
Africa


NutraIngredients reimagined: Relaunch provides global insights and region-specific coverage
We’re thrilled to share some important updates to NutraIngredients that will enhance how you engage with our content.

Towards equitable research: Expanding the human gut microbiome atlas of Africa
With so little data available on the gut microbiomes of low- and middle-income countries, a new population study provides insight into the diverse gut metagenomes of rural, peri-urban and urban Africa.

Traditional Zambian fermented food shows prebiotic potential
Mabisi, a traditionally fermented milk product from Zambia, may have similar prebiotic effects on gut microbiota to fructooligosaccharides (FOS), according to an in vitro study from Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.

Yoba for Life: RCT supports immune health benefits of probiotic yogurt in Uganda
Daily consumption of a locally produced probiotic yogurt (Yoba for Life) may reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections in children in Uganda, says a new study that provides real-world support for improving health outcomes in Africa.

Study advances West African spice’s weight management benefits
A new study explores the potential of a West African spice extract to tackle the global overweight and obesity epidemic and its public health implications.

Guest Article
Inaugural SABPA symposium: Ensuring access to and benefit sharing for Southern African botanicals
Over 80 stakeholders from government, academia and industry gathered recently at the first Southern African Botanical Products Association (SABPA) symposium to discuss best practices to successfully bring compliant ingredients to the world market.

South African association putting native herbals on the map
The newly launched Southern African Botanical Product Association (SABPA) has begun work to bring the region’s portfolio of native ingredients to the fore.

TCM opportunity: China firm Yiling Pharmaceutical tapping Africa’s herbal medicine tradition for commercial partnerships
Yiling Pharmaceutical has secured a deal with Nigeria to provide traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exports to the country and sees a strong opportunity to partner with African herbal medicine manufacturers for new product development.

Insights from Probiota 2023
Yoba for Life: a starter culture project feeding African children
Non-profit organisation (NPO) Yoba for Life provided an inspirational story revealing the benefits of probiotic yogurt in East Africa, during NutraIngredients' Probiota conference last week.

Weight management potential: African mango seed linked with antioxidant and hormonal changes
Researchers have linked supplementation with African mango extract to a potential reduction in obesity-related complications.
Archive article of the week
Stricter South African regulation of supplements leaves industry ‘in a rut’
Changes in South Africa’s legislation on vitamins and dietary supplements appear to be slowing growth in the market which has recently seen double digit growth, according to a recent Euromonitor podcast.
Hershey fortified peanut butter project feeds Ghanaian stomachs and economy
Chocolate giant Hershey has committed to 100% local peanuts for its Ghana school feeding programme.
Danes back nutrient-rich African camel milk expansion
Danish supplier Chr Hansen has launched a forum to disseminate and share information on camel cheese and milk production to generate global support and potential revenue for small-scale camel owners in Northern Africa.
Big doses needed for elimination of low vitamin D levels for African Americans: Study
Over 90% of African Americans may have vitamin D deficiency, and daily doses of 4,000IU may be needed to eliminate deficiency, says a new study from the Medical University of South Carolina.
South African supplement makers urged to adopt GMPs
South African complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) including herbal products and food supplements are blighted by inconsistent manufacturing processes that are damaging the sector, a leading manufacturer has said.
Special edition: Diabetes
Diabetes: From ancient Egypt to modern pandemic
It has been called a pandemic and a silent killer: Diabetes is a growing specter for public health agencies across the world. In the first part of our special series on diabetes, NutraIngredients examines the underlying condition and gets a grip on how...
South African herbs may offer blood pressure benefits
The flora of South Africa is increasingly being studied as a source of novel nutraceuticals, and Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) may find a role in helping to lower blood pressure, researchers told the 120th annual meeting of the American...
Millenium Health to market African herbal for weight loss
Canadian supplement firm Millennium Health Supplements has begun selling an African plant that has been shown to suppress appetite as a supplement in North America.
Fortification begins in South Africa
South African millers must fortify flour and maize meal with a blend of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, following new legislation introduced this week to improve malnutrition in the country.
South Africa issues kava recall
South Africa has joined numerous European countries by banning all products containing the herbal remedy kava from sale. Yet another market to be tackled by the coalition of kava campaigners launched recently in Europe.
HOWARU greets South Africa
Danish ingredients company Danisco announces it is to license its HOWARU probiotics brand directly to a retailer, the upmarket South African chain Woolworths, in a bid to increase brand loyalty among consumers and health professionals.