Cognitive function

Taiyo study supports L-Theanine for cognitive benefits

14-Oct-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing L-theanine from tea my boost measures of cognitive function such as verbal fluency and executive function, compared to placebo in healthy adults, suggests a new study from Taiyo.

Humanitarian grant awarded for study on the impact of NAD booster supplements on lactation, brain development in rodents

11-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

NAD has become highly regarded in scientific research in recent years because of its role in biological functions. Now, Dr. Charles Brenner, the Roy J. Carver Chair and Head of Biochemistry at the University of Iowa, will receive a humanitarian grant...

Labeling, colonization, adequate intakes, & taxonomy to be discussed at IPA’s DC Workshop

10-Oct-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The International Probiotics Association will host its fourth IPA DC Workshop with insights from a range of experts and stakeholders, including the FDA/ CFSAN, FTC, and Health Canada. The event is held in conjunction with the US Pharmacopeia.

Editor's Spotlight

Massive CBD extraction facility opens in Colorado

09-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

On Tuesday, Oct. 9 Mile High Labs opened what the company calls the country’s largest CBD extraction facility in Broomfield, CO.

Senator demands FDA safety regulations on CBD

09-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Senator Richard Blumenthal is calling on the Food and Drug Administration to regulate CBD.

Letter urging new CBD regs sent to all members of Congress by trade associations

09-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Yesterday four trade associations representing the dietary supplement industry sent a letter to all 535 members of the US Congress urging them to make CBD a legal dietary ingredient and to give FDA the resources to regulate the sector.

The mushroom boom: Fungi offers versatility and health benefits

08-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

The idea of consuming fungi may not sound appetizing to everyone, but Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practitioners have been using adaptogenic mushrooms for thousands of years.

Coastal dwellers low in omega-3s despite affluence, access to fish, survey finds

08-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Even Americans living in an affluent coastal town with good access to fresh seafood are deficient in omega-3s, a new survey has found.

Epax reveals €32m omega-3 facility upgrade plans

04-Oct-2019 By Will Chu

Norwegian firm Epax is to invest €32m over the next two years in upgrading its facilities and capacity in response to consumer demand for high-potency omega-3 oils.

Blueberries may boost brain function for kids: Study

02-Oct-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Acute consumption of a flavonoid-rich wild blueberry drink may improve memory and attentional aspects of executive function in healthy children, suggests a study from the UK.

Editor's Spotlight

Commitment to efficacious dosages, proven effects drove brand's founder

02-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

The founder of the SFH—Stronger Faster Healthier—brand said his training in chemistry and pharmacology drove him to found a brand based efficacious dosages and proven effects.

Nutrient supplementation beneficial for a range of mental disorders

01-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

A whopping 77% of Americans report they consume dietary supplements, according to CRN. A recent study found that a major reason behind the supplements intake is to combat anxiety or stress.

Supplement survey underscores key trends, need for consumer education

01-Oct-2019 By Danielle Masterson

The Trust Transparency Center (TTC) released their findings from the 2nd Annual National Supplement Consumer Survey on Emerging Ingredient Categories.

Swisse marks return to US market with launch of ‘jelly’ supplements

01-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Swisse Wellness has capped its return to North America with a line of ‘jelly’ dietary supplements that are specific to the US market.

Gulf in CBD product quality laid bare as calls for tighter controls amplify

01-Oct-2019 By Will Chu

A cannabidiol (CBD) manufacturer is calling for greater regulatory controls after independent analyses of 31 CBD-based products found varying levels of active ingredients as well as CBD-related labelling issues.

Dietary supplement use more popular than ever: CRN study

30-Sep-2019 By Danielle Masterson

The widespread use of dietary supplements among adults of all ages is on the rise.

CVS to pay refunds to settle lawsuit over memory claims on algal DHA

30-Sep-2019 By Hank Schultz

CVS has agreed to pay refunds on a brand of memory supplements, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which had sued the company on behalf of consumers.

Physicians receive inadequate nutrition education, study calls for policy changes

27-Sep-2019 By Danielle Masterson

Poor diet is the leading risk factor for early death worldwide. Yet nutrition is insufficiently incorporated into medical education, according to a new report from the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC).

GOED Exchange 2020 open for registration

27-Sep-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The GOED Exchange is open for registrations, and will feature presentations from a NY Times best-selling author, updates on the latest science around omega-3s for brain health, and consumer insights data.

US House to vote today on hemp/CBD banking measure

25-Sep-2019 By Hank Schultz

The US House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a bill that would clear the way for full banking services for companies dealing in hemp/CBD products.

NSF to start offering hemp/CBD testing, certification

24-Sep-2019 By Hank Schultz

NSF International has unveiled a new certification program for the hemp industry, which the organization says will help address the ongoing quality questions in this sector.

Polaris announces DHA-rich algal oil now approved for EU sale

24-Sep-2019 By Will Chu

Polaris is now permitted to sell its concentrated, purified algal omega-3 oil throughout Europe as the French firm receives official authorisation.

2018 HerbalGram Herb Market Report

CBD supplement sales rocket to take top spot in the US natural channel

23-Sep-2019 By Stephen Daniells

With 332% growth year-on-year and $52 million in sales, cannabidiol (CBD) has taken the top spot as the best-selling herbal supplement in the natural channel, according to the 2018 HerbalGram Herb Market Report by the American Botanical Council.

RCT supports efficacy of St John’s wort for postmenopausal symptoms and depression

19-Sep-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of St John’s wort may help reduce the incidence of hot flashes and help depression in postmenopausal women, says a new study.

Ayurveda and Alzheimer’s: Bacosides from Brahmi display cognitive benefits– Malaysian review

18-Sep-2019 By Tingmin Koe

The Ayurvedic herb, bacopa monnieri (B monnieri), has shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a new scientific review.

Hemp producer signs UFC deal in fiscal year that saw sales soar 349%

16-Sep-2019 By Hank Schultz

Hemp/CBD player Aurora Cannabis announced a huge gain in sales in a fiscal year that saw the company sign a ‘research partnership’ with the UFC, a combat sports league.

‘Top-tier evidence’: Major Australian meta-review backs EPA for improving mental health

16-Sep-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has shown the strongest evidence for improving cognitive disorders, such as depression, according to a meta-review.

RCT supports bioavailability of lutein from novel water-soluble formulation

13-Sep-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The bioavailability of lutein may be enhanced by using a water-soluble formulation, according to a new study from Taiyo using its Sunactive LT ingredient.

Choline must be integrated into the prenatal supplement regimen, says expert review

11-Sep-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The importance of choline during the first 1,000 days after conception is increasingly understood by the medical community, and dietary supplement manufacturers are “beginning to recognize the potential that choline offers” says an industry expert.

Vitamin Shoppe gets competing bid

10-Sep-2019 By Danielle Masterson

A new player has entered into Vitamin Shoppe negotiations.

GNC teams up with Banco De Franquias to expand presence in Brazil

05-Sep-2019 By Natasha Spencer

Health and wellness brand, GNC Holdings, announced a partnership with professional retail operator, BFG Brasil Comercial de Vitaminas LTDA, to help grow its brand awareness and reputation in Brazil.

Cash crop: Thai authorities approve use of hemp in food, cosmetics and CBD in herbal products

04-Sep-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Hemp and CBD are now allowed for use in herbal products made in Thailand after the authorities relaxed restrictions on their use.

Early CBD player sees sales rise more than 30%

29-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Medical Marijuana Inc, despite its name one of the early players in the hemp/CBD supplement field, has announced sales increases topping 30% and a move to develop products based on additional cannabinoids.

Certified seed shortage means hemp crops exhibit wide range of phytochemistry, expert says

29-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

The high variability of hemp plants now being grown in North America means claims of standardization should be take with a grain of salt, a botanical expert says.

Study strengthens supports for lutein-zeaxanthin for cognitive boosts

29-Aug-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin may boost several parameters of cognitive performance, from attention to memory and processing speed, says a new study.

Editor's Spotlight

CEO refocuses Valensa with ingredient 'platforms' strategy

28-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Fitting a legacy business into the realities of the modern market is a challenge for suppliers of dietary supplement ingredients, according to the CEO of Valensa International.

Despite rising popularity, ayahuasca supplies not imperiled as yet, expert finds

28-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

The meteoric rise in the popularity of ayahuasca, a potent brew from the Amazon, has not yet imperiled supplies of the botanical raw materials, according to a report from a noted herbal expert.

Timed release melatonin maker says adverse events data proves product is safe

26-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

The manufacturer of a timed-release melatonin product has publicized an additional year of adverse events data which it says bolsters the safety of its product.

From the Editor's Desk

Questions of identity, legal transport raised in CBD webinar

23-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Questions of identity and transport are at the forefront of the CBD realm these days, judging by the results of a webinar I hosted yesterday.

Pilot study: Pomegranate juice shows promise for baby brain development

23-Aug-2019 By Nikki Hancocks

Consuming pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy may protect brain development and brain connectivity in growth restricted babies, a new pilot study has revealed.

BDS announces big capital raise as demand for hemp data mushrooms

22-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

In a development reflective of the rapidly developing hemp and cannabis markets, research firm BDS Analytics has announced $7 million in new financing.

Brand development key to success in CBD game

20-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Brand development expertise will be a key differentiator in the rapidly evolving CBD space, one stakeholder says.

Colorado hemp entrepreneurs can count on enthusiastic backing of governor

19-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said the state intends to maintain its lead in the hemp industry by putting the full weight of state government behind its farmers and extractors. The state has taken a lead in shipping hemp plants and seeds to some Latin American...

Patagonian berries are ‘a relevant source of bioactive compounds’, says review

16-Aug-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Native Patagonian berries such as maqui, calafate, and Patagonian raspberries are a rich source of phytochemical with potential health-promoting properties, says a new review from Chile and Argentina.

From the editor's desk

Patchwork quilt of regulations could further complicate CBD picture if FDA doesn’t act quickly

16-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

FDA needs to act quickly on CBD regulations before a rapidly developing patchwork quilt of new rules promulgated in lower jurisdictions unduly complicates the situation.

More distribution, esports deal helps drive rapid growth for Celsius

16-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

Energy drink company Celsius continues its meteoric rise with a greater emphasis on marketing spend, distribution growth and a new tie in with an esports organization. And like many other beverage companies, Celsius has a CBD product waiting in the wings.

‘Promising’: Multi-strain probiotic may held modulate behavior in healthy people

15-Aug-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet with a combination of different probiotic strains may modulate behavior in healthy volunteers, says a new RCT from Austria that supports the role of the gut-brain axis.

Healthy Ageing APAC Summit 2019

Chronological vs biological’: Chromadex aims to use personalised nutrition as means to revolutionise ageing

13-Aug-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Personalised nutrition and other specific therapeutic functions with a focus on changing the concept of ageing are the way forward for ChromaDex’s flagship nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplement, said the firm.

3+ caffeine-containing beverages enough to trigger migraine, Harvard study suggests

12-Aug-2019 By Will Chu

Consuming three or more caffeinated beverages daily may be enough to trigger a migraine, a new study suggests, pointing to the stimulant’s ability to provoke receptors that regulate pain.

Best practices around controlling THC content will be key element of CBD debate, expert says

09-Aug-2019 By Hank Schultz

A key element of the CBD debate will be determining best practices of when and how to measure the THC content of products, said an expert with long experience in the botanicals field.