Cognitive function

Trust Transparency Center establishes new forum for single ingredient issues

28-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

Consulting firm Trust Transparency Center has announced a new initiative that the firm says will streamline the examination of single ingredient sourcing issues in the marketplace.

What your child’s gut health says about their behavior

23-Jan-2020 By Danielle Masterson

If your child misbehaves, you may only have yourself to blame, a new study suggests. Recent research indicates the gut microbiome could be a potential determinant of how a child’s environment ultimately impacts their neurobiological function and mental...

Want to win a NutraIngredients-USA Award? What are the judges looking for?

22-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back for 2020, but what are our stellar cast of judges looking for?

Probiota 2020

Strategic thinking: Brilliant science is only half of the battle for microbiome success

21-Jan-2020 By Nathan Gray

When it comes to commercialising microbiome-related products, having really amazing science is only 50% of the journey towards market success, says industry expert Julian Mellentin.

Brain hop: Kirin to develop products containing mature hop bitter acids for cognitive benefits

21-Jan-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

Kirin is planning to develop food and beverage products that contain its proprietary ingredient, matured hop bitter acids, which the firm says have shown cognitive benefits.

Soybean oil alters genes in the brain: Study

20-Jan-2020 By Danielle Masterson

A new study that examined the effect of high fat diets found soybean oil was associated with undesirable changes in gene expression the hypothalamus—at least in mice.

Views differ sharply on whether CBD legislation is best way to break logjam

17-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

Dietary supplement industry stakeholders are divided over whether proposed legislation to alter the regulatory definitions of dietary ingredients to specifically include CBD is the best way to break the logjam on the substance.

2020 predictions: Staff changes at FDA, CBD, personalization, and the microbiome

15-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The year is new and a lot of people are getting out their crystal balls. NutraIngredients-USA is no exception, and here are our top big issues that will impact the dietary supplements industry in this new decade.

Fresh Thyme expands its CBD set: ‘We’ve been surprised with the potency levels some people are looking for'

08-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

CBD is the fastest-growing category in supplements and bodycare in Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores, increasing average basket spend in the category and attracting new shoppers, says the Midwest retailer. However, sales growth is slowing as the category...

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back! Submit your entries!

08-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2020 have three new categories but the same commitment to honor the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in the dietary supplements industry.

Echinacea extract shows mild anti-anxiety effects in RCT

03-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

A commercial Echinacea angustifolia root extract may help decrease anxiety in adults, suggests a new gold standard double‐blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Meta-analyses support omega-3s potential brain health benefits

23-Dec-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Two new meta-analyses indicate that omega-3 supplements may help protect against mild cognitive decline and improve memory in health subjects.

Nootropics to super-premium pet food: KeHE reveals top five grocery trends for 2020

17-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

KeHE, distributor of natural, fresh, specialty, and organic foods products, predicts personal and environmental wellness to be top of mind for consumers next year.

Federal funding measure falls short on hemp/CBD, stakeholders say

17-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

An interim federal government funding measure does not include language creating a legal pathway for hemp/CBD products, despite advocacy on the part of stakeholders including lawmakers and trade organizations.

High EPA dose improves attention in ADHD children – Joint UK-Taiwan study

17-Dec-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Consuming high dose of EPA improves attention in ADHD children, according to a study jointly conducted by King’s College London and China Medical University in Taiwan.

New point-and-shoot method can measure omega-3 levels in fish oil at every step of supply chain

16-Dec-2019 By Guan Yu Lim

Researchers from New Zealand have found a way of using Raman spectroscopy to quickly analyse omega-3 fatty acid concentration in intact soft gel fish oil capsules without destroying them.

New York law sets stage for strictly regulated market for cannabinoids

11-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

New York State recently put into place regulations that govern hemp cultivation within its borders. In addition, the new law creates a regulatory framework specific to the trade in cannabinoid extracts and finished goods.

GOED: Omega-3s market grew 2.3% in 2018

10-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

The global omega-3s market grew 2.3% in 2018 from the previous year on a tonnage basis, according to a report released by GOED.

Product based on prickly pear extract takes aim at jet lag

10-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

An herbal product aimed at combating jet lag based on a prickly pear fruit extract has hit the US market.

News in brief

Sabinsa gets patent on LactoSpore’s mood benefits

09-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa has announced a new patent, this one for the effect of its Lactospore probiotic in the suppression depression symptoms in consumers suffering from gut health issues.

Safety review backs natural astaxanthin, but holds off on synthetic forms

06-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

A recent review of astaxanthin found evidence to support the safety of dosages of 12 mg up to 24 mg a day. But that applies to only to natural astaxanthin, not to the synthetic forms, the authors said.

Consumer Reports calls attention to the importance of vitamin K

06-Dec-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Many people – and older men in particular – are not getting enough vitamin K, says a new article by Consumer Reports that draws attention to the benefits of the vitamin.

Study links DHA levels to better sleep in Mexican teens

05-Dec-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may be associated with longer sleep duration for Mexican adolescents, suggests a new study.

Cohen study finds presence of unapproved drug in cognitive ‘supplements’

26-Nov-2019 By Stephen Daniells

A new study from Dr Pieter Cohen has revealed the presence of piracetam, a drug that is not approved for use by the FDA, in cognitive enhancement products labeled as dietary supplements, strengthening calls by stakeholders for a mandatory product registry...

Trade group, state legislature turn up CBD pressure on FDA

22-Nov-2019 By Hank Schultz

Pressure continues to build to find a resolution to the CBD impasse. A trade organization and a state government have filed notices with FDA on the issue.

DSM bridging personalized nutrition gaps with acquisition of digital platform

19-Nov-2019 By Hank Schultz

Dutch ingredients giant Royal DSM has acquired AVA, a Boston-based company that offers a digital personalized nutrition platform.

Higher maternal lutein intake linked to better child behavior: Study

18-Nov-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Higher intakes of lutein during pregnancy are associated with better behavior regulation in the children at mid-childhood, suggests a new study from Tufts University and Harvard Medical School.

Omega-3 may improve brain health in people with heart disease: Study

15-Nov-2019 By Danielle Masterson

The study found taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements was associated with better brain function in people with coronary artery disease.

Probiota Asia 2019

Improving mood: Medlab underlines how microbiome modulation can improve cognitive disorders

14-Nov-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Probiotics supplementation could improve a dysbiotic gut, and in turn manage mood disorders, including major depression.

Editor's Spotlight

More data fueling explosion of personalized nutrition

13-Nov-2019 By Hank Schultz

Additional data will continue to fuel the growth of personalized nutrition, participants in a panel discussion said.

Astaxanthin supplement shows promise in brain health category: Two studies

13-Nov-2019 By Danielle Masterson

An antioxidant, astaxanthin has been linked to healthier skin, heart health, joint pain, and now, research suggests it may also reduce depression and stress in healthy subjects as well as improve memory in subjects with mild cognitive decline.

CBD product launch part of Nature’s Sunshine restructuring efforts

13-Nov-2019 By Hank Schultz

Nature’s Sunshine is the latest company to throw its hat in the CBD ring with a range of products that include added ingredients.

Prebiotics group concurs with $5.5 billion figure on global market

11-Nov-2019 By Hank Schultz

Growing consumer awareness along with demand in animal nutrition is driving the overall growth of prebiotics, which a trade group says will account for $5.5 billion in sales in 2019. Better messaging can help maintain that momentum, the group says.

GOED: Omega-3 clinical trials database will boost claims, help identify research gaps

11-Nov-2019 By Stephen Daniells

A database that includes 4,000-plus clinical trials on EPA and DHA omega-3s will help companies with claims substantiation, and provide ready access to significant scientific data to counter negative consumer media articles, says GOED’s executive director.

Probiota Asia 2019

Probiotic from Penang: Malaysian cow’s milk bacteria strain exerts benefits for brain, URT, and liver

11-Nov-2019 By Tingmin Koe

A probiotic strain isolated from cow’s milk in Penang, Malaysia, has been shown to deliver benefits related to brain, respiratory, and gut health.

Polyphenols from grape and blueberry show promise as effective nootropic ingredients

08-Nov-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Nootropics are appealing to everyone from gamers to Alzheimer's sufferers.

Fish oil supplements have little or no effect on anxiety and depression, say researchers

05-Nov-2019 By Nikki Hancocks

Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on anxiety and depression according to new research from the University of East Anglia.

Company offers personalized probiotics based on DNA microbiome testing

31-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

A new company is claiming to offer ‘precision’ probiotics to consumers based on DNA testing of their individual microbiomes.

New preliminary research finds that poor sleep may have negative effect on gut health

31-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Lack of sleep can affect not just energy levels, but the gut too. A new study looks to explore the relationship between sleep and the gut microbiome.

Marinova presents latest fucoidan developments, casts wide net for applications

29-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Fucoidan-containing seaweeds have been used for centuries in Asia. It is only in recent years that the ingredient has gained a special interest in the western world as research gives rise to its many health benefits.

Quicksilver releases new enhanced CBD products

29-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Colorado-based Quicksilver Scientific has joined the CBD bioavailability game with a new product line featuring the company’s proprietary liposomal delivery system.

Mississippi adds to regulatory tangle with warning on CBD products

28-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Mississippi state officials have issued a blanket warning to consumers about the dangers of all CBD products sold in the state.

Natures Crops and Braini announce global Ahiflower supply agreement

24-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Natures Crops, the exclusive producers behind plant-based Ahiflower oil, has entered into a global supply agreement with nutraceutical products brand Braini.

China-based Harbin may buy out struggling GNC

24-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Earlier this year, the vitamin retailer sought international expansion after striking a strategic partnership deal with China-based Harbin Pharmaceutical Group. Now it appears Harbin (also known as Hayao) may buy the Pittsburgh-based health and wellness...

Report predicts 2.3 million acres of hemp in US by 2023, up from 78,000 in 2018

23-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Hemp cultivation will ramp up markedly according to a new report, raising questions of whether the supply cart is getting ahead of the processing horse.

Probiota Asia 2019

Probiotic research booming in Asia with China and Iran leading the charge

23-Oct-2019 By Tingmin Koe

A growing number of clinical studies focusing on probiotics is seen in Asia, with China and Iran seeing exponential increase in recent years, according to an International Probiotics Association-backed review.

NPA says poll confirms consumers’ desire for CBD regulations

22-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

A new poll shows many consumers would stop using CBD products if they knew FDA has not yet set regulations around them. The poll was commissioned by the Natural Products Association.

Epax touts $35 million upgrade plans at SupplySide West

21-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Norwegian marine oil innovator Epax will invest $35 million over the next two years in upgrading its facilities to maximize sustainability and meet consumer demand.

UNPA announces hemp policy, signs up first CBD member

17-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

The United Natural Products Alliance has announced a new policy on hemp extracts while at the same time announcing its first member engaged exclusively in the business.

'Potent' saffron extract debuts at SupplySide West

17-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Affron Saffron, a formulation boasting a low dosage threshold, proven bioavailability and rapid one-hour absorption, will be unveiled this week in Las Vegas.