Proteins, peptides, amino acids

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.

Kyowa Hakko USA self-affirms GRAS for the amino acid L-Ornithine

31-Oct-2013

Kyowa Hakko USA has completed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) self-affirmation for the amino acid L-Ornithine, with research supporting a potential anti-fatigue effect.

InterHealth paves the way for future joint health research with positive healthy-subject study for UC-II

29-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A daily dose of InterHealth’s UC-II, an un-denatured type II collagen, may boost joint comfort in healthy individuals who only experience discomfort with exercise, according to a clinical trial with implications for substantiating nutraceutical efficacy...

New company mining massive protein database for new medical foods, supplements and drugs

25-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Flagship VentureLabs, a Massachusetts-based innovation funding company, has announced the launch of Pronutria, a company that has been operating in “stealth mode” for the past couple of years and has been developing health products derived from a massive...

Glanbia launches next generation flax protein powder for bars, cereals & beverages

23-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Glanbia Nutritionals has launched a new flax protein powder for protein fortification for use in a range of applications including bars, clusters, cereals and beverages.

Revamped Protein Rush! not just for World's Strongest Man wannabes: VPX Sports

23-Oct-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

VPX Sports is hoping to meet growing demand for muscle recovery solutions from physically active consumers, as well as those “looking to look like the World’s Strongest Man”, through the relaunch of its ready-to-drink (RTD) Protein Rush! shake.

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...

Science, certifications drive export potential of US-made sports nutrition products, experts say

11-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

The sports nutrition market continues to expand, and with global demand rising, experts say opportunities are growing, too, for US made products in export markets.

Myth busting: Soy supplements are not an issue for bodybuilders, say researchers

11-Oct-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

Short-term supplementation with soy and whey protein does not lead to pro-estrogenic or anti-anabolic effects in bodybuilders, according to new research.

Canola protein pioneer BioExx files for bankruptcy protection

10-Oct-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Canadian canola protein specialist BioExx has filed for bankruptcy protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) for an initial period expiring on October 31.

GNC buys UK's top online sports nutrition supplements retailer

03-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

GNC Holdings, Inc. is continuing its push into the high growth sports nutrition space with the purchase of A1 Sports Limited, the leading multi-brand sports nutrition e-commerce retailer in the UK doing business under the name Discount Supplements.

Study questions soy for heart health in older women

01-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily consumption of soy proteins and isoflavones may not influence risk factors for heart disease in healthy late postmenopausal women, says a new study from the University of Connecticut.

Study backs milk protein micro-particles for probiotic survival

01-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

A mixture of casein and whey protein may offer the best encapsulation and survival possibilities for the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, according to new research.

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.

Special edition: Amino Acids and Protein

Plant or animal: A global protein snap shot

19-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

From gym powders and shakes to German ‘evening’ breads to ‘brogurt’ – high-protein yoghurt marketed at men – to the rise of Greek yoghurt in the US, protein bars, meat substitutes and good ol’ ‘trad’ dairy – protein is powering right now.

Special Edition: Amino Acids and Proteins

BCAAs take center stage in targeted sports nutrition products

19-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Protein as a driver of sports nutrition products is an old story.  The newer twist, however, is the use of individual amino acids, and specifically the branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine, to deliver targeted benefits for their role...

Special edition: Amino acids and protein

Beyond the gym: Is satiety the next frontier for protein?

19-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

While building muscle may take centre stage for protein ingredients, there is a mass of potential health benefits from increasing protein intakes, and increasing satiety may be the next big thing.

Sarcopenia: ‘Adhering to the RDA for protein would be like white water rafting without a paddle’

19-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Aging populations and the growing threat of degenerative muscle loss (sarcopenia) will provide a lucrative category for brands to target, say industry experts, but the current recommended daily intakes for protein are simply nowhere near enough.

Special edition: Amino acids and protein

Axiom: Rice protein market growth ‘happening now’

18-Sep-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

Mounting interest in the benefits of rice protein from the technical and sports nutrition communities alike has turned to increased sales of Axiom Foods’ brown rice protein powder. 

Special Edition: Amino acids and protein

Specialty peptides, enzymes and probiotics: Options abound for formulators to make the ‘protein we have even better than it is already’

18-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

While much has been said and written about different protein sources, complimentary ingredients like enzymes and probiotics allow consumers to make the ‘protein we have even better than it is already’.

Valensa teams with Algaeon for algae-based nutraceuticals

17-Sep-2013

Florida-based Valensa International has signed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement with algae-based supplement maker Algaeon Inc. to bring “condition-specific” nutraceuticals to the marketplace. 

Novel keratin ingredient may relieve joint pain and stiffness: RCT data

17-Sep-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily intake of a keratin-based dietary supplement may provide relief for the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, suggest results of a clinical trial published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.

Big interview: Sarah Wallace, co-founder, the good bean

Chickpeas are the new chia, says the boss of The Good Bean. Welcome to the next generation of high-protein snacking

16-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

After spending years marketing products from Luna Bars and PopChips to thinkThin bars, The Good Bean co-founder Sarah Wallace knew a thing or two about building healthy snacking brands before she decided to put her money where her mouth is and go it alone...

Increased protein protects against muscles during diet and weight loss, say researchers

13-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Doubling the recommended daily allowance of protein intake could help to protect against muscle loss during dieting and exercise related weight loss, say researchers.

Amino acid supplements may offer diabetes hope: Mouse data

10-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with the amino acid arginine could help to improve glucose metabolism by as much as 40%, according to new research in mice.

Special Edition: Amino Acids and Protein

Animal feed sector likely first target for commodity algal proteins, expert says

09-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Algae is theoretically the most efficient way to produce protein, especially in terms of unit land area devoted to production. But the day when algal proteins make up a significant proportion of human nutrition requirements is still some years in the...

Distribution chain control helps USANA guarantee viability of reformulated probiotic

06-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

USANA’s tight control of its distribution channels enables it to offer probiotics to its customers where some other network marketing competitors shy away, according to the company’s product development director.

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.

Pea protein boom drives Cosucra plant expansion

06-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling

Belgian pea protein player  Cosucra is investing €30m to build a ‘second line’ at its processing facility as European and North American demand rockets.

Special edition: Amino acids and protein

Will canola protein ever take off? BioExx still hopes to scale up in Europe, but hangs ‘for sale’ sign over front door

05-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Plant proteins are all the rage - at least that’s what the market researchers are all saying - from pea and soy to algae and rice. But what about protein from canola, the second largest oilseed crop in the world?

Verisol collagen supplements may offer long-lasting skin elasticity benefits: RCT data

03-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Oral supplements of specific collagen peptides may improve skin elasticity by up to 30%, says a new study using Gelita’s Verisol branded ingredient.

Health economics: Nutritional supplement intervention may have significant benefits in hospital

02-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Oral nutritional supplements provided to patients during hospitalisation is associated with significant reductions in length of stay and hospitalisation costs, according to economic research backed by Abbott Nutrition.

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.

Healthy subjects study kickstarts sales of UC-II ingredient, InterHealth says

29-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A question is sometimes raised whether consumers are swayed by positive studies. Whether science sells, in point of fact.  Speaking from recent experience, the answer for InterHealth Nutraceuticals is a resounding yes.

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.

Hybrid algae producer Heliae quietly approaches full scale production

22-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Early stage algae company Heliae has taken a quiet approach to business development.  While the Arizona-based company is close to coming to market with a range of nutraceutical ingredients, not much has been said about them in the marketplace or the press,...

Fair trade, flavor keys to Garden of Life's new protein products

20-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

When Garden of Life looked at extending its protein and meal replacement lines with coffee and yerba mate flavors, the company was looking for partners that were the right fit both in terms of ingredient quality and service but also in terms of outlook,...

Higher dairy intake in elderly women linked to greater strength, less falls

20-Aug-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Elderly women that consume “higher” levels of milk, yogurt and cheese are at less risk of a fall, new research findings have suggested.

Leucine: A practical solution for muscle wasting?

19-Aug-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

The essential amino acid supplement leucine is a practical and affordable way to prevent muscle wasting in bed-bound patients, say researchers.

Algae biofuels expertise doesn't always translate to nutraceuticals, expert says

16-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The money pouring into biofuels research has buoyed the algae sector and helped companies get off the ground with technology development and initial facility buildout. But translating that expertise in growing algae at something approaching commercial...

New FDA guidance sheds more light on formulation, marketing of medical foods

15-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration has given additional clarification to a ill-defined subcategory of foods by issuing a revised draft guidance on medical foods.  The new version clarifies some issues surrounding branding and marketing, and in so doing,...

MusclePharm hits $28.5 million in sales in second quarter

15-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

MusclePharm Corporation, a Denver, CO-based manufacturer of sports nutrition products, continued its meteoric rise by posting a 51% rise in net sales in the second quarter of 2013.

Whey concentrate prices double in two years

Chinese demand drives whey above €7/kg – but is it over priced?

13-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

Soaring whey prices are changing the face of the protein concentrate market, but hefty Asian-driven premiums won’t signal a flood to plant proteins, says an analyst.

Solazyme algal protein debuts in Twinlab's CleanSeries powder product

12-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Algae producer Solazyme has reached a critical commercial waypoint with the launch of its algal protein ingredient in Twinlab’s new CleanSeries Veggie Protein Powder.  And Twinlab gets a vital differentiator in the increasingly competitive vegetable protein...

Post Foods moves into active nutrition, supplements, with $180m deal to buy Joint Juice and Premier Protein maker PNC

05-Aug-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Ready-to-eat cereals giant Post Holdings has moved into the active nutrition and supplements market with a $180m deal to acquire Premier Nutrition Corporation (PNC) - maker of Titan and Premier Protein bars and shakes, and Joint Juice (liquid supplements...

Going big: MusclePharm announces product deal with Arnold Schwarzenegger

31-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

MusclePharm, a Denver, CO-based manufacturer of sports nutrition products, has announced a development deal with the biggest name in the muscle business—Arnold Schwarzenegger.

News in brief

Missed Bone & Joint Health 2013? Listen again free, on-demand

25-Jul-2013

Can you make inflammation claims regarding joint health? How do you differentiate products in the bone health sector where so many products are based on calcium and vitamin D?

You'll sell more sports nutrition products targeting fitness walkers and yoga enthusiasts than team sports players, says Packaged Facts

25-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Sports nutrition marketers have traditionally focused on young men, sports teams and hardcore athletes. In future, however, they will need to spend more time targeting women, weekend warriors and consumers pursuing individual sports and fitness activities...

Roquette to showcase algae ingredients at IFT after parting ways with Solazyme

12-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Two weeks after announcing a parting of ways with Californian joint venture (JV) partner and algae expert Solazyme, French ingredients giant Roquette says it will be showcasing two microalgae-based food ingredients at the IFT show in Chicago.

Berry-enriched protein matrices (Nutrasorb) pass sensory and stability tests as functional food ingredients

12-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Proteins enriched with cranberry compounds are nutritionally stable and effective against bacteria that may cause urinary tract infections, says a new study that builds the scientific support for the Nutrasorb ingredients.