Cognitive function

The Vitamin Shoppe refreshes online shopping experience pushing personalization

12-Jul-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The Vitamin Shoppe, which has struggled with declining sales from its brick and mortar business, continues to place more focus on its digital business, working with e-commerce solutions provider GroupBy to optimize and personalize its online shopping...

New Chapter founders leave brand, saying Procter & Gamble's profit pressure threatens to undermine mission

12-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

The founders of New Chapter have severed their relationship with Procter & Gamble because they said “financial pressures to accelerate profits” meant they could no longer in good conscience continue to associate themselves with the brand.

Palm oil rich with vitamin E linked to improved cognitive function in mice

12-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

Researchers in Malaysia induced Alzheimer’s Disease in mice and supplemented palm-derived tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E. They found a link between the vitamin and improvements in brain function.

Patent Watch

Laila Nutraceuticals files patent on 'highly potent' herbal blend for brain health

12-Jul-2018 By Kacey Culliney

India-based herbal exports specialist Laila has developed a synergistic blend of Brahmi herb and haritaki fruit for use in dietary supplements and functional products targeting age-associated cognitive decline.

Review finds promising, if preliminary, data backing mood support effects for probiotics, prebiotics and omega-3s

11-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

A recent review of studies on interventions with probiotics, prebiotics and omega-3s shows that there is promising data backing these ingredients’ effects on ameliorating anxiety, stress and depression. But much more research is needed to identify pathways,...

Study shows almost no college football players get enough omega-3s

10-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

Despite the potential protective role of omega-3s in cases of traumatic brain injury, only one of more than 100 college football players recently surveyed had a blood level of omega-3s that could offer the best protection.

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in older adults partly attributed to voluntary fortification policy, researchers say

10-Jul-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

One in eight adults in Ireland over the age of 50 aren’t getting enough vitamin B12 from their normal diets while one in seven are deficient in folic acid, but researchers from Trinity College Dublin argued that this could be improved by adopting a mandatory...

CRN updates guidelines on SARMs, caffeine

09-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

The Council for Responsible Nutrition has updated two guidelines for members, bringing practices in line with the latest changes in federal regulations. One deals with SARMs, another with high potency forms of caffeine.

CBD brand includes melatonin in sleep product

06-Jul-2018 By Hank Schultz

A nascent CBD brand that bills itself as an affordable alternative has launched a product featuring melatonin aimed at healthy sleep support.

Researchers suggest memory improvement benefits from supplementation with essence of…chicken?

03-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

Research in Thailand looked at the potential cognitive function benefits of protein and peptides derived from chicken in a newly published randomized controlled trial.

Dietary fiber intake inversely related to depression symptoms in US adults, study suggests

02-Jul-2018 By Adi Menayang

After analyzing data from a national US survey, researchers in China suggest that dietary fiber intake may be inversely related to depression symptoms.

China now one of 'most important players' in global probiotics market as sales top $8bn: IPA

02-Jul-2018 By Gary Scattergood

China has cemented its status as one of the world’s most important global players, according to industry body the International Probiotics Association (IPA), with data revealing that nearly half of all APAC sales come from the country.

Microbiome study on PTSD sufferers adds to baseline data for gut-brain connection

28-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Research in the connection between the microbiome and cognitive issues continues to expand, with research done in South Africa on subjects suffering post traumatic stress disorder.

Omega-3s shown to lower blood pressure in young adults, helping to redefine 'healthy aging'

28-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

New research using the Omega 3 Index blood test developed by William Harris, PhD shows that higher levels of these fatty acids in the body is correlated with lower blood pressure in healthy young adults. The findings could open new avenues for omega-3...

Black tea aroma inhalation may reduce stress and improve mood: Japanese study

28-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Inhaling the aroma of black tea may help to lower stress levels after a stressful task and improve mood prior to experiencing mental stress, according to emerging research from Japan.

Cannabis research effort will provide baseline data for CBD products, exec says

27-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

A new research partnership between Canadian CRO Nutrasource and a Florida medical clinic will aid the formulators of CBD products by providing baseline data that at the moment is lacking, an executive said.

FDA says Gottlieb statement does not signal CBD enforcement shift, but some questions unanswered, observers say

27-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

A statement by FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb on the approval of a CBD drug has left some industry stakeholders wondering what the exact implications are for the many CBD products being marketed as dietary supplements.

June new product launches: Bars, brains and shots

26-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

From liquid supplement shots to a subscription kit of cognitive health supplements, here are nine new finished product launches from the last few weeks.

Prebiotics shown to armor rats against stress by altering brain structure

25-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Research presented at the recent Probiota Americas meeting showed that adding prebiotics to the diet to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria actually altered the structure of rats' brains in a model testing stress response.

Omega-3 webinar to delve into sustainability, sourcing, science

25-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

With the marine sources of omega-3s a continuing question in minds of consumers and influencers, alternatives are likely to come to the fore in the future. This issue, along with others, will be examined in a forum discussion taking place tomorrow.

Next dimension of personalized nutrition? Startup Baze pushes into US dietary supplement market

25-Jun-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Baze, an at-home blood testing kit that measures an individual’s micronutrient levels to determine a set of personalized monthly supplements, has completed a soft launch in the US aiming to introduce consumers to the “next level of dietary supplementation,”...

Centenarian microbiota and metabolites: Japanese experts using findings to develop new products

25-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Researchers from Japan are using the findings of studies on centenarians in the country to try and produce new products that will replicate the beneficial aspects of their microbiota.

Better sleep seen as new target in sports nutrition

21-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Controlling cortisol levels can be a key element in sports nutrition, and could be attacked by helping athletes sleep better, an audience was told recently.

Alzheimer’s supplement 'breakthrough' branded 'deeply cynical' by experts

21-Jun-2018 By Will Chu

New research identifying a nutrient combination that claims to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been criticised by the scientific community, who urged caution over the study’s conclusions.

Special Edition: Omega-3s

As pace of innovation slows, new sources of omega-3s, higher concentrates, combo products still appearing

19-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Omega-3s companies continue to seek ways to differentiate their products. Among the innovations that are appearing in the marketplace are new combination products, new sources of raw material supply and a continued push toward higher concentrations of...

Variability in Peru fishery, PR hit for krill continue to tinge omega-3s sustainability picture

19-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

The sustainability of marine omega-3s sources continues to be a background concern for the industry, with variable anchovy harvests in Peru and another major retailer deciding to end krill oil sales.

Special edition: Omega-3s

Omega-3s and cognitive health: From memory and moms and babies, and from mood to the military

19-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

From memory and cognitive function, to mood and a potential in people with PTSD, there’s lots of research going on for omega-3s and brain health, but what does the science currently say?

Turmeric supplements under the microscope

Study highlights progress in turmeric supplement quality, but concerns around synthetic curcumin adulteration

18-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

A new analysis of 87 different turmeric dietary supplements has highlighted the diversity of available products and the challenges this gives consumers. Concerns were also raised around potential adulteration with synthetic curcumin.

Probiota Americas 2018 in Miami

Pilot study sheds light on probiotics’ potential as novel therapy for depression symptoms

18-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

Building on previous studies on the gut-brain axis, PhD candidate Caroline Wallace postulates that probiotics consumption may modulate depression symptoms.

CRO launches certification to vet quality of claims validation

15-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

Global Clinicals, a contract research organization (CRO) based in Los Angeles, has launched a certification the founder says will help companies differentiate themselves based on the quality of the research that backs the claims they make on their products.

Notes from Nutrition 2018 in Boston

Not just seeing: More research sheds light on carotenoids’ benefits for hearing

14-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

The benefits of carotenoids for vision is widely accepted and understood, but researchers are proposing that the same mechanism also leads to benefits for hearing.

Could an algorithm personalise caffeine intake and optimise alertness?

14-Jun-2018 By Will Chu

A new algorithm that works out the ideal caffeine dosage and timing for optimal alertness could form the basis of personalised caffeine consumption guidance.

BAPP bulletin details adulteration issues for turmeric and its extracts

12-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The latest Botanical Adulterants Bulletin focuses on the top-selling dietary supplement in US natural food stores: turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome and its extracts.

‘Elegant research’: Omega-3 supplements for kids may reduce aggressive behavior

08-Jun-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The potential of omega-3 supplements to calm aggressive behavior in children may also reduce the psychological aggression among adult caregivers not receiving supplements, says an important new study.

Algatech receives NDI for new microalgae ingredient

06-Jun-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Algatechnologies has launched Fucovital, a fucoxanthin oleoresin produced and extracted from microalgae, available in the US and Japan with launches in other markets to follow.

Synapse co-founders want to bring nootropics to college students and tired travelers

04-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

A college internship at a medical lab brought together three students with a knack for entrepreneurship and interest in nootropics. Then, Synapse was born.

Meet Liveli, a brain-health supplement start-up founded by two doctors

04-Jun-2018 By Adi Menayang

A California-based husband and wife doctor duo wants more people to maintain their brain health, so they launched their own cognitive-care supplement company.

Study shows prebiotics, lactoferrin make rats calmer

04-Jun-2018 By Hank Schultz

In a study that advances the state of evidence for the gut-brain connection, scientists in Colorado have shown that prebiotics and other fractions derived from human milk can reduce anxiety in juvenile rats and induce other changes in the brain.

Expert: Null study on multivitamins probably asked the wrong questions

31-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

An expert on the effects of multivitamins and minerals said he’s not in the least surprised that a recent meta analysis found that the ingredients don’t cut heart disease risk.

Chinese research reveals Ginkgo biloba's pharmacological mechanisms on Alzheimer's

30-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Gingko biloba may have therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, say researchers in China.

Doctor’s Best betting that clear fish oil will help its omega-3s line shine

24-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Supplement brand holder Doctor’s Best is betting that clarity can be a differentiator in the fish oil space as it debuts a new line of omega-3 softgels.

FDA warns three more kratom marketers over opioid treatment, other disease claims

24-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Kratom is again in the crosshairs as federal authorities sent out three more warning letters to companies making illegal opioid addiction treatment claims for the botanical.

‘The market opportunity is significant’: DuPont gets GRAS for HMO for infants

23-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

DuPont Nutrition & Health has received a ‘No Objection’ letter for its Care4U 2´-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), aimed at narrowing the nutritional gap between breast milk and formula.

Allowing matter to lapse dooms patent suit filed over feverfew formulation

23-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

The maker of a dietary supplement focused on migraine relief has prevailed in a patent suit based on a legal doctrine relating to how long a case remains quiescent.

Special edition: Nootropics

Data supporting nootropics in sports nutrition still in beginning stages, expert says

17-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Sports nutrition has been one area of increasing interest for the marketers of nootropic ingredients. But one expert says that’s based more on extrapolation than solid science.

Special edition: Nootropics

Some shady ingredients find home in nootropics category

17-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Nootropics is an area of the dietary supplement industry burgeoning with new ingredients. But at the ragged fringe of the category are drug-like substances that just won’t go away.

Special edition: Nootropics

Nootropics industry has a largely untapped opportunity in eSports

17-May-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Consumer needs of the competitive online gaming community have evolved beyond chugging caffeine-laden energy drinks and towards more sophisticated functional formulations of nootropics—dietary supplements that claim to improve mental acuity, vision, and...

Mind Lab Pro exec: ‘Nootropic is not yet a household word, but mystery only adds to its sex appeal and marketing sizzle’

17-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

Not many cognitive support supplements actually use the word ‘nootropic’ in their product name. British brand Mind Lab Pro is one of the few that do.

CSPI warns consumers, asks for FDA action on adulterated ginkgo products

16-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has warned consumers to avoid ginkgo products and called for FDA enforcement because of what it characterized as widespread adulteration.

How do you test a nootropic supplement for efficacy? Analytical labs weigh in

16-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

There has been an increased demand for testing nootropic dietary supplements, according to several analytical labs. How can companies substantiate claims around cognitive benefits?