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.
US researchers have reported that the herb Echinacea, commonly used
against colds, could stimulate the growth of certain gut bacteria,
some potentially pathogenic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Korean company Cell Biotech is establishing operations in Denmark
to expand use of its dual-coated probiotics in Europe market -
particularly in new, non-dairy food categories.
Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are
at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and could benefit from
supplements to avoid the health problems associated with not
getting enough of the vitamin.
Probiotics are stepping out of yoghurts and into other food
categories, as companies develop new techniques to counter
stability and survivability issues that have previously stymied
innovation.
With the cold season well and truly upon us, it seems that Brits
are turning to herbal remedies in a bid to stave off the sniffles.
Both Boots and the National Association of Healthfood Stores this
week reported an increase in sales...
Swedish biotech BioGaia has signed an exclusive agreement with a
major OTC and pharmaceutical company for the distribution of
probiotic tablets and oral health products in Indonesia.
A daily supplement of konjac glucomannan to a low-fibre diet
boosted lactic acid bacteria and colonic fermentation, and promoted
defecation frequency, says a new study from Taiwan.
The relative resistance marketers have faced trying to push
probiotic ingredients in the US, when compared with Europe, could
be solved via another market: fermented vegetables.
New Zealand's HortResearch is conducting research aimed at taking
fruit and fruit-derived ingredients into the next generation of gut
health drinks based on their prebiotic properties.
A daily supplement of the prebiotic oligofructose significantly
improved the intestinal health of young children in day care, and
cut the number of bacterial infections and illness episodes, says
new research from France.
Danisco is introducing a new addition to its Howru probiotics line,
which it says was seen in the first of a series of
condition-specific studies to help restore the beneficial bacteria
in the human gut after taking antibiotics.
Swedish biotech BioGaia has signed a new agreement with Ewopharma
to distribute its probiotic drops and tablets in a number of new
markets in Central Eastern Europe.
Vitamin A supplements could reduce the levels of a marker for
inflammation by 30 per cent, says a randomized intervention study
with Mexican children, a result that adds to the benefits of the
vitamin, particularly among the young.
Cosucra's change of direction from sugar into the healthy inulin
and oligofructose market looks to be paying off, as the Belgian
company is recognised by Frost and Sullivan for its growth in the
European fibre market.
Danisco Cultures is ploughing research and innovation efforts into
studying the health promoting properties of its strains - a shrewd
move not only because of the impending EU health and nutrition
claims regulation but also since...
Over a third of US respondents in a recent survey said they don't
know if they have consumed products enriched for gastrointenstinal
health in the past 6 months, indicating more awareness is still
needed on this side of the Atlantic.
Milk produced by transgenic goats is seen to shore up protective
intestinal bacteria against illness, thanks to the antibacterial
action of an enzyme found in human breast milk; if the findings
hold true for humans it could help prevent...
Lifeway Foods is acquiring Helios Nutrition, its main competitor in
cultured dairy beverages in a bid to increase its organic presence
and reinforce its position at the top of the sector.
BioReal has been given the green light to market its AstaREAL L-10
for supplements in Europe, after the astaxanthin was found to be
substantially equivalent to other sources on the market under
novels foods legislation.
Adding inulin to grapefruit extracts could reduce any detrimental
effects of the extracts on microflora while still being accessible
to provide other possible health benefits, suggests an animal
study.
A newly identified enzyme can break down gluten molecules before
they reach the small intestine, Dutch researchers have shown, and
may offer hope for the management of coeliac disease using oral
supplements.
Cargill has developed a new fiber-rich ingredient that resembles a
rice crisp, targeting food makers' needs for pleasingly textured,
taste-free fiber ingredients in mainstream foods.
Adding fiber to beverages, dairy products and soups is a major
focus for ingredients giant National Starch, which is featuring a
water soluble fiber product at the ongoing IFT food expo in
Orlando.
The strategy of demonstrating the potential of new technology with
an own-brand launch in order to garner interest from major industry
players seems to be paying off for Provexis, which has progressed
with global licensing discussions...
Institut Rosell has obtained more evidence that its Lacidofil
probiotic, composed of two strains of live lactic acid bacteria,
may help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
when used in conjunction with conventional...
A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and the flavonoid quercitrin
may work to reduce inflammation in the large intestine associated
with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says an animal study
from Spain.
Increasing intake of foods with a functional partially hydrolysed
guar gum (PHGG) ingredient could reduce gut inflammation by over 20
per cent, according to a Japanese study with mice.
BioReal Sweden's (formerly AstaReal) has harvested its first crop
of astaxanthin-producing microalgae from its new bioreactors, after
almost doubling capacity in order to meet rising demand from Japan.
Biohit Oyj, the Finnish company behind a cysteine chewing gum
unveiled this week that could help reduce the risk of oral cancer
in smokers and drinkers, is looking for partners to help realise
the full potential of its technology...
Swiss biotech company Lonza has announced the latest move to expand
its nutritional ingredients portfolio, with the acquisition of the
larch arabinogalactan assets of US firm Larex Inc.
A double-blind clinical trial of Zila's Ester-C has added more
support to the tolerability of the supplement; more support to the
company's tolerance claims.
People who eat a diet high in fibre have significantly lower levels
of a protein that is associated with inflammation, diabetes and
heart disease, say scientists, giving yet more support for
high-fibre diets.
France's Danone has announced a three-year licence with US-based
Integrated Genomics for access to the ERGO database and genomic
discovery system to enhance the group's probiotic understanding and
R&D.
The momentum behind the roll out of BioGaia's Reuteri to
international markets shows no sign of slowing, with the
announcement of a new agreement with Ferring Pharmaceuticals to
sell the drops in Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic...
BioGaia's patented Reuteri drops are set to start making an
appearance in pharmacies and drug stores in Great Britain and
Ireland this year, through a newly announced exclusive license
agreement with Forest Laboratories UK.
Seeka Kiwifruit Industries, New Zealand's largest kiwifuit supply
company, says it is to extend its business portfolio into the
nutraceutical world by investing further in health supplements
business Vital Foods.
A raft of new agreements and some positive study results have
helped BioGaia to report promising results for full year 2005, in
which it edged SEK 8.1m (€0.86m) closer to the point where accounts
turn from red to black.
Contrary to earlier reports, saw palmetto, the extract from the
berries of a dwarf palm tree, has no effect on non-cancerous
prostate swellings, claims that have been called "puzzling" by a
leading herbal expert.
The first consumer product containing a probiotic strain derived
from human milk by Puleva Biotech has launched in Spain, and the
company hopes it may find a home in other foods for infants and
adults.
Proliant Health and Biologicals has reported positive results in a
company trial aimed at reducing symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) and improving quality of life of sufferers using its
ImmunLin supplement.
Insoluble fiber, from wholegrains, is currently enjoying more
attention from consumers and the food industry than soluble fiber,
but interest in the soluble variety is rising fast, according to
Frost and Sullivan.
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