The possibility of setting maximum levels for bioactive substances
in foods and supplements looks set to be a global regulatory theme
for 2007, with the EC, several governments and the Codex committee
considering the need for risk...
A single laboratory validation of a method for quantifying
chondroitin sulfate in dietary supplement ingredients has been
completed in California, bringing it one step closer to becoming an
AOAC official testing method for the ingredient.
Women who regularly consumed at least one serving of full-fat diary
every day gained about 30 per cent less weight than women who
didn't, says a study from Sweden.
Astavita's announcement of a sponsorship agreement with United
States Triathlon has the company making inroads with astaxanthin
into the sports nutrition market.
Blue California is launching 40 percent micro-encapsulated
phytosterols, taking advantage of a burgeoning market for
cholesterol-lowering products that is driving the market for heart
healthy ingredients.
Provexis is seeking to raise new funds to bolster its working
capital, after depleting its coffers with the extended timeline for
developing an advanced form of its Fruitflow technology.
Supplements of folic acid may prevent age-related hearing loss in
older men and women, says a new double-blind, randomised,
placebo-controlled trial from the Netherlands.
Phytopharm and Unilever are expecting progress in their efforts to
develop products using the active extract of Hoodia gordonii in
2007, and report they are satisfied with efforts to address the
problem of ineffective weight-loss...
Increasing the intake of the soluble fibre beta-glucan decreased
the glucose and insulin response in overweight men, and could help
reduce the risk of diabetes, says a new study.
Merical Vita-Pak and B&C Nutritional Products have announced a
plan to merge and form an integrated company that will deliver cost
and lead time benefits to customers.
Norwegian fish oil producer EPAX is to be acquired by compatriot
Austevoll Seafood - a move that will give it a vertically
integrated supply from fishing to omega-3 oil supply and avoid
potential sourcing problems for the future.
Dietary supplementation with the prebiotics inulin and
oligofructose reduced the build up of fatty plaques associated with
atherosclerosis, reports an animal study from France.
Ireland's Marine Institute is seeking to define and prioritise
themes for a new research programme to commence this year into
marine-derived ingredients and functional foods.
President Bush has signed the Dietary Supplement and
Non-Prescription Drug Consumer Protection Act, thereby setting in
stone legislation which will require manufacturers to notify the
Food and Drug Administration of all serious adverse...
A multivitamin and mineral supplement boosted the birth weight of
children born to undernourished women, says a trial from India,
results that could have lifelong implications for the offspring.
Christmas-time is closely associated with feasting on special foods
and (dare we say it?) gross overindulgence that ends only after
bells have rung in the New Year. But many of the seasonal treats we
enjoy also have a healthy aspect....
Advitech, the maker of psoriasis nutraceutical Dermylex, has
announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Enbio-Life
Biotech and Medical Company for distribution in Taiwan - the latest
development in the oral supplement's...
Daily magnesium supplements led to significantly increased bone
mineral content in adolescent girls, and could lead to long-term
protection from osteoporosis, suggests new research from Yale
University School of Medicine.
Teas, both green and black, have potent anti-cancer effects against
a wide range of tumours, says a new study led by the US Department
of Agriculture that adds to an ever growing body of science behind
the compounds.
Functional and energy drinks in Japan are coming under pressure
from perceived healthy options such as ready-to-drink teas, mineral
water and tonic drinks, according to a recent report from
Euromonitor International.
In a year that has seen camel, sheep and donkey milk grab the
headlines in turn, Mrs Rudolph and her chums neednt fear that
theyre next to get the "other milk" treatment.
The US Patent and Trademark Office has completed a formal review of
Sabinsa Corporation'spatent for black pepper extract, BioPerine,
and has found the intellectual property to be valid.
Further evidence of the health benefits of chocolate has come to
light in a new study - giving manufacturers yet another route into
the functional food niche.
Cranberry giant Ocean Spray is expanding its dried cranberry
production to meet expanding global demand for the healthy
ingredient, which is said to have grown 30 percent over the past
year.
Higher levels of vitamin D in the body may reduce the risk of
developing the neurological disease multiple sclerosis by as much
as 62 per cent, Harvard researchers report.
Consuming six or more portions of fruit and vegetables very day
could halve the risk of kidney cancer in men, says an
epidemiological study from Harvard University.
Polyphenols in tea may preferentially suppress the growth of
pathogenic bacteria in the gut, but not the growth of 'friendly'
bacteria, says a new study from Singapore.
As American nutraceutical manufacturers are increasingly seeking
opportunities for selling their products outside the United States,
Canada might seem to be an appealing and relatively easy market for
expansion. However, Canadian...
A sum of $20mn CDN is set to be disbursed to universities and other
organizations involved in vitamins and food education in Canada, as
part of a class action lawsuit involving the price fixing of
vitamins in the 1980s and 1990s.
Low-glycemic products are only just gaining momentum, according to
Packaged Facts, which predicts that the glycemic-control angle will
be an ever more pressing consideration for marketers and
formulators in the coming years.
The year 2006 has seen notable expansions in the nutraceutical
industry as companies made acquisitions based on their need for
increased geographic scope or manufacturing capacity.
Hot flushes associated with the menopause are not helped by black
cohosh supplements, say results from the largest and longest trial
for the herb to date.
A protein-polysaccharide combination for stabilising
water-in-oil-in-water emulsions could lead to customised double
emulsions with differing release behaviours, German researchers
report.
US researchers have reported that the herb Echinacea, commonly used
against colds, could stimulate the growth of certain gut bacteria,
some potentially pathogenic.
A new source of gamma glutamyl cysteine, a precursor of powerful
antioxidant glutathione for anti-ageing supplements and skin care
products, is expected to become available in 2007, after nine years
of research at Australia's...
Vitamin K2 derived from the fermented soy product natto has a
higher bioavailability than vitamin K1, results that may have
implications for functional food formulators.
The past 12 months have seen several important developments on the
European regulatory scene, which will play a big role in shaping
the supplements and health foods industries for the future.
Cutting fat intake to 20 per cent of the daily total calories could
reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by about 25 per cent,
researchers from the US have reported.
For some, the holiday season is a time to be introspective and
appreciative of the relationships in their life. While this
generally refers to friends and family, it could also apply to your
relationship with food and where your meals...
Resveratrol, the phenolic derivative found in red wine and certain
plants, may play a role in protecting against diabetes and obesity,
suggest the results of an animal study.
A new project was launched this week by Australian food researchers
to tap bioactive compounds from agricultural and food industry
waste for use in health-enhancing foods and nutraceuticals.
Oral administration of Lactobacillous acidophilus NCFM has been
seen to have an analgesic effect in the gut similar to that of
morphine - a finding that opens up a new realm of applications for
Danisco's probiotic strain.