Cognitive function

Aker invests in expensive promotion to boost overall omega-3 category

08-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

Claiming to be a category leader can be expensive. Aker BioMarine CEO Matts Johansen said his company accepted that challenge when it produced a pricey video highlighting the importance of testing omega-3 levels in consumers.

It's still unclear how gut diversity relates to health, researchers say

07-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

Researchers agree that a more diverse gut microbiome is a healthier one. But beyond that, they don’t have the basis to agree on much else surrounding the concept of diversity.

Study finds link between gut microbiota, sleep quality and cognitive flexibility

07-Nov-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A new study highlights the link between sleep habits, gut microbiome composition and cognitive flexibility in healthy older adults, but could probiotics benefit sleep-related cognitive issues?

Polyphenolics seeks to capture potentially mysterious benefits of red wine in extract

06-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

Polyphenolics is going back to basics with an ingredient that seeks to capture benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in a standardized extract.

FDA hardens stance against use of CBD in supplements

03-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration’s attitude that CBD does not belong in dietary supplements seems to have hardened, judging by the wording of four warning letters issued this week.

Project on Rhodiola verification provides example for industry, expert says

02-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

A recent project completed by branded ingredient supplier PLT illustrates how companies can fairly easily plug gaps in their botanical identification structure if they’re willing to expend the effort, an expert says.

Publication outlines rhodiola adulteration and misidentification issues

24-Oct-2017 By Hank Schultz

A new publication on rhodiola outlines the common adulterants or species misidentifications associated with this increasingly popular herb. It’s part of the expanding Botanical Adulterants Program’s list of publications.

Cocoa flavanols may boost brain health benefits of exercise: Human data

23-Oct-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Consumption of a high-flavanol cocoa beverage may enhance the effects of exercise on executive function in healthy volunteers, says a new study from Japan.

CRN workshop to define issues surrounding medical foods

19-Oct-2017 By Hank Schultz

An industry meeting next month may help dispel some of the uncertainty continues to swirl around the medical foods category, according to a speaker at CRN’s annual conference.

IPA chief on manufacturing standards, the ODI list, global regs, and more

05-Oct-2017 By Stephen Daniells

As growth in probiotics continues to accelerate, the International Probiotics Association is ramping up its regulatory outreach efforts and working on ultimately producing a comprehensive quality guidebook for the probiotic industry, says IPA’s executive...

Swisse Wellness back in the USA after three-year hiatus

27-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Australian supplement company Swisse Wellness is re-entering the US market with its most popular multivitamins and supplements, which are now available for online purchase.

Marine Ingredients launches platform pairing omega-3s, phytocannabinoids

22-Sep-2017 By Hank Schultz

Marine Ingredients has announced the launch of a new product platform that combines the benefits of omega-3s with those of phytocannabinoids.

AlaskOmega launches DHA omega-3 concentrates

19-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Ohio-based Organic Technologies, producer of the AlaskOmega brand of fish oils, omega-3 and omega-7 concentrates, has launched new DHA-rich oils.

innoVactiv self-affirms GRAS status for InSea2 ingredient

18-Sep-2017

Canada-based innoVactic has announced that its InSea2 ingredient obtained self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status following a comprehensive evaluation by an independent panel of experts.

Spore-based probiotic supplementation may reduce symptoms of ‘leaky gut syndrome’

12-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing a combination of spore-based probiotics may counter the chronic immune activation and inflammation associated with “leaky gut”, says a new study.

HerbalGram Herb Market Report for 2016

Ayurvedic herbs’ rise continues as turmeric & ashwagandha post big YOY growth

11-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Turmeric/curcumin continues to be a standout performer in the herbal sector with data from the HerbalGram Herb Market Report for 2016 showing massive growth across both mass and natural retail channels.

Multivitamins, vitamin D & omega-3s most popular supplements for older Americans: Survey

08-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplement use among older Americans is high, with women twice as likely as men to use the products, says a new analysis of the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Special Edition: Personalized Nutrition

Push toward personalization will create new legal risks to manage, experts say

07-Sep-2017 By Hank Schultz

Offering personalized dietary supplements could open manufacturers up to legal risks, some of which go beyond those they are already subject to, experts say.

Ginseng extract may counter alcohol-related depression: Mouse data

06-Sep-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A standardized extract from ginseng (Panax ginseng) may reverse symptoms of depression in an animal model of alcohol use disorder, suggests a new study.

Rosemary-daylily combination debuts as cognitive support aid

05-Sep-2017 By Hank Schultz

A new cognitive support ingredient—a mixture of rosemary and daylily extracts—is debuting on the market with the support of two randomized, placebo controlled trials.

Milk fat globule membranes in infant formula could boost IQ and immunity

04-Sep-2017 By Will Chu

The addition of milk fat globule membranes to infant formula is linked to a child’s brain development, improved nutrient absorption and strengthening of the immune system, a review concludes.

Could an altered microbiome predict Parkinson’s disease risk?

01-Sep-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) appear to have a different gut bacteria composition to healthy individuals, suggests a new study in Movement Disorders.

ChromaDex alleges in petition that Elysium Health product is adulterated

31-Aug-2017 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex has taken the somewhat unusual step of filing a citizen’s petition with FDA alleging that Basis, the dietary supplement manufactured by Elysium Health, a one time customer, is adulterated and should be removed from the market.

Enzymotec seeks to revitalize medical foods arm by buying supplement developer

30-Aug-2017 By Hank Schultz

Israeli lipids ingredients specialist Enzymotec has acquired an American supplement developer in a move to revitalize its stumbling medical foods subsidiary that has run into regulatory difficulties in the United States.

Lutein-rich avocados may support eye health, boost memory & attention

30-Aug-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Consuming avocados may boost sustained attention, working memory, and problem solving in healthy people, says a new study.

‘Surprising’ impact of gut bacteria on gene expression in the brain

Gut-brain axis: Gene regulation may be link between gut bacteria and anxiety

25-Aug-2017 By Nathan Gray

The trillions of microbes in our gut can have a dramatic influence on microRNAs that regulate gene expression in parts of the brain including those related to fear and anxiety, new data suggests.

Dietary management of OCD: Study links metabolism and vitamin D status to disease severity

18-Aug-2017 By Nathan Gray

One carbon metabolism that includes vitamin B12 and homocysteine, plus vitamin D deficiency could all play a role in the onset of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), research suggests.

Burnt out? Rhodiola rosea supplements may help, says new study

18-Aug-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements containing Rhodiola rosea extract may improve the symptoms of burnout, suggests data from the first trial to examine the effects of the botanical extract on this modern day condition.

Study on choline intakes suggests eggs or supplements are only way to get enough

16-Aug-2017 By Hank Schultz

A study published this month using NHANES data reinforces that choline is an underconsumed nutrient, and concludes that it is very difficult to get enough in the diet without eating eggs or using a dietary supplement.

Ginkgo may enhance performance, boost brain health for active men

09-Aug-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves may offer body and mind benefits for young, active men, according to a small supplementation trial from Poland.

Review explores mounting science linking B vitamins and depression

08-Aug-2017 By Adi Menayang

Supplementation of B vitamins may improve symptoms of depression, according to researchers from the College of Health and Biomedicine at Victoria University, Australia.

Despite legal dispute over memory claims, Quincy Bioscience still spends big on promotion

07-Aug-2017 By Hank Schultz

Despite a high profile legal wrangle with FTC and with the New York Attorney General, memory support supplement manufacturer Quincy Bioscience has enough revenue in the tank to afford a high-dollar sponsorship of a NASCAR racing team.

Vitamin Angels gets repeat four-star rating from Charity Navigator

03-Aug-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Vitamin Angels has again placed in the top five percent of charities with another four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier charity evaluator.

Supplements could be missing opportunity connected to essential oils, experts say

31-Jul-2017 By Hank Schultz

Herbal product companies may be missing an opportunity in which essential oils and specific dietary supplements could be recommended simultaneously in condition-specific settings, experts say.

Meta-analysis supports potential of omega-3s for ADHD

31-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Omega-3s fatty acid supplements may improve symptoms and cognitive performance in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a meta-analysis of gold standard clinical trials.

Choline and vitamin B supplementation may improve post-stroke brain function

31-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

Supplementing B-vitamins and choline in mice with simulated ischemic brain damage—similar to post-stroke conditions—improved their motor function and task completion processes, according to Canadian researchers.

Green tea polyphenol EGCG counteracts obesity and cognitive decline caused by Western diet

31-Jul-2017 By Gary Scattergood

There is "compelling evidence" that EGCG from green tea could improve memory impairment, brain insulin resistance, and obesity caused by a high-fat and high-fructose diet, researchers have claimed.

Low omega-3 levels linked to prenatal depression: Taiwan study

31-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Omega-3 deficiency and heightened inflammation are associated with prenatal depression (PND), with the former resulting in longer depressive episodes, according to a recent Taiwanese study.

Tocopherol source may affect breast milk vitamin E profile, says study

28-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

The vitamin E alpha-tocopherol is imperative to a baby’s nervous system development, and they primarily get this from breast milk or formula. In a clinical trial, researchers from Abbott Nutrition found that there might be a difference in how synthetic...

FTC, FDA ask consumers directly for help on policing claims, reporting adverse events

27-Jul-2017 By Hank Schultz

In a communication earlier this week two regulatory agencies sought input directly from consumers about outlandish claims and adverse events relating to dietary supplements. 

ASAE honors Supplement OWL with Power of A Silver Award

27-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has awarded the Supplement OWL (Online Wellness Library) a 2017 Power of A Silver Award.

Lutein levels linked to a more agile and ‘youthful’ brain: Study

26-Jul-2017 By Will Chu

A high intake of lutein appears to slow down cognitive decline, a US study suggests, as findings appear to support previous outcomes linking this nutrient to improved mental health.

Infant gut bacteria link with smarter toddlers: Study

24-Jul-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

The make-up of babies’ gut microbiomes may be associated with with later cognitive development, suggests new research.

Special edition: Cognitive health, focus & mood

Essential brain health nutrient choline flies under formulation radar

20-Jul-2017 By Hank Schultz

Choline has been an overlooked nutrient in cognitive health, one that theoretically could help forestall cognitive decline later in life, a prominent supplier says.

Vox Pop: What do you think of nootropics?

20-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

What’s the public perception of nootropics? Some are curious, most are suspect, our person-on-the-street interviews reveal.

New study on TeaCrine suggests co-administration with caffeine may help prevent the jitters

19-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

Ingesting theacrine with caffeine may help provide mental clarity, focus, and energy without the crash, researchers at the University of Memphis found.

For video gamers, cognitive supplements have an edge over energy drinks

18-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

Energy and sports drink companies have heavily invested in marketing towards the video gaming community, a space which the cognitive supplement space may benefit from, according to category experts.

Special edition: Cognitive Health

Strict adherence to science backing only way to avoid memory claim pitfalls, experts say

17-Jul-2017 By Hank Schultz

Helping consumers maintain healthy memory function is one of the peaks many dietary supplement formulators seek to climb.  And it is one of the most likely targets for regulatory enforcement action, too.

The top ingredients for cognition, focus & mood

14-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Memory, attention and focus, development, mood; there are numerous ways that a nutrient or bioactive ingredient can affect cognitive health. But which have the most science, how do they work?

MCTs plus vitamin D show cognitive benefits for the elderly: RCT

05-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A combination supplement containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), L-leucine-rich amino acids, and vitamin D3 may boost cognitive function in frail elderly people, says a new study.