Cognitive function

‘An intriguing and unexpected hypothesis’: Could green vegetables boost efficacy of omega-3 supplements?

03-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Pairing omega-3 supplements with a diet rich in dark green vegetables may boost omega-3 levels in red blood cells, suggests new data that raises 'an intriguing and unexpected hypothesis'.

Low vitamin D status linked to cognitive decline: Rat study

03-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Dietary deficiencies in vitamin D may promote cognitive declines in middle-aged and elderly adults, according to new research.

Dispatches from SupplySide West 2013

Chromadex CEO: 'If we need to spend millions of dollars to develop an ingredient pipeline, we will do that'

26-Nov-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Buoyed by recent investment from DSM, the CEO of Chromadex says the company is not scared to spend big to develop ingredients that stand up to increased scientific scrutiny and resonate with the market.

Dispatches from SupplySide West 2013

Qualitas defends design of study comparing its algal EPA ingredient with krill oil

22-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega-3 ingredients sourced from algae has been a rising trend in the marketplace, and EPA-only products are an even newer development.  Israel-based Qualitas Health is covering both bases with the launch of its new ingredient branded as Almega PL.

Dispatches from SupplySide West 2013

Magnesium is 40% of our business and it keeps growing: Albion

22-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

It has been described as the ‘hottest ingredient in the mineral category’, and leading mineral supplier Albion most definitely agrees as sales of its magnesium ingredients now account for 40.6% of Albion mineral sales.

Increased omega-3 levels may boost behavior, attention, and literacy in ADHD children: Study

19-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increasing the levels of DHA and EPA omega-3s in red blood cells by dietary supplementation may improve attention, literacy, and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), says a new study from Australia.

Maypro launches three ingredients for stress and sleep, mental clarity, and mood support

13-Nov-2013

Maypro Industries’ Proprietary Branded Ingredients (PBI) division is launching three new patented ingredients targeting stress and sleep, mental clarity, and mood support.

Special Edition: Botanicals

Any moment now… Is curcumin momentum building towards a tipping point?

07-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

It has been described as ‘one of the biggest-growing products in the botanical market right now’ and ‘the next omega-3’, so is the momentum building towards a tipping point for curcumin?  

Unilever on tea: ‘Available evidence supports tea and tea ingredients for mood and performance benefits’

04-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Evidence from randomized control trials supports a role for tea and tea compounds – specifically L-theanine and caffeine – to benefit mood and performance, says a review from Unilever.

Cognitive health ingredient from PL Thomas targets wider population

30-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

While most cognitive health supplements target cognitive decline mainly in aging populations, a new ingredient from PL Thomas claims to offer “peak cognitive performance” benefits, which the firm says will appeal to a much broader consumer audience. 

Chia on the cusp of joining protein and omega-3 in mainstream functional food/beverage ranks: Marketing expert

30-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increasing numbers of products with superfoods like chia will see this favorite of the Aztecs joining the mainstream functional food/beverage ranks, says a leading marketing expert.

Rise of personalized genetic databases provides trove of info to drive research, product development

29-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

The advent of simplified genetic tests marks the dawn of an age in which the idea of personalized nutrition will be driven by hard data as opposed to answers on survey queries as was the case in the past.  And it means that that amassed data can be mined...

Detecting deficiencies: New strategy could speed up mass testing of vitamin and mineral levels

25-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Analysing levels of proteins in blood could be used to estimate levels of essential vitamins and minerals without directly testing for each nutritional factor, according to new research that suggests the use of mass spectrometry to rapidly detect nutritional...

Brain imaging shows that Bayer’s Berocca supplements may boost memory & processing

24-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Multivitamin supplements may boost working memory and attentional processing, and adding guarana may enhance these effects further, says a new study with Bayer Healthcare’s Berocca Performance and Boost products.

Special Edition: Brain-boosting ingredients

Global brain health market pushing $2bn mark as Asia and supplements shine

22-Oct-2013 By Shane Starling

Sales of brain health boosting food supplements like omega-3s, the B vitamin group, vitamin C and phosphatidylserine are driving the category toward sales of €2bn globally, even as brain-boosting foods and beverages have endured a flat period.

Special edition: Brain boosting ingredients

Battling cognitive decline: Where do we stand?

22-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Cognitive impairments have been long linked to the development of dementia and memory problems in the elderly. However, recent research has begun to suggest that nutrition can play a vital role in protecting against such declines. In this special edition...

Special Edition: Brain Boosting Ingredients

EPA stands alone as a depression fighter

22-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega 3s have been studied for their effect on cognitive health for decades. The science linking EPA with this health indication is less well developed than that for DHA, but new results are coming to the fore all the time, experts say.

Special Edition: Brain-boosting nutrients

Mass fortification of iron, iodine still not the standard

22-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

As a growing body of evidence indicates that iron and iodine play a crucial role in the cognitive development of children, though the presence of multiple other influencers, along with differences in need at various life stages present challenges when...

Special edition: Brain boosting ingredients

Vitamin E: The ‘overlooked’ nutrient and its brain health benefits

22-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

With over 90% of Americans not consuming the RDA for vitamin E, and most people eating less than half of the RDA, there exists a significant opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of this ‘overlooked’ nutrient, including for brain health.

EPA-only nutraceuticals ride pharma's coattails into marketplace

21-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

EPA-only ingredients and products are gaining traction in the supplements marketplace as more scientific evidence piles up for the ingredient as a standalone entity, independent of its source in oils that contain both EPA and DHA omega-3s.

High serum omega-3 status linked to lower brain abnormalities in the elderly

18-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

A high level of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in blood may lower the risk of small infarcts and other brain abnormalities that are linked to cognitive decline in the elderly, according to new research.

Iron supplementation provides cognitive and physical benefits to anaemic children

17-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Giving daily iron supplements to anaemic primary-school children can have cognitive and physical benefits, according to systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sabinsa gets FDA no objection letter for GRAS status of its Curcumin C3 Complex

16-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a letter of no objection to Sabinsa for the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of its Curcumin C3 Complex for use in food and beverages.

NourishLife revokes Speak claims to follow National Advertising Division recommendations

15-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

A dietary supplement claiming to provoke remarkable speech gains in children has removed these claims from its website and is in the process of removing it from product packaging after the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business...

Omega-3 supplements linked to younger biological age in older people

08-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of omega-3s may slow cellular ageing in older people with mild cognitive impairment, according to results of a pilot randomized clinical trial

Mediterranean diet may have cognitive benefits, review finds

07-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may be associated with better cognitive functions and lower rates of cognitive decline, a systematic review of the evidence reveals.

CoQ10 may reverse effects of age-related mental decline: Mouse data

30-Sep-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet of old mice with Coenzyme Q10 may reverse some age-related impairments in cognitive and psychomotor functions, says a new study.

Does new study cast doubt on omega-3 brain benefits?

27-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may not offer protection against cognitive declines, according to new study. However researchers have warned that the findings should not mean that we think omega-3 has no effect.

Caffeine slows growth of ‘children’s plastic brains’: Rat study

26-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling

Adolescent Sprague Dawley rats fed caffeine had retarded brain development and disturbed sleep patterns, researchers have found.

First omega 3s shot hits market with Oceans Omega's emulsion technology

26-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega 3s will be swimming in uncharted waters with the launch of what Oceans Omega believes is the first shot product featuring EPA and DHA from fish oil.

‘Important’ study: Vitamin K shows benefits for memory

25-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased blood levels of vitamin K1 are associated with improved episodic memory in healthy older adults, says a new study that provides support for vitamin K and brain health.

Developers think neuroprotective compound agmatine is finally ready for prime time

20-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Patience sometimes is rewarded.  And the husband and wife team behind the commercialization of agmatine for neuroprotective dietary supplements believes now is one of those times.

‘Timely’ research: Higher omega-3 levels linked to lower risk of depressive symptoms

17-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

American women with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have a 49% reduction in risk of elevated depressive symptoms, a result that has been hailed as ‘timely’ by a leading industry expert.

Charging for seminars increases engagement, Xymogen CEO says

11-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Florida-based nutraceutical company Xymogen has announced a seminar series with an interesting twist: The company is asking participants to pay an entry fee for something that functions in part as a branding event.  But CEO Brian Blackburn has found that...

More omega-3 may reduce symptoms of ADHD: Rat study

11-Sep-2013

There is a clear connection between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and declines in ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms in rats, according to new research.

Startup bases cognitive support supplements on patented Ayurvedic formula

10-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

A startup called NuAxon Bioscience is banking on the increasing awareness of Ayurvedic medicine with the launch of a line of supplements based on nutraceutical technology developed by an Indian partner.

Omega-3 fish oil may protect against alcohol-related dementia: Lab data

10-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of the omega-3 long chain fatty acid DHA could help to protect against alcohol-related dementia, according to new data from lab studies.

Medical foods specialist branches off into dietary supplements

06-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Targeted Medical Pharma, a company that has specialized in medical foods, has announced the formation of a dietary supplement division to reach a new set of consumers, the company’s chief executive officer said.

New findings suggest DHA supplements can improve sleep quality

Omega-3 status linked to sleep quality in school children: New data

05-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of omega-3 from food or supplements could help to improve sleep quality in children, according to new data presented yesterday.

Aker doubles R&D team to take krill science beyond fish

04-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

Norwegian krill player Aker BioMarine has taken on eight scientists to drive nascent krill science forward and speed product development in the omega-3 category’s fastest growing sub-sector.

7-year gap: New nutrition concepts for a new elderly generation

02-Sep-2013 By Diana Cowland

The ageing population remains under-served in terms of functional food and drink products, says Euromonitor's Diana Cowland, despite 'elderlies' living longer and healthier than ever before.

Pure Encapsulations launches ‘novel’ PureSynapse brain health range

30-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Four specialty supplement formulas have been developed by Pure Encapsulations with James Greenblatt, MD, for emotional health, memory and behavior, as the company sees ‘definite growth potential’ for the cognitive health market.

Relora supplement shows stress management potential for athletes

29-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements containing extracts of Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) barks – branded as Relora – may reduce stress in moderately stressed healthy subjects, says a new study.

Fortification successful for ‘near-elimination’ of folic acid anemia

27-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Mandatory fortification of select cereal grains with folic acid has led to the ‘near eradication’ of folate-deficiency anemia, says a new study.

Thorne files suit to defend newly-acquired CoQ10 patent

26-Aug-2013

Thorne Research has moved to defend a CoQ10 patent to which it recently acquired exclusive rights and has sued Xymogen, an Orlando, FL-based supplement manufacturer and marketer.

Chicken meat extract may have brain benefits, say researchers

23-Aug-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with an ingredient extracted from chicken meat could boost cognitive functions after just six weeks, according to new randomised trial.

Could iron accumulation be at the core of Alzheimer's risk?

21-Aug-2013

Accumulation of iron in the brain may be a key driving factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research using advanced brain imaging techniques.

Omega-3 rich infant formula may boost later intelligence: Study

16-Aug-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of a DHA-enriched formula in infancy may be linked to positive cognitive outcomes in childhood, according to new research data.

ChromaDex cuts losses while posting tiny revenue increase

14-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex Corporation reported a 1% rise in overall revenues in the second quarter of 2013 while cutting losses to under $1 million.

Omega Protein accelerates move into human nutrition sectors

09-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Continuing its move toward human nutrition markets has helped Omega Protein deal with a fluctuating supply situation which has seen a lower than average fish catch this year.