Cognitive function

FTC mails checks from $2.1m fund created by NBTY to settle deceptive marketing charges over kids' multivitamins

09-Aug-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has mailed 10,144 checks to reimburse consumers who bought Disney- or Marvel Hero-themed supplements for kids from NBTY and two subsidiaries under allegedly false pretenses.

PQQ set to make splash in sports nutrition beverages

06-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Two firms have joined forces to bring the multifunctional molecule pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ, into the sports nutrition market via beverage applications.  The partnership pairs Virun’s delivery technology with Nascent Health Sciences' supply...

Ginkgo adulteration ‘very widespread’, say industry experts, so why is awareness low?

05-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Adulteration of Ginkgo biloba is ‘very widespread’, according to industry sources, but as the adulteration becomes more sophisticated new methods are emerging to help industry ensure the quality of this key herbal.

Generation game: Effects of omega-3 deficiency may worsen over consecutive generations

30-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

The negative effects of poor omega-3 intake could become incrementally worse through consecutive generations, according to a new study.

Introducing phytochemomics: A new way to help win herbal health claims, say researchers

29-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

The use of novel phytochemomics technologies will define cause and effect relationships for phytochemicals that will assist in the substantiation of health claims for herbals and botanicals, say researchers.

Choline supplements may boost memory and attention: Study

29-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

Increased consumption of choline could help to improvelong-term memory and attention-holding capacity, according to new research in rats.

Ginkgo biloba may boost brain functions by increasing stem cell growth: Rat study

26-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with an extract from Ginkgo biloba may help to battle memory loss and cognitive impairments associated with dementia by encouraging the growth and development of neural stem cells, according new research in rats.

FMC: 'We looked at the omega-3 area broadly and it was clear Epax was the premier property in this space'

25-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

While the $345m acquisition of omega-3 firm Epax will keep it busy for a while, FMC Corporation is still on the lookout for other deals in other high-growth areas of the nutraceuticals market, says the man in charge of its fast-growing health and nutrition...

FMC Corporation makes bold move into omega-3 market with $345m deal to buy Epax

24-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

US-based gums, hydrocolloids and natural colors expert FMC Corporation has moved into the omega-3 market with the acquisition of European fish oil giant Epax in a $345m deal.

Herbals are ‘safe and effective’ for vascular dementia, say researchers

23-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

Chinese herbal medicines appear to be safer and more effective than control measures in battling vascular dementia, according to a new meta-analysis from China.

Omega-3 levels for healthy school children 'well below the minimum recommended for good cardiovascular health in adults'

Omega-3 levels linked to cognition and behavior in schoolchildren: Oxford University study

19-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Blood levels of DHA and other omega-3s are directly related to measures of cognition and behavior in schoolchildren with below average reading ability, says a new study from the UK.

NTP urged to be ‘highly precise’ when identifying herbal extracts ‘to avoid any possible confusion about the relevance of the studies’

18-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The Senate Appropriations Committee has urged the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to be "highly precise" when describing particular extracts of an herbal species to avoid confusion about different extracts from the same species.

Thorne Research teams up with Chromadex to take Niagen to healthcare-practitioner channel

10-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Thorne Research has agreed a three-year marketing deal to take Chromadex’s Niagen-branded nicotinamide riboside  into a series of first-to-market products for the healthcare-practitioner channel.

ChromaDex announces two new research collaborations

01-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex has announced two new research collaborations, one of which involves its newly introduced Niagen nicotinamide riboside ingredient.

Brunswick Labs unveils antioxidant database to open ‘new dimensions of analysis and understanding’

01-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Brunswick Labs – the pioneer developer and service provider for ORAC antioxidant values – has launched a new database to ‘open up new dimensions of analysis and understanding’ for antioxidant substances.

Omega-3 DHA’s brain health benefits may emerge in later childhood

27-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The potential brain health benefits of increased intake of DHA at birth may take several years to emerge, according to data from a small cohort of children.

Multivitamin trial suggests some benefits for mood and wellbeing

24-Jun-2013 By Nathan Gray

Daily intake of a multivitamin supplement may have some beneficial effects on stress, anxiety and physical fatigue, according to new trial data.

New research pinpoints mechanism behind tocotrienol stroke protection

21-Jun-2013 By Nathan Gray

The vitamin E compound alpha-tocotrienol may offer protection from further damage after a stroke by preventing the loss of important genetic transcripts during stroke, according to new research.

Sweet success? Study backs mannitol for Parkinson’s disease

18-Jun-2013 By Nathan Gray

The sweetener mannitol may help decrease the risk of Parkinson's disease by reducing the  potentially dangerous 'clumping' of proteins in the brain, according to new research.

Increased iron intake can reduce Parkinson’s risk: Meta-analysis

17-Jun-2013 By Shane STARLING

Increasing iron intake by 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood can reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease by 3%, Italian researchers have concluded after performing an extensive literature review.

Lakeview Farms and Oceans Omega claim industry first with gelatin cups fortified with omega-3 EPA and DHA

13-Jun-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Dips and desserts specialist Lakeview Farms and omega-3 emulsions expert Oceans Omega have unveiled what they claim are the first gelatin cups fortified with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Naturex’s American Ginseng extract get Canadian approval for cognitive function claims

11-Jun-2013 By Stephen Daniells

The Canadian Ministry of Health has granted a Natural Health Product Number (NPN) to Naturex’s American Ginseng extract Cereboost for its benefits on cognitive function.

Peruvian fishery ‘well placed’ for eco-certification, says MSC on world’s primary omega-3 source

11-Jun-2013 By Shane STARLING

The world’s biggest omega-3 source – Peru’s anchovy fishery – is moving toward Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) backing although the certifier says work remains before the fishery attains the increasingly popular eco seal of approval.

Curcumin: New studies support brain and cardiovascular benefits

11-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of curcumin – the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color – may support healthy aging, with two new studies indicating benefits for arterial aging and cognition.

Supplement shows strong results in supporting cognition, mood in Alzheimer's study

07-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

A research team led by Tom Shea, PhD, from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell will present new research on a nutraceutical formulation at an upcoming scientific meeting that shows positive effects on cognitive performance and mood among participants...

Probiotics may boost mental performance for diabetics: Animal data

06-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of probiotics may improve the mental performance of lab animals with diabetes, says a new study that supports the potential benefits of an optimal microbiome–gut–brain axis.

Abbott awards $8 million to 7 studies probing cognition-nutrition link

05-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

Abbott Nutrition and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have announced nearly $8 million in funding for nutrition and cognition studies in the second year of their research partnership.

Updated: CSPI's call for ginkgo ban based on flawed report, sources say

05-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has called on FDA for a ban on ginkgo products, basing its demand on a government report that industry sources have said is critically flawed.  FDA, in response, said the request was 'not scientifically...

Maternal iodine deficiency could lead to lower IQs, new studies suggest

22-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

Mothers to be who do not take in enough iodine may put their children at risk of lower IQ and literacy scores, according to two new studies from the UK and Australia.

High dose B vitamins help prevent Alzheimer’s, says researchers

21-May-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

A new study is suggesting that a high dose of B vitamins could stop the onset of Alzheimer’s by preventing shrinkage of the medial temporal lobe, the area of the brain that defines the disease.

Magnesium L-threonate may boost memory, ease anxiety: animal data

20-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplementing the diet of lab animals with magnesium L-threonate may boost the memory lead to the consolidation and retention of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), says a new study that adds to the science behind the ingredient.

PS plus caffeine ease fatigue and boost mood after exercise: Study

14-May-2013 By Stephen Daniells

A combination supplement containing phosphatidylserine (PS) and caffeine may improve mood scores and reduce the perception of fatigue after exercise, suggests new research.

Omega-3 may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases

13-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may counter the alleviate oxidative stress in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), says a new study from Malaysia.

New research bolsters stress-fighting credentials of Relora ingredient

03-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Next Pharmaceuticals has bolstered the stress-reducing credentials of its Relora branded ingredient with new research presented at the recent Experimental Biology conference in Boston.

Berries may protect brain functioning, rat study suggests

22-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

A diet supplemented with berries could help to protect brain functioning during aging, according to new animal data.

'No evidence' that drugs, vitamins, or supplements can help battle cognitive decline

22-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

There is no evidence that drugs, herbal products or vitamin supplements can help to prevent cognitive declines in healthy older adults, according to a new review.

Ginkgo cancer results flawed because extract used is not representative, observers say

18-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

The National Toxicology Program has issued its final report on its long-term tests of ginkgo biloba.  The report shows some carcinogenic effects, but industry observers criticized the results, saying those concerns may not be applicable to available ginkgo...

Special edition: Superfruits - old news or still super?

Apples, wild blueberries and tart cherries: Why home-grown fruits are every bit as 'super' as their exotic counterparts...

18-Apr-2013 By Elaine WATSON

While demand for some more exotic fruits can wax and then rapidly wane after celebrity backers lose interest, and over-use (and abuse) has devalued the term ‘super fruit’ somewhat, enthusiasm about fruits of all kinds continues to grow.

Special edition: Superfruits – old news or still super?

Acai: 'Tsunami of pent up science' to support growth of ‘remarkable range of products’

18-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

From next big thing to the focus of FTC action on claims, acai has had a rollercoaster ride so far, but the emergence of a remarkable range of products and a 'tsunami of pent up science' shows the Amazonian superfruit is definitely back on track.

Cyvex uses forced rebranding of Novusetin as chance to rethink messaging for ingredient

17-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Cyvex Nutriton has rebranded its flagship cognitive health ingredient to Novusetin after a competitor objected to the previous name. 

Kraft explores potential of crude caffeine in neuroprotective foods, supplements, as new research reveals its ‘unique functional benefits’

17-Apr-2013 By Elaine WATSON

A patent application from Kraft shows it is exploring ways to incorporate ‘crude caffeine’ from coffee beans into functional or medical foods, building on a growing body of research that suggests it has neuro-protective effects.

Regular cocoa flavanol intake could help maintain brain health – study

16-Apr-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

New research claims regularly eating cocoa flavanols could protect people from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Qualitas Health: We’re filling the hole in the market for unopposed EPA omega-3

10-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Israel’s Qualitas Health is rolling out its sustainable, algae-sourced omega-3 oil rich in EPA for supplements, filling a hole in the market for pure-EPA oils.

Vitamin E status may be reliable biomarker for Alzheimer’s: Study

10-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Screening levels of vitamin E in the blood could help to improve the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to new research that suggests the vitamin may also aid in protection.

Krill oil may benefit brain health, ease depression symptoms: Animal data

09-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of krill oil may boost learning and working memory in lab animals, and display antidepressant-like effects, according to a new study from Aker BioMarine.

Phytochemicals show anti-inflammatory and brain health benefits: Pure Encapsulations/ Atrium Innovations

04-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Polyphenol-rich extracts from fruit and vegetables may have molecular targets with potential relevance to cardiometabolic and neurological health, according to new data.

Stress reducing supplement Relora gets Health Canada approval

03-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Relora, the stress-reducing supplement ingredient from Next Pharmaceuticals, has cleared a major regulatory hurdle by obtaining approval from Health Canada for sale in that country.

Kyowa’s citicoline shows benefits for people with mild vascular cognitive impairment

29-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of citicoline may help prevent further declines in mental function in elderly people with mild vascular cognitive impairment, says a new study from Italy.

‘Far-reaching benefits’: DHA omega-3 may boost memory for healthy young people

28-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people, says a new study that could ‘translate into far-reaching benefits’.

NutraGenesis lauds results of five new ashwagandha studies

25-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

As interest in Ayurvedic ingredients increases and in ashwagandha in particular one supplier has come out with new studies that it says push the envelope for this already multipurpose ingredient.