Vitamins & premixes

Vitamin D and ginger show potential in reducing asthma symptoms, new studies suggest

20-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with vitamin D or ginger extracts may help ease the symptoms of asthma, according to two new early stage research studies.

Dispatches from Vitafoods Europe 2013

Trend-spotter: The rise of slow-energy

17-May-2013 By Shane Starling

There are two speeds when it comes to energy products: Slow and fast, says Mintel trend-spotting guru David Jago.

Multi-component supplement may boost weight loss, says new human study

17-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A multi-component supplement containing raspberry ketone, caffeine, capsaicin, garlic, ginger and bitter orange extracts may enhance body composition, and reduce hip and waist girth in overweight men and women, says a new study.

Live from VitaFoods 2013

New science, dosage form drives vitamin K2 interest, NattoPharma CEO says

17-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

New research results are driving interest in vitamin K2, according to NattoPharma CEO Hogne Vik.  But the company has also developed a new, more potent powder form that is helping to raise the ingredient's profile.

Researchers question the 'optimal' vitamin D dose for infants

13-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

Dosage recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in infancy do not help to raise levels to those considered 'optimal' by many experts - but do still being levels up to the standards set by the IOM, say researchers.

AREDS2

Lutein/zeaxanthin benefits for people with low dietary intakes is an ‘important message’ for the general population: OmniActive COO

08-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The significant benefits of adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the AREDS formula for people with low dietary intakes of the carotenoids is an ‘important message’, especially since a large portion of the population has low levels, says the COO of OmniActive.

AREDS2 data published

Lutein + zeaxanthin may reduce risk of progression to advanced AMD, compared to original AREDS formula

06-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Adding lutein, zeaxanthin and/or omega-3 fatty acids to the AREDS eye health formula may not offer any additional benefits regarding age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk, says the much anticipated AREDS2 data.

Vitamin D may reduce risk of uterine fibroid: Study

30-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Women who have an adequate intake of vitamin D are 32% less likely to develop uterine fibroids then women with low levels, researchers have suggested.

More vitamin D may mean faster recovery from muscle injury

29-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased blood levels of vitamin D may increase the rate of muscle recovery after intensive exercise, says a new study from Utah-based scientists.

Vitamin E a ‘potential weapon’ against obesity related disease: Study

29-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of vitamin E could help to battle the symptoms of liver disease brought on by obesity, according to new research.

Personalized nutrition push drives Usana's results, CEO says

25-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Usana Health Sciences’ personalized nutrition products and applications have boosted the company’s bottom line, according to statements from company officials during a conference call discussing first quarter results.

Juice powder shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for obese women

23-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Capsules containing a blend of fruit, berry, and vegetable juice powder may decrease markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in obese women, says a new study from Austria.

Mixed vitamin E forms show liver benefits: Rat data

18-Apr-2013 By Stephen Daniells

A mixture of vitamin E tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol may work synergistically to improve liver health in lab animals with non-alcoholic steatohepatits (NASH), the most extreme form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

'Excess' vitamin E intake is not a health concern: Linus Pauling expert

17-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

No level of vitamin E in the diet or from the use of supplements should pose a risk to health, according to a new review that counters recent concerns over the health risks from excess intakes.

Babies vitamin D status impacts immune system development: Study

11-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

The month a baby is born might have a significant impact on its vitamin D status and immune development, according to new data.

Supplement maker Kabco shut down over GMP violations

10-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

After a history of GMP compliance failures, dietary supplement manaufacturer Kabco Pharmaceuticals has been shut down by FDA until such time that it can meet the stipulations of a consent decree.

Genetic variation may affect vitamin D3 but not D2 supplements: Study

08-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Differences in the genetic makeup of vitamin D receptor proteins have a big impact on the effectiveness of supplementation with vitamin D3 but not vitamin D2, say researchers.

The forgotten vitamin: ‘K2 has not even begun to realize its potential’

03-Apr-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Is 2013 the year for vitamin K2 in the US? A breakthrough study and growing awareness over deficiency point to progress, but consumer awareness is still growing in baby steps for ‘the most fascinating of all vitamins’, says a leading supplier.

Vitamins-in-cap beverage company expands IP, distribution

01-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

H2M Beverages has announced a new patent on its cap technology that will further bolster its position as it expands distribution of its 989 On Demand rehydration beverage that features a suite of vitamins and minerals in a liquid matrix held within the...

Vitamin E tocotrienol shows breast health benefits: Mouse data

01-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Vitamin E tocotrienols from annatto may slow the development and reduce the number and size of breast tumors, suggests new data from lab mice.

Edison Pharma signs licensing agreement with Japanese pharma giant for alpha-tocotrienol quinone development

28-Mar-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Mountain View, California based Edison Pharmaceuticals has announced a licensing agreement with Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd to develop and commercialize EPI-743 for mitochondrial function and aging. EPI-743 is the quinone form of alpha tocotrienol.

Vitamin K2 shows ‘extremely important improvements in clinical outcomes’ for bone health

27-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements containing vitamin K2 may reduce bone loss and improve bone impact strength in postmenopausal women, according to a new ‘ground-breaking’ study sponsored by NattoPharma.

Vitamin D supplements may yield immune benefits in healthy people: Study

26-Mar-2013 By Nathan Gray

Improving levels of vitamin D in the blood via supplementation could help to fight of disease by affecting gene expression and boosting the immune system, say researchers.

Maternal vitamin D has no effect on children's bone health

19-Mar-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with vitamin D during pregnancy has no significant association with children's later bone heath, according o the largest ever study on maternal vitamin D supplementation.

Brazil continues to dominate South American health & wellness market

19-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The Brazilian functional and fortified packaged foods and dietary supplements markets have hit almost US$10 billion, says data from Euromonitor International.

Will vitamin C price fixing victory constrain future Chinese cartel behavior?

18-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

A longstanding vitamin C price fixing case has reached conclusion with a $162 million judgment in the case involving four Chinese companies. While its a victory for the concept of private enforcement, it doesn’t mean cartel behavior by Chinese companies...

Special edition: Antioxidants and carotenoids

Antioxidants and Pro-oxidants: Two Sides of the Same Sword

15-Mar-2013

Heads or tails, the yin and the yang – there are two sides to everything, and the same can be said for the ‘antioxidant’ debate. In this guest article, Steve Baugh, Technical Services Director of ChromaDex Analytics Inc, gives us his views on antioxidants...

Prof Blumberg: We need reference intakes for phytochemicals (and we’re not calling them antioxidants)

15-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Establishing some kind of intake recommendations for polyphenols and carotenoids will spur innovation and allow for rational synergies of phytochemicals with specific health outcomes, says Prof Jeffrey Blumberg from Tufts University.

Chromadex cements position in NR market with third IP acquisition

13-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

Chromadex has announced a licensing deal with Washington University in St. Louis for the worldwide exclusive patent rights related to the recently discovered vitamin nicotinamide riboside (NR). It is Chromadex’s third IP acquisition related to the molecule.

High-dose vitamins and minerals offer no benefit for recurrent 'cardiac events'

13-Mar-2013

Supplementation with vitamins and minerals does not help to reduce recurrences of cardiac events in people who have suffered a heart attack, says research.

Do vitamin D levels influence genes for immune health?

11-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Blood levels of vitamin D may affect the expression of genes linked to immune health and inflammation, Norwegian scientists report for the first time.

Folate and vitamin B12 backed to help battle schizophrenia symptoms

07-Mar-2013 By Nathan Gray

Adding vitamin supplements to antipsychotic medication may help to alleviate certain negative symptoms in people who suffer from schizophrenia, researchers suggest.

Vitamin D pills linked to better heart health for diabetics

06-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of vitamin D may improve cardiovascular health for diabetics, says a new study with implications for recommended doses in diabetics.

Nicole Kidman and a focus on research & quality: Swisse Wellness outlines strategy behind ambitious US expansion

01-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Swisse Wellness – Australia’s #1 multivitamin brand – is hitting US mass retail with 15 of its top-selling products available in Walgreens, and aims of $0.5 billion in sales by 2015.

Excess vitamin D in pregnancy may lead to food allergies: Study

28-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of high doses of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy may raise the risk of children developing food allergies after birth, says research.

MLM model increases meal replacement compliance, Qivana's new chief science officer says

27-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

Donald Layman has taken on the position of chief scientific officer with Provo, UT-based supplment manufacturer Qivana, cementing a relationship that began when the company developed a line of meal replacements and supplements based on his nutritional...

Nestlé buys Louisiana depression food firm

27-Feb-2013 By Shane STARLING

Nestlé has bought its second brain health-focused medical foods start-up in eight months after snaffling Red River Pharma-owned Pamlab which makes high-dose vitamin supplements targeting depression, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

NPA, CRN: USPSTF’s vitamin D, calcium advice could be harmful to women at risk of fractures

26-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Controversial new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for vitamin D and calcium could create confusion among consumers and ‘compromise their bone health’, say the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and the Natural...

Nutrition 2.0: ‘Closer than you think’ and a ‘tremendous technical and business opportunity’

26-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

‘Tremendous opportunities’ await the nutrition industry as it embarks upon a modernized scientific approach to address nutrition, health/wellness and aging, says the Chief Executive Officer of a Silicon Valley company at the cutting edge of R&D.

Could multivitamins boost well-being and energy levels?

19-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of a multivitamin may boost consumers’ perception of mood and energy levels, says a new study from Australia.

Vitamin C may protect marathon runners from colds, but what about the rest of us?

15-Feb-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing common cold for marathon runners by 50%, but there is little evidence that it helps the rest of us, says a new Cochrane review.

'Provocative': Prenatal folic acid supplements linked to lower risk of autism for kids

13-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Maternal use of supplemental folic acid from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder in children, says a new study.

Omega-3 and vitamin D may help clear Alzheimer's plaques

12-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Researchers have pinpointed the mechanism behind vitamin D3 and omega-3’s ability to enhance the immune system's ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Be flattered, not threatened, by increased medical scrutiny of products

12-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The dietary supplements industry should be encouraged and not threatened by increased scrutiny of its products by the mainstream medical community, because it means they are taking the products – and the questions from their patients – seriously.

Vitamin D content of supplements ‘varies widely’, says new analysis

11-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The vitamin D content of over-the counter and compounded supplements differs widely, says a new research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine that calls for ‘more regulation of dietary supplements’.

Regular consumption of vitamin C supplements linked to kidney stones risk: Study

07-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Men who regularly take vitamin C supplements are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones, new data suggests.

Calcium plus vitamin D may slash hip fracture rates: WHI data

06-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the rate of hip fracture by almost 40%, says a new analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Could pectin supplements help prevent niacin flushing?

06-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

'Flushing' associated with high doses of niacin may be prevented by taking a pectin supplement just before taking the B vitamin, says a new study from the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Slow-release niacin backed for lowering cholesterol, finds Lonza study

06-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Slow-release niacin supplements are an effective way to lower cholesterol levels, while intake of inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) is ineffective, according to new research data.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to diabetes risk

06-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

An increased intake of vitamin D during adolescence could help to reduce the risk of adult-onset type 1 diabetes levels may increase risk of Type 1 diabetes by half, say researchers.