Maternal & infant health

Global collaborative research project to bolster early-life microbiome knowledge

27-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Global nutrition and research leaders have joined forces in a public-private partnership to develop a novel integrated in-vitro, ex-vivo and AI research model which is hoped to have huge implications for the infant nutrition industry.

Study: Fucosylated HMOs may improve infant cognitive development, whilst sialyated types may not

21-Mar-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new study analysing the HMO contents of breastmilk during the infant’s first 12-weeks of life, observes that greater intakes of fucosylated types correlated with higher scores for executive function at age three.

Whole egg consumption promotes growth and gut microbiota in young children - Thailand RCT

20-Mar-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Prolonged whole egg supplementation has been found to positively impact adolescent growth by promoting HDL-cholesterol and health-promoting bacteria growth, according to a study on Thai rural children.

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.

Probiotics support glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women, meta-analysis finds

16-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A new meta-analysis has found supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum may be a promising prevention and therapeutic strategy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

Gut microbiome, menopause, and healthy ageing in the spotlight at Positive Nutrition Summit 2023

10-Mar-2023 By Flora Southey

How is gut health, menopause, and healthy ageing shaping food innovation? Join us at FoodNavigator’s Positive Nutrition Summit to find out.

Study: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supports growth in juvenile mice

08-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supports nutrition optimisation through the improved absorption of amino acids, in both its pro- and postbiotic form, according to a new study in mice, creating opportunities for innovation within children’s growth and healthy...

Fish oil intake did not benefit body composition of obese women's newborns – NZ trial

06-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A trial conducted on pregnant women who are obese or overweight showed that taking fish oil did not benefit their babies’ body composition.

Insights from Probiota 2023

VIDEO: New discoveries and opportunities in HMO supplementation

03-Mar-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

New research into human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) is revealing exciting new opportunities to target specific health concerns within babies and the older population.

Study links anaemia in adults to magnesium deficiency

02-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A study involving data from 13,423 adults concludes that magnesium deficiency is closely related to a higher rate of anaemia occurrence, especially among women and older Americans.

Prebiotic supplementation could benefit gut microbiota of pregnant women – China RCT

23-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Prebiotics could improve the composition of gut microbiota in pregnant women, but did not show robust effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, a new RCT has reported.

Study: α-lac-enriched or CGMP-reduced low-protein formulas offer closer profile to breastmilk 

22-Feb-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Infants fed low-protein formulas which are α-lac-enriched or casein glycomacropeptide-reduced can achieve weight gain and metabolic profiles closer to that of breastfed (BF) infants, new Arla Foods Ingredients-funded research concludes.

Faster pregnancy: Probiotics, myo-inositol, micronutrients intake quickens conception in overweight women – 12-months trial

21-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A year long trial showed that the daily intake of a supplement containing probiotics, myo-inositol, and micronutrients could shorten the time needed for overweight women to conceive.

Salmonella: Lactalis criminally charged in France over infant formula recall

20-Feb-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The French dairy group was under investigation over a five-year-old case when babies were diagnosed with salmonellosis after consuming Lactalis products.

Insights from Probiota 2023

Chr. Hansen hints at future synbiotic production following significant research findings

10-Feb-2023 By Olivia Brown

Adam Baker, director of science at Chr. Hansen, discussed recent in-house clinical trials observing an amplified response following administration of probiotics with HMOs, compared with pre- or probiotics given alone, at Probiota last week.

‘The voluntary code is not working’: Experts call for an end to the ‘exploitative marketing’ used by the baby formula milk industry

08-Feb-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Formula milk marketing tactics are exploitative, and regulations need to be urgently strengthened and properly implemented, according to a new three paper series published in The Lancet.

NutraCast: Seed on synbiotics for kids and predictions for gut microbiome research

03-Feb-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Infancy is commonly recognized as a critical time period for microbiota to colonize the gut. And when it comes to adults, it seems there is a new probiotic launched everyday. But what about those in the middle? What do we know about the gut microbiomes...

Multi-nutrient supplement encourages weight loss and fertility in mice, study finds

31-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Mice that received an obesity-inducing western diet (WD) had increased reproductive success when supplemented with a ‘Fertility Enhancer’ (FE) supplement containing antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, PUFAs and amino acids.

Offspring obesity: review stresses “urgent need” to address maternal vitamin D deficiencies

30-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A recent literature review highlights collated evidence that maternal low vitamin D (VD) levels may result in abnormal growth of the offspring, as well as disordered lipid and glucose metabolism disorders.

Prenatal folic acid may lower risk of obesity among children born small for gestational age

25-Jan-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of obesity among children born small for gestational age (SGA) by the time they are pre-schoolers, a new study reports.

L. salivarius probiotic modulates vaginal microbiome to improve fertility, research concludes

17-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Administration of the probiotic L. salivarius CECT 30632 for six months led to modulation of the vaginal microbiome and improved fertility health, according to a study involving 74 women.

Clinicians should consider “trade-offs” in prevention strategies for birth defects, say researchers

11-Jan-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Advice on maternal supplementation to prevent birth defects (BDs) should consider the teratogenic effects of multivitamins (MVs) and adverse effects of excess folic acid (FA), according to Chinese research.

Med diet associated with big reduction of some pregnancy issues, study finds

09-Jan-2023 By Hank Schultz

A new study using data from a large cohort has linked the Mediterranean diet to fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Omega-3 supplements may be ‘most efficient’ way to support neonatal development, researchers say

09-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Supplements of omega-3 raise blood levels of the fatty acids for both pregnant mothers and their babies via the umbilical cord, according to a new prospective cohort study.

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.

Research: Green environment associated with increased breastmilk HMO diversity

06-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The 'greenness' of a mother's environment impacts the HMO composition in her breastmilk, according to a newly published study of Finnish breastfeeding women.

Meta-analysis: NAC has potential to improve fertility in PCOS

06-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Supplementation with the powerful antioxidant NAC (N-acetylcysteine) has the potential to contribute to a better function of the reproductive system in women with PCOS, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in 'British...

Vegan baby formula: Exploring the plant-based potential in ‘one of the most strictly regulated’ categories

22-Dec-2022 By Flora Southey

Why does bovine milk dominate the infant formula category, when plant-based is booming in adult nutrition? FoodNavigator speaks with lawyer Jessica Burt from Mills & Reeve, as well as brands Aptamil and Sprout Organic to discuss the plant-based potential...

Breast milk may indirectly influence infant microbiome: Study

22-Dec-2022 By Olivia Brown

There was a significantly greater correlation of milk microbiota with infant short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in breastfeeding group compared to mixed feeding group, a new cohort study observes.

‘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…

Maternal probiotic intake boosts infant health via breastmilk

07-Dec-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Maternal consumption of probiotics during lactation can improve infant health through maintenance of immune homeostasis and modulation of immune responses, according to research.

Study: Dietary inflammation may increase postpartum depression risk by up to 50%

30-Nov-2022 By Olivia Brown

Transitioning from a pro- to an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) by nearly 50%, according to a recently published cross-sectional study.

LC40 probiotic significantly reduces gastrointestinal infections in C-section infants

29-Nov-2022 By Asia Sherman

A probiotic isolated from human breast milk may reduce gastrointestinal infections in infants born by Cesarean section by up to 73%, according to recent review published in the Frontiers in Pediatrics journal.

Sugar strategy: Cutting sugar-sweetened beverage intake helps lower BMI in schoolchildren – China RCT

29-Nov-2022 By Hui Ling Dang

Lowering the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) while increasing parental and school health advice could help reduce childhood weight gain, according to a new study from China.

Raise haemoglobin expectation in preterm babies to reduce health risks, say researchers

28-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Clinicians should raise the expected value of neonatal haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations when assessing the risk of neuro-behavioural abnormalities from early anaemia in pre-term, very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, say scientists.

IPAWC + Probiota 2023: Early bird discount ends this week!

24-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The Early Bird discount for the 2023 IPA World Congress + Probiota will expire on Friday, 25th November, so book now to ensure your spot at the leading event for the global microbiome modulation community.

Industry association called to action: Time to prove food is not enough

23-Nov-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

Relying on a varied diet to provide all the nutrients your body needs is simply not realistic in today's society and the industry needs data to prove this, industry advocates agreed during the Food Supplements Europe event last Friday (Nov 18).

The NutraIngredients Awards are back! Submit your entries!

21-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

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

Iron supplements may improve clinical outcomes in pregnant women: Study

21-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) should be considered in clinical management of pregnant women with thalassemia (blood disorder) to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes, say researchers.

Diet impacts risk of maternal mastitis, say researchers

17-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Dietary intake of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can lower the risk of developing postpartum subclinical mastitis (SCM), according to research.

NutraWomen Wednesday: Joni Hanson Davis, CEO & founder of Beli

16-Nov-2022 By Danielle Masterson

After a successful career leading Fortune 500 companies and tech startups to IPO, Joni Hanson Davis founded a femtech company to address the growing infertility crisis with Beli prenatal vitamins for him and her.

Next gen probiotics? Nestle’s latest study finds novel B. longum bacteria in infants in weaning period

16-Nov-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Three novel groups of Bifidobacterium longum have been found to grow in numbers when infants are introduced to solid foods during the weaning period, said a new study from Nestle.

IPAWC + Probiota 2023: Early bird discount expires this month

08-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

From the phage opportunity to microbiome modulation for athletic performance, the science around HMOs, synbiotic mechanisms of action, and the gut-brain axis, the upcoming IPA World Congress + Probiota is not to be missed.

Scientific Frontiers abstract deadline extended for IPA World Congress + Probiota

03-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The deadline for submissions for the Scientific Frontiers session at the upcoming IPA World Congress + Probiota has been extended to 11 November 2022!

IPA World Congress + Probiota: Nestle, Unilever & Abbott among first wave of speakers

01-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Today we can reveal the first wave of speakers confirmed for the IPA World Congress + Probiota, the must-attend conference bridging the business and science of microbiome modulation for human health.

Probiotics may improve post-partum gut, metabolic health in women with gestational diabetes

31-Oct-2022 By Gary Scattergood

Probiotics supplementation can improve post-partum metabolic outcomes and the gut microbiota in women with a history of gestational diabetes, say researchers in Malaysia.

Deadline for entry is 4 November 2022!

Got groundbreaking microbiome-related research to shout about? Probiota wants to hear from you!

26-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Are you researching the latest state-of-the-art developments related to prebiotic, probiotic and microbiome science relevant to human health, well-being, consumers and industry? If so, we would like to hear from you!

Calling all Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Microbiome start-ups!

Probiota Pioneers: Deadline approaching for microbiome-related start-ups

25-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients is on the hunt for entrepreneurial consumer-facing, science- or technology-based start-ups to join our Probiota Pioneers session and present their company in Barcelona.

Synbiotics and PCOS: Supplementation linked to improved sexual function and fertility in patients - RCT

25-Oct-2022 By Gary Scattergood

The administration of probiotics and prebiotics may improve sexual function and fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a double-blind, randomised clinical trial has conducted.