Headline News Roundup: November 2023
French authorities label vitamin D as endocrine disruptor
The French authorities are set to classify vitamin D3 as an endocrine disruptor (ED), triggering the addition of warning labels on products containing cholecalciferol above 0.1% by product weight.
This decision, stemming from the European Chemicals Agency's identification of cholecalciferol as an ED, aligns with the French AGEC Act's objective to inform consumers about disruptors in products.
However, concerns have arisen about the potential negative impact on consumer trust and vitamin D consumption, at a time of widespread deficiencies.
The decree also mandates a statement on products above the vitamin D threshold, emphasising responsible use. Despite concerns, experts believe the damage has been mostly mitigated through ANSES' intervention and public awareness efforts regarding the importance of vitamin D consumption and associated deficiencies.
WHO infant feeding guidelines "contradict well-established medical advice"
Specialized Nutrition Europe (SNE) has strongly opposed the newly released World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on infant feeding, arguing that they contradict well-established medical advice.
SNE is particularly alarmed by the recommendation of using either formula or animal milk for infants 6-11 months who are not breastfed, as it goes against accepted medical recommendations.
The organisation has questioned the scientific methodology behind the guidelines and expresses surprise that the WHO does not encourage the consumption of iron-fortified foods.
KÄÄPÄ Biotech in €3.5m scale-up to keep up with mushrooming demand
Finnish biotech firm KÄÄPÄ Biotech, Europe's largest adaptogenic mushroom supplier, has successfully raised €3.5 million to meet the surging demand for its medicinal mushrooms.
The funding includes €2.5 million from ethical investors Applied Food Sciences and HL Hall and Sons Group, along with an additional €1 million in debt for expanding its transparent, organic production line.
The investment will be used to acquire a new factory, a 300kg freeze dryer, and expand manufacturing capacity.
KÄÄPÄ Biotech anticipates growth in the mushroom market, especially as brands transition from CBD to mushrooms due to regulatory changes. The CEO envisions a promising future for mushrooms in clinical settings, addressing global healthcare challenges.
Unused MyProtein repurposed into fish feed in trailblazing sustainability drive
MyProtein, as part of THG's sustainability initiative, has repurposed over 150 tonnes of unused protein powder into fish feed through a partnership with waste processing company MYGroup.
The initiative originated from a challenge to find a solution for excess, unsellable protein powder.
The collaboration with MYGroup involves re-manufacturing the powder into fish feed and addressing food safety standards, and the goal is to operate transparently and collaboratively towards sustainability.
Menopause: Nutrition interventions for symptom support
A recent webinar titled 'Riding through menopause' emphasised key nutrition interventions to support women during this life stage.
Experts underscored the challenges of perimenopause, making lifestyle recommendations before Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The impact of diet on menopausal symptoms were emphasised, with recommendations for the consumption of fibre, polyphenols, fermented foods, and probiotics.
Experts also stressed the need for protein intake for muscle mass maintenance, omega-3 for cognition, and magnesium and vitamin D supplementation.
Antioxidant supplement improves sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes
A recent study suggests that supplementing men with a combination of micronutrients and L-Carnitine may significantly improve sperm motility and enhance pregnancy outcomes.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 263 participants and revealed noteworthy reductions in sperm DNA damage, particularly in terms of fragmentation, after three months of antioxidant treatment.
Given that male fertility issues contribute to 20-30% of infertility cases, the findings hold significance in addressing the impact of oxidative stress on the male reproductive system.
The NutraIngredients Awards celebrate a decade of industry honours
Entries for the NutraIngredients Awards 2024 are now open and next year will celebrate the 10th anniversary of these honours.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements in ingredients, products, companies, and projects, and the 10th edition will feature an exclusive winners celebration in Geneva on May 15, 2024.
Entries for the 14 awards are open until February 5, 2024, covering categories such as Ingredient of the Year, Product of the Year, and Specialty Awards like Sustainability Initiative and Innovations in Women's Health.
To be in with a chance of winning, or to learn more, visit our website here.
