foods could be more likely to experience depression in middle age, says a new study that suggests food should play a greater role in preventing depressive disorders.