The dust is settling on the WHI trial. First came the news that
low-fat diets didn't reduce the risk of breast or colorectal cancer
or cardiovascular disease, then came news that vitamin D and
calcium supplements don't protect...
Following last week's claims and counter claims that dietary
supplements may offer protection from avian flu, Stephen
Daniells looks into statements that selenium supplements may
offer protection.
As the bird flu grip on Europe increases by the day, scientists
have begun to publicly debate the role of nutraceuticals as
possible preventatives in the wake of news that availability of
anti-viral drugs may be "too little,...
The nutraceuticals market in Southeast Asia has high growth
potential but companies must invest heavily in advertising to help
consumers understand the health benefits, says new strategic
analysis from Frost and Sullivan.
The UK health services have released guidelines to try to tackle
malnutrition, a problem that affect 60 per cent of over 65s in
hospitals, and offer an opportunity to supplement and fortified
food makers.
Daily supplements of vitamin D and calcium 'had no effect' on the
risk of colorectal cancer, according to a large-scale study from
the US. But an independent cancer expert says these claims should
be interpreted in the light...
Consumer confusion over vitamin D and calcium seems likely to grow,
following claims from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial
about their effect on bone health that oppose other studies.
Researchers have reported how chromium picolinate improves muscle
sensitivity to insulin in obese, insulin-resistant rats - findings
that could have implications for diabetic humans.
US teenagers are living with the threat of osteoporosis in later
life by not getting enough calcium, claims a new report that
suggests supplements could help.
People who eat a tradition Mediterranean diet are 60 per cent less
likely to be obese, Greek researchers have said as the country's
women top Europe's obesity table.
UK consumer watchdog Which? has cast doubts over the effectiveness
of eye health supplements in an article that could affect
confidence in products and have a detrimental affect on the
industry.
Taking vitamin E and selenium supplements could reduce the toxicity
of mercury from fish, indicates an animal study. If replicated in
humans, the findings may mean pregnant women could consume more
fish, and their babies benefit from...
A new statement on diet from the American Heart Association
emphasises weight loss, cutting back on salt and alcohol and
increasing dietary potassium as viable ways to reduce blood
pressure, but does not recommend the use of supplements.
New research indicates that a diet rich in magnesium may lower the
risk of colon cancer, supporting previous studies inversely linking
intake of the mineral to the disease.
Eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day can
cut the risk of stroke by 26 per cent, according to a new study in
The Lancet (Vol. 367, pp 320-326).
Vulnerable as they are to media reports, the key to successful
mineral products is in strong R&D and marketing expertise to
take them through from concept to consumer, says Frost &
Sullivan.
DSM is mulling the next step in its Vision 2010 strategy and has
announced that it is in discussions with Sociedad Química y Minera
de Chile over the sale of its Minera iodine unit.
Nutrition 21 has announced that is Chromax chromium picolinate will
make its first appearance on retail shelves, following the receipt
of a purchase order from Rite Aid.
A working group set up by standards developer AOAC has issued a
call for analytical methods for joint supplement MSM, or
methylsufonyl methane, as part of the program to create validated
testing systems for 20 major supplements.
Supplements containing vitamins and other micronutrients can
improve heart function and quality of life in elderly patients with
chronic heart failure, claims a joint British-German study.
Rice bred to contain high levels of iron has been shown to improve
the iron status of Filippino women but it is unlikely to be a
substitute for the growing number of fortified foods coming onto
the market.
New research adds to mounting evidence that silicon delivered as
choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid (ch-OSAT) may boost the
ability of calcium and vitamin D to build bone mineral density
(BMD) in osteoporosis and osteopenia sufferers.
Nutrition 21's chromium picolinate ingredient, Chromax, is to be
used in a fiber product for the first time thanks to a new supply
and licensing agreement the company has carved out with CNS.
Rising consumer demand for non-prescription jointcare remedies,
backed up by new research out this year, will create a positive
climate for growth of newer entrants to the joint health sector,
believes UK company Gee Lawson.
A combination of natural minerals from the Sierra Mountains shows
promise in reducing the pain of arthritis, according to a study
published in the Journal of Inflammation.
Two new companies in the supplements market, one each on either
side of the channel, are looking to launch an organic selenium
yeast in Europe after gaining derogation from the supplements
directive.
Makers of calcium supplements can make a qualified health claim for
their possible reduction of high blood pressure, after the Food and
Drug Administration concluded that there is some evidence for the
claim.
Fortification of soy sauce with highly bioavailableiron can be an
effective way to reduce anaemia, even at low consumption levels,
according to a recent study.
Vanadium, a trace mineral taken in supplements by bodybuilders and
for sugar control, may promote faster recovery from food poisoning
or other infections, suggests new research on animals.
Copper may stabilize cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's
disease, believe researchers in Germany who are conducting a
clinical trial to assess the effects of supplementation.
Fortification campaigners yesterday urged millers in the Middle
East and Africa to add vitamins to their products to help fight
nutrient deficiencies common in the region.
Calcium supplements may not increase the bone mineral density in
young women after a certain threshold level of intake has been
achieved, according to a new study from Creighton University.