Positive results for vitamin E and beta-carotene from observational studies are continuing to be cited in the literature despite contradictory evidence from randomised trials, says a new analysis.
A report has listed some 3,000 violations by a dozen infant
nutrition companies who it says are breaking rules on marketing set
by the World Health Assembly.
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods during meals reduces the oxidative
stress associated with eating, says a new study that highlights the
importance of timing for maximum health benefits.
Supplements of the Indian herbal Coccinia indica may
reduce blood sugar levels by about 20 per cent, says a new study
from India that adds to the Indian herb linked potential to aid
diabetics.
A model which could be used to set the upper limits for minerals
and vitamins under EU law has been updated by UK scientists to
include more current data and categories for nutrients.
Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its
own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues
to sweep a devastating toll.
Phytoene and phytofluene, lesser known compounds from tomatoes,
also accumulate in significant quantities in key organs, and may
play a role in the health benefits previously attributed to
lycopene, suggests a new study with rats.
Increased intake of vitamin K1, and to a lesser extend vitamin D,
could protect against inflammation, and positively effect chronic
disease risk, suggests a new observational study.
Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest
around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and
may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India
published yesterday.
Enzymotec has said it can produce a 99 per cent pure form of its
brain health nutrient phosphatidylserine (PS), which will make the
product more attractive to manufacturers.
The gut health of elderly people is positively changed by
xylooligosaccharides, found in bamboo shoots, fruit, vegetables and
honey, and was more efficient than fructooligosaccharides and
inulin, Taiwanese researchers report.
Cutting out the junk will be a major for manufacturers in 2008 said
Mintel in its prediction of trends to shape food for the next 12
months, as consumers buy into natural and environmentally-friendly
products.
Multivitamins and minerals could reduce appetite in women on a
weight reduction regime, while lower body weight and fat mass was
more obvious in men, says new research from Canada.
Nutricia has teamed up with child obesity group Mend in the UK to
help improve the health of toddlers and boost infant diet by
educating parents, but the move has been criticised as a conflict
of interests.
An algae extract from fucus vesiculosus aimed at reducing
the hardening of arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular
disease, has been launched by Diana Naturals.
France's Naturex is launching an extract from the fraxinus
excelsior seed, known as the common ash tree, and has been
linked to having a positive effect on weight loss.
Scientists have linked what has become the brain health staple of
the supplement industry - the omega-3 fatty acid DHA - to yet
another application, this one for Parkinson's disease.
Food and beverage processors will be fighting it out for an
increasingly dwindling supply of grains sourced at ever higher
prices, ING Group warned in a new forecast report for the sector.
Teaming-up genistein from soy and resveratrol from grapes enhances
the anti-obesity effects of the individual compounds, reports new
research from the University of Georgia.
A European wide set of guidelines has been developed by a team of
technical experts to help companies comply with EU laws on
producing and selling supplements.
Farming selected species of marine algae could provide an
economical, non-conventional source of iron to help boost intakes
around the globe, suggests a new study from Venezuela.
A big handful of almonds every day could boost the antioxidant
defences of smokers, a group at risk of low antioxidant levels due
to higher oxidative stress, by up to 35 per cent, says a joint
Chinese-US study.
An iron fortification technique developed by LycoRed will help
beverage manufactures add the important mineral without interfering
with taste and colour, the company said.
New research has linked oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from
grape seeds to preventing the LDL cholesterol oxidation that can
lead to atherosclerosis.
European countries are showing a strong interest in the Asian
health and nutrition market, which could be bolstered by the area's
proposed harmonisation laws.
Moderate deficiency of folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12
together may promote the risk of DNA damage and increase the risk
of colorectal cancers, suggests a new study with mice.
Israel's LycoRed is continuing its global expansion with the
announcement of an agreement with BTSA, Spain to enable penetration
of Spain and Portugal's food and beverage fortification markets.
Extracts from the bark of the magnolia plant formulated in mints
and gums can effectively tackle dental bacteria, suggests a new
study from the Wm Wrigley Jr. company.
Friesland Foods Domo and Novasep Process aim to accelerate
production times while developing purification technologies and
reducing cost for the functional foods and dairy markets through
their new partnership.
Extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce the pain and
stiffness associated with arthritis of the knee by about 40 per
cent, suggests a new international study.
Frutarom has snapped up RAD Natural Technologies in its seventh
acquisition of the year - a move that adds to its growing weight in
the taste and health arena.
DSM Nutritional Product has released specifics on its price
increases for vitamin E, which have resulted from the rising cost
of raw materials, energy and transportation.
Antioxidant testing of nutrients has taken a leap forward as
Cornell University scientists report a new assay that moves the
quantification of antioxidant activity from the test tube to
measuring bioactivity inside cells.
An increased intake of vitamin C and dairy could reduce the
accumulation of weight around the abdomen, reported to increase the
risk of diabetes and heart disease, suggests a new study.
Yesterday's landmark decision by the European Court of Justice,
ruling Germany failed to fulfil its obligations concerning the free
movement of goods by refusing to import garlic extract powder
capsules, has paved the way for...
A flavanone compound in milk thistle, silibinin, may stop the
growth and spread of liver cancer, suggests a laboratory study from
the University of California, Irvine.
The growth and complexity of nanotechnology in food applications
poses new challenges for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA),
which will meet next week to begin discussions on its regulation
and risk assessment.
Cognis has expanded its sterol ester plant in Germany, enabling the
global chemicals supplier to produce the functional foods
ingredient in a finished form without any further processing
needed.
Combining citrus juice or vitamin C with green tea or its extracts
could increase the absorption of antioxidants from the tea up to
13-fold, suggests new research.
A company in New Zealand is seeking to make inroads into the
promising nutricosmetics market with a new kiwi-derived ingredient
that comprises an extract that is not normally eaten or
digested.
Extracts from black cohosh may stop breast cancer cells in their
tracks, suggests a new laboratory study involving scientists from
French botanicals supplier Naturex.
Biotechnology company Aker BioMarine is launching a 100 per cent
pure krill oil ingredient for dietary supplements, to help meet
growing demand predicted for the ingredient.
Friesland Foods Domo has invested €6M in its whey protein plant in
Workum, The Netherlands, allowing it to increase production of
infant formula ingredients and produce its new low-fat ingredient
for dairy applications.