Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - Europe US edition

More evidence for tea's anticancer potential

Teas, both green and black, have potent anti-cancer effects against a wide range of tumours, says a new study led by the US Department of Agriculture that adds to an ever growing body of science behind the compounds.

Fish oil pills for mum may boost offspring's co-ordination

The infants of mothers who received fish oil supplements during pregnancy had improved hand-eye coordination, says a new study.

Christmas spice and all things nice

Christmas-time is closely associated with feasting on special foods and (dare we say it?) gross overindulgence that ends only after bells have rung in the New Year. But many of the seasonal treats we enjoy also have a healthy aspect. If eaten in the right quantities. And not smothered in cream…

Grim tidings for Japan functional drinks market

Functional and energy drinks in Japan are coming under pressure from perceived healthy options such as ready-to-drink teas, mineral water and tonic drinks, according to a recent report from Euromonitor International.

Magnesium pills could boost bone content in young girls

Daily magnesium supplements led to significantly increased bone mineral content in adolescent girls, and could lead to long-term protection from osteoporosis, suggests new research from Yale University School of Medicine.

Increased vitamin D may protect against multiple sclerosis

Higher levels of vitamin D in the body may reduce the risk of developing the neurological disease multiple sclerosis by as much as 62 per cent, Harvard researchers report.

Acquisitions: 2006 round-up

The year 2006 has seen notable expansions in the nutraceutical industry as companies made acquisitions based on their need for increased geographic scope or manufacturing capacity.

Christmas feature

Reindeer milk - not on Santa's list this year

In a year that has seen camel, sheep and donkey milk grab the headlines in turn, Mrs Rudolph and her chums neednt fear that theyre next to get the "other milk" treatment.

Tea polyphenols - antioxidants or prebiotics?

Polyphenols in tea may preferentially suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, but not the growth of 'friendly' bacteria, says a new study from Singapore.

Fruit, veg may halve men's kidney cancer risk

Consuming six or more portions of fruit and vegetables very day could halve the risk of kidney cancer in men, says an epidemiological study from Harvard University.

Dark chocolate beats fatigue, study

Further evidence of the health benefits of chocolate has come to light in a new study - giving manufacturers yet another route into the functional food niche.

Black cohosh same as placebo for hot flushes, says study

Hot flushes associated with the menopause are not helped by black cohosh supplements, say results from the largest and longest trial for the herb to date.

Protein-sugar combo could boost encapsulation stability

A protein-polysaccharide combination for stabilising water-in-oil-in-water emulsions could lead to customised double emulsions with differing release behaviours, German researchers report.

Ingredients launch round-up 2006

The industry's collective pipeline has delivered a raft of new ingredients for supplements and health foods this year. NutraIngredients.com take a look back at some of the new additions to formulators' tool kits.

Questions raised about Echinacea's effect on gut health

US researchers have reported that the herb Echinacea, commonly used against colds, could stimulate the growth of certain gut bacteria, some potentially pathogenic.

Low-fat diets cut breast cancer recurrence, says study

Cutting fat intake to 20 per cent of the daily total calories could reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by about 25 per cent, researchers from the US have reported.

Regulatory round-up 2006

The past 12 months have seen several important developments on the European regulatory scene, which will play a big role in shaping the supplements and health foods industries for the future.

Weekly Comment

Response and Responsibility

Bah, Humbug! It has been that kind of year in general for the food industry, and in particular for some major companies.

Vitamin K2 higher bioavailability than K1, say scientists

Vitamin K2 derived from the fermented soy product natto has a higher bioavailability than vitamin K1, results that may have implications for functional food formulators.

New glutathione source hails from Australia

A new source of gamma glutamyl cysteine, a precursor of powerful antioxidant glutathione for anti-ageing supplements and skin care products, is expected to become available in 2007, after nine years of research at Australia's University of New South Wales to develop a cost-effective production method.

Mergers and acquisitions round-up 2006

As 2006 draws to a close, NutraIngredients.com takes a look back at some of the mergers and acquisitions that have shaped the landscape over the last 12 months.

Vegetarianism link to higher IQ

Children with a higher IQ in childhood are more likely to be vegetarian in adult life, researchers report in the British Medical Journal.

Resveratrol could counter metabolic diseases, animal study

Resveratrol, the phenolic derivative found in red wine and certain plants, may play a role in protecting against diabetes and obesity, suggest the results of an animal study.

Food industry policy: Part I

Industry puts emphasis on self-regulation

The EU's food industry association yesterday set out its wish list for the coming year, calling for a raft of changes to current and proposed laws.

China pushes oligosaccharide use

China wants to boost consumption of the gut healthy carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, including the ingredient in next year's public health improvement programme.

Nestlé confirms Novartis Medical Nutrition buy

Swiss food giant Nestle has confirmed its plan to purchase Novartis Medical Nutrition for US$2.5bn - a move that propels it from a minor player in healthcare nutrition to the world number two.

False claims see Pomegreat juice ad dropped

An advert for pomegranate juice has been dropped in the UK after the country's advert watchdog ruled it made illegal medicinal claims.

Forbes, Carrefour confident over Reducol roll-out

Reducol could have a big impact on heart disease rates in France, say Forbes Medi-Tech and Carrefour, the supermarket giant that recently launched a range of yoghurt products containing the cholesterol-lowering ingredient.

Danisco trial tips probiotics into pain relief arena

Oral administration of Lactobacillous acidophilus NCFM has been seen to have an analgesic effect in the gut similar to that of morphine - a finding that opens up a new realm of applications for Danisco's probiotic strain.

Australian project to turn food waste into healthy ingredients

A new project was launched this week by Australian food researchers to tap bioactive compounds from agricultural and food industry waste for use in health-enhancing foods and nutraceuticals.

Sporty jelly beans give athletes a boost, study

Sweet manufacturers could find themselves tapping into the sporty potential of confectionery following research into the effects of functional jelly beans on athletes' performance.

Health claims publication - update

The new European health and nutrition claims regulation and food fortification regulation will enter into force in January 2007, as the EC decides not the wait for adoption of the comitology amendments.

Folic acid no good for weak hearts - and the rest of us?

Folic acid supplements have no effect on cardiovascular disease events amongst people with existing vascular disease, says a meta-analysis of 12 randomised control trials.

UK launches final consultation on folic acid fortification

The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched a final consultation into mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid - an action that coincides with publication of the SACN recommendation to press ahead with the measure.

Beta-glucan blunts insulin response after eating, says study

Consuming foods containing beta-glucan could reduce the insulin and glucose response after a meal, thereby easing a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, says a new study.

Orafti launches low sugar Beneo for feel-good foods

Orafti has announced the introduction of Beneo LGI, a virtually sugar-free inulin with multiple applications for healthier food formulation - including products with a low glycaemic index.

Vitamin E pills fails to slow cognitive decline in trial

Taking vitamin E supplements does not slow the natural cognitive decline associated with age in older women, says a new study from Harvard.

Health claims publication tabled for March/April

Publication of the new European health and nutrition claims and food fortification regulations has been delayed until next spring - a scenario that should affect nothing but the timescale for entering into force, although experts expect more amendments will be required.

Fish and whole grains linked to asthma protection

An increased consumption of whole grains and fish could reduce the risk of developing asthma by about 50 per cent, suggests a new study from The Netherlands.

Hidrox global launch based on Med diet, joint health

DSM Nutritional Products is expanding distribution of its olive-derived Hidrox ingredient to Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, aimed at foods related to the Mediterranean lifestyle and joint health supplements.

Weekly Comment

Trans Fats: A Farewell to Harm

There's no way but out for heart-damaging trans fatty acids, and procrastinators in the food industry will achieve nothing by delaying reformulation other than lagging behind in the game as the rest of the world waves goodbye.

Mechanism proposed for black cohosh menopause benefits

Scientists from the University of Illinois in Chicago have reported for the first time just how black cohosh may alleviate hot flushes in menopausal women - information previously lacking about the herb.

Enzymotec announces big R&D investment

Israeli ingredients manufacturer Enzymotec has unveiled a US$3.5m R&D budget for 2007 - a significantly higher investment than in previous years which is mostly earmarked for funding clinical trials.

Vitamin K may reverse artery hardening, suggests study

A high-dose vitamin K supplement reduced calcium precipitates associated with hardening of the arteries by 37 per cent in rats, scientists from The Netherlands have reported.

Shared experiences could help Asian regulatory harmonisation

As the regulatory landscape for supplements in Asia is shifting towards greater harmonisation, officials from around the globe can pool knowledge and learn from each others' systems, according to IADSA.

Can prebiotics protect probiotics during processing?

Using prebiotics as carriers could protect probiotics during processing and storage, as well imparting their own beneficial effects in the finished product, suggests new research from Finland.

Large food companies swayed by science

As the European functional foods market is growing, companies that have built their business out of the supplement sector are regarding it as a platform for increasing sales.

Western diet pattern linked to colorectal cancer risk

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, says new research from France.

Wool Equites' Canesis sale goes unconditional

New Zealand Wool Equities is has reached an unconditional agreement to sell its research, development and IP operation Canesis to state-owned Agresearch, leaving the holding company with nutraceutical company Keratec as its only major operation.

More support for coffee's anti-diabetes benefits

Drinking four or more cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 23 per cent, say American and Finnish researchers.

Omega-3, fibre, vitamin E linked to lower Lymphoma risk

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, beta-carotene and vitamin E appear to offer significant protection against non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a Swedish-Danish-American study.

Lipid Nutrition looks to food uses and geographical scope

Recently declared a separate entity from parent Loders Croklaan and with a new CEO at the helm, the Lipid Nutrition is aiming to grow sales volumes by making its products attractive for food uses and to extend geographically.

Low-protein diets could protect against cancer, says new study

Adhering to the recommended daily amount of protein may help protect against certain cancers that are not directly associated with obesity, says new research from the US.

LycoRed solves vitamin solubility for Neviot

LycoRed has said that it overcame a number of technical hurdles to enable Israeli's Neviot to enter the near-water category.

Retailer deals may boost NeutraHealth acquisition drive

NeutraHealth has signalled a return to form with a spate of new distribution deals for its TravelGuard product line that it is hoped will yield returns to enable new acquisitions in 2007.

Galenica to take Equazen into land-locked markets

Swiss pharma company Galenica is making its first foray into the omega-3 market with its acquisition of Equazen, a move that also marks further investment in the UK OTC market.

Garlic, onions may offer wide-ranging cancer protection

High intake of garlic and onions was associated with significantly reduced risks of a wide-range of cancers, according to a large epidemiological study from Italy.

FSA proposes additions to positive list

The UK's food standards agency has launched a consultation into the addition of calcium-L-methylfolate and ferrous bisglycinate to the positive list of vitamins and minerals.

Berkem talks science to take Svetol into foods

Berkem is promoting its coffee-derived Svetol ingredient for functional food uses, communicating positive clinical findings on weight loss that build on epidemiological data connecting the well-loved beverage to health benefits.

Could brown algae extract be novel prebiotic?

Chinese researchers have reported that alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have significant prebiotic activity in rats and, if the results can be reproduced in humans, could offer an novel source of the health promoting ingredients.

French heart patients not getting phytosterol message

People in France at a high risk of cardiovascular disease are not consuming phytosterol-enriched margarine, suggesting that marketers and health practitioners need to retarget their efforts, says a new study.

Expectant mothers may be at risk of vitamin A deficiency

Women expecting twins or their second child inside two years are at an increased risk of vitamin A deficiency and could benefit from beta-carotene supplementation, says a study based in Germany.

Novel oligosaccharides as sweeteners for food, beverages?

Scientists from Korea and Denmark have reported the synthesis of novel oligosaccharides with a relative sweetness of about 80 per cent that of sucrose, potentially offering formulators with an alternative sweetener source.

Galenica snaps up UK omega-3 leader Equazen

UK omega-3 company Equazen has been purchased by Swiss pharma company Galenica, a move that looks set to take the brand to new heights in the competitive global market - and free up its founder to focus on new research in the field.

BASF bags nutraceutical option on astaxanthin intermediary

BASF has signed a joint development and supply agreement with Cardex Pharmaceuticals to develop a process for a key intermediary similar to astaxanthin. If successful, it could open up a new area of human nutrition for the company.

Weekly Comment

Taking the junk out of junk food

The relationship between child and crisp has long been a sacred one but instead of exploiting this dynamic to shovel unhealthy food into young mouths isn't it about time healthier companies exploited it to push junk food without the junk?

Scientists develop low-level B12 test for beverages

Scientists from Reading Scientific Services have developed a method for quantifying vitamin B12 in beverages at lower levels than previously possible, which will enable manufacturers to give more accurate information on labels.

Antioxidant-rich almonds may help in blood sugar control

Almonds may improve the control of blood sugar levels and eliminate 'sugar spikes' after eating, says new research from Canada that may have implications for diabetes and heart health.

Industry proposes mussel extract registration by use

Suppliers of New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract are proposing to end confusion in the nutraceutical market with a registration procedure for intended use.

Beta-carotene may protect certain people against Alzheimer's

High levels of the carotenoid beta-carotene may protect cognitive decline in people with a certain genotype that is said to increase the risk of Alzheimer's, say researchers.

Royal Numico sells gluten-free food division

Royal Numico has sold its Coeliac business for an undisclosed amount to Italian firm Dr Schar.

Oligosaccharide identification may aid food and formula development

Researchers from Aglient Technologies and UC-Davis have developed a technique to enable the rapid analysis of oligosaccharides in individual samples human milk, which could prove a useful tool for the food and infant formula markets.

Soy and bone health: effective for women but not men?

Supplementation with a drink rich in soy isoflavones does significantly improve spine bone density in post-menopausal women, but the effects are not significant in men, says a new trial from the US.

Glanbia invests in Asian nutrition facility

Glanbia is stepping up its presence in Asia Pacific with the establishment of its first nutritionals facility in the region, which is likely to expand it company's activities from infant formula into vitamin and mineral premixes.

Ingredia builds science behind relaxing ingredient

A daily supplement of milk protein hydrolysate from Ingredia effectively reduced stress-related symptoms in women, says a new randomised controlled trial from France and Korea.