Archer Daniels Midland and Matsutani Chemical have solidified a
joint venture to enhance worldwide sales and marketing of soluble
fiber Fibersol-2 as interest in this type of ingredient is
predicted to rise.
A high intake of plant lignans could reduce the risk of breast
cancer for pre-menopausal women by 78 per cent, says new research
from Germany that adds significantly to the current body of
science.
A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables could reduce the
development of atherosclerosis by almost 40 per cent, and is
further evidence for the benefits of eating your vegetables, says a
new study.
The Whole Grains Council is to change the design of its
characteristic stamp in a move to avoid potential regulatory
uncertainty surrounding its use of the terms 'excellent' source or
'good' source. The new stamp...
Institut Rosell has obtained more evidence that its Lacidofil
probiotic, composed of two strains of live lactic acid bacteria,
may help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
when used in conjunction with conventional...
The marketing of functional confectionery products has been called
into question following an FDA warning letter sent to Masterfoods
USA over health claims and folic acid in its CocoaVia chocolate
bars.
As the science behind the understanding of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
expands, so does the list of health conditions that could
potentially benefit from supplements.
The UK's Food Standards Agency is conducting a review of foods and
supplements that have been reported to help improve children's
performance and behaviour in school. If its findings are positive,
it could prove a further...
PacificHealth Laboratories is preparing for the launch of the first
products containing its Satietrim satiety ingredient, and is
looking for partners to help speed its use in more foods available
at retail.
A study has found drinking four or more cups of coffee per day
could reduce the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis by 80 percent,
suggesting that an ingredient in coffee may protect against this
type of chronic liver disease.
Diabetes UK is campaigning to curb the sale of treat foods aimed at
diabetics on the grounds that they are expensive and of little use.
But where does that leave the emerging area functional foods
intended to help sufferers manage...
The upper limit (UL) of vitamin D should be raised to 250
micrograms per day, the Institute of Medicine heard last week, as
experts discussed the state-of-play of DRIs and ULs.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has performed a U-turn over
the ban imposed last year on the export of five-year-old wild
American ginseng roots - a decision met with relief from an
industry that feared years of decline while...
Enzymotec is adding L- glycerylphosphorylcholine to its line-up of
ingredients for cognitive health as part of a bid to offer
solutions for every age group, mental capacity and price.
LycoRed is establishing its first carotenoid manufacturing base in
the US with the acquisition of ingredient supplier H.Reisman
Corporation - allowing it to meet the demands of North American
clients more quickly.
PLThomas has announced it a strategic alliance with Polifenoles
Naturales (Polinat) of Spain to develop and market new ingredients
- an arrangement that will also help the Spanish company conquer
the US market.
High daily intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as
well as vegetables in general, could reduce the risk of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma by almost 50 per cent, says a new study.
A daily supplement of an aqueous cinnamon extract improved
blood-glucose levels in type-2 diabetics by over ten percent, say
German researchers - supporting previous studies into the benefits
of the spice for diabetic.
US health care company Zila, which has a strong presence in Europe
with Ester-C, is in discussions over the divestment of its
nutraceuticals business unit in order to concentrate on its oral
cancer detection business.
China's first drinkable yoghurt product, containing MEG-3 fish oil,
is currently rolling out, and has received strong endorsement from
the Guadong Dairy Association.
Irish mineral firm Marigot is seeking to build use of its Aquamin
calcium/mineral ingredient in soy milks, with recent tests
indicating superior sensory properties compared to other
fortification forms.
The Mediterranean diet, already linked as a way to protect against
heart disease, could help people with established heart problems
says a population-based study from Greece.
Dietary supplement of stanol and sterol esters may lower the rate
of colon cell growth and protect against colon cancer, if
the results from hamsters can be applied to humans.
An extract of Gardenia fruit that has been used in Chinese medicine
for centuries has shown promise in laboratory tests for its
potential to help manage type II diabetes, researchers report.
The trend towards adding omega-3 to dairy and other staple food
products may be causing vegetarians to inadvertently eat fish
products, a predicament that could be avoided through open, honest
labelling.
Extracts from mangos are a rich source of dietary fibre, both
soluble and insoluble, with good antioxidant properties and can
easily be used in bakery products to boost public consumption, say
Latin American researchers.
Martek DHA, approved for use in infant formula in Canada since
2002, has obtained federal consent for use at higher doses in a
variety of foods, paving the way for food companies to offer
products with greater omega-3 content.
The addition of protein to sports drink formulations delivers
benefits for performance, rehydration and muscle recovery says
PacificHealth Laboratories, following four studies that tested its
Accelerade drink against carbohydrate-only...
Custard could soon be going functional with soy isoflavones or
antioxidants from olive oil, as research from the Netherlands shows
that the popular dessert can easily be enhanced and release these
bioactive ingredients.
Canada's University of Manitoba is already enticing nutraceutical
and functional food companies to its new research centre -
providing an axis point for industry, researchers and government in
the subject.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition is seeking to expand its team
of scientific experts with the appointment of an in-house
botanicals expert to build awareness of research in the field and
represent the organisation before government...
The popularity of whole grains and a growing trend to fortify baked
goods with functional ingredients has added a new dynamic to an
otherwise mature US bread market, says a new report.
Minimal processing of fruit - cutting, packaging and chilling -
does not affect the nutritional content even after nine days, says
an international study that could promote healthy eating on a
limited time-scale.
Increased international sales from a thriving infant formula market
drove up Martek's net income by almost 85 percent in Q2, and new
deals point to positive results for the remainder of the year.
Women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of the
antioxidants coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E, and could possibly benefit
from supplements, suggests a new study.
Eniva Corporation, the maker of liquid 'all-in-one' nutritional
supplement VIBE, has expanded its sales network to include Canada,
Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The gap between demand and global supply of potent antioxidant
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is narrowing, as major manufacturers expand
their capacity and new sources enter the marketplace.
Commercial weight loss programmes all result in about the same
levels of weight loss, says a new study in the British Medical
Journal, but not all are based around the principles of healthy
eating.
Adding a dash of sauce of dark soy sauce to your daily diet could
improve antioxidant levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular
disease, say scientists from Singapore.
Californian nutraceutical developer Metagenics is firming up its
presence in Europe with the acquisition of Biodynamics, which
helped it make its first inroads into the Benelux countries as a
distributor to health care professionals.
Consumers actively seek out products with specific health claims on
their labels, according to the Natural Marketing Institute - a
factor that may encourage companies to solicit approvals from FDA
or cater to specialist diets.
Flora, the Unilever-owned margarine brand, is embarking on a major
campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of omega-3, following
consumer research indicating that the message is not being heard by
all family members.
A new US Food & Drug Administration report could spell market
opportunities for healthy ingredients as it aims to heighten
awareness of the nutritious potential for foods eaten or prepared
away from the home.
Pharmachem Laboratories has received affirmation that its white
bean-derived carb-blocker is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) -
news that is expected to speed the launch of the first foods and
drinks containing the ingredient.
Zinc supplements may decrease the risk of heart disease, says an
animal study from Singapore, results that appear to support
previous benefits afforded by the mineral.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has heard damning reports
of under-diagnosis and inappropriate care for sufferers of the
devastating brittle bone disease, which also highlight the
importance of communication about preventative...
Health Canada has expanded its 2003 Novel Foods approval of Ocean
Nutrition's MEG-3 to higher doses and more foods, giving the
microencapsulated fish-oil supplier a head-start on new entrants to
the market.
A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and the flavonoid quercitrin
may work to reduce inflammation in the large intestine associated
with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says an animal study
from Spain.