Cognitive function

Under-represented plants with antioxidant properties highlighted in new review

27-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A recent review has explored several lesser-researched plant sources of antioxidants which could be beneficial in supporting cognitive health.

Age-related declines in verbal fluency improve with alpha-linoleic acid, study suggests

24-Mar-2023 By Olivia Brown

A randomised control trial (RCT) reports that following the administration of flaxseed oil containing high amounts of alpha linoleic acid (ALA), scores for verbal fluency were significantly improved in the older adults, when compared to the control group....

Meet the ‘smart gaming nutrition’ start-up feeding newbies and eSports pros

22-Mar-2023 By Flora Southey

From milkshakes to energy bites, gummies and ‘functional sprays’, German start-up Just Legends has gamers’ specific nutritional needs covered, CEO and co-founder Ole Schaumberg tells FoodNavigator.

NutraIngredients Awards 2023: Finalists announced!

22-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Our panel of expert judges have had their say and the NutraIngredients Awards 2023 finalists can now be revealed.

Bifidobacterium probiotic may incur “remarkable” benefits to infant gut, study finds

17-Mar-2023 By Olivia Brown

The randomised control trial notes that frequency of defecation and watery stools reduced following supplementation with B. infantis M-63 in infants up until three months of age, compared to the placebo group.

Science shorts: Latest findings from Maeil, Yili, Meiji

17-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research from regional dairy firms in Asia-Pacific, namely South Korea’s Maeil, China’s Yili, and Japan’s Meiji.

Review highlights probiotics as adjuvant treatment in cognitive decline

15-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Probiotic supplementation may be an affordable and safe adjuvant treatment option for cognitivie decline management in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis.

Synbiotic improves inflammation in ADHD-medicated children, study finds

09-Mar-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new randomised controlled trial notes a significant reduction in markers of inflammation in children taking medication for ADHD, whilst SCFA levels were shown to increase, following administration with a synbiotic composed of lactic acid bacteria and...

Vit D and dementia study: experts question cause and effect

08-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Experts have responded to a new study claiming vitamin D may be a potential agent for dementia prevention, saying cause and effect is still unknown.

Daily vitamins could prevent the onset of cognitive impairment, new data reports

03-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A multivitamin with folic acid, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and CoQ10 may slow cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in the elderly.

Review assesses neuroprotective qualities of polyphenols

01-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Free radicals in phytochemicals are noted for their neuroprotective actions but the clinical effectiveness of antioxidants in ischemic stroke is still unknown, a review has concluded.

Review assesses how trace mineral optimisation can mitigate anxiety disorder

28-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A new narrative review discusses the importance of optimising intake of specific trace minerals for the mitigation of anxiety disorders and preservation of mental health.

Vit E an effective aid for sleep in postmenopausal women, study concludes

27-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Researchers have concluded that vitamin E offers potential as an alternative treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in postmenopausal women as new data suggests it can improve sleep quality, thereby reducing sedative drug use.

Low vitamin D levels associated with post- stroke depression, review suggests

23-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature observes that significantly lower levels of circulating vitamin D were found in those suffering from post-stroke depression (PSD), when compared to those who were not.

Insights from Probiota 2023

Probiotics paving their way into synergistic mental health treatment

20-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A significant number of clinical studies into the gut-brain axis are providing exciting data on the potential stand-alone and synergistic benefits of probiotics with traditional medications.

Lion’s Mane and the brain: Study identifies new compounds in ‘smart mushroom’

17-Feb-2023 By Asia Sherman

Novel compounds found in the Lion’s Mane mushroom may improve memory and boost brain cell growth, according to a new study led by the Queensland Brain Institute.

‘Rocky time’ for CBD industry leads to casualties in ‘good brands’

16-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

An elite-athlete turned CBD supplement brand founder has described the ‘rocky’ road travelled in this fast-evolving market but says he ultimately looks forward to an ‘extremely exciting’ future.

Potential for CBD to treat traumatic brain injuries, review concludes

15-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

Cannabidiol (CBD) shows strong potential for its inclusion in clinical treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with mechanisms of action including the mediation of the cellular and biochemical changes associated with the injuries, a recent literature...

Brains and brawn? Beta-alanine may support cognitive function for older adults

14-Feb-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Ten weeks of supplementation with beta-alanine may improve cognitive function in older adults with below normal scores, says a new study from Israel.

Review calls for more studies on cinnamon and cognitive function

13-Feb-2023 By Asia Sherman

Cinnamon and its bioactive compounds may support brain function and slow cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases, suggests a new review published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.

Balanced protein-rich diet found to benefit cognition, scientists observe

10-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

Following the identification of dietary patterns from a cohort of Japanese older adults, cognitive function was significantly higher in the protein balanced (PB) group compared to the high carbohydrate (HC) group, a new cross-sectional study finds.

Build consumer confidence: Better info needed to meet stress and gut-brain health concerns – Nutiani

09-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Consumers are seeking holistic nutrition support as they become increasingly aware of the relationship between stress, sleep and gut health, although barriers to purchase remain to be overcome, according to a new report by Fonterra’s nutrition brand,...

Sustainability at sea: Grontvedt launches ‘unique’ brand of cetoleic acid-rich omega-3 oil

08-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

Sustainable marine products producer Grontvedt has launched a new brand of Norwegian Herring fish oil, completely smell- and taste-free, and rich in cetoleic acid, with immediate processing from “fish to oil in 30 minutes”.

Study highlights role of gut microbiota in brain aging

03-Feb-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Specific members of the gut microbiota are associated with cognitive performance and mental function in middle-aged and older people, says a new study.

Protein and cognition: Increased intake in older age linked with reduced risk of impairment – China data

01-Feb-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Increasing protein intake appears to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older age, while an extreme decline in animal-based protein consumption is linked with a 48% increase, new data from a long-term China study suggests.

5 take-aways we learned during our Business Leaders Forum

27-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

From 2022 sales numbers to consumer enthusiasm remaining high, and from progress with equality and diversity in the industry to the growth in awareness around the importance of the microbiome for health, there were lots of talking points from our 3rd...

Sold out! IPA World Congress + Probiota in Barcelona sets new records

27-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

The upcoming IPA World Congress + Probiota is officially sold out. The event, which will take place 6-8 February, will bring together over 450 delegates in Barcelona.

Evonik launches targeted synbiotic solutions 'In Vivo Biotics'

27-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Evonik Industries has launched a new line of synbiotics under the brand 'In Vivo Biotics' to cater to key consumer health concerns including beauty-from-within, mental health, and gluten intolerance.

Startup developing next-gen psychobiotics takes centre stage at Probiota

25-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Entrepreneurs developing next-gen CRISPR-engineered microbiome therapeutics for cognitive health will present their business to gut health experts at NI's Probiota event next month (Feb 6-8).

Anthocyanins may be protective against neurodegeneration: Review

23-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A recent literature review observed that via the gut-brain axis, anthocyanins and their gut-derived metabolites may exhibit a protective effect on the nervous system to neurodegenerative diseases.

The emerging opportunity for microbiome modulation to improve sleep

19-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Consumers are increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of not getting enough sleep, and emerging links between the gut microbiota and sleep present opportunities for pre-, pro-, and postbiotics in the booming natural sleep aid category.

Study: Açai powder improves cognition and insulin sensitivity in obese mice

19-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Açai powder supplementation may reduce the effects of a high-fat diet on peripheral insulin resistance and improve cognitive behavior, according to a study from Brazilian researchers.

BioActor acquisition brings new product potential for Solabia

19-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Solabia looks set to grow their current active ingredient range after obtaining a majority stake in BioActor, a leading innovator in extracted polyphenol production from fruits and plants with clinically proven health benefits.

DSM builds algal portfolio to help meet the growing demand for omega-3

18-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

DSM is expanding its algal omega-3 portfolio, driven by a gradual convergence in prices between fish and algal oil, and a focus on sustainability.

Report highlights key considerations when designing clinical sleep studies

17-Jan-2023 By Danielle Masterson

As the sleep category continues to witness growth, the Vedic Lifesciences wants to steer supplement manufacturers and functional ingredient suppliers in the right direction by breaking down trends, claims, ingredients and more.

Heights introduces Smart Probiotic into growing braincare category

11-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Braincare startup Heights has added a second product, a bundle of tried-and-true probiotic strains to support mood, stress response, immunity and gut health all at once.

Review lays out evidence for nutritional approaches to support neurotransmitter production

10-Jan-2023 By Hank Schultz

Research continues to build the nutritional toolbox that can be accessed to help improve psychiatric outcomes by boosting the production of various neurotransmitters, a new review asserts.

7 Reasons to Enter the NutraIngredients Awards!

09-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

The 2023 NutraIngredients Awards are back with new categories but the same commitment to honour the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in food supplements and functional food & beverage.

Carotenoids for cognition: study suggests link between intake and brain health

06-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

It was observed that better performances in cognitive function tests were associated with increased dietary intakes of α-Carotene and β-Carotene, in a new cross-sectional study utilising elderly participants from the Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Neuroprotective effects of blueberries extend beyond antioxidant activity

05-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

New research examines the neuroprotective effects of blueberries with results suggesting the fruit plays a vital role in neuronal protection beyond antioxidant activity.

Poor sleep may worsen sarcopenia by disrupting gut microbiome

04-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Poor sleep quality may aggravate the age-related decline in muscle mass by altering bacteria in the gut, according to a recent review published by the Oxford University Press in the journal Sleep.

Dementia risk impacted by vitamin D status, study concludes

04-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Those with a vitamin D deficiency were found to have a greater risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), in a new cohort study, but no link was found with vitamins A, E or beta-carotene.

Polyphenols for the mind: review stresses “urgent need for more precise microbiome sequencing”

03-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new review observes that polyphenols influence the gut microbiota by shifting populations to beneficial strains, thereby influencing the microbial metabolites produced and influencing the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis.

Probiotic may boost cognitive function in healthy older people: RCT

03-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with Bifidobacterium longum BB68S may improve measures of cognitive function, including memory and attention, in older people, says a new study.

Iron supplementation ‘is beneficial for intelligence’: Meta-analysis

21-Dec-2022 By Olivia Brown

Iron intake was shown to have a positive effect on intelligence scores in children and adolescents from low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), in a new meta-analysis and systematic review.

Vitamin D status should be explored to reduce anxiety, improve mental health

20-Dec-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Limited dietary intake of vitamin D and minimal sun exposure increases the risk of clinically significant anxiety symptoms in young women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to research on college students.

AIDP’s Magtein boosted memory scores in study on healthy adults

15-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new study has shown that AIDP’s Magtein magnesium ingredient boosted memory scores in a cohort of healthy Chinese adults.

Guest Article: Issues and challenges for omega-3s in 2022

12-Dec-2022 By Ellen Schutt, Executive Director, GOED

While 2022 may be categorized as the year the world returned to somewhat normalcy, the last 12 months still held their share of challenges, and for omega-3s, questions remain about how the market will change in 2023.

‘Probably the best event in the probiotic field’: 7 reasons to attend the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2023

12-Dec-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The IPA World Congress + Probiota 2023 is two months away! The leading event for the probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiome community is a must-attend event, and let us tell you why…

Study findings: "The good, the bad and the ugly"

09-Dec-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

There is "room for the improvement" of design, analysis and reporting of nutrition studies, researchers have concluded following a meta-epidemiological analysis of more than 2,000 studies.