Cognitive function

Whole fruit vitamin C boosts mood, energy

14-Oct-2020 By Danielle Masterson

A New Zealand study found that vitamin C has a positive impact on feelings of vitality.

Ashwagandha’s sleep benefits to extend to people with insomnia: RCT

12-Oct-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A root extract of Ashwagandha may help manage insomnia, with a new study from India reporting that the botanical may improve sleep quality and mental alertness in subjects with and without insomnia.

Almond-rich, low carb diet can reduce depression risk in diabetics, says RCT

06-Oct-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A low-carb diet which is also rich in almond consumption could reduce depression and glycometabolism in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) thanks to the diet's impact on the gut microbiota, according to a newly published RCT.

Study asks, ‘Could faecal transplants slow down age-related cognitive decline?’

06-Oct-2020 By Will Chu

Faecal Microbial Transplants (FMT) could preserve or even improve cognitive function say European researchers as they point to microbe-based approaches as a way of improving quality of life in the elderly.

Krill oil versus fish oil: Small RCT shows EPA elevated with krill intake

06-Oct-2020 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of krill oil or fish oil has varying effects on the lipid profile of an individual, with a small RCT showing that krill oil can lead to higher eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients introduces Biotis SleepWell

05-Oct-2020 By Jim Cornall

FrieslandCampina Ingredients has announced the launch of Biotis SleepWell, the first concept to be unveiled within the Brain Health Benefit Solutions of the company’s new Biotis brand.

Global survey: Obtaining genetic information comes down to trust

28-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Analyzing genomic data across populations is key to understanding the role of genetic factors in health and disease. However, the outcome is only as good as the data people are willing to share.

Curcumin and fish oil offer cognitive boost but no synergistic benefit

25-Sep-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Regular supplementation with either curcumin or fish oil can improve mood and memory but they do not offer synergistic benefits, according to a 16 week intervention trial.

Recall round-up: CBD oil, infant formula & salmon oil + vit D3 supplement

25-Sep-2020 By Will Chu

After the Summer recess, NutraIngredients returns for its monthly recall round-up, where September brings news of food alerts involving CBD oils, children’s food supplements and fish oil-based capsules.

PEA supplement the next big thing in eSports, says Gencor

23-Sep-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplement matches the efficacy of ibuprofen for reducing pain severity and duration of headaches creating an exciting opportunity within the eSports category, says Gencor.

Astaxanthin-tocotrienol intake improves composite and verbal memory: BGG Japan-funded 12-week study

23-Sep-2020 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of astaxanthin and tocotrienol has been shown to improve composite and verbal memory in individuals who have exhibited mild forgetfulness, according to an RCT sponsored by BGG Japan.

Resveratrol reduces pain, improves quality of life for menopausal women: Study

22-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Swiss biotech firm Evolva has released their fourth and final installment on Resveratrol Supporting Healthy Aging in Women (RESHAW), with the last clinical study focusing on pain perception, menopausal symptoms and overall well-being.

Eevia Health’s distribution deal expands botanical range to France and Belgium

18-Sep-2020 By Will Chu

Eevia Health Oy and Natural Functional Ingredients’ new distribution deal looks set to expand availability of the firm’s active nutrients such as polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, and beta-glucans.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2020 winners revealed

04-Sep-2020 By Gary Scattergood

The winners of the 2020 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards have been announced via a live online broadcast, where the region’s brightest and best products, ingredients and projects were revealed.

Beyond the buzz: How to succeed in the ‘high-risk market’ for nootropics

03-Sep-2020 By Katy Askew

Demand for food and beverage products that boost mood, memory, focus and energy is said to be soaring. However, food consultant Julian Mellentin warns that food innovators should tread lightly: “It's a high-risk market and many entrepreneurs are...

Herbal supplements had another stellar year in 2019 with 8.6% sales growth, ABC report says

02-Sep-2020 By Hank Schultz

Herbal supplements continued the strong growth they have enjoyed for over the past decade by notching an 8.6% sales gain in 2019, according to the American Botanical Council.

Palm fruit ingredient smooths flavor notes, adds nutrition in coffee pairing

01-Sep-2020 By Hank Schultz

A new functional food offering shows how an ingredient can do double duty as a food additive as well as a dietary ingredient packing a powerful phytochemical punch.

Elysium launches supplement aimed at slowing brain atrophy

31-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

Elysium Health has launched a new brain health supplement based on research done at the University of Oxford. The supplement, called Matter, pairs a high dose suite of B vitamins with specially formulated omega-3s from fish oil.

Experts review the evidence for omega-3s for cognitive decline, sarcopenia, critically ill patients, and more

26-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

“Overall, the entirety of the evidence supports use of DHA and EPA in a range of medical conditions,” writes an expert panel convened by DSM Nutritional Products.

Nordavind and Bodylab signs nutrition-focused esports deal

25-Aug-2020 By Will Chu

Professional esports organisation Nordavind have revealed details of a collaboration with sports nutrition firm Bodylab in a deal to develop products designed to optimise esporting performance.

CBD narcotic status to have ‘dramatic repercussions,’ on hemp industry, warns French consortium

24-Aug-2020 By Will Chu

France’s hemp industry is urging the European Commission (EC) to reconsider cannabidiol’s (CBD) classification to a narcotic pointing to the ‘dramatic repercussions,’ the decision will have on the sector.

Aronia extract shows potential for psychomotor benefits: Study

21-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

An extract from aronia berries may improve psychomotor speed, compared to placebo, suggests a new study from Europe.

Rhodiola there to support consumers' upcoming transitions

19-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

Rhodiola is one of the ingredients that stands to benefit from the need on the part of consumers to find new modes of living after the world finally comes out of the protracted pandemic, experts say.

CBD for mood: Going green to ease the blues

19-Aug-2020 By Danielle Masterson

During these unprecedented times, many are undergoing a great amount of stress, leading many to seek out natural products to manage stress and boost their mood.

‘Ground-breaking research’: Micromicellar formulation boosts carotenoid bioavailability in RCT

19-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Using a micromicellar formulation of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin led to significantly higher increases in serum levels of the carotenoids, compared to other formulations, says a new study from Ireland.

Stress management supplements sales surge with sleep and adaptogen lines leading the way

18-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Sales of stress management supplements, which includes mood support and sleep products, have increased over 35% year-on-year, according to data provided by SPINS.

Curcumin plus iron combination may boost levels of key brain health marker: RCT

14-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of curcumin and ferrous sulphate may boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been described as an important neurotrophic factor participating in memory and learning.

Mango leaf extract shows wide-ranging brain benefits

13-Aug-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A single dose of the mango leaf extract Zynamite can boost a wide range of brain functions for at least five hours, according to a new double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study.

Eating fish protects brains from air pollution, study suggests

12-Aug-2020 By Oliver Morrison

Older women who eat more than one-to-two servings a week of baked or broiled fish or shellfish may consume enough omega-3 fatty acids to counteract the effects of air pollution on the brain, according to a new study.

Calanus oil supplements effective for Omega-3 Index increases

11-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with calanus oil from copepods can increase the Omega-3 Index in healthy older adults, says a new study from Germany that supports the absorption of this omega-3 source.

Two trials support GABA’s cognitive health benefits for healthy adults

10-Aug-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) may boost a range of cognitive measures, including memory and spatial cognitive function, according to two new studies from Japan.

Review hints at CBD’s performance enhancing qualities as EC decision awaits

10-Aug-2020 By Will Chu

Cannabidiol (CBD) may have its uses as a performance-enhancer in sports after a review outlines the compound’s role in reducing inflammation and anxiety as well as increasing the quality of sleep.

Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract may ease migraine discomfort: Study

06-Aug-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Millions of Americans suffer from migraines, with the World Health Organization (WHO) pointing out that they are one of the top 10 most disabling medical conditions. Common migraine symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, as well as sensitivity to light...

Single dose of blueberry polyphenols boosts cognitive performance in middle aged adults

05-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

A study has found a single dose of blueberry polyphenols can improve markers of metabolic function and cognitive performance in a cohort of middle aged adults.

Guest article

New Dietary Ingredients: Will FDA protect consumers from pirates and piggybackers?

05-Aug-2020 By Steve Mister, President & CEO, Council for Responsible Nutrition

Why is it so hard to get FDA to enforce the law when it comes to NDIs?

Caffeine content of supplements enough to exceed safe levels, report concludes

03-Aug-2020 By Will Chu

Consumption of certain food supplements is likely to exceed safe levels of caffeine, according to a report by The Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

News in Brief

Sabinsa gets non GMO seal on 11 ingredients

29-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa has announced Non GMO Projected verified status on a number of its branded ingredients.

Magnolia compound outperforms drug in cognitive impairment trial done in mice

28-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

Researchers have found a compound extracted from magnolia bark outperformed a drug in a study using a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Staying alert: enXtra botanical improves alertness without cardio or sleep side-effects - 12-week RCT

28-Jul-2020 By Tingmin Koe

An ingredient made from alpinia galanga – a plant from the ginger family – has shown to increase mental alertness and sleep quality without causing side effects such as cardiovascular problems in a 12-week RCT.

Cognition boost: Curcumin and iron combination raises neuro growth factor BDNF in six-week study

28-Jul-2020 By Tingmin Koe

Consuming a curcumin-enriched iron supplement for six weeks is able to significantly raise the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for normal neuronal function and energy homeostasis, as well as being linked to improved...

‘For those saying there are no clinical trials to support probiotics, have a seat’ – IPA Chief

27-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

There are over 1,600 human clinical trials on probiotics listed in ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO’s trial database, according to a new analysis that seeks to address the misconception that there is no human data around probiotics.

Editor's Spotlight: Startup Focus

Immunity startup creates high dose vitamin drinks for rapid recovery

27-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

An entrepreneur with a passion for preventative health has created immunity supplements with up to ten times more vitamins than competitors, with an extra punch of polyphenols, in a bid to bring more healthful solutions to cold and flu aisles.

Polyphenol & omega-3 supplement may boost brain health in young kids: Study

24-Jul-2020 By Will Chu

A supplement containing cocoa polyphenols and omega 3 oils may have sizable benefits for children as noted improvements to brain function and nutritional status could tackle childhood undernutrition.

Ashwagandha extract cuts amount of non-restorative sleep: RCT

23-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden) may reduce the amount of nonrestorative sleep experienced by healthy adults, says data from a gold-standard randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Omega-3s linked to protection against brain damage from particulates exposure

20-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

A novel finding connecting omega-3 levels to protection from cellular damage in the brain caused by fine particulates that might be inhaled adds a new wrinkle in the story of the benefits of these fatty acids, says one of the paper's authors.

New patent for NZMP infant nutrition ingredients allows cognitive development claims

20-Jul-2020 By Jim Cornall

NZMP, the global dairy ingredients brand of Fonterra, has announced a European patent has been granted allowing NZMP customers the ability to position their products as beneficial for cognitive development.

Pickled caper flavonoid offers brain and heart health promise

20-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Quercetin, found in pickled capers, can support brain and heart health and may even offer a promising future therapy for the treatment of epilepsy and abnormal heart rhythms, according to new research.

Synbiotic supplement fails to show significant effects in ADHD trial

17-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

A synbiotic mixture with four probiotics and four prebiotic fibers did not show significant effects on ameliorating ADHD symptoms in a trial conducted with children and adults.

3D-printed supplements: Nourished taps vitamin deficiency in Middle East to expand personalised nutrition business

16-Jul-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

UK-based personalised nutrition company Nourished is eyeing the high vitamin deficiency levels in the Middle East region as an opportunity to expand its operations across the region.

UK cannabinoid industry spots opportunity as EC considers reclassifying CBD a narcotic

15-Jul-2020 By Oliver Morrison

The UK could be set to emerge as a global leader in the research and development of CBD as a food ingredient after the news that the European Commission has postponed the Novel Food applications of non-synthetic CBD products as it decides whether to class...