Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil
supplements has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer,
concludes a new review, but guidelines should continue for
consumption.
Canada's Forbes Medi-Tech has issued revenue guidance for 2006 that
shows an anticipated increase in sales of its Reducol
cholesterol-lowering ingredient of up to 67 percent.
A new report rating the nation's organic dairy brands according to
ethical farming practices has sparked fierce debate in the industry
as it accuses a number of market leaders of "shortchanging
organic consumers."
Israel-based Algatechnologies has launched an advanced form of
astaxanthin beadlets to meet increased demand for vegetarian
astaxanthin for tablets and hard shell capsules.
Green tea catechins may improve reference and working-memory
related learning ability, say research from Japan, adding to claims
that green tea can help ward off Alzheimer's.
Increased intake of beta-carotene, found naturally in carrots,
broccoli and tomatoes, might reduce the loss of lung function due
to aging, says new research from France.
The Australia and New Zealand food regulator has approved the use
of medium chain triglycerides for the production of vitamins in
infant formula, an allergen-free alternative to commonly used
vegetable oils.
Eating a diet with omega-3-rich oily fish could stop the spread of
prostate cancer, but omega-6 fatty acids appear to promote the
spread, says new research.
Wholegrains, but not refined grains, could lower blood
triglycerides, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, say
researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service.
Ingredients firm Nurture has found a distribution partner on
America's west coast for its OatVantage product, as consumers turn
to heart-friendly soluble fiber supplements.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main extract from green tea,
improves oxygen flow to tissues deprived of adequate supply, claims
new research from South Korea.
Malaysian vitamin E supplier Carotech is investing US$40 million in
a new plant, in response to demand for its non-GMO tocotrienol
complex as consumers start to become aware of the different forms
of vitamin E.
Martek Biosciences is seeking to open up uses of its algae derived
DHA, with a new microencapsulated powder for use in foods and
drinks that require dry mixing.
A healthy diet containing plenty of antioxidants and fish can
reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says a
new study from Harvard Medical School.
American nutrition charity Vitamin Angels has launched a new
campaign to distribute vitamin A supplements to the world's poorest
children at risk from blindness and is relying on corporate aid for
success.
Masquelier's grapevine seed extract could reduce free radical
damage of blood vessel cells by 85 per cent and protect against
heart disease, says new research.
Makers of cherry-based supplements are seeking to meet FDA
marketing standards on their websites by ensuring that any claims
linking cherries and health are 'two clicks' away from sales
pages.
The AOAC Task Force on Dietary Supplements has issued a call for
industry, government or academia to prioritize ingredients that
need validated methods.
Danisco's HOWARU Bifido probiotic is to be included in all Marks
and Spencer's yoghurt and dairy products - an announcement
coinciding with the Danish company's latest results that show
cultures are a major growth driver.
Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is launching a new version of Meg-3
with an higher ratio of DHA:EPA that will help companies develop
products for young mothers concerned about infant nutrition.
Keratec is introducing a new duo of skin health ingredients - one
topical, one oral - which could help traditional supplement
companies move into skin care, and cosmetics companies cross over
into supplements.
The success of soy drinks shows that the UK functional drinks
market is highly lucrative something that the dairy industry must
take full advantage of, says Organic Monitor.
Scientific evidence says that consumption of soy from the diet or
as supplements should not cause alarm despite negative reports
about risks, a view that has been supported by a major US industry
group.
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars has taken its
research into nanotechnology for consumer products a stage further,
by launching a database of the most recent launches on the market.
A new Swiss company is claiming to have found a way to derive
omega-3 containing both EPA and DHA from algae, which could place
suppliers whose product is derived from fish oil under price
pressure.
DSM has announced that it is raising prices of its vitamins and
carotenoids on a worldwide basis, as a result of increasing energy,
raw material and transportation costs.
The standards for infant formulations, a topic of continued
discussion with the Codex Committee, is being driven by commercial
interests and not science say two paediatricians, claims that have
been refuted by the industry.
Cognis has cleared the way for its Tonalin CLA to be sold in
supplements in health food stores in Norway and Sweden, thanks to
an exclusive sub-license agreement with Bringwell International.
A permanent commissioner could be on the cards for FDA after
President Bush signalled yesterday that he intended to nominate
Andrew von Eschenbach for the job on a permanent basis - an
appointment that could help smooth regulatory...
BASF and Daiichi, two of the companies involved in the 1990s
vitamin cartel, have had their fines significantly reduced by a
European court, which ruled that the Commission made errors when
calculating the fines.
Cyvex Nutrition is expanding its range of broccoli ingredients
after a series of studies revealing the cancer-fighting benefits of
the wonder veg has increased popularity.
Zila has reported a 12 per cent drop in net revenue, as the
nutraceuticals division failed to recuperate from a lavish
marketing spend amid declining factory sales.
The number of deaths from stroke in North America has dropped by
five per cent since the introduction of folic acid fortification,
while figures in the non-fortifying UK have not changed.
Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, could stop the spread of cancer
cells, adding to previous studies and drawing attention to this
least studied form of the vitamin.
Ocean Nutrition Canada has signed a trademark licensing agreement
with Australia's YourHealth Group for the use of its Meg-3 omega-3
brand on complementary medicines.
Global fish oil production declined in 2005, according to figures
from the US fisheries department, while demand from the
nutraceuticals industry is on the up.
Slovenian rosemary extract firm Vitiva has completed a marketing
deal for the US and Canada, following on from last month's
ambitious expansion into the UK and Irish markets.
Nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some food crops have
dramatically declined in the past 50 years, something that could
further push consumers to opting for more nutritious organic goods.
Fruit and vegetables waste products offer a cheap and practical
source of potent antioxidants that could be used as functional
ingredients, says a Spanish-German study.
The most successful way to lose weight is not the type of diet
chosen, but actually sticking to it, according to research
published by the ARS, which also reveals that people are most
likely to stick to calorie and portion restriction...
Gadot is introducing a new highly soluble source of calcium
suitable for use in syrups and concentrates, which could help
beverage formulators design products to meet burgeoning interest in
functional drinks.
Canada's Bioriginal is launching a new flax-based product which
incorporates cranberry, which it expects to be popular with
companies wishing to offer two-fold health benefits.
PepsiCo has launched a range of flavoured waters enriched with
vitamins across the US, in a further sign that functional drinks
are pushing their way into the mainstream soft drinks sector.
Researchers have developed a method for enhancing the nutritional
value of alpine strawberries - which could prove popular with
consumers anxious to increase their vitamin intake.
An intake of antioxidants from different fruit could be more
efficient at protecting against the effects of oxidative stress
than single fruits, says new research using pigs.