Cognitive function

Algae Life Sciences announces 239 structure/function claims

05-May-2016

The claims relate to the company’s AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin product, which is extracted from certified organic Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

NutriScience Innovations offers new spray-dried form of lactoferrin

03-May-2016 By Hank Schultz

Connecticut-based NutriScience Innovations has launched a new spray-dried version of lactoferrin for supplements, foods and beverages.

Vitafoods Europe 2016 preview

Testing and tracking nutrition in mental health

27-Apr-2016 By Will Chu

The quest to halt cognitive decline as a feature of ageing has become an intense area of research in recent years, and polyphenols can deliver much. 

Tomorrow! NutraIngredients-USA's Omega-3 Forum

27-Apr-2016

Experts from GOED, NBTY, Wiley’s Finest, Cornell University, and will discuss the market forces, science, supply chain, and future opportunities in omega-3s in a FREE forum hosted by NutraIngredients-USA.

Niagen to be researched for neuroprotective effect among football players

26-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

Thorne Research and ChromaDex Corp. are partnering in a research effort with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute on a planned study to assess the effect of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on brain NAD+...

Developers hope to enter new category with inhalable vitamin product

26-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

A pair of entrepreneurs are pushing the delivery mode envelope with a new vitamin product meant to be inhaled.  Called Vitamin Vapor, the new product features a suite of B vitamins.

Observers say Harvard anti-supplements article so poorly done as to be 'embarrassing'

25-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

A recent Harvard publication blasting supplements as ‘suspect’ and ‘useless’ was criticized by industry observers as ‘unbalanced’ and even ‘embarrassing.’

Bridging the brain-body gap: How the ‘thinking’ gut influences mental well-being

22-Apr-2016 By Will Chu

As knowledge of the gut and brain relationship develops, the use of probiotics and prebiotics could open up new ways to shape mood and well-being, according to a prominent nutrition coach. 

Special Edition: Omega-3s

Convenience, concentrates, and 3rd generation forms: Where’s the innovation in the omega-3 space?

21-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Are natural retail buyers bored with fish oil? Can concentrates, convenience, combination products, and third generation forms re-engage them?

Study shows curcumin/fenugreek combo helps relieve work-related stress

18-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

A new study shows a curcumin/fenugreek combination boosted the quality of life index in a study population suffering from work-related stress.

Special edition: Omega-3s

Within troubled picture for world's oceans, omega-3 fisheries judged to be healthy, well-managed

18-Apr-2016 By Hank Schultz

Sustainability has been a constant concern within the omega-3s industry. While questions remain, the general consensus is that the fisheries that supply most of the world’s servings of long chain fatty acids are in good condition and are well managed.

Canadian start-up CEL Nutrition launches nootropic sport supplement

12-Apr-2016 By Adi Menayang

Nervacore is the new nootropic on the block, launching last year amid criticism of the cognitive performance enhancing category at large.

10 studies from Experimental Biology that caught our eye Part 2: Omega-3s, lutein and mistletoe

11-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

We continue our coverage of some of the standout studies presented at Experimental Biology 2016 in San Diego. So what did we learn about lutein and cognition, omega-3s and cardiometabolic risk, or mistletoe and muscle loss?

Berry polyphenols may benefit learning and memory, for mice at least

11-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Polyphenols from berries may offer significant benefits for learning and memory associated with age-related cognitive decline, according to two new papers from France.

“Exciting results”: Tufts/Harvard meta-analysis supports omega-3s for child brain development

06-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of omega-3s during pregnancy or infancy do improve child neurodevelopment, says a meta-analysis of 15 gold standard randomized controlled trials.

Microbiome modulation shows brain benefits: Mouse data

05-Apr-2016 By Shane STARLING

Altering the gut microbiome has been shown to reduce erosion of nerve cell protection in the brains of mice in an Irish study.

Omega-3s may lower homocysteine levels, but B vitamins enhance the effects

04-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Data from randomized-controlled trial supports a modest homocysteine-lowering effect for omega-3 fatty acids, says a new meta-analysis from Deakin University in Australia.

Resveratrol may improve blood flow in the brain: Study

01-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of the polyphenol were found to increase blood flow in the brains of people with type 2 diabetes, a population known to be at increased risk of cognitive decline because of microvascular dysfunction.

“One of nature’s greatest gifts to mankind”: Curcumin/turmeric’s staggering growth in supplements and beyond

31-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

After establishing itself as the number one herb, turmeric/curcumin is increasingly moving into functional beverages.

An herb to watch: Ashwagandha science growing consumer recognition and sales

30-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Sales of Ashwagandha are booming as the pressures of modern life push consumers to seek out natural solutions to problems like stress, leading suppliers tell NutraIngredients-USA. But what’s next for this Ayurvedic herb? 

SPECIAL EDITION: AYURVEDA

Changing conversation around Ayurveda leading to massive growth for herbal products

29-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Disillusionment with allopathic medicine among Americans is driving interest in Ayurveda and other herbal supplements, says Amy Keller, Director of Education and Training at Organic India.

Special edition: Ayurveda

Increasing tide of research floating all Ayurvedic boats, exec says

28-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

Increasing research is helping to bake a bigger pie for all Ayurvedic companies, said Natreon CEO Sanni Raju.

Product launches show different ways to tiptoe through the (CBD) tulips

24-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

Two recent product launches illustrate how companies seeking to bring hemp nutritional products to market are tiptoeing around the uncertain regulatory boundaries.

Special edition: Ayurveda

Continuing science will boost Ayurveda, even given tension over best research models to use, experts say

24-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

Accelerating interest in the personalization of medicine and the accumulation of a body of research will help drive increasing acceptance of Ayurveda in the West, experts say, albeit with a continuing tension between synergistic and single-ingredient...

Special edition: Ayurveda

Ayurvedic expert advocates strongly for using plants in whole form

21-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

Ayurvedic principles and ingredients are increasingly accepted in North America among product formulators. But a tension exists: Are these best used in concentrated forms and in isolation or in their traditional matrices?

Five key Expo West supplement trends

16-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

We walked and we talked, and here’s our list of 5 key trends for supplements from Expo West in Anaheim.

Study supports magnesium threonate potential for cognitive health

15-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with magnesium threonate may improve cognitive function in older individuals with memory and concentration issues, say results of a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

Omega-3 helps kids behave better: RCT

08-Mar-2016 By Will Chu

Vitamin, mineral and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation positively affects the behaviour of normal school children, a pioneering clinical trial has discovered.

Kolé functional drink promises cognitive performance improvement

08-Mar-2016 By Adi Menayang

A brain scientist was challenged by his wife to create a functional drink that benefits the brain. Fast forward two years, the scientist is ready to launch his Kolé Food Life brand with four beverages.

SmartyPants attracts capital infusion, extends line with women's and men's gummy formulas

04-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

SmartyPants Vitamins is expanding its range of gummy vitamins with specific women’s and men’s formulations. The company’s success in this product category recently attracted an infusion of private investment capital.

Regular chocolate intake linked to enhanced cognition in cohort study

02-Mar-2016 By Douglas Yu

Habitual chocolate consumption has correlation with better cognitive functioning, according to analyses of 968 people living in New York

Deadline for submission: March 18!

We want you! Scientific committee calls for cutting-edge science at the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2016

01-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

The scientific committee of the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2016 is calling for submission of abstracts for this year's event. Don’t miss your chance to present!

Theacrine and caffeine combination supplement may impact energy and mood

23-Feb-2016 By Adi Menayang

A randomized, double-blind study on 20 young men and women found that ingesting TheaTrim, a supplement with theacrine and caffeine, favorably impacted subjective feelings of energy and mood.

New patent on PMS to help Lipogen defend market position of its phospholipid formulations, CEO says

23-Feb-2016 By Hank Schultz

Lipogen, a pioneer of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid for stress applications, is venturing into a new type of stress, helping women deal with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The company announced today a new US patent on the application for...

Supradyn multivitamins/minerals show brain boosting potential: Bayer study

22-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Short-term and longer-term supplementation with multivitamins and minerals may boost metabolic measures and blood flow in the brain, says a new study funded by Bayer HealthCare – Consumer Care.

B vitamins may boost cognitive ability in older adults: Study

19-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid may improve cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment, says a new study from Korea.

Start-up Vitagene uses DNA to design tailored supplement subscriptions

19-Feb-2016 By Adi Menayang

On Wednesday, the start-up company Vitagene announced that its supplement subscription service has raised $5.5 million from notable investors, including Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt and Yahoo CFO Ken Goldman.

Special Edition: Innovations in Minerals

Zinc: 40% sales growth sees mineral closing in on magnesium

18-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

An increased interest in zinc’s clinical effects is driving consumer interest in zinc supplements, with supplier Albion reporting sky-rocketing sales of its zinc ingredients.

SPECIAL EDITION: INNOVATIONS IN MINERALS

Magnesium sales to surpass calcium sales by 2020?

18-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

With double sales growth across multiple channels, deepening science and expanding health benefits, and growing consumer awareness, magnesium sales could surpass those of calcium by the end of the decade, say experts.

Study deems tea alkaloid safe and effective for cholesterol reduction

17-Feb-2016 By Adi Menayang

Researchers reviewed the safety and efficacy of TeaCrine—the chemically equivalent bioactive version of theacrine found in coffee and tea—and say the alkaloid is effective for its neuro-energetic effects.

Concord grape juice may boost memory and performance, says Welch study

17-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Daily consumption of Concord grape juice for three months may boost spatial memory and driving performance in working moms, says a new study funded by Welch Foods.

Science builds for acai’s brain health benefits

10-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

The potential cognitive health benefits of açai (Euterpe spp.) may be linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to recent studies from scientists at Tufts University AIBMR Life Sciences.

FDA sends warning letters to 8 companies marketing CBD products

10-Feb-2016 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration has sent eight warning letters out to companies marketing dietary supplements containing CBD. The warning letters cite illegal drug claims and also hinge upon the existence of CBD as the active ingredient in two drugs...

GOED EXCHANGE 2016

Judging data choice, extraction methods can help mark a meta-analysis as good or suspect, GOED attendees told

09-Feb-2016 By Hank Schultz

Not all meta-analyses are created equal. Trying to figure out which ones hold water and which are riven with holes was the subject of one of the most gripping sessions as the recent GOED Exchange meeting in the Canary Islands.

GOED EXCHANGE 2016

'Noisy,' 'anxious' language dilutes message of omega-3s, analysts say

03-Feb-2016 By Hank Schultz

Omega-3s messages are “noisy” and “anxious” according to consumer insights shared during the GOED Exchange meeting taking place this week in Tenerife, Spain.

Parents and teachers unaware of mental benefits of good childhood nutrition

02-Feb-2016 By Louisa Richards

There is less awareness among parents and teachers of the importance of diet for children’s brain development compared to physical benefits, pan-EU research suggests.

Gilad & Gilad defends usage patent for agmatine in nerve health

29-Jan-2016 By Hank Schultz

Gilad & Gilad, formulators of a neuroprotective dietary supplement, have defended their patent on the usage of agmatine in a settlement with an alleged infringer.

ChromaDex closes deal to place Niagen in wide array of national chains

28-Jan-2016 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex has hit another milestone in the market penetration of its Niagen ingredient with a deal that will put it into a number of national retail chains.

Special edition: Microbiome metrics & advances

Beyond microbiota: Prebiotics need hard health endpoints

28-Jan-2016 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Hard health endpoints, not just changes to microbiota, are needed to secure EU prebiotic health claims and bring fibre intakes up to recommended levels, according to European researchers.

Creatine forms unlikely basis of new mood support product

14-Jan-2016 By Hank Schultz

A product formulator has plucked an ingredient from the pre workout space and is basing a new mood support supplement on it. The unlikely new star? Creatine.