Perennial Grains Would Provide Major Boost For Global Food Production June 28, 2010: 02:40 PM EST It may take another twenty years, but perennial grain crops that are more eco-friendly than annual grains are on their way, according to soil scientists. Perennial grains require less fertilizer, herbicide, and fuel, and cause less erosion, than annual grain cops. All that’s required to make them a reality is the right breeding programs and a few scientific breakthroughs. The scientists published a paper that calls for worldwide cooperation in the development of perennial grains, which would help farmers living off marginal land to expand sustainability. Perennial grains have longer growing seasons and put down deeper roots that reduce erosion, build soil and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. J. D. Glover, J. P. Reganold, et al., "Increased Food and Ecosystem Security via Perennial Grains", Science, June 28, 2010, © American Association for the Advancement of Science

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Frito-Lay Introduces Two More Snacks With Less Salt June 28, 2010: 10:51 PM EST In an effort to balance consumer demands for less sodium with their craving for traditional salty flavor, Frito-Lay North America has unveiled Lightly Salted corn chips and Ruffles Lightly Salted potato chips. The Lay’s Lightly Salted line, launched in 2000, contains only half the sodium per one-ounce serving of the original products. Interestingly, Frito-Lay says even its traditional snack chips are moderate in sodium. Lay's Classic potato chips contain 180 mg per one ounce serving (15 chips), compared to a slice of bread, the company says. A one-ounce serving of Classic Potato Chips compares well with ready-to-eat corn flakes cereal, which contains 202 mg per one-cup serving. Note, however, that a one-cup serving of potato chips would contain 1,616 mg of sodium. PepsiCo, "Frito-Lay Expands Portfolio With New Lower Sodium Varieties of Top Selling Snacks", PepsiCo website, June 28, 2010, © PepsiCo

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Phenols In Olive Oil Affect Genes That Control Inflammation, Heart Disease June 28, 2010: 03:19 PM EST Phenols in olive oil have been found to modify genes involved in the inflammatory response associated with heart disease, according to researchers who studied the effects of olive oil consumption on people with metabolic syndrome and at high risk for heart disease and diabetes. The volunteers were all fed the same low-fat, carbohydrate-rich diet and virgin olive oil breakfasts with either high-content phenolic compounds or low-content phenolic compounds. About 15,000 genes were tracked; 79 were turned down and 19 turned up by the high-phenolic-content olive oil. The researchers said the results shed light on the molecular basis for reduced heart disease risk in Mediterranean countries where virgin olive oil is the main source of dietary fats. Antonio Camargo, Juan Ruano, Francisco Perez-Jimenez, Laurence Parnell, et al. , "Gene expression changes in mononuclear cells in patients with metabolic syndrome after acute intake of phenol-rich virgin olive oil", Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics, June 28, 2010, © Camargo, et al.

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Dark Chocolate Does Reduce Blood Pressure, Summary Study Data Shows June 28, 2010: 02:23 PM EST A summary of several decades of clinical studies that focused on dark chocolate and flavanol-rich cocoa products as a treatment for hypertension found that dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure. The researchers looked at data from 15 studies that measured the impact of chocolate flavanol compounds, which cause dilation of blood vessels. Nine trials used chocolate containing 50 - 70 percent cocoa compared to white chocolate. Six trials compared high- with low-flavanol cocoa products. The blood pressure reduction of 5 mm Hg systolic is comparable to the known effects of 30 daily minutes of physical activity (4-9mm Hg) and could theoretically reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by 20 percent over five years. However, "the practicability of chocolate or cocoa drinks as long-term treatment is questionable," one scientist said. Karin Ried, Thomas Sullivan, Peter Fakler, Oliver R Frank and Nigel P Stocks, "Does chocolate reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis", BMC Medicine, June 28, 2010, © Ried, et al.

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Tooth Whitening Agent Also Improves Oral Health June 28, 2010: 01:08 PM EST The teeth and gums of dental patients who have undergone a bleaching process using 10 percent carbamide peroxide were cleaner and healthier over time, a new study has found. The findings are especially important for the elderly and others with impaired manual dexterity or mental challenges who may find it difficult to brush and floss properly. Carbamide peroxide has long been in use as a tooth whitener, but it has also served as an oral antiseptic that removes plaque, kills bacteria and elevates the mouth's pH, which results in fewer cavities. The key to success is the use of a custom-fit dental tray that the patient can wear comfortably at night or for several hours during the day with the carbamide peroxide gel. Dr. Van Haywood and Dr. David Lazarchik, "Use of Tray-Applied 10 Percent Carbamide Peroxide Gels for Improving Oral Health in Patients With Special-Care Needs", Journal of the American Dental Association, June 28, 2010, © American Dental Association

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Carrefour Cuts Food Product Selection As It Tries To Reinvigorate Its Hypermarkets June 28, 2010: 01:19 AM EST Carrefour has begun reducing the number of food brands in its supermarkets as part of its push to re-energize its 231 French hypermarkets to help them increase sales and recover market share. Chief Executive Lars Olofsson said previously that Carrefour would reduce the number of food products by 15% and could reduce nonfood products by as much as 50%, with the aim of simplifying the shopping experience. Consumer research by P&G that simulated a 20% cut in product selection in home-care products found that consumers thought the reduction wasn't enough. Olofsson's plan could help Carrefour's top 20 suppliers, which generates 45% of its sales, since smaller brands could be taken off the shelves. The move will also help Carrefour's own private-label line. CHRISTINA PASSARIELLO, "Carrefour Puts Stores on Diet", Wall street Journal, June 28, 2010, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains TrendSpotter Recalibration, Simplification Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom France

Resveratrol May Someday Play A Role In Treating Eye Diseases, Cancer June 25, 2010: 11:10 PM EST The natural compound resveratrol, found in red wine, grapes, blueberries and other plants, has been found to have several beneficial effects on health, including reducing the effects of aging. In a new study researchers report that resveratrol also acts to regulate the abnormal or pathogenic formation of new blood vessels – a process that plays a role in various cancers, atherosclerosis and eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The researchers found that resveratrol inhibits abnormal growth of blood vessels via a novel sirtuin-independent pathway, a discovery that could have a significant impact on the development of therapies for diseases of the eye and for cancers that also involve abnormal blood vessel growth. Aslam A. Khan, Dru S. Dace, Alexey G. Ryazanov, Jennifer Kelly, and Rajendra S. Apte, "Resveratrol Regulates Pathologic Angiogenesis by a Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 Kinase-Regulated Pathway", he American Journal of Pathology, June 25, 2010, © American Society for Investigative Pathology

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Omega-3 Consumption Does Not Lower Heart Disease Risk For Diabetic Women June 26, 2010: 10:39 AM EST A long-term U.S. analysis of men and women with type 1 diabetes found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower the risk of heart disease for women, but does somewhat for men. Begun in 1986, the study followed 601 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 1950 and 1980. Found in fish and some plants, omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of heart disease by preventing cholesterol build-up in arteries. People with type 1 diabetes are at much greater risk for heart disease. The study found that heart disease occurred less often in men who consumed more than 0.2 grams of omega-3 a day. But women who consumed similar amounts did not have lower heart disease rates. Tina Costacou, Ph.D., Cathy E. Lloyd, Ph.D., and Trevor Orchard, M.D., "No heart benefit from Omega-3 in women with type 1 diabetes", Presentation (abstract # 1757-P), scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association, June 26, 2010, © Costacou, et al.

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Antioxidant Supplements Do Not Prevent Hypertension In Diabetic Mothers-To-Be June 26, 2010: 12:26 AM EST British scientists who tested pregnant women 16 years and older with type 1 diabetes found that taking vitamin C and E supplements does not cut the chances of developing gestational hypertension, known as pre-eclampsia, and early delivery. Earlier studies had found that antioxidant supplements did not cut the risk of pre-eclampsia, but it was not known whether antioxidant supplementation helped pregnant women with diabetes. The researchers assigned women randomly to receive 1000 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E (a-tocopherol) or a placebo every day until their babies were born. The rates of pre-eclampsia were no different between the antioxidant group and the placebo group. However, the researchers said, it’s still possible that vitamin supplementation might help women with a low antioxidant status. Prof David R McCance FRCP, Valerie A Holmes PhD, Michael JA Maresh FRCOG, Christopher C Patterson PhD , James D Walker MD , Donald WM Pearson FRCPE , Prof Ian S Young FRCPath, " Vitamins C and E for prevention of pre-eclampsia in women with type 1 diabetes (DAPIT): a randomised placebo-controlled trial", The Lancet, June 26, 2010, © Elsevier, Inc.

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Vast Majority Of American Adults Consume Way Too Much Salt June 25, 2010: 10:27 PM EST Ninety percent of American adults eat an unhealthy amount of salt, mostly from high-calorie processed and restaurant foods, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in a new report. The problem is that salt is added in processing and preparation of soups, sauces, canned vegetables, french fries, salads and other foods. According to the CDC, U.S. adults consume an unhealthy average of 3,466 mg of sodium every day, most of which comes from food categories that are also high in calories, such as grain-based frozen meals and soups, and breads. CDC recommended that blacks, the middle-aged, and people with high blood pressure should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. All other adults should limit salt intake to 2,300 mg a day. CDC, "Sodium Intake Among Adults --- United States, 2005-2006", CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 25, 2010, © CDC

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Danone Turns To Poorer Countries For A Revenue Boost June 25, 2010: 02:13 AM EST With sales of its yogurt and other products slowing in North America and Western Europe, Danone has turned its attention to poorer countries for a revenue boost. The company already derives 42 percent of its sales from emerging markets, a significant increase from a decade ago. Determined to reach a billion customers a month by 2013, Danone is targeting “customers who live on dollar-a-day food budgets,” according to The Wall Street Journal. But though the potential markets are huge, they have very little money. "The biggest problem is that prices are too high," says a U.S. professor. "Companies overestimate the size of the market and end up selling to the middle class, not the poor." Other hurdles to overcome: distribution networks are unreliable, costs are hard to control. CHRISTINA PASSARIELLO, "Danone Expands Its Pantry to Woo the World's Poor ", The Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2010, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Arla Begins Commercial Production Of Protein Found In Human Breast Milk June 24, 2010: 10:55 PM EST Arla Foods Ingredients has begun commercial production of osteopontin (OPN) for use as an ingredient in infant formula. Human milk is rich in OPN, containing around 140 mg per liter. But only 20 mg of OPN is found in bovine milk, which is used to make most infant formula. According to the company, adding OPN to formula makes it “more like human milk in terms of nutritional profile.” OPN is extracted from bovine milk using a patented process that has been stepped up to industrial scale. The company said 30 tons of whey are required to extract one kilo of the protein, which is currently sold to infant nutrition manufacturers in Asia. The protein may also contribute to dental health, the company said. Arla Foods, "New protein available for infant nutrition", Arla Foods website, June 24, 2010, © Arla Foods Ingredients

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Some Hospital Chefs Urge Less Meat On Patient, Staff Menus June 24, 2010: 01:22 AM EST An emerging trend in hospital food may not only be healthier for patients and the environment, it may save hospitals a lot of money. Hospital chefs in the San Francisco Bay area recently experimented with menus for patients and staff that featured significantly reduced portions of beef, pork and poultry. The research, published by Johns Hopkins University, found that hospitals that cut meat purchases by 28 percent would save an average of $400,000 a year. With savings like that, hospitals could afford to buy “sustainably raised” meat with less cholesterol and more vitamins, and no harmful antibiotics. Not surprisingly, a representative of the meat industry said cutting back on meat consumption is bad for patients. "When you're sick, protein is the key," she said. April Dembosky, "Hospital Food Gets A Push Down The Organic Aisle", NPR, June 24, 2010, © NPR

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U.K. Functional Foods Market Is Growing, But At A Slower Pace Than In 2009 June 24, 2010: 01:02 AM EST The functional foods market in the U.K. grew by 9.6 percent in 2009, according to market researcher Key Note, and will continue to grow over the next five years, but at a slower rate. Sales growth in 2009 was slower than in 2005-2006 mainly because of a leveling off of sales of yogurt drinks and soy milk and a slackening of sales of cholesterol-lowering margarines and functional breads. Sales of probiotic yogurts and fortified breakfast cereals were strong enough to keep overall growth positive. Through 2015 the market is likely to grow by 4.5 percent to 6.5 percent a year depending on the impact of some adverse pressures, including doubts raised about product health claims, and a recession-caused drift away from premium-priced products to discount or private label brands. Key Note, UK, "Functional Foods 2010: Functional Foods Market Assessment", Key Note website, June 24, 2010, © Key Note Ltd

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Whole Foods Store Creates Local Garden To Supply Its Own Produce June 23, 2010: 01:30 AM EST A Whole Foods Market store in Richmond, Va., will cultivate a one-acre garden plot in a residential community to grow some of its own produce to be used at first in its own prepared foods and the salad bar. With approval from the county, it also plans to sell produce directly to customers. The community garden, the first created by the Texas-based company, is divided into five sections and includes areas for composting, an orchard, space for individual plots and for demonstration and educational programs. Whole Foods will use most of the garden itself, but individuals eventually might be able to rent small areas as well. The land for the garden was donated by the retail and residential development's management company. Louis Llovio, "Whole Foods grocery to grow produce for itself", Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch, June 23, 2010, © Media General Communications Holdings, LLC

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Global Obesity Epidemic Opens Market Opportunity For Weight Management Products June 23, 2010: 12:29 AM EST The convenience-based Western diet has attracted an ever increasing number of prosperous, more sedentary Asian professionals to such a degree that obesity has become significant problem. That trend, and a burgeoning consumer interest in active health management, provides a significant market opportunity in countries like China and India for weight management ingredients, according to market researcher Frost & Sullivan. Revenues in the market, which includes satiety ingredients and appetite suppressants, fat burners (thermogenic ingredients) and other products, were $7.5 billion in 2008 and are expected to hit $13.9 billion by 2015. Success in the global weight management ingredients market depends on finding innovative ways to prolong ingredient lifespan, working toward securing favorable legislation, and introducing new ingredients, the report says. Frost & Sullivan, "Frost & Sullivan: Rising Obesity Rates Drive the Global Weight Management Ingredients Market", Frost & Sullivan, June 23, 2010, © Frost & Sullivan

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Novel Process Facilitates Creation Of “Natural” Personal Care Products In The Lab June 23, 2010: 12:32 PM EST Chemists have known for years how to synthesize valuable scent compounds, such as that of a rose, in the lab so that perfumes could be manufactured in large quantities. The problem is, these chemically-derived compounds can’t be labeled as “natural.” Now a U.S. chemical engineer has developed a way to use enzymes to efficiently catalyze chemical reactions to create things like scents for perfumes, or to avoid the introduction of inactive ingredients in drugs. The chemical structure, technically a lyophilizate of an enzyme and fumed silica, can be used to make all-natural personal care products and purer pharmaceuticals in the laboratory. The researcher says he has patented the process and has received interest from several companies. Peter Pfromm, et al., "K-State chemical engineer patents enzymatic preparation to make natural ingredients in the lab", News release, Kansas State University, June 23, 2010, © Kansas State University

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In Choosing Pesticides, The “Organic” Label Shouldn’t Be The Deciding Factor June 22, 2010: 11:49 PM EST A new Canadian study provides evidence that organic pesticides aren’t necessarily environmentally friendly, mainly because larger amounts are needed to get the job done. The study tested the effectiveness and environmental impact of a mineral oil-based organic pesticide, two conventional pesticides and two new reduced-risk synthetic pesticides on soybean crop aphids. Using a measurement scheme that analyzes the impact of ingredients on various environmental factors, including leeching rate into the soil toxicity to animals, the researchers found that the mineral oil organic pesticide affected the environment most because it requires large amounts of it to smother the aphids. It was also less effective than the novel synthetic pesticides and while destroying beneficial insects. Christine A. Bahlai, Yingen Xue, Cara M. McCreary, Arthur W. Schaafsma, Rebecca H. Hallett, "Choosing Organic Pesticides over Synthetic Pesticides May Not Effectively Mitigate Environmental Risk in Soybeans", PLosOne, June 22, 2010, © PLosOne

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Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplements Offer No Protection From 2nd Heart Attack June 23, 2010: 02:13 PM EST Taking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements after a heart attack offers no significant protection from a second heart attack or stroke later in life, researchers in the U.K. found in a eta-analysis study. Higher blood homocysteine levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, but no one knows whether the relationship is one of cause or effect. Nevertheless, patients who have suffered a heart attack often take folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements because they lower blood homocysteine. During 6.7 years of follow-up of heart attack survivors, “major vascular events” occurred in 25.5 percent of participants who took supplements, compared to 24.8 percent of those who took a placebo. The researchers did eliminate one worry about folic acid supplementation: it does not increase the risk of cancer. Jane M. Armitage, F.R.C.P., et al., "Effects of Homocysteine-Lowering With Folic Acid Plus Vitamin B12 vs Placebo on Mortality and Major Morbidity in Myocardial Infarction Survivors: A Randomized Trial", Journal of the American Medical Association, June 23, 2010, © American Medical Association

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Unilever Implements Vending Machines That Deliver Ice Cream For A Smile June 23, 2010: 03:53 AM EST SapientNitro says it has harnessed several advanced technologies – 3G, facial recognition and Facebook social media – to create a “smile-activated vending machine” for Unilever’s diverse ice cream products. When someone comes near the machine an “attractor screen” draws the person “into the world of augmented reality, according to SapientNitro. Once near the machine, the person is prompted to smile and the facial recognition “smile-o-meter” measures it. A photo is snapped and uploaded using 3G technology onto Facebook with permission. The person chooses a free ice cream by activating a touch-screen interface on the machine. Unilever’s ice cream brands include Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Good Humor, Breyers and Klondike. The machines will be rolled out globally over the next 18 months, according to the company. Sapient, "SapientNitro Unveils World’s First Ever Smile-Activated Ice Cream Vending Machine for Unilever", Sapient website, June 23, 2010, © Sapient Corporation

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Link Found Between Preschoolers’ Calorie Intake And Dental, Weight Problems June 22, 2010: 11:48 AM EST Tooth decay in preschool children is a sign that too many calories are being consumed and may also indicate a greater risk of obesity, according to a new U.S. study. Researchers studied 65 children aged 2-5 years who were treated for tooth decay. Their body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. Eighteen of the children were found to be overweight – 28 percent of the group, compared to 21 percent in the general population. A questionnaire about the children’s eating habits found that both the normal-weight and overweight children consumed more calories per day than suggested for their age, i.e., 1,440 and 1,570 calories respectively.“Poor eating habits may play a role in both tooth decay and obesity in preschoolers,” the researchers said. Kathleen Bethin, MD, PhD, et al., "Study Shows a Possible Link between Preschoolers’ Cavities and Excess Body Fat", Presentation, Endocrine Society annual meeting, June 22, 2010, © Bethin, et al.

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Nestlé’s Expansion Plans In Emerging World Markets Include Healthier Food Products June 22, 2010: 11:14 AM EST Nestlé’s plans to focus heavily on serving increasingly affluent consumers in regions such as Asia and Latin America include a makeover of its product lines to include healthier foods enhanced with vitamins and minerals. Sales of its enriched milk products have already accelerated. "One key concern of the people in emerging markets is to stay healthy," executive vice president for Asia Frits van Dijk said. Sickness in Asia, Africa and the Middle East is not just a matter of increased healthcare costs. It also can mean loss of income. Nestlé says that by 2020 emerging world markets will comprise 45 percent of overall sales. GORAN MIJUK, "Nestlé Bets on Emerging Markets", The Wall Street Journal, June 22, 2010, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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General Mills Debuts New Variety Of Total Cereal With Omega-3s June 22, 2010: 10:24 AM EST General Mills is jumping on the omega-3 bandwagon with the introduction of Total Plus Omega-3s cereal, each serving of which provides 100 percent of the daily value of 12 vitamins and minerals along with 10 percent of the daily value of omega-3 ALA (160 milligrams). The cereal is a combination of whole grain flakes, flax clusters and honey-sweetened almonds. The omega-3 ALA in the cereal comes from ground flax. Noting that “omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in helping to maintain a healthy body, the company said that nearly half of adults want to add omega-3s to their diets. The cereal also provides 16 grams of whole grain, along with calcium and vitamin D, in each serving. General Mills, "General Mills Introduces Total(R) Plus Omega-3s Honey Almond Flax Cereal ", Business Wire, June 22, 2010, © Business Wire

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“Hunger Hormone” Acts Like Fasting In Enhancing Cravings For High-Calorie Foods June 22, 2010: 01:48 PM EST A British study involving healthy, non-obese men and women has found that ghrelin, sometimes referred to as the “hunger hormone,” intensifies the allure of calorie-packed foods over low-calorie foods. The researchers said their findings suggest that new drugs that block the action of ghrelin, which stimulates hunger and increases food intake, might actually help reduce cravings for high-calorie foods and, in turn, help people shed pounds. Subjects looked at pictures of high-calorie and low-calorie foods on three different mornings, once after skipping breakfast and twice about 90 minutes after eating breakfast. They were injected with either a saline solution or ghrelin. The appeal of the high-calorie foods increased significantly after fasting and after the ghrelin injections, the researchers found. Tony Goldstone, MD, PhD, et al., "Stomach Hormone Ghrelin Increases Desire for High-Calorie Foods", Presentation, Endocrine Society annual meeting, June 22, 2010, © Tony Goldstone, MD, PhD, et al.

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Ancient Barley Variety Offers Healthy Grain Choice To Bakery Industry June 22, 2010: 03:20 AM EST Barley has not fared well in the bakery industry in recent years, mainly because of its better tasting and higher yielding competitors, wheat and rye. But barley is a healthy grain, and the ancient variety of barley, such as the newly launched StoneAge brand from Kampffmeyer Food Innovation, is even healthier. Light in color and mild in taste, StoneAge barley is lower in fat than other grains, rich in cholesterol-lowering beta glucans, easy to process, and because of a high amylopectin content, promotes a longer shelf life for baked goods. A product manager at Kampffmeyer Food Innovation said, “The rediscovery of this ancient barley variety offers the bakery industry and small traditional trade bakeries the ability to produce healthy yet tasty baked goods with a high barley content.” Nutrition Horizon, "Kampffmeyer Launches Barley from the Stone Age", Nutrition Horizon, June 22, 2010, © CNS Media BV

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New Stabilizer Blend Reduces Fat Content, Processing Costs, In Baked Goods June 22, 2010: 04:23 AM EST Reduced-fat bakery products usually require expensive added processing or specialty ingredients that push up manufacturing costs. Cargill may have a solution to that problem. Next month it will debut a new stabilizer blend that allows replacement of half the oil or fat in baked goods while maintaining the original taste and texture. CitriTex doesn't require any special processing or hydration, can be added during the mixing process at any time, and is cost-neutral compared to soybean oil, according to the company. Citritex is being introduced in a reduced fat muffin prototype at the Institute of Food Technologists Food Expo in Chicago from July 18 to July 20. The muffin has 44 percent less fat and 15 percent fewer calories than a regular muffin. Cargill, "Cargill's CitriTex™ GSG 71 stabilizer blend helps food manufacturers reduce fat by up to 50 percent, while maintaining the great taste associated with full-fat products", Cargill website, June 22, 2010, © Cargill

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Antioxidant-Rich Diet Decreases Insulin Resistance In Obese People June 21, 2010: 12:03 PM EST Researchers in Italy reported that a diet containing high levels of natural antioxidants improved insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant obese, but not yet diabetic, adults and enhanced the effect of the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin. Many studies have found that antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and carotenoids can forestall oxidative damage in cells. But this study is the first to show how natural antioxidants improve hormonal activity in obese people with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The authors noted that their four study groups experienced similar weight loss eating a Mediterranean style diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. But the two groups who consumed the most antioxidant-rich foods had a significant decrease in insulin resistance. Antonio Mancini, MD, et al., "Oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome: Effects of natural dietary antioxidants in obese patients with insulin resistance", Presentation, Endocrine Society annual meeting (Abstract P3-428), June 21, 2010, © Antonio Mancini, MD, et al.

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Consumers Find Companies That Tweet Are More Trustworthy June 22, 2010: 12:51 AM EST Use of Twitter and other microblogging sites apparently builds consumer trust in brands, because they deliver real-time responses, a study by a public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard has found. Three-fourths of consumers surveyed felt that companies that often send short messages (Tweets) or post status updates on Facebook are more trustworthy. The results should be interesting to all companies, but especially to companies facing crises of various kinds, such as BP and Toyota. A key lesson is that companies should not overreact to crises, but should "react with factual information …in minute-to-minute monitoring.” The survey also found that nearly 90 percent of responders used the Internet to compare purchase options for packaged goods and electronics or to make travel arrangements. Michele Gershberg, "Consumers say: "In tweets we trust" -study", Reuters, June 22, 2010, © Thomson Reuters

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How-To Video Company Localizes Nestlé Middle East Media Offerings For Arab Audience June 22, 2010: 01:05 AM EST Nestlé Middle East said it has partnered with instructional video company Howcast Media to provide localized how-to lifestyle videos relevant to the health and lifestyle needs of Arabic speaking consumers in the region. Nestlé also plans to integrate the content into its regional site, Nestlé Family. Howcast has already translated more than 70 Nestlé how-to videos into Arabic, including titles such as “How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries” and “How To Use an Exercise Ball.” "Nestlé recognizes that every company is now becoming a media company, providing information to consumers and constituents throughout a variety of channels," said a Howcast Media executive. Howcast, "Nestlé Middle East Partners With Howcast to Provide Arabic Language Lifestyle Content to Regional Consumers ", Marketwire, June 22, 2010, © Marketwire, Incorporated

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U.S. Scientists Continue Search For “Chemoprevention” Properties In Food Compounds June 21, 2010: 11:19 AM EST Though some studies examining the cancer prevention potential of natural food substances like beta carotene and vitamin E have been disappointing, researchers continue to search. In fact, a multi-institutional team of U.S. scientists is studying a variety of chemical substances found in fruits and vegetables that might someday be used to prevent cancer. A few promising candidates include resveratrol, a compound found in red wine that has been associated with cardiovascular health, and abyssinone, found in a plant from traditional Chinese medicine. The scientists are also studying potential cancer “chemoprevention” substances in deep-ocean microbes and freeze-dried and powdered black raspberries. And they are exploring ways to make chemical improvements to retinoids and related molecules. Carmen Drahl, "Cancer Prevention, Naturally", Chemical & Engineering News, June 21, 2010, © American Chemical Society

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Higher Doses Of Plant Stanols Are Even More Effective At Cutting Cholesterol June 21, 2010: 03:46 AM EST Several clinical trials have shown that consuming about 1.5 to three grams of cholesterol-like compounds known as plant sterols and stanols a day reduces cholesterol levels. Now Dutch and German researchers have found that consuming up to nine grams a day – four times the current recommended intake (two grams) of plant stanols – is an even more effective way of reducing cholesterol. According to the study, which used Raisio's Benecol product in its testing, nine grams of stanols a day cut LDL cholesterol by 17.4 percent without impairing antioxidant defenses. “Interestingly,” the researchers, said, “at these intakes, effects were not very different from those obtained by the pharmaceutical cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe, which lowers LDL cholesterol by 15-25% … “ Ronald P Mensink, Arienne de Jong, Dieter Lütjohann, Guido RMM Haenen and Jogchum Plat, "Plant stanols dose-dependently decrease LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but not cholesterol-standardized fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations, at intakes up to 9 g/d1,2,3", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 21, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition

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Numerous Food Products Contribute To Childhood Tooth Decay In Australia June 21, 2010: 10:15 PM EST It’s not surprising that tooth decay among Australian school-age kids is on the rise, according to CHOICE, which tested 50 popular foods and drinks. Tests found some surprisingly high-risk (i.e., lots of sugar and high acidity) culprits to blame in addition to the usual suspects, sugary snacks and drinks. The high-risk category included muesli bars and processed fruit snacks, along with beverages like soft drinks, fruit cordials and fruit drinks, many of which are touted as healthy choice for children. Every confectionary item tested fell into the high-risk category. A problem with muesli bars is their stickiness, which keeps sugar and acid on the teeth longer. Other high-risk products include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, V Energy drink, and fruit juices, which can cause dental erosion because of their acidity. David Oakenf, "Dental decay", CHOICE website, June 21, 2010, © CHOICE

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Vitamin D Deficiency Associated With Type 2 Diabetes June 21, 2010: 11:15 AM EST A new U.S. study has found that patients with Type 2 diabetes were highly likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. The study of 124 patients ranging in age from 36 to 89 years also found that a vitamin D deficiency may be associated with poor blood sugar control. According to the researchers, who examined the medical histories of the patients over a six-year period, 91 percent had either an “insufficiency” or a deficiency of vitamin D, despite receiving regular primary care visits before being sent to an outpatient endocrine clinic for diabetes treatment. Only six percent were taking a vitamin D supplement. The researchers suggested that proper screening and vitamin D supplementation should be a part of routine primary care. Esther Krug, MD, et al., "Poor Control Of Diabetes May Be Linked To Low Vitamin D", Presentation, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting , June 21, 2010, © Esther Krug, MD, et al.

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Kids Food Choices Strongly Influenced By Packages Showing Cartoon Characters June 21, 2010: 02:48 AM EST A study involving 40 children aged 4-6 years old found that kids thought snacks tasted better if pictures of familiar cartoon characters adorned the packages. The children were presented with two packages of snacks, each containing graham crackers, gummy fruit and carrots. One package showed a popular cartoon character, the other didn’t. The researchers not only found that the kids overwhelmingly chose the snack with the character (Scooby-Doo, Dora the Explorer or Shrek), 50-55 percent of them said the snacks with a cartoon character tasted better. “Branding food packages with licensed characters substantially influences young children’s taste preferences and snack selection and does so most strongly for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods,” the researchers concluded, adding that “the use of licensed characters to advertise junk food to children should be restricted.” Christina A. Roberto, MS, Jenny Baik, BA, Jennifer L. Harris, MBA, PhD, Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, "Influence of Licensed Characters on Children's Taste and Snack Preferences", Pediatrics, June 21, 2010, © he American Academy of Pediatrics

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Maturing Fat Cells Become Less Insulin-Sensitive In Presence Of Fructose June 20, 2010: 10:15 AM EST High levels of fructose present as a growing child’s fat cells mature may lead to an increase in abdominal obesity, a condition associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, according to a new British study. Fructose apparently makes childhood fat cells mature into belly fat cells that are less able to respond to insulin. Abdominal obesity raises the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Fructose is the sugar widely used as high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks and processed foods and is frequently blamed for the widespread rise in obesity. The researchers studied both subcutaneous and visceral fat from 32 healthy-weight children who had not yet gone through puberty. Georgina Coade, et al., "Fructose Sugar Makes Maturing Human Fat Cells Fatter, Less Insulin-Sensitive", Presentation, the Endocrine Society annual meeting, June 20, 2010, © The Endocrine Society

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Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Metabolic Syndrome In The Elderly June 19, 2010: 02:21 AM EST Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms – high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood sugar – that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dutch researchers have found that older adults, who commonly have inadequate levels of vitamin D, are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome. The study included 1,300 white men and women ages 65 and older, nearly 37 percent of whom had metabolic syndrome. Those whose vitamin D levels were lower than 50 nanomoles per liter – considered insufficient vitamin D – were likelier to have metabolic syndrome. Two risk factors were especially prevalent: low HDL, or "good" cholesterol, and a large waistline. The researchers suggested that investigating vitamin D and diabetes might lead to ”easy ways to prevent it and cardiovascular disease." Marelise Eekhoff, MD, PhD, Mirjam Oosterwerff, MD, Paul Lips, MD, PhD, and Natasja Van Schoor, PhD,, "Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Study", Presentation, the Endocrine society annual meeting (P1-168), June 19, 2010, © The Endocrine Society

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Tea Drinking Boosts Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Women June 18, 2010: 11:45 PM EST U.S. researchers who studied health and diet data on more than 76,000 women aged 50-79 over 15 years found a correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tea drinking, but not coffee drinking. Women who drank any amount of tea each day increased their risk for RA, and those who drank more than four cups of tea a day significantly increased the risk compared to women who drank no tea at all. No such correlation was found for coffee drinking, however. “This does make us wonder what it is in tea, or in the method of preparation of tea, that causes the significant increase in risk of developing RA,” the researchers said. EULAR, "WOMEN WHO CONSUME LARGE AMOUNTS OF TEA HAVE INCREASED RISK OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS", EULAR website, June 18, 2010, © EULAR

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European Parliament Rejects Traffic Light System For Warning Consumers About Food Contents June 18, 2010: 11:26 AM EST The European Parliament has voted to require nutrition labeling of pre-packed foods, but rejected requests for a visual support system that would warn consumers of high fat, sugar or salt content. Even national level application of the so-called traffic light system was rejected by the EP. In the UK, a traffic light system uses red, amber and green to caution consumers at a glance. Member states will now have a chance to consider whether they should accept the Parliament's position. The House, meanwhile, agreed to require producers of processed foods to list on the front of packages the levels of energy, salt, sugar, fat and saturated fat. Labels would also show guideline daily amounts (GDAs) expressed per 100g or per 100ml, rather than “per portion.” EurActiv, "Food industry wins battle on 'traffic light' labels", European Union Information website, June 18, 2010, © EurActiv.com PLC

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Need To Control Salt Consumption? Stay Away From Barbecue Foods, Survey Finds June 18, 2010: 12:02 AM EST A large survey of food products consumed at barbecues in the U.K. has found that many of them are dangerously high in salt content. Conducted by the British group Consensus Action on Salt & Health (CASH), the survey examined 603 products, including burgers, sausages, potato chips (crisps), salads and dips from seven top supermarkets and brands. A “typical” barbecue meal – hot dog with mustard, burger with cheese, BBQ sauce, chips, coleslaw, potato salad, etc. – can easily double the recommended daily intake of salt, CASH found. One burger from Tesco contained two grams of salt, a third of the recommended daily amount. “Many products such as sauces and cheese slices were found to be saltier than seawater,” CASH said. CASH Consensus Action on Salt & Health, "Survey reveals shocking levels of salt in your barbecue", CASH website, June 18, 2010, © CASH

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Probiotics Reduce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Among Critical Care Patients June 17, 2010: 02:06 PM EST Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is increasingly caused by pathogens associated with antimicrobial resistance, is a complication experienced by 30 percent of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. VAP patients have increased morbidity, mortality and hospital costs, longer intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays. A new U.S. study, however, has found that patients who ingested probiotics daily were able to reduce VAP by almost half. They tested 138 critically ill patients who received either a placebo or the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus twice daily. The probiotics decreased VAP infections by half and reduced the amount of antibiotics needed. The researchers cautioned that their findings are preliminary and should not be generalized to all ICU patients. Lee E. Morrow, MD, MSc, Marin H. Kollef, MD, Thomas B. Casale, MD, " Probiotic Prophylaxis Of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial", American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, June 17, 2010, © American Thoracic Society

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Nestlé Brasil’s New Floating Store To Reach 800,000 Remote Consumers June 17, 2010: 11:52 PM EST Nestlé Brasil is aiming to reach an additional 800,000 consumers in the country by launching a floating supermarket, which will spend a day in each of 18 municipalities in the Amazon Lowlands region. Starting 1 July, its 100m² shop floor area will offer more than 300 Nestlé products. Nestlé Até Você a Bordo (Nestlé Takes You Onboard) aligns with Nestle Brasil’s strategy of a region-specific approach to consumers in the country. It also builds on other initiatives aimed at reaching remote and low-income consumers in classes C to E, such as Nestlé Até Você (Nestlé Comes to You), a door-to-door sales program involving over 7,000 resellers and 200 microdistributors in 15 states, as well as helping the company deliver its commitment to creating shared value, by helping the resellers, typically women, earn additional income. Nestle, "Nestlé Launches First Floating Supermarket in the Brazilian North region", Nestle website, June 17, 2010, © Nestle

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The Search Is On For Effective, And Legal, Natural Preservatives June 17, 2010: 11:38 AM EST The natural foods market is picking up steam as more consumers look to either eliminate chemical-based ingredients and/or add more natural ones to diets. To adapt to the push for “pure and simple,” food formulators need to be aware of what natural preservatives that might substitute for the tried-and-true, but not even remotely natural, ones. With synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT probably on their way out, the demand for natural antioxidants is rising. Nitrates and nitrites in processed meats might be replaced with anti-bacterial vinegar, lactate and lemon powder. Other natural preservatives include bacterial fermentates such as nisin and natamycin. A word of caution: ingredients added as preservatives may not pass regulatory muster, natural or not. Renée Gan, "Natural Product Protection", Food Product Design, June 17, 2010, © Virgo Publishing

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Greater Effort Needed To Advise Patients Of Side Effects Of NSAIDs June 17, 2010: 12:27 PM EST Only forty percent of patients at high risk of gastrointestinal side effects from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were advised about ways to prevent problems, but the rest were not, a new study from The Netherlands has found. Researchers examined health records from 1996 to 2006 of 50,126 NSAID users aged 50 or over. The number of patients receiving preventative strategies did increase five-fold during that time, but the researchers stressed that greater efforts need to be made to advise patients at high risk of side effects, which can range from mild indigestion to bleeding, perforation or obstructions that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Side effects can be prevented by using a COX inhibitor NSAID instead of a nonselective NSAID and combining NSAIDs with gastroprotective agents, the researchers said. Valkhoff et al. , "Time-trends in gastroprotection with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)", Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, June 17, 2010, © Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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Cognitive Health Among Elderly Linked To Diet Rich In Fruits And Vegetables June 16, 2010: 11:38 PM EST Scientists who studied the diets of 2,031 elderly Norwegian men and women (aged 70–74 years) and performed extensive cognitive test found that those who consumed the highest levels of fruits and vegetables not only had a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, they had better cognitive health. According to the researchers, not all plant foods showed equally positive associations with cognitive performance. “Certain items (mainly carrots, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits and high-fiber bread) are the most valuable choices,” they said, noting that combining fruits and vegetables offered the highest association with cognitive health. They also said the only negative association for cognitive health was found in white bread. Eha Nurk, Helga Refsum, Christian A. Drevon, Grethe S. Tell, Harald A. Nygaard, Knut Engedal and A. David Smith, "Cognitive performance among the elderly in relation to the intake of plant foods. The Hordaland Health Study", British Journal of Nutrition, June 16, 2010, © Cambridge University Press

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Health Canada OKs Use Of Plant Sterols In Some Food Categories June 16, 2010: 11:15 AM EST Health Canada has given the green light for food manufacturers in Canada to add approved levels of Archer Daniels Midland Company’s CardioAid® plant sterols to a range of food and beverage products, including mayonnaise, spreads, dressings, yogurt and juices. Evidence indicates that plant sterols, or phytosterols, can help stop cholesterol being absorbed by the body. The Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that some 40 percent of adults in Canada have high cholesterol. ADM launched CardioAid in the 1990s and it’s now available as a powder and in a water-dispersible form. Health Canada’s approval follows permission from China’s Ministry of Health to use CardioAid plant sterols there, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has indicated that it does not object to CardioAid being used in 19 food categories. Health Canada also provided guidance for health claims relating to the use of plant sterols to lower cholesterol. ADM, "Health Canada Clears The Way For The Use Of Plant Sterols", ADM website, June 16, 2010, © ADM

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Reducing Salt Content In Food Not Likely To Please “Supertasters” June 16, 2010: 01:08 PM EST As efforts to reduce unhealthy levels of sodium in processed foods gather momentum in the U.S. and around the globe, scientists at Pennsylvania State University have offered an explanation as to why foods with lower salt content are harder to like for some people than others. The research involved 87 men and women who sampled salty foods such as broth, chips and pretzels over several weeks and rated the intensity of taste. The researchers found that some individuals eat more salt because they like the taste, and also because it blocks other unpleasant tastes, such as bitterness. Salt lovers are classed as “supertasters:” they experience flavors more intensely and are more likely to consume salt than nontasters. The phenomenon seems to be rooted in genetics, the researchers said. John Hayes, Valerie Duffy, Bridget S. Sullivan, "Explaining variability in sodium intake through oral sensory phenotype, salt sensation and liking", Physiology & Behavior, June 16, 2010, © Elsevier Inc.

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Plant Extract Proven To Relieve Hay Fever Symptoms In Clinical Study June 15, 2010: 09:43 PM EST An antioxidant-rich plant extract known as pycnogenol, derived from the bark of a certain pine tree, significantly eases hay fever symptoms, according to a new Canadian study. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes itching, swelling, mucus production, hives and rashes in the millions of Americans affected by it. In the study, 60 people who tested positive for birch pollen allergies took either a 50 mg tablet of pycnogenol or a placebo twice daily, plus over-the-counter antihistamines as necessary. The study found that only 12.5 percent of those who started taking pycnogenol seven weeks before the allergy season began needed to use a non-prescription antihistamine medication during the season, compared to 50 percent of those who took the placebo. D. Wilson, M. Evans, N. Guthrie, P. Sharma, J. Baisley, F. Schonlau, C. Burki, "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of Pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms", Phytotherapy Research, June 15, 2010, © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Japanese Study Finds That Probiotic Milk Reduces Abdominal Fat, Body Weight June 15, 2010: 12:32 PM EST A study by scientists at a Japanese milk company has found that drinking 200 grams (7 ounces) of fermented milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 reduced abdominal fat and overall body weight in people “with obese tendencies.” The test group that drank the probiotic milk daily for 12 weeks experienced a 4.6 percent drop in abdominal fat, as well as reductions in body weight, body mass index, and waist and hip sizes. The control group experienced none of these benefits, the researchers said, concluding that drinking the probiotic milk has a “beneficial influence on metabolic disorders.” Y Kadooka, M Sato, K Imaizumi, A Ogawa, K Ikuyama, Y Akai, M Okano, M Kagoshima and T Tsuchida, "Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial", European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 15, 2010, © Nature Publishing Group

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OCA Applauds Whole Foods Market For Stricter Standards On Organic Personal Care Labeling June 16, 2010: 03:42 AM EST The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) said that it is “pleased” that natural products retailer Whole Foods Market is adopting tighter standards for organic labeling on personal care products it sells. The OCA applauded Whole Foods for addressing “widespread organic labeling fraud in personal care” and mentioned several companies that claim their products are organic though they “are generally made without any organic material whatsoever and are usually composed in significant part from petrochemicals.” Whole Foods says organic claims on personal care products should be similar in meaning to the organic claim on food products, which is regulated by the USDA. The OCA says it will ask other retailers, including Trader Joe's and the National Co-Op Grocers Association, to join Whole Foods in adopting a stricter labeling standard. "Whole Foods Market Imposes One-Year Deadline on Brands to Drop Bogus Organic Label Claims and Calls for Federal Regulation of Personal Care Products", PR Newswire, June 16, 2010, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Vitamin D Supplementation Could Help Prevent Seasonal Respiratory Infections June 15, 2010: 02:29 PM EST A new U.S. study has found that maintaining minimum vitamin D levels in the body seems to reduce both the number and severity of viral respiratory tract infections such as influenza. Researchers followed 198 healthy adults during the fall and winter 2009-2010. Eighteen participants maintained vitamin D levels of 38 nanograms/milliliter or higher during the study period. Only three of these (16.6 percent) developed viral infections. Eighty-one (45 percent) of the 180 other participants developed viral infections, but those with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood spent significantly fewer days sick. The researchers suggested that supplementing with vitamin D to achieve a blood level 38 ng/ml or higher could help prevent respiratory viral infections, especially during fall and winter, when vitamin D levels tend to be lower. James R. Sabetta, Paolo DePetrillo, et al., "Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and the Incidence of Acute Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Adults", PloS One, June 15, 2010, © Sabetta, et al.

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