Women's health

Yeast beta-glucan shows benefits for stressed women

08-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may help stressed women stay healthy by reducing coughs and colds, says a new study.

Isoflavone supplements may reduce breast cancer risk

07-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Women taking supplements containing isoflavones may have a lower risk of breast cancer, with high content supplements consistently linked with reduced risk, says a new analysis from Canada.

$Calcium plus vitamin D may slash hip fracture rates: WHI data$

Calcium plus vitamin D may slash hip fracture rates: WHI data

06-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the rate of hip fracture by almost 40%, says a new analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Heineken’s Finnish arm claims EU first with stevia-sweetened booze

06-Feb-2013 By Ben BOUCKLEY

Heineken’s Finnish business Hartwall claims to have launched the EU’s first alcoholic beverage sweetened with stevia onto the nation’s market this month in the form of a ‘light long’ RTD.

Special edition: Innovations in minerals

Ironing out the issues: Can new research solutions help beat global iron deficiency?

24-Jan-2013 By Nathan Gray

The health issues associated with low levels of iron are many and varied. In this special edition article NutraIngredients looks at the current state of the market and looks at some of the potential solutions to this truly global problem.

Special edition: Innovations in minerals

Chews, sachets and ‘petite pills’… Calcium supplements, the next generation (part two)

24-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

As the more innovative supplement manufacturers are well aware, novel delivery formats - from gummies and straws to gourmet chocs - can breathe new life into a mature category and bring new consumers into the market.

Special edition: Innovations in minerals

From eggshells and coral to red algae… Calcium supplements, the next generation (part one)

24-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Given the maturity of the market for calcium supplements and calcium-fortified foods and beverages, there is a surprising amount of innovation both in raw ingredients and finished products, say market experts.

Berries show heart boosting power for women: Harvard study

14-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week may slash a woman’s risk of a heart attack by as much as 33%, says a new study from Harvard.

EU medical devices route tempts article 13 health claim losers

03-Jan-2013 By Shane Starling

European Union medicines agencies are reporting increasing numbers of ‘medical device’ applications for food supplement products rejected under strict EU health claim laws.

World first: Breast milk probiotic launched in Australia

03-Dec-2012 By Shane Starling

Spanish supplier Biosearch Life is finding success with its patented, immune system-boosting and mastitis battling probiotic isolated from human breast milk in a world-first product launched in Australia this year.

Hot New Beverage Concepts for 2013: Episode Two

29-Nov-2012 By Ben Bouckley

Adomas Pranevicius, CEO of MyDrink Beverages, gives BeverageDaily.com readers the further lowdown on new non-alcoholic drinks concepts that could set the market alight in 2013.

Vitamins: A centenary of essential nutrients

Looking forward: The emerging evidence for vitamins and health

28-Nov-2012 By Nathan Gray

In the last 100 years vitamins have been found to play vital roles in our health and wellbeing, but the full benefits of many vitamins is yet to be elucidated.In this special edition article NutraIngredients looks at some of the areas of vitamin research...

MHRA retains herbal case-by-case stance amid black cohosh adulteration case

23-Nov-2012 By Shane Starling

The UK medicines agency says it continues to monitor the borderline between herbal products classified as medicines as opposed to food supplements on a case-by-case basis, although some categories are now under the complete jurisdiction of new EU herbal...

Soy consumption does not prevent hot flush onset, study suggests

05-Nov-2012 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of soy products does not prevent the onset of hot flushes and night sweats in women entering menopause, according to new research data.

“Cowboy sector” blamed for black cohosh problems

02-Nov-2012 By Shane STARLING

Last week’s warning from the UK medicines regulator that menopausal herb black cohosh must carry warnings about potential liver problems is not a problem of the mainstream food supplements sector, says the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH).

UK tells black cohosh makers to add warnings and backs THMPD

30-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned manufacturers of black cohosh products that the herbal supplements must contain warnings about potential liver problems.

Study backs multispecies probiotic for constipation

25-Oct-2012 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of a multispecies probiotic mixture is effective in reducing constipation during pregnancy, suggests new research.

‘Statin-like’ bergamot extract offers novel approach in fight against ‘diabesity’

23-Oct-2012 By Elaine WATSON

A new product containing a patented extract of the citrus fruit bergamot boasting ‘statin-like’ qualities - without the side effects - has been launched in the US claiming to tackle the key components of metabolic syndrome.

Negative Cochrane cranberry review: Juice makers have themselves to blame

22-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

Inappropriate products and trial design caused the Cochrane Collaboration to alter its position about the urinary tract infection (UTI)-reducing benefits of cranberry juice, the owner of a French cranberry supplements company has said.

Cranberry researchers dispute Cochrane review's findings on UTIs

21-Oct-2012 By Hank Schultz

The link between cranberries and urinary tract health is well established, said researchers in the field who disputed the results of a recent Cochrane review that questioned the berry’s benefits in fighting urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Sanofi-Coke beauty drink JV offers no ‘phood’ signal: Analyst

19-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

Sanofi’s new beauty drink joint venture with Coca-Cola is unlikely to precipitate a more serious leap into functional or medical foods for the French pharma titan, an analyst has said.

Nexira buys Tournay as it drives expansion plans

11-Oct-2012 By Shane

French botanicals and ingredients supplier, Nexira, has made good its promise to expand its portfolio and operations by acquiring fellow French firm, Tournay Biotechnologies, for an undisclosed cash sum.

New patent covers pairing of Ayurvedic workhorses

01-Oct-2012 By Hank Schultz

Nutragenesis, a Brattleboro, Vt.-based ingredient supplier with a history of experience with Ayurvedic ingredients, has obtained a U.S. patent in the area of women’s health for an ashwagandha/Indian gooseberry combination called Sendara.

Polyphenol-rich apple juice shows obesity benefits

28-Sep-2012 By Stephen Daniells

A daily glass of cloudy apple juice may decrease body fat in obese people, compared to a control beverage, with greater effects noted in individuals with certain genetic profiles.

EFSA rejects two new 13.5 claims on ‘transit’ and ‘vaginal moisture’

27-Sep-2012 By Nathan Gray

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected two health claims dossiers for food supplements that claim to ‘improve transit’ and ‘reduction of vaginal dryness’.

Review sheds light on specific phytoestrogen functions for health: Frutarom

13-Sep-2012 By Nathan Gray

The way phytoestrogens affect health and bodily functions may be down to key differences in molecular structures that affect different cellular mechanisms, according to a new review from Wageningen University and Frutarom.

Soy sector “surprised” by EFSA menopause and bone health rejection

10-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

There is “insufficient” evidence to show that soy isoflavones can benefit bone health and ease menopausal conditions, according to the European Union’s central science agency.

EFSA beats off more Lactobacillus probiotic claims

08-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

The most researched group of probiotic strains – Lactobacillus – has been delivered yet another blow by the EU’s central science agency, which rejected digestive and vaginal health claims for nine individual strains.

‘Girly men’ could opt for alcoholic beauty beverages – Mintel

30-Jul-2012 By Ben Bouckley

Beauty beverages are big business in Japan and looking beyond regulatory hurdles preventing alcohol launches in the EU, could find a market with men, according to Mintel.

Vitamins C & E may benefit women on oral contraceptives

19-Jun-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of vitamins C and E may protect against the increase in markers of oxidative stress in women receiving oral contraceptives, says a new study.

Vitamin D and calcium may increase life expectancy in elderly

19-Jun-2012 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation of vitamin D with calcium could help to increase life expectancy in elderly people, whilst vitamin D alone may not, say researchers.

Dispatches from Vitafoods Europe 2012

Cranberry medical claim winner targets food industry

28-May-2012 By Shane Starling from Geneva

With a recently awarded medical devices urinary tract infection (UTI) claim in the bag, Dutch start-up Medical Brands booked a late booth at Vitafoods Europe, keen to show off its achievement to a food sector that has been denied EU health claims.

Some bigger cranberry buyers want a ‘price break’ our auctions don’t provide: Ocean Spray

15-May-2012 By Ben Bouckley

Some rival big brands seeking ‘price breaks’ don’t participate in Ocean Spray’s online auctions for cranberry concentrate, but converts appreciate an ‘efficient, transparent and trustworthy’ process.

Vitafoods: EU nutra space wriggles into new health claims clothes

15-May-2012 By Shane Starling

Vitafoods celebrates its 15th birthday next week. It’ll be my 11th consecutive May visit to Geneva for the jamboree and promises to be one of the most intriguing chapters with the (partial and belated) resolution of years of ambiguity regarding health...

Rejected cranberry wins EU medical UTI claim

02-May-2012 By Shane Starling

€3 million and seven years of research and development work have paid off for Medical Brands which has won the right to make medical urinary tract infection (UTI) claims in the EU and beyond with its cranberry partner, Decas Botanical Synergies (DBS).

DuPont buys out Bunge’s share in Solae joint venture in $440m deal

01-May-2012 By Elaine Watson

DuPont has taken full control of soy ingredients giant Solae after buying out Bunge’s stake in their joint venture.

Meta-analysis supports soy isoflavones efficacy against hot flashes

22-Mar-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Isoflavones from soy may reduce the frequency of hot flashes by 21%, according to a meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials.

Whole grains may aid fat loss, boost heart health: Study

09-Mar-2012

Consuming foods made with whole grains may aid weight loss, lead to less body fat, and improve cholesterol levels, says a new study from Europe.

Pine bark extract may ease menopause symptoms: Study

08-Mar-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of a French maritime pine bark extract may ease the symptoms of menopause and ease digestive problems, says a new study with Italian university students.

Irish MEP: “We have opened a can of worms that EFSA and the Commission would have much preferred remained closed”

08-Mar-2012 By Shane Starling

Irish MEP Marian Harkin has become one of the most vocal European parliamentary opponents of the interpretation and application of the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR), and she was not appeased by EC and EFSA statements at a specially...

GSK pitches new 'functional' Ribena at young women in large-scale launch

01-Mar-2012 By Ben Bouckley

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is set to launch a new ‘functional’ Ribena range in the UK this week – its largest drinks launch in 20 years – with new packaging designed to appeal to its “two key target audiences” in young women and mothers.

High-dose vitamin D may alleviate menstrual cramps: Study

01-Mar-2012 By Nathan Gray

Women who experience painful menstrual cramps could find relief from high-dose vitamin D3, according to new research – which suggests the dietary supplement could provide an alternative to painkilling drugs that are currently used.

Volac launches consumer brand to push whey protein beyond macho male niche

29-Feb-2012 By Ben Bouckley

European whey protein manufacturer Volac has launched its first consumer branded products to drive mainstream awareness of the benefits of whey protein beyond a macho male niche, and protect the market from outlandish health claims and poor quality products.

Lallemand targets heartburn with fermented soy

28-Feb-2012

Danish-based Lallemand Health Ingredients (LHI) has launched a fermented soy supplement backed by studies in 600 subjects demonstrating its ability to combat indigestion and heartburn.

‘Mild’ dehydration may modify mood, say scientists

21-Feb-2012 By Nathan Gray

Even mild dehydration can alter a person's mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly, leaving them ‘cranky’ and tired, say researchers.

Dispatches from Feeding the World

GAIN ups micronutrient fight against global malnutrition

09-Feb-2012 By Shane Starling in Geneva

Ten years ago the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) was established to fight rampant malnutrition in the developing world via micronutrient fortification programmes. But for a long time, it struggled to effect change in the face of logistical,...

UK Herbal Quality Campaign concerns are “bogus", says ANH

03-Feb-2012 By Shane Starling

The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) has taken a swipe at the newly formed Herbal Quality Campaign (QHC) in the UK, labelling its concerns about herbal food supplements “bogus”.

Healthcare industry can raise EU vitamin D levels and reduce chronic disease

11-Jan-2012 By Shane Starling

70% of Europeans are vitamin D deficient, a situation that is aggravating osteoporosis, loss of motor coordination and bone fractures, researchers have concluded.

UK medicines agency commits to botanicals “crackdown”

12-Dec-2011 By Shane Starling

Borderline botanical products making medicinal or therapeutic claims but not holding appropriate registrations under new European Union laws, are coming under increased scrutiny from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which...