All news articles for December 2007

Immunity and digestion drives kids nutrition, omega-3 remains small

Omega-3 added to products will remain a niche market in kids' foods for the following year unless it is really pushed by a large food company or given a recommended daily intake level, a report has said.

More support for omega-3 and weight management

As we head into the festive season, and the inevitable over-indulgence, researchers from Japan have reported that omega-3-rich fish oil could reduce body weight gain by boosting fat metabolism - in mice at least.

Unilever and Raisio sign patent peace deal

An agreement has been reached between Raisio and Unilever to grant non-exclusive global rights to a number of plant sterol and stanol patents - a move which will allow both companies to develop their business and applications and not worry about infringements.

Dietary fibre linked to better lung function

Increased intake of dietary fibre, from both cereal and fruit sources, could boost lung health, and may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a new study.

FSA shapes healthy consumers of the future

The UK Food Standards Agency has published a framework of core skills and knowledge to teach children and young people to make healthy food choices.

Maternal omega-3 consumption boosts offspring's coordination

Increased intake of the omega-3 DHA during pregnancy could produce improved motor function in the offspring in later life, suggests a new study from the Netherlands.

Study supports pomegranate extract's safety

An ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract is safe and effective in enhancing the antioxidant profile in humans, scientists have reported.

Think big, think nano

In an exclusive interview, Professor Niels Christian Nielsen, winner of this year's Danisco Award, shared his thoughts with Stephen Daniells on the rise of nanotechnology and gave insight on this fascinating new area of the food industry.

Organic certificate boosts fucoidan appeal

Marinova has been handed an organic certificate for its fucoidan seaweed extract, which the company says makes it the only certified extract of its kind on the market.

Cranberry not just for Christmas

Cranberry is no longer just for Christmas as growth in consumer demand has helped the little red berry find its way into some 900 brand new products this year - a staggering rise from the 2006 position of 54 launches, according to Mintel.

Whey encapsulation highlights 2007

Whey protein is increasingly hitting the mainstream. This year saw numerous studies published exploring the potential of the ingredient to encapsulate value-added ingredients. Here, FoodNavigator reviews the progress from 2007.

EFSA names botanicals to be assessed

A draft document on how to assess the safety of botanicals for use in food and food supplements has been released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Follow-on formula escapes advert ban

Campaigners at Baby Milk Action have threatened a judicial review over a ruling that a television advert on SMA formula was not misleading and did not discourage mothers from breastfeeding.

Excess folate worsens B12 deficiency effects: study

The effects of vitamin B12 deficiency may be exacerbated by too much folate, suggests a new study from Tufts University.

Meta-analysis adds weight to soy's bone benefits

Increased soy isoflavone consumption from dietary or supplemental sources for six months can boost bone mineral density in the spine by almost one gram in menopausal women, according to a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials.

Meta-analysis supports fibre for uterus cancer protection

For every five grams of dietary fibre per 1000 calories, women may reduce their risk of endometrial cancer by over 20 per cent, suggests a new meta-analysis.

EFSA budget swells amid increasing industry innovation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) agreed at last week's management board meeting that next year's budget, set by the European Union, is sufficient to align to the growing legislative demands without losing focus elsewhere.

Isoflavones may stop benign breast lumps: study

The potential benefits of soy isoflavones for breast health may extend beyond malignant tumours, as a new study suggests a lower incidence of benign breast cysts.

Turkey is ripe for supplements, BI Nutraceuticals says

BI Nutraceuticals is seeking to tap potential for its ingredients for supplements in a high-potential emerging market by signing a deal which will see its ingredients available in Turkey.

Chr Hansen strengthens probiotics with Medipharm buy

Chr Hansen has signed a conditional agreement to buy Swedish Arla Foods' subsidiary Medipharm, a deal which will strengthen the Danish firm's probiotic activities.

Nutritional ingredient launch 2007 round-up

Industry has notched-up another busy year in the ingredient making warehouse for supplements and health foods. Launches over the past 12 months have included high-dose omega-3 eggs, ash tree extracts and flavanols in chocolate. Here, NutraIngredients.com takes a look back at some of those innovations…

Moderate beer intake may cut Alzheimer's risk: study

The silicon content of beer may protect against the deleterious effects of aluminium on brain health, suggests a new study with mice from Spain.

Irish government backs Glanbia's innovation aims

Glanbia has received government support to expand its R&D capabilities in Ireland, as the company moves to step up its focus on innovation within dairy processing.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

India presents new opportunities for supplement firms

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has teamed up with Ranbaxy and Aristo Pharmaceuticals to distribute supplements based on a probiotic bacteria, which will see it become available in the massive Indian market for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Green tea extracts may stop Parkinson's: study

The antioxidant effects of green tea polyphenols may protect neurons against the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), thereby offering potential benefits for Parkinson's, says new research from China.

Hibiscus extracts show extra potential as colourant powders

Freeze-dried extracts from hibiscus stabilised by trehalose or maltodextrin can provide colourants for a range of food applications with superior stability, report researchers from Thailand.

More relevant research needed for antioxidants, says expert

Antioxidants should be the focus of more relevant research, especially for the high doses used in dietary supplements, according to an editorial in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

Chr Hansen aims probiotics at kids and adults in the Baltics

A probiotic supplement aimed at both adults and children has been entered into the Baltic market by Chr Hansen.

Doctors say no concern for folic acid fortification

Two scientific papers which have raised question marks over the safety of fortifying flour with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in pregnancies provide no concern, UK doctors have said.

Omega-3 shows benefits for fat loss in diabetics

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could reduce fat mass in diabetics, as well as improving blood lipid levels associated with the formation of arterial plaque, suggests a new study from France.

Naturis seeks phytosterol permission for dairy

Naturis has asked the Food Standards Agency to approve the use of phytosterols - which have been linked to having a positive effect on lowering cholesterol - from soya bean seeds.

Nutrient source SOS fired by NAHS

The National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) has launched an industry plea to help save scores of vitamins and minerals which run the risk of being slapped with a negative opinion by the European Food Safety Authority.

L-carnitine linked to better mental function in the very old

Supplements of L-carnitine improved total muscle mass and boosted cognitive performance among a group of centenarians in Italy, reports a new study.

Draft guidance will improve botanical safety

Draft guidance on safety assessment of botanicals for use in supplements and those botanicals that should be prioritised for safety assessment is expected from EFSA this month.

Vitamin D dose study adds weight to intake increases

Doses of vitamin D3 of 2,000 International Units (IU) - the current tolerable upper intake level (UL) in Europe and the US - are needed to ensure blood levels of the vitamin amongst post-menopausal African-American women, says a new study.

Maximum levels should not be based on RDA, group says

A petition will today be handed to the Minister for Health in Ireland against a proposal to base the maximum levels for vitamins and minerals on recommended daily allowances - a concept which has been criticised as being 40 years out-of-date.

Study backs isoflavones safety rep for blood clotting

Isoflavones from soy, despite having weak oestrogenic activity, do not adversely affect blood clotting function, says a new study from Brazil.

Cholesterol-busting Benecol enters Ecuador

Raisio has signed an agreement to see its branded cholesterol lowering ingredient enter the Ecuadorian market in yoghurt - a move it says will take advantage of great market potential.

FSANZ invites comments on new ingredient proposals

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand is mulling a new slate of changes to its food code, including several proposals for several new ingredients and processing aids to be allowed in the countries.

Cranberry supply is good, Lallemand says

Lallemand Health Ingredients (LHI) has said there is no risk of a cranberry shortage next year, and has dispelled fears of a poor harvest and predicted supply shortages in 2008.

The carbon cost of Christmas

As Christmas draws closer, spare a thought for… the environment. Researchers from the UK have calculated that the carbon footprint of all the Christmas dinners eaten in the UK this year will be the same as driving around the world 6000 times!

Med diet linked to longer life - study

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fish, may reduce the risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease, says a new US study.

Analysis questions calcium's benefits for fractures

Placing all the eggs in one basket and relying on calcium supplements alone to protect against fractures in old age may be inefficient, according to a new review by Harvard researchers.

Enzymotec's CardiaBeat delves deeper into Europe

Israeli's Enzymotec has said its CardiaBeat heart health ingredient will be available in supplements in Slovakia from the beginning of next year.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

Nutrient profiling on schedule for next month

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said it is considering using an "across the board" approach when it comes to drawing up the model for nutrient profiling, a step which has been met with more criticism in an already controversial area.

Plant compounds for cancer shine at conference

Active compounds from plants - such as polyphenols and antioxidants - played an important role at a cancer research conference held in the US last week, with research on the clinical potential behind the ingredients being pushed forward.

Pilot study supports raspberry potential for oesophageal cancer

Freeze-dried black raspberries have received a new boost for their role in preventing oesophageal cancer, with a pilot human study reporting a reduction of oxidative stress in patients with condition Barrett's oesophagus.

Sugary drinks linked to Alzheimer's, says study

Researchers in the US have found that mice given a sugar solution as part of their daily diets showed increased signs of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The personal touch will drive supplement growth

Manufacturers need to get a grip on understanding their consumers in order to improve growth in the supplement market, according to a report.

Probiotic whey shots from Chr Hansen

A probiotic concept for whey drinks from Chr Hansen will help meet consumer demand for healthy foods and is also claimed by the firm to be the first of a kind aimed at drinkable whey shots.

Health-conscious Asia delivers for Ocean Spray ingredients

Ocean Spray has reported huge growth in sales of cranberry ingredients to the Asia-Pacific market in the past 12 months, as health-conscious are tuning in to the red berry's health benefits.

Soy-equol study may lead to better ingredient selection

The bioavailability of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein, and metabolism of the latter to form equol, is higher after soymilk consumption than soy germ, says a new study.

Folate may reduce depression symptoms for men, says study

Increased intake of folate may reduce the incidence of depression amongst by 50 per cent, suggests a new study of over 500 Japanese subjects.

Innovation is in the supplement market driving seat

Innovation is one of the biggest driving forces in the supplement market and unique products are one way to get ahead in a competitive market place, a report has said.

B vitamins vital before conception: study

Mothers with low B vitamin levels before conceiving tend to have fatter male offspring at greater risk of high blood pressure, suggests new research with sheep.

Bisphenol A in infant formula at 'dangerous' levels, says group

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health, according to new research published yesterday by a US environmental group

Carotenoid-rich tomatoes linked to cholesterol cuts

Including tomato products such a sauce and juice into the everyday diet may cut LDL cholesterol levels by 13 per cent, says a new study from Finland.

New analysis reignites antioxidant efficacy debate

Positive results for vitamin E and beta-carotene from observational studies are continuing to be cited in the literature despite contradictory evidence from randomised trials, says a new analysis.

Burgundy builds science behind Devil's Claw ingredient

Burgundy's IridoForce ingredient may inhibit the activity of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) by 31 per cent, says a new study that adds to the joint health benefits of the ingredient.

Report shames aggressive infant nutrition marketing

A report has listed some 3,000 violations by a dozen infant nutrition companies who it says are breaking rules on marketing set by the World Health Assembly.

Honey beats medicine at curing coughs

New research from the US suggests that naturally occurring honey may ease coughs and respiratory illnesses in children more effectively than over the counter medicines.

Codex will look again at health claims science

Codex has agreed its draft rules on health claims needs further work following concerns over what evidence should be required for scientific substantiation.

Gadot launches low GI, tooth-friendly sweetener

Gadot Biochemical is introducing a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics because of its low glycemic index (GI), while also prolonging energy levels and avoiding tooth enamel erosion.

Indian herb's diabetes benefits gets study boost

Supplements of the Indian herbal Coccinia indica may reduce blood sugar levels by about 20 per cent, says a new study from India that adds to the Indian herb linked potential to aid diabetics.

Timing of antioxidants key to easing oxidative stress after meals

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods during meals reduces the oxidative stress associated with eating, says a new study that highlights the importance of timing for maximum health benefits.

Second Lonza vitamin B price hike

Lonza has said it will put up the price of vitamin B3 by as much as 17 per cent to fend off rising raw material costs.

EU law maze explored by EAS

A workshop is being held to help companies get to grips with Europe's complex regulatory process for food supplements, which will help clarify where EU-wide rules end and Member State laws begin.

Researchers picked to investigate novel ingredients from marine life

A consortium of research institutions that will help Ireland tap into its natural resources and identify novel marine food ingredients and products has been announced.

Maximum vitamin and minerals level model updated

A model which could be used to set the upper limits for minerals and vitamins under EU law has been updated by UK scientists to include more current data and categories for nutrients.

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