Archives for November 12, 2003

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Vitamin C reduces stroke risk, especially in smokers

Dietary intake of the antioxidant vitamin C may be associated with reduced risk for stroke, especially in people who smoke, report Dutch scientists in a new study. Vitamin E also appears to reduce stroke risk in smokers, but not in those who do not smoke.

Novozymes meets low TFA demand

Increasing consumer awareness linking high consumption of trans fatty acids to a rise in the risk of coronary heart disease is driving the market for alternative ingredients.

Earthrise gains GRAS for spirulina

Californian firm Earthrise Nutritionals can begin marketing the dried microalgae spirulina for use in foods, after gaining GRAS status for the ingredient.

EU funding to up acrylamide awareness

European research into the potential carcinogen acrylamide has received a massive injection of cash to boost the biggest international project to date on toxic substances formed when food is heated.

NBTY expansion swells year's sales figures

The new owner of supplement maker Rexall Sundown is already reaping the benefits, with sales at NBTY up by 24 per cent. Other units also posted strong growth, particularly its European retail operations.

Polyphenolics gets GRAS for food applications

Canandaigua subsidiary Polyphenolics has expanded the GRAS affirmation for its MegaNatural Gold grape seed extract and MegaNatural Gold pomace extract to include food items, significantly expanding its use in functional foods.

Infant formula officials under investigation

German infant formula maker Humana remains surrounded by controversy as conflicting reports fail to confirm responsibility for formula contamination, linked to the death of three babies in Israel.

Fortification to come under EU law

The European Commission yesterday published a proposal for regulation of the addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to foods, designed to allow free trade of fortified foods in the European community.

Improving standards in probiotics

Mounting scientific evidence for the therapeutic use of probiotics suggests that these products should be incorporated into conventional medical practices, concluded a recent meeting of experts in probiotics.