Cognitive function

Omega-3 and major depression: More evidence needed on fatty acids' preventive effects

16-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

There is insufficient evidence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids' effectiveness in helping to prevent major depression, according to researchers in Japan.

UNPA wrestles with stance on CBD trade at recent meeting

15-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

The question of what stance to take regarding the CBD trade formed the basis of another session at a recent dietary supplement industry meeting.

What are some botanicals with strong science supporting their cognitive benefits? Researchers explore in scientific review

11-May-2018 By Adi Menayang

Some phytochemicals and botanicals have 'very promising' evidence for combating cognitive decline, according to a new systematic review.

LifeVantage Vitality Stack Packets drive double-digit growth in order rates

11-May-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

LifeVantage, an international multi-level marketing firm, is seeing strong consumer acceptance of its single-serve Vital Stack Packets that provide a personalized dietary supplement experience.

Corals, worms and molluscs are potential omega-3 sources

Major breakthrough: Omega-3 discovery could ‘revolutionise’ understanding of production

11-May-2018 By Will Chu

The discovery of new, natural omega-3 sources could herald a 'very significant contribution' to global omega-3 production, after researchers discover that certain invertebrates are able to produce the fatty acid.

Taking vitamin B6 before bed could improve dream recall and vividness, study suggests

08-May-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Vitamin B6 supplementation before bed may enhance dream vividness and recall, a pilot study of 100 participants published in the journal of Perceptual and Motor Skills found.

Personalization and the microbiome in precision medicine: Probiota Americas 2018 program revealed

07-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

From the microbiome in precision medicine to personalized probiotics for sports nutrition, and from next-gen analytical advances to how online customer engagement is driving the market, Probiota Americas will again bridge the science and business of the...

OmniActive says it’s ‘well positioned’ to take advantage of growing US interest in herbs and botanicals

07-May-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Since its acquisition of natural extract supplier Indfrag for $35 million last year, OmniActive Health Technologies is solidifying its presence in the US specialty botanicals and extracts market with a focus on healthy aging and healthy living.

Whittel out as Twinlab CEO; says she accomplished goals during tenure

03-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

Twinlab Consolidation Corporation and CEO Naomi Whittel have parted ways, a development both sides characterize as amicable.

Demographic shifts building bigger market for Active Nutrition end of sports product lines, expert says

02-May-2018 By Hank Schultz

The Active Nutrition end of the sports nutrition market is growing fast, fueled by large scale demographic changes, according to an expert.

Dr Low Dog: Nutrient testing is a key missing part of Western medical training

02-May-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The often-quoted message that "everyone gets everything they need by eating a healthy diet" is clearly not true, says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, but testing for micronutrient deficiencies / status in primary care remains very limited.

Mediterranean diet pattern leads to healthier gut profile: Study

26-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Eating a Mediterranean-type diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may boost the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, compared to a high-fat and high-sugar Western-style diet.

AHPA recommendation to keep CBD off drug lists could help clarify cannabis picture

25-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

CBD should not be placed on any international drug schedules, according to comments submitted by the American Herbal Products Association.

Twinlab / Reserveage launch new products for sleep, heart health, and for her

25-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

The company used the recent Expo West show in Anaheim to discuss a raft of new products developed by collaborating with some big name experts.

Special edition: Multivitamins

Selenium, vitamin K2 and nicotinamide riboside ride new research toward roles beyond being multivitamin bit players

24-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

New indications for ingredients that have been featured in many multivitamin products have helped to expand their reach into different formulations and even standalone products.

High-protein supplements boosts recovery, blood oxygen levels in elite basketballers: Study

24-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Elite basketballers taking a high-protein post exercise supplement experienced accelerated recovery. Their blood oxygen levels were also found to be higher.

Side effects prompt French authorities to issue melatonin supplement warning

24-Apr-2018 By Will Chu

French authorities are urging certain populations to avoid consuming food supplements containing melatonin after incidences of adverse effects were reported to the country’s nutrivigilance scheme.

Thrive+ founder: ‘We want to be used any time someone drinks alcohol’

20-Apr-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Trademarked as an “After-Alcohol Aid”, Thrive+ is targeting legal drinking age adults who regularly consume alcohol with its patented combination of Dihydromyricetin (DHM) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC).

Even with a GMP clean bill of health, overblown claims can spark warning letter

19-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

Operating a fully compliant manufacturing facility is no bulwark against trouble caused by noncompliant disease claims, as a recent warning letter illustrates.

FTC begins refunding consumers in false memory claims case

18-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

The Federal Trade Commission has begun refunding more than $355,000 to consumers who bought what the agency ruled to be a deceptively marketed ‘memory improvement’ product

CBD in supplements leads to stormy session at industry meeting

16-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

Does CBD belong in dietary supplements? FDA says no, and many industry stakeholders who sounded off at a recent industry meeting were inclined to agree.

Enfamil NeuroPro infant formula supplemented with MFGM to serve as nutritional bridge for parents and caregivers

16-Apr-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Mead Johnson Nutrition is aiming to position its Enfamil NeuroPro infant formula supplemented with bovine MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) and DHA as a nutritional bridge “similar to breast milk” while seeking to close the cognitive development gap between...

BioPQQ shoots beyond cognitive health benefits to capture younger consumers

13-Apr-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Since receiving an NDI for its BQQ Ingredient in 2008, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America is uncovering further potential benefits beyond cognitive health functions such as increased energy and stamina.

Cramped in coach? Study says pine bark extract may ease post-flight symptoms such as swelling, jet lag

13-Apr-2018 By Adi Menayang

Researchers in Italy found that study participants who took Pycnogenol supplements—a branded form of French maritime pine bark extract—had less swelling in the lower legs during travel compared to control groups in which participants simply wore stockings...

Positivity reigns! Results of the 2nd annual NutraIngredients-USA reader survey

11-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Results of the 2nd annual NutraIngredients-USA reader survey are in, and the responses are hugely positive for the dietary supplements industry.

Antioxidant and amino acid supplementation has potential in treating early stage psychosis

11-Apr-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Nutrient supplementation, specifically antioxidants and amino acids, could play a role in the treatment of the first episode of psychosis (referring to the first two to five years of a psychotic disorder) by reducing related symptoms, a systematic review...

Study linking astaxanthin and sesamin to reduced mental fatigue 'bears the hallmarks of a modern urban lifestyle'

10-Apr-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The combination of astaxanthin and sesamin (AS) may help promote recovery from mental and physical fatigue, according to a study from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan.

Clinical trial supports absorption, assimilation of magnesium from Jigsaw Health’s MagSRT

10-Apr-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with the commercial MagSRT product improved serum magnesium levels by 22%, and reduced magnesium deficiency symptoms by 63%, according to a recent clinical trial.

NEWS IN BRIEF

GNC partners with Rapid Nutrition to enter Australian market

05-Apr-2018 By Adi Menayang

Pittsburgh-headquartered retailer GNC announced today that its products are entering the Australian market through a partnership with Rapid Nutrition.

Lipogen said study shows new lipid ingredient is effective in addressing PMS symptoms

04-Apr-2018 By Hank Schultz

Israeli lipid ingredients supplier Lipogen has released research on a new ingredient that shows significant reduction in PMS symptoms.

What is standing in the way of people adopting a healthy plant-based diet? An expert explains

03-Apr-2018 By Tim Cutcliffe

The multiple health benefits of adopting a plant-based diet are currently an area of focus. However, a number of obstacles exist which may deter people from making the switch.

Study on piglets shows that deficient choline harms brain development

30-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

Recent research done at the University of Illinois bolsters the notion that prenatal choline supplementation can boost the brain development of human infants.

Study links lutein levels to higher IQ

30-Mar-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Superior macula pigment optical density (MPOD) – a measure of lutein levels in the eye and brain – is associated with higher IQ levels, says a new study.

Arjuna launches ‘highly potent’ ashwaganda; clinical trials on ingredient ongoing

29-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

Indian ingredients company Arjuna launched a new ashwagandha extract product called Shoden for the US market this week.

Focused research, sustainability bona fides, help PLT's nootropic ingredient Zembrin compete in crowded space

23-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

With the nootropic space filling up with new offerings, it helps to have an ingredient that is both well researched and has a good story, says branded ingredient supplier PLT.

Manufacturer-backed mouse study finds lipid-modified curcumin more neuroprotective than unformulated curcumin

23-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

New mouse-model study sheds light on anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefit of a commercial solid lipid curcumin ingredient, Longvida by Verdure, compared to ‘unformulated’ curcumin.

Special Edition: Botanicals

From calming capsules to energizing teas: Botanical product launches at Expo West

20-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

What’s new in the botanical supplements and functional foods this year? We caught up with some botanical-focused companies at the Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, CA, earlier this month to get the scoop.

Caffeine’s skeletons firmly locked in closet as sales of products soar

15-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

Whatever headwinds have afflicted caffeine as an ingredient seem to have had no effect whatever on sales of caffeinated beverages. Monster Beverage, which was once hauled before a congressional hearing on its practice of marketing its beverages to minors,...

Calorie restriction plus low-fat diet could slow age-related brain inflammation

14-Mar-2018 By Tim Cutcliffe

A combination of caloric restriction and a low-fat diet has been shown to prevent inflammation in the brains of mice, say researchers.

Bay Area-based Zipongo wants more Americans to see food as medicine. Healthcare investors, corporate America are on board

08-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

With millions of dollars from multiple healthcare- and digital space-focused venture capital firms, Bay Area-based Zipongo is poised to help more Americans eat healthier.

Omega-3 trial fails to reproduce benefits on child reading and memory seen in earlier study

07-Mar-2018 By Tim Cutcliffe

Dietary supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA had no impact on reading, working memory or behaviour of under-performing UK schoolchildren, suggests new research that contradicts previous findings.

Acquisitions, higher choline profile boost Balchem’s bottom line

06-Mar-2018 By Hank Schultz

Balchem Corporation has ridden a string of acquisitions in human nutrition and a rising tide of choline awareness to record results in its most recent earnings statement.

Spearmint may boost sleeping ability, short-term memory among older adults, new study suggests

05-Mar-2018 By Adi Menayang

A study backed by ingredient manufacturer Kemin found that participants who took 900mg a day of spearmint extract experienced improved working memory and self-reported ability to get to sleep.

Omega-3s: Consumer awareness is high and positive, but they need a reason to buy supplements

01-Mar-2018 By Stephen Daniells

While consumer awareness of the benefits of omega-3s is high and positive, consumer usage of dietary supplements is low, according to new data from focus groups funded by GOED.

News in Brief

Inno-Bev gets US patent on botanical formula for alterness

27-Feb-2018 By Hank Schultz

Israeli company Inno-Bev Ltd., says it has received a US patent on a plant-based alterness formula called WakeUp, which is sold both as a liquid supplement shot and in a separately branded ready to drink beverage.

NEWS IN BRIEF

HP Ingredients launches new cognitive health ingredient

26-Feb-2018

HP Ingredients, a Florida headquartered ingredient manufacturer, launched a new ingredient targeting cognitive health made out of Polygonum minus extract.

Sat-fat diet harms the mind as well as the body: Mouse data

19-Feb-2018 By Tim Cutcliffe

Excessive consumption of saturated fat could result in anxiety and depression, according to new research in mice.

Finished product sales push ChromaDex's revenue higher, but losses rise steeply, too

15-Feb-2018 By Hank Schultz

In its preliminary fiscal year end report, ChromaDex says its increased transaction revenue is ample compensation for heavy marketing expenditures and sharply higher losses.

More research on omega-3s in muscle building, healthy aging and brain health called for, expert says

15-Feb-2018 By Hank Schultz

Research continues to pile up on omega-3s but within that mountain of data, gaps start to appear. Expert Kevin Tipton, PhD, told us about three areas where more research is needed: In muscle growth, in healthy aging and in brain health.

View from the Editor's Chair

Where’s the innovation in dietary supplements? Part 2: From delivery to personalization

15-Feb-2018 By Stephen Daniells

In part 2 of my two part series on innovation, I will look at innovation in delivery techniques and the rise of customization and personalization in dietary supplements.