Vitamins & premixes

"When we put all this data together, there isn't a country that doesn't experience significant malnutrition"

Malnutrition costs 11% of world's GDP: Global Nutrition Report

14-Nov-2014 By Shane STARLING

Malnutrition is costing the global economy $3.5 trillion (€2.8trn) a year in both the developing and developed worlds, the biggest ever global survey of nutrition has concluded.

Vitamin E may boost IQ for low birth weight infants, says study

14-Nov-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Long term supplementation of extremely low birth weight infants with vitamin E may improve mental development, according to a new study from Japan.

Folic acid & vitamin B12 may not improve cognitive performance, says 2-year study

13-Nov-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) do not benefit thinking and memory in elderly people despite lowering levels of an Alzheimer's-linked protein, according to the largest study of its kind.

Academic: "Anybody who thinks the world’s malnutrition problems are going to be solved without industry is dreaming."

Time for a vitamin E intake rethink? Emerging data builds argument

12-Nov-2014 By Shane Starling from the 3rd World Congress of Public Health Nutrition in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Emerging research linking vitamin E deficiency with increased risk of Alzheimer’s, miscarriages and fatty liver disease can contribute to an ongoing debate around recommended intakes, a nutrition congress was told yesterday.

Two ends of market—highly committed and casual consumers—overrepresented in supplement sales, research indicates

10-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Two ends of the supplement marketplace—one highly committed and the other far less so—have an outsized role in driving the continued growth of dietary supplements.  And for these and the other segments of consumers, health care practitioners are still...

Herbalife's share price plunges after company misses Wall Street earnings expectations

05-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Network marketing giant Herbal reported sales growth but missed analysts’ expectations for earnings in its third quarter of 2014.  Part of the earnings miss was caused by the steep devaluation of Nicaragua’s currency and so was characterized by management...

Negative media and a lack of innovation: Vitamin Shoppe CEO on ’positive’ but ‘lower than expected’ Q3 results

05-Nov-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplement retailing giant Vitamin Shoppe has reported a 3.1% increase in comparable retail store sales and a 10.5% increase in e-commerce sales, but despite this positive performance 'comparable sales were at the low end of our expectations',...

Internet helps noncompliant retailers ply their trade but also helps FDA find them, expert says

05-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

The growth of online retailing has bee decried by some in the dietary supplements business for allowing the rapid appearance of fly-by-night marketers.  But the Internet has a flip side, acting as a powerful and low-cost enforcement tool that the Food...

Nutrition sector challenges hurt DSM Q3 results; profits down 7%

04-Nov-2014 By Shane STARLING

Q3 net profits dropped about 20% at DSM with the Dutch-Swiss ingredients giant citing vitamin E market issues and, “challenges in some human nutrition end-markets” as key contributing factors.

Low vitamin D may increase asthma risk: Population data

30-Oct-2014 By Nathan Gray

Asthmatics with vitamin D deficiency are 25% more likely to experience acute attacks, suggests study.

Streamlined operations, new product launch help Innophos prosper despite depressed sales

29-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

Specialty phosphate producer Innophos suffered sales declines in its third quarter of 2014 as the company struggled with a supply shortage for a key feedstock and some weakness in the end markets for its customers’ finished goods. Offsetting that are...

Calcium + vitamin D show bone benefits for military personnel: RCT

28-Oct-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D may help boost bone density for military personnel undergoing basic combat training – a period that places individuals under increased risk of skeletal stress fractures.

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.

Vitamin D3 supplements may decrease triglyceride levels in at-risk women: RCT data

24-Oct-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A daily 4,000 IU dose of vitamin D may decrease triglyceride levels in post-menopausal women with an increased risk of heart disease, says a new study from Mexico.

Special edition: healthy ageing

Half of UK seniors take daily supplements, say analysts

23-Oct-2014 By Anna Bonar

Seniors are determined to stay active and healthy as the global population ages, according to Canadean and Mintel analysts.

Non-cow’s milk may put children at vitamin D deficiency risk

21-Oct-2014 By Nathan Gray

Children who drink non-cow's milk such as rice, almond, soy or goat's milk, have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood than those who drink cow's milk, say researchers.

Bamboo fiber, protein beverages, and gummies: Hydrocolloid expert talks innovative delivery systems

15-Oct-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Beverages continue to be one of the hot beds for innovation when it comes to nutrient fortification, with insoluble fiber, nutritional oils, and (of course) protein all catching the eye.

Vitamin D3 can reduce atopic dermatitis in kids via 'innate immunity': Study

13-Oct-2014 By Lynda Searby

Vitamin D supplementation improves winter-related atopic dermatitis (AD) in children at risk of vitamin D deficiency and could provide a safe alternative to UV light treatment, according to a new study led by Boston researchers.

High-dose vitamin D may not aid critically ill: RCT data

09-Oct-2014 By Nathan Gray

High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation ‘does not improve outcomes’ for deficient ICU patients, according to new RCT data.

$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.

Science short

Actions urged to combat widespread European vitamin D deficiencies

02-Oct-2014 By Shane STARLING

Greater vitamin D fortification of foods and supplementation can help tackle vitamin D deficiencies that remain prevalent across Europe – with Finland a good example of the success of such measures, a review has found.

Genetic research casts doubt on vitamin D's ability to prevent T2 diabetes

01-Oct-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to prevent the development of type-2 diabetes, according to a genetic study from the University of Cambridge.

Quote/unquote: Gut health, sports nutrition, and curcumin - The best of Bénéfiq 2014

26-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

We headed to Quebec City this week to attend the 2nd instalment of Bénéfiq, an international rendezvous on health ingredients, and we’ve plucked a few pearls of wisdom from the podium for your reading pleasure…

Special edition: LATAM

Inflation likely to moderate strong growth of supplements market in Argentina

25-Sep-2014 By Hank Schultz

The dietary supplement market in Argentina is thriving despite import barriers and economic uncertainty caused by inflation, according to a recent report by Euromonitor.  The forecast for the immediate future is continued growth, albeit it at a slower...

Polyphenol blend shows metabolic and ‘quality of life’ improvements

23-Sep-2014

Daily supplementation with a blend of polyphenol-rich extracts from grapefruit, grape, green tea, guarana and black carrot may boost metabolic functions, says a new study using Fytexia’s Fiit-ns branded ingredient.

Special Edition: LATAM

Hispanics are key opportunity for supplement marketers, Packaged Facts report says

22-Sep-2014 By Hank Schultz

Hispanic consumers are an area of untapped growth potential for dietary supplement marketers, according to a report from market research firms Packaged Facts.

Vitamin E and selenium's cataract prevention abilities questioned by cohort

22-Sep-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin E and selenium supplementation is unlikely to impact the progression of age-related cataracts in men, as suggested by previous research, according to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmol.

Vitamin D associated with 'a range of important health outcomes', says new study

19-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased blood levels of the sunshine vitamin are associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and fractures, according to data collected in the UK over 13 years.

DPA, vitamins D and K ‘should be investigated’ for cognitive health, says new review

19-Sep-2014 By Stephen Daniells

A focus on new nutrients, a more holistic approach, and innovative clinical trials using omics technology may help better support the role of nutrition in cognitive health, says a new review.

The power of babble: Communication, globalisation and consumer connection

17-Sep-2014 By By James C Griffiths, PhD

In today’s complex global marketplace, the patchwork of regulatory standards, cultural variations and logistical realities of time and space create an environment in which harmonisation may seem impossible. Not so, argues James C Griffiths, PhD, VP of...

Almonds are a ‘snack choice for a healthy diet’

16-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A mid-morning snack of almonds may decrease food intake at lunch and dinner, making the nuts a ‘snack food choice for a healthy diet’, according to a new study from England.

Group forms to clarify roles of vitamins and minerals in diet

15-Sep-2014 By Hank Schultz

A new group called the Global  Nutrition & Health Alliance has formed with the mission to clarify the role of food fortification and nutritional supplementation. The issue of the role of these nutrients in the diet is still a matter of some confusion,...

‘Very pleased to find a lower dose supports bone health’: Kyowa study shows new efficacious levels for vitamin K2

15-Sep-2014 By Stephen Daniells

The potential bone health benefits of vitamin K2 menaquinone-4 may be achievable at a daily dose of 600 micrograms, according to a new study from Kyowa Hakko with implications for formulations and health.

Blackcurrant nectar shows exercise benefits for college students: Study

12-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of blackcurrant nectar for eight days may reduce muscle damage and inflammation after exercise, according to a new study from scientists at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

SPORTS NUTRITION 2014: A STARK WARNING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

‘You think Red Bull’s just gonna roll over? It’s not gonna happen!’ Expert warns wannabes

11-Sep-2014 By Ben BOUCKLEY

Beverage brand development guru James Tonkin has warned wannabe entrepreneurs that going up against established brands such as Red Bull and Coca-Cola without some kind of ‘silo vertical’ protection is fruitless.

Omega-3s and vitamin D first focus for Global Nutrition & Health Alliance

10-Sep-2014 By Shane STARLING

The just-formed Global Nutrition & Health Alliance (GNHA) is tackling intake levels for vitamin D and omega-3 as the group formed by medical and health experts kicks into life.

2015 Dietary Guidelines: CRN calls for multivitamin/mineral to help redress nutrient shortfalls

08-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Multivitamins/minerals provide a low cost, convenient way to fill nutrient gaps when nutrient recommended intakes are not first met through the consumption of food, says the Council for Responsible Nutrition as it calls for supplements to be included...

Vitamin D ‘should be considered’ for epileptics: Study

08-Sep-2014 By Kacey Culliney

Patients with epilepsy on antiepileptic drugs should consider vitamin D supplementation as they are often deficient and are at higher risk of poor bone health and fractures, suggest researchers..

Special edition: LATAM

Obesity prevention key to Mexican vitamin & supplement market growth

05-Sep-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

Sales of vitamins and dietary supplements grew 9% in 2013 to reach Mx$15.7 billion ($1.2 billion) as increased visibility over the country’s main diseases have consumers thinking more about prevention, according to a report from Euromonitor International. 

Omega-3s, cognitive health, and Dr Oz: NutraIngredients-USA’s top articles of the summer

04-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

It’s been an interesting summer for the dietary supplements industry, and we’re taking a look back at some of the lessons from the summer to keep front of mind as we head into the busy fall period.

Nestlé files patent for kids’ ‘protein balance’

03-Sep-2014 By Anne Bruce

Nestlé has filed for a worldwide patent for a protein balancing product aimed at children aged 5-15.

Special edition: LATAM

Young, urban Brazilians driving country's vitamin and supplement sales: Euromonitor

02-Sep-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

Last year, sales of vitamins and dietary supplements in Brazil increased by 9%, reaching R$3.2 billion ($1.4 billion), as a growing cohort of younger consumers seek a healthy lifestyle and take a more preventive approach to wellness, according to a report...

DSM to increase omega-3s capacity in light of dietary reference intake review

28-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

The move by Canadian and US health authorities to look at the establishment of a dietary reference intake for omega-3s will be a boon both for public health and the health of the market for these important nutrients, omega-3s supplier DSM says.  The company...

‘Small but significant’: Antioxidant vitamin supplements may support healthy arteries

27-Aug-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of arterial stiffness, with effects most notable in healthy, young individuals, says a new systematic review and meta-analysis.

More vitamin D in UK foods than previously: Study

26-Aug-2014 By Shane STARLING

The UK should update vitamin D food and supplement content estimations that have the knock-on effect of distorting population intake levels of the sunshine vitamin by about 3%, a study has concluded.

Study: omega-3 uptake higher in women; we must account for gender in research, GOED VP says

18-Aug-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

A study aiming to determine the effect of taking multivitamin and fish oil supplements together on the uptake of omega-3s into the blood cells found that gender contributes to uptake levels, with higher LC n-3 PUFA uptake in women.

Youngevity records strong growth in both multilevel supplement marketing and coffee roasting segments

14-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

Youngevity International, a multilevel marketer of nutritional supplements as well as a bulk coffee roaster, reported big increases in net revenue and gross profit in its second quarter of 2014, driven mostly by organic growth aided by acquisitions.

Twinlab can 'look to the future' now that recapitalization is complete

14-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

The restructuring of Twinlab is complete, as the entity Twinlab Consolidation Corporation has concluded its first deal, the acquisition of Twinlab Corporation itself.

Research supports ever-wider role for vitamin D, CRN says

13-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

The outlook for vitamin D is getting ever brighter, as scientific results continue to pile up for the prohormone’s benefits.  The latest study on the relationship of vitamin D to the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease reinforces that picture, said...

Settlement offers injunctive, but not monetary, relief (Coke required to amend labels but consumers won't get any money)

Coca-Cola agrees to settle 'copycat' Vitaminwater deceptive advertising lawsuits, but CSPI still on the warpath

13-Aug-2014 By Elaine Watson

Coca-Cola has agreed to settle a series of 'copycat' lawsuits accusing it of deceptively marketing Vitaminwater. But the lawsuit that inspired them all - filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in 2009 - is still pending, as the...