Energy

Zinc lozenges help common cold - but the required doses aren't available: Meta-analysis

17-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

High dose zinc lozenges may be beneficial in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms – but a lack of high dose lozenges on the market mean these benefits remain out of consumers’ reach, according to a new meta-analysis.

Agave prebiotic significantly increases some faecal friendly bacteria, say researchers

16-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The prebiotic agave fructan significantly increases the faecal count of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to maltodextrin, according to research backed by industry.

The increasingly youthful face of the ‘older’ consumer

12-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

‘Older consumers’ are not old age pensioners anymore. In fact, there is a growing market for supplements tailored to the specific needs of people as young as thirty, say experts.

CoQ10 benefits questioned: Mouse study

11-Mar-2015 By Shane STARLING

The antioxidant mechanism of action of Ubiquinone (UQ), a form of the CoEnzymeQ10 that has shown cell energy and heart benefits, has been questioned in a mouse study published in Nature Communications.

Could prebiotics help iron-deficient anaemics?

11-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Prebiotic supplementation may help increase the expression of proteins that regulate iron absorption, according to research in anaemic rats.

Glico builds endurance sports science for Cluster Dextrin ingredient

10-Mar-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Formulating sports nutrition products with a highly branched cyclic dextrin may combat the onset of stress factors induced during exhaustive physical activity, says a study from Japan.

Food Vision sneak peeks - Cannes, March 18-20

Ex-World Cup sports scientist: Best carb-protein blend is 3:1

09-Mar-2015 By Shane STARLING

Protein was once thought necessary to fuel sporting activity but evolving research has shown it is better for muscle recovery and short chain carbohydrates (sugars) are the accepted fuel tools. And then there are blends of the two…plus the carb and protein...

TMR enters sports nutrition sector with pre- and post-workout range

06-Mar-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Trace Minerals Research (TMR) is entering the sports nutrition market a range of pre- and post-workout formulations under the name TMRFit series.

FitLife Brands takes hit on unit prices but boosts profits by switching to captive GNC distribution

04-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

Switching to a captive distribution mode within the GNC network has helped dietary supplements marketer FitLife Brands realize higher profits on flat revenue, the company announced recently.

Vegetable EPO? Scientists investigate nitrate benefits for blood boosting

03-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

Dietary sources of nitrate may activate pathways in the liver and kidneys thus meeting oxygen requirements without increasing red blood cells or thickening blood, researchers have concluded.

3-5 cups of coffee a day may help keep artery blockages away

03-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

People who consume between three to five cups of coffee a day may have a lower risk of coronary artery calcium build-up, which can lead to artery blockages, according to research published in the British Medical Journal’s publication Heart.

Researchers delve into nutrition solutions for illness–prone athletes

27-Feb-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

There is a need for greater research into nutrition solutions for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) that are common in athletes, according to the researcher behind a study on the impact of omega-3, vitamin D and protein supplementation.

Myos Corp. to present mode of action data on Fortetropin myostatin inhibitor

25-Feb-2015 By Hank Schultz

MYOS Corporation, developers of muscle-health ingredient Fortetropin, have announced new data elucidating the ingredient’s mode of action that will be presented at a scientific conference in Boston. The new data shows the ingredient works in three different...

Court reins in FTC on two trials standard but otherwise supports agency in decision on POM’s claims

16-Feb-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Federal Trade Commission has received confirmation of its basic positions in its struggle with POM Wonderful over the substantiation on the claims the company has made for its juice and supplement products. But the appeals court ruling offers a shred...

Horphag builds science before launching French oak wood extract to select clients

13-Feb-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Horphag, the company behind the Pycnogenol brand of French Maritime Pine bark extracts, has launched a new ingredient, this time based on French oak wood that it is branding Robuvit.

Energy drinks increase hyperactivity in children: Study

10-Feb-2015 By Rachel Arthur

Children who drink sweetened energy drinks are 66% more likely to be at risk from hyperactivity and inattention symptoms, according to a study in the journal Academic Pediatrics. 

Sports nutrition companies differentiating based on quality, transparency

05-Feb-2015 By Hank Schultz

The issue of “protein spiking” has led companies in the sports nutrition sphere to start to differentiate their products based on the quality and transparency of their ingredients and to rely less on marketing-driven messages of the products’ muscle-boosting...

Measuring the immeasurable? The challenges of researching mood and nutrition

04-Feb-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Mood is often assessed in nutrition research but it is ‘hard to define’ and ‘inherently subjective’, according to the researchers behind a review of mood-measuring methodology.

Naturex ramps up quillaia production at Chile plant

02-Feb-2015 By Hank Schultz

Ingredient supplier Naturex is consolidating its Chile Botanics acquisition by ramping production of quillaia, one of the division’s locally-sourced ingredients.

Firm gets warning letter for straddling beverage/liquid supplement divide

22-Jan-2015 By Hank Schultz

A recent FDA warning letter to a New York company points again to the danger of mixing metaphors when positioning a product as either a beverage or a liquid dietary supplement.

On the spike: The curious case of a contaminated sports supplement

21-Jan-2015 By Shane STARLING

‘Don’t take sports supplements, they can’t be trusted’ was the takeaway message from Welsh track stars Rhys Williams and Gareth Warburton after the recent UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) tribunal agreed steroids got into their blood streams via contaminated sports...

Body Glove Surge beats 5 Hour Energy for cycling power output and response times: Study

20-Jan-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

An ‘all-natural’ caffeine supplement improved cycling power output and auditory response times more than a supplement containing a combination of caffeine, taurine, and niacin, according to a small study with 13 participants.

Red wine grape powder harvests full range of polyphenols for blood pressure benefits, manufacturer says

20-Jan-2015 By Hank Schultz

BioHarvest, an Israeli company harvesting dietary supplement ingredients from plants grown via a unique hydroponic method, has launched a “biofood” ingredient called VINIA Red Grape Powder, said to offer the benefits of drinking red wine without the sugar,...

Amway solidifies position in energy drink market with acquisition of XS Energy brand

16-Jan-2015 By Hank Schultz

Direct selling giant Amway is solidifying its position in the energy drink market with the acquisition of XS Energy brand. Details of the deal were not disclosed, but a co-founder of XS will join Amway’s management team.

Outsourcing, bone & joint health, LATAM, functional foods: lessons from 2014's special editions part 2

23-Dec-2014 By Hank Schultz

From polyphenols and prebiotics to a focus on Latin America, healthy aging and functional foods, NutraIngredients-USA’s special editions have set traffic records because of their in-depth coverage and exclusive content.  Today we feature part two of our...

Nutritional Armor: Dietary Supplements in the Military

17-Dec-2014 By Wayne B. Jonas, MD, President & CEO, Samueli Institute

A recent special issue to in the medical journal Military Medicine marks a shift in attitude and approach to dietary supplements by the U.S. military. 

CSPI asks FDA to ban powdered caffeine sold as a dietary supplement

15-Dec-2014 By Hank Schultz

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has sent a petition to federal regulators seeking the ban of pure, powdered caffeine that is packaged and sold as a dietary supplement. Because of the product’s extreme potency, the possibility of accidental...

Supplement usage holding steady, CRN survey finds

12-Dec-2014 By Hank Schultz

Supplement usage continues to hold steady in the United States, according to the most recent survey from the Council for Responsible Nutrition. According to the survey, 68% of all US adults reported taking dietary supplements.

Research into amino acids' purported nitric oxide effects will help dispel clouds of protein pumping, experts say

10-Dec-2014 By Hank Schultz

Ongoing research into the effects of individual amino acids will both substantiate their possible effects and counteract the negative assumption that they have been added to sports nutrition products solely to alter the protein test numbers, experts say.

Dispatches from Hi Europe

‘Artificial’ caffeine is becoming a blacklisted ingredient: Mintel

08-Dec-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

With changes to labelling laws and a ban on sales to under 18s in Lithuania, ‘artificial’ caffeine is fast becoming one of the top ingredients in the health firing line, according to one analyst.

High-protein cookies definitely hold mass market appeal, says Lenny & Larry’s

26-Nov-2014 By Kacey Culliney

High-protein cookies will continue to soar in the mass market, says the president of Lenny & Larry’s as the company plans more US roll-outs in mass stores.

Sales of loose and bagged tea up 5.9% in 2013, hitting $1.8 billion, ABC report finds

24-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Sales of herbal and other teas increased by 5.9% in the United States in 2013, capping off a decade of solid growth, according to a market report by the American Botanical Council.  It was ABC’s first such report on the tea sector.

Future foods could mimic exercise benefits, claim Nestlé scientists

24-Nov-2014 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Future food and nutritional products could use the enzyme AMPK to mimic the effects of exercise on metabolism, Nestlé researchers have claimed.

Special edition: functional foods

Functional Foods: The end of the processed foods era?

20-Nov-2014 By Peter Wennstrom

To understand Functional Foods you must see it as a strategy to add value to processed foods, says the president and founder of the HealthyMarketingTeam, Peter Wennstrom, in this guest article.

Special edition: Functional foods

Phood booed: Why big pharma fails at functional food

20-Nov-2014 By Julian Mellentin

Faced with mounting difficulties in their drug businesses, many pharmaceutical manufacturers are looking at getting into functional foods and beverages, notes food marketing expert, Julian Mellentin in this guest article.

Deerland Enzymes achieves Halal certification for manufacturing plant

14-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Deerland Enzymes, a manufacturer of dietary supplement formulations, has received Halal certification for its manufacturing facility in Kennesaw, GA from the certification group Islamic Services of America, the company announced today.

Huge influx of Chinese capital coupled with threat of violence seriously destabilizes maca trade in Peru, expert says

13-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Soaring demand from China and an extremely steep rise in prices has distorted the market for the Peruvian botanical maca to the point where non Chinese buyers have been all but priced out of the trade. The influx of cash has brought violence, too, with...

Based on benefits of D-ribose, new RTD tea line intends to break into energy sector

11-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

John Gagliardi let his experience as a college and professional lacrosse player guide his choices when it came to formulating his new energy beverage company.  Called Titan Tea, the product line is based on black tea and D-ribose as primary ingredients.

Protein gummies hit sweet spot of convenience, taste and consumer weariness with other sources, developer says

03-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Protein fortification continues to be a hot topic, with high protein forms of shakes and other beverages, nutrition bars, cereals and other foods crowding the market.  Now startup company Rap Protein LLC has expanded the idea into a new area with the...

Citing Cohen's research, agency removes DMBA-containing products from military shelves

03-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

A number of dietary supplements in the sports nutrition category that contain the stimulant ingredient DMBA have been pulled from military exchanges on Army and Air Force bases, based on a recent research report citing the potential dangers of the ingredient.

Theo Innovations debuts flavanol-rich cocoa extract

31-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

Seattle-based Theo Chocolate has launched the first functional ingredient from its subsidiary Theo Innovations.  Called Violetamine, the product is an extract of cocoa high in polyphenols and theobromine.

Hangover beverage debuts in Las Vegas

28-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

A new energy drink is seeking a middle path in the sphere, trying to find space between the shot market and bigger serving size cans. Called Last Shot, the product is the subject of a distribution agreement between EQ Labs and Liquid Health Labs, Inc.

Special edition: Healthy Ageing

Sports manufacturers ‘well placed’ to take advantage of growing healthy ageing market

23-Oct-2014 By Nathan Gray

Manufacturers in the sports nutrition space have the skills and knowledge needed to move in to the much larger and lucrative healthy ageing market, according to the chief technology officer at Lucozade Ribena Suntory.

Study finds tainted supplements still for sale months after FDA recalls

21-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

A small number of products marketed as dietary supplements previously recalled by FDA can still be found for sale with the same adulterants (or is some cases new adulterants), says a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The...

Insights from SupplySide West

New ingredient set to give caffeine a run for its money, supplier says

17-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

Ingredient supplier Compound Solutions has introduced a nature identical version of theacrine branded as TeaCrine. The ingredient offers benefits over caffeine, the mainstay of energy formulations, the company says.

Insights from Supply Side West

'Fitness' trumps 'sports' in terms of marketing opportunities, AIDP says

15-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

Sports nutrition has been a growth driver in the dietary supplement sphere, but one ingredient supplier believes the category can impose a constricting mindset on formulators that can blind them to much broader opportunities.

Study finds DMAA-like 'designer stimulant' in 12 of 14 pre workout supplements tested

08-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

A recent study has found 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), a synthetic stimulant similar to DMAA, in 12 of 14 dietary supplements tested.  According to Dr Pieter Cohen, one of the study’s authors, no information exists on the safety and acceptable dosages...

Japan

World’s only salmon placenta taps into Asia’s halal anti-ageing market

08-Oct-2014 By RJ Whitehead

Japan’s second biggest island, Hokkaido in the north of the country, is known across Asia as being one of the continent's premier locations for seafood. And now a local nutraceutical company has been using its reputation to supply Muslims with a...

Food-drug interactions may endanger mountaineers' health

07-Oct-2014 By Anna Bonar

Food and nutrients may pose a risk to mountaineers' health if combined with drugs not under strict control, according to a study conducted at the University of the Basque Country.

$5 million in additional funding will help ChromaDex bridge through to profitability, CEO says

03-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex Corp. has announced an additional $5 million in funding from Hercules Technology Growth Capital. The cash infusion will fund operations for a number of months as the company moves toward profitability, said CEO Frank Jaksch.