Hain Celestial Acquires Maker Of Sensible Portions Natural Snacks June 15, 2010: 06:33 AM EST Natural specialty and snack food company Hain Celestial Group, Inc., said it is buying World Gourmet Marketing, L.L.C., producer of the Sensible Portions brand of Garden Veggie Straws, Pita Bites and other snack products, all marketed in the club, mass and supermarket channels. World Gourmet co-founder Jason Cohen will serve as president of Hain Celestial's Club Division and will be responsible for sales of all Hain Celestial brands into the club channel. World Gourmet co-founder Jerry Bello will serve as vice president, snacks and corporate innovation, and will develop new snacks for various Hain Celestial brands, the company said. Hain Celestial, "Hain Celestial Closes on Sensible Portions(R) Brand Acquisition", Hain Celestial website, June 15, 2010, © The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

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Cargill To Distribute Meyer’s Natural, Organic Beef Products To Commercial Customers June 14, 2010: 10:44 PM EST Food producer Cargill said its U.S. beef business will work with Meyer Natural Foods to expand sales of Meyer Natural Angus and Laura's Lean Beef to Cargill's retail and foodservice customers that wish to offer consumers natural and organic beef products. The multi-year "go-to-market" pact approach is designed to expand the selection of beef products that Cargill can offer customers, the company said, to include “prime and choice Angus beef from verified origins, raised in certified humane conditions using no antibiotics or hormones.” Terms of the agreement, which became effective in late May, were not disclosed. Cargill, "Cargill, Meyer Natural Foods Enter Into Joint "Go-to-Market" Agreement", Cargill website, June 14, 2010, © Cargill, Incorporated

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Why Pickle Juice Relieves Muscle Cramps Faster Than Water June 15, 2010: 01:42 PM EST Participants in a U.S. study who were dehydrated and experiencing muscle cramps from exercising relieved the cramps about 45 percent faster by drinking pickle juice than by drinking no fluids and about 37 percent faster than by drinking only water. The researchers were perplexed by the findings, however, because no significant changes in the blood were detected after drinking either water or pickle juice, neither of which had enough time to replenish lost fluids and salt. Researchers surmised that muscle exhaustion rather than dehydration probably caused the cramping. The pickle juice may impact nervous system receptors that send out signals that then disrupt the muscle cramping. “The relief of cramping by pickle juice likely represents a neurological phenomenon rather than a metabolic one,” one of the researchers said. Miller, Kevin C., Mack, Gary W., et al., "Reflex Inhibition of Electrically Induced Muscle Cramps in Hypohydrated Humans", Journal of Athletic Training, June 15, 2010, © The American College of Sports Medicine

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Roquette Succeeds At Making Pea Protein Palatable As Functional Ingredient June 14, 2010: 02:51 AM EST The use of vegetable proteins in functional foods has been slow to develop, mainly because of taste and odor problems. But vegetable proteins, including those extracted from the pea, offer nutritional, functional and even ethical advantages. And now Roquette has come up with a pea-derived protein, marketed as “Nutralys,” that has neutralized taste and odor, and is non-GMO, highly nutritional, easily digestible, and made from a reliable, traced source. Containing 85% protein, Nutralys is the main ingredient in a new vegetable drink – Vegetal Booster – that also contains water, maltodextrin and fiber. “With Nutralys S85F, Roquette opens up new prospects for development in the world of vegetable-derived products, in particular for certain food applications such as dairy, dietary and slimming products and those dedicated to sports,” according to Food Ingredients First. "Pea Protein Innovation Opening Up New Application Opportunities", Food Ingredients First, June 14, 2010, © CNS Media BV

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USDA Bans Organic Food Inspector In China Over Conflicts Of Interest June 13, 2010: 02:02 AM EST The USDA, which contracts with private organizations to inspect and certify organic foods worldwide, has disqualified a private American inspector in China because of conflict of interest issues. The agency said it will send an audit team to China to take a close look at the certification process there. The problem with the disqualified inspector, the Organic Crop Improvement Association, is that it hired employees of a government agency to check state-controlled farms and food processing facilities. The OCIA earlier this year shut down most of its operations. Consumers and organic food retailers have long suspected there were problems with purportedly organic foods imported from China. Whole Foods Market will soon stock only two private label organic items from China, down from 30 two years ago. WILLIAM NEUMAN and DAVID BARBOZA, "U.S. Drops Inspector of Food in China", New York Times, June 13, 2010, © The New York Times Company

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Healthy Foods Compete With Hot Dogs And Peanuts At Today’s Ballparks June 11, 2010: 09:49 AM EST It’s no longer your granddad’s ballpark, especially when it comes to food sold at the concessions of the newly-built or renovated arenas. Stadiums all around the country have added not only more interesting and delicious fare to the standard menu of beer, peanuts and hot dogs, they’ve added more nutritious food as well. Health and medical journalist Mark Fuerst notes that the new Yankee Stadium sells fresh-made sushi and vegetarian Asian noodles, while Nationals Park’s (Washington, D.C.) "healthy plate" carts sell grilled vegetable and turkey wraps, hummus and vegetables. According to Fuerst, with the evolution of major league baseball into a big business, ballparks have modernized their menus to include fresh fruits, local produce, salads, and even vegan and vegetarian versions of burgers and hot dogs. Mark Fuerst, "Healthier Foods Up to Bat at Today's Major League Ballparks", Heart Insight, June 11, 2010, © American Heart Association

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U.S. Protein Supplement Maker Acquired By Danone June 11, 2010: 01:33 AM EST Global food company Danone says it will pay about $62 million in cash to acquire Medical Nutrition USA, a provider of protein supplement and wound care support products. MNI pioneered liquid protein supplements for the elderly in the U.S. in 2003. Danone said MNI's organization and products will be folded into Danone's $70 million medical nutrition division, headquartered in Rockville, Md. MNI’s sales in 2009 were $16 million. According to Danone, “MNI has developed a solid access to the very promising long term care channel while its Nutricia products in the U.S. are mainly aimed at infants and distributed in pharmacies.” The deal is expected to close in the current calendar quarter, Danone said. Danone, "Danone to Acquire Medical Nutrition USA, Inc.", Danone website, June 11, 2010, © Danone

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Popular Diet Plans Short-change Followers On Micronutrients June 10, 2010: 10:16 AM EST Four popular diet plans fail to provide adequate levels of key micronutrients, according to a new study. The Atkins for Life diet, South Beach Diet, DASH diet and Best Life Diet were all analyzed to determine whether they provided the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 27 micronutrients. Each of the diets was found on average to provide sufficient amounts of 11 of the micronutrients, and about 1,750 calories. The researchers found that all four diets provided consistently low levels of vitamin B7, vitamin D, vitamin E, chromium, iodine and molybdenum, but acknowledged that two of the plans – Atkins and The Best Life Diet – “adamantly recommended their followers to take a daily vitamin supplement.” Jayson B. Calton, "Prevalence of micronutrient deficiency in popular diet plans", Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, June 10, 2010, © Calton , licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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Scientists Discover Why Antioxidants In Red Wine, Green Tea Retard Prostate Cancer June 9, 2010: 03:41 PM EST The antioxidants in red wine and green tea produce a combined effect that disrupts an important cell signaling pathway necessary for the growth of prostate cancer, French researchers have found. The discovery is important because the signaling pathway, known as SphK1/S1P, plays a role not only in prostate cancer, but also in colon cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancers. Several different experiments were conducted, both in test tubes and in mouse models of prostate cancer. The mice treated with green tea and wine polyphenols showed reduced tumor growth because of the inhibited SphK1/S1P pathway. “These results provide the first demonstration that the SphK1/S1P pathway represents a target of dietary green tea and wine polyphenols in cancer,” the researchers concluded. Leyre Brizuela, Audrey Dayon, et al., "The sphingosine kinase-1 survival pathway is a molecular target for the tumor-suppressive tea and wine polyphenols in prostate cancer.", The FASEB Journal, June 09, 2010, © Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

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Omega-3 And Fish Consumption Could Cut Risk Of Age-Related Hearing Loss June 9, 2010: 03:31 AM EST Researchers have found that intake of omega-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) could help prevent or delay presbycusis, age-related hearing loss. The Blue Mountains Hearing Study is based on a population-based survey of 2956 participants who completed a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire to capture dietary data, from which PUFA and fish consumption was estimated. Findings suggest an inverse association between the consumption of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs and hearing loss, with the benefit rising with intake: subjects who had over two servings of fish per week had a smaller risk (42%) of developing presbycusis compared with those who had <1 serving="serving" of="of" fish="fish" per="per"> Bamini Gopinath, Victoria M Flood, Elena Rochtchina, Catherine M McMahon and Paul Mitchell, "Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and fish and risk of age-related hearing loss", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 09, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition

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Kashi Joins With Burt’s Bees To Present Holistic Health Educational Tour June 8, 2010: 01:27 AM EST Natural food company Kashi has joined forces with natural personal care company Burt’s Bees to present its national "Day of Change" tour, a free annual event designed to teach people about the importance of holistic health and natural living. Attendees can visit four interactive sessions to sample Kashi foods and Burt’s Bees products, attend classes and participate in other activities. In the “Explore Here” session, for example, visitors take part in interactive displays and workshops on sustainability, how to look for natural ingredients in natural foods and products, and holistic health and wellness. The tour visits 17 cities through September and features more than 50 events at each site. "Kashi Company Kicks Off 2010 Day of Change(TM) Tour in Partnership With Burt's Bees", PR Newswire Association LLC, June 08, 2010, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Pecans Rich In Vitamin E Provide Neurological Protection June 8, 2010: 01:00 PM EST Consuming a handful of pecans, which are a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin E, each day may delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration, U.S. scientists have found in a mouse study. The research team studied mice bred to demonstrate severe decline in motor neuron function and are often used in studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Each of three groups was fed a control diet or one of two diets containing different amounts of pecans. The mice that ate the diet with the most pecans (0.05%) fared best in measures of motor neuron function. Both pecan groups performed better than the control group. The researchers suggest that the vitamin E in pecans may be the key to the neurological protection provided. Thomas B. Shea, Ph.D., "Pecans Provide Neurological Protection", News release, Center for Cellular Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts, June 08, 2010, via Newswise, © Center for Cellular Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts

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Blueberry Antioxidants Deliver Therapeutic Effect On Liver June 7, 2010: 03:21 AM EST Scientific evidence that blueberries have a healthy effect on human retinal, brain and tumor cells is mounting, but until now no one has explored whether they might protect or treat the liver. Chinese scientists in a new study in rats induced liver fibrosis using the well-known cleaning solvent and refrigerant carbon tetrachloride. The study found that blueberries could reduce various measures of liver malfunction compared with the control group by inhibiting liver inflammation and lipid peroxidation. “Increasing consumption of blueberries is a reasonable strategy to increase antioxidant intake, and may lead to a reduced risk of hepatic disease,” the authors concluded. Yu-Ping Wang, Ming-Liang Cheng, Bao-Fang Zhang, Mao Mu, Jun Wu, "Effects of blueberry on hepatic fibrosis and transcription factor Nrf2 in rats", World Journal of Gastroenterology, June 07, 2010, © Baishideng

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Disposable Toothbrush Helps Prevent Bacterial Infections June 7, 2010: 03:30 AM EST A scientist in Saudi Arabia has invented a disposable toothbrush that uses microbiology to ward off bacterial infections. Noting that toothbrushes become contaminated with bacteria and fungi after one day’s use, Dr. Eman Kamil, an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, said her invention prevents those harmful germs from entering the stomach and intestinal tract and compromising the immune system. The toothbrush can be used by anyone, but is targeted especially at people with diabetes, hepatitis, cancer and other serious illnesses. Dr. Kamil says the toothbrush is high quality and affordable, and comes with five disposable heads. “I hope to get people on all types of budgets to use this toothbrush and stay healthy,” she says. Fouzia Khan, "A disposable toothbrush that protects the immune system", Saudi Gazette, June 07, 2010, © The Saudi Gazette

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Black Adolescents In Sunny Climates At Greatest Risk For Vitamin D Deficiency June 6, 2010: 04:03 AM EST In a study of 559 male and female adolescents, 45 percent of whom were black and 55 percent white, U.S. scientists found that those who lived in a year-round sunny climate – particularly black youths – had the lowest levels of vitamin D in their blood, putting them at the greatest risk for health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency. Levels of circulating vitamin D among black adolescents were about half that of whites at any time of the year. The researchers also found a consistent inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and obesity, although further study is needed to determine exactly what the relationship is. The key factor, researchers said, was skin pigmentation, which is associated with “reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D …” Yanbin Dong, Norman Pollock, et al. , "Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Adolescents: Race, Season, Adiposity, Physical Activity, and Fitness", Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, June 06, 2010, © American Academy of Pediatrics

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Selenium Supplement Does Not Protect Against Cancer, Study Finds June 5, 2010: 11:41 AM EST A ten-year U.S. study involving more than 1,500 early-stage lung cancer patients who’d had their tumors surgically removed found that taking selenium, a naturally occurring mineral supplement, did not reduce the risk of developing either a recurrence or a new malignancy. Researchers ended the study early after finding that patients who were taking the placebo actually had a better rate of survival without cancer: 78 percent were alive without recurrence after five years, compared to 72 percent on selenium. Approximately 1.9 percent of patients taking selenium developed another tumor after the first year, compared to 1.4 percent taking placebo. A total of 3.66 percent of patients taking selenium developed a tumor after one year, compared to 4.1 percent in the placebo group. Daniel D. Karp, M.D., John Ruckdeschel, M.D., Sandra Lee, et al., "Selenium Shows No Benefit in Prevention of Lung Cancer", Presentation, American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 annual meeting, June 05, 2010, © Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

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New White House Program Pairs Chefs With Schools To Improve Student Nutrition June 4, 2010: 09:47 PM EST First Lady Michelle Obama has launched the “Chefs Move to Schools” program, a nationwide initiative to involve chefs in improving the nutrition of school lunch menus. The program, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pairs chefs with participating schools in their communities to create healthy meals that meet dietary guidelines and budgets. Another goal is to teach young people about nutrition and making balanced, healthy choices. ConAgra Foods sous chef Evan Brockman joined other chefs at the White House to inaugurate the program. "By helping schools create healthier menus and programs that give children the tools they need for lifelong healthy habits, I believe chefs like me can make a real difference," Brockman said. "ConAgra Foods Chef Volunteers for the First Lady's "Chefs Move to Schools" Initiative ", ConAgra, June 04, 2010, © ConAgra Foods, Inc

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Three Key Consumer-Driven Trends Offer Opportunities For Retailers June 4, 2010: 10:10 PM EST Retailers in the natural food industry need to be aware of three consumer-driven trends that present unique opportunities to engage shoppers, boost loyalty and increase sales. First among these is the emergence and growth of private label products, which consumers turned to during the recession but have stuck with because they have been accepted as “real brands.” A Nielsen report predicts further growth by store brands, perhaps a gain of a 1.5 percent share. Maintaining health and wellness is a major concern of the aging boomer generation, and boomers are proactive about their health. Eating healthy is considered an effective preventative measure. Lastly, the growth of digital connectivity has made possible innovations like mobile price checking, product research and mobile purchasing, all novel ways to connect with consumers. Jeff Weidauer , "Promoting Store Brands Via Technology", Natural Products Marketplace, June 04, 2010, © Virgo Publishing, LLC

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Green Tea Extract Shown Effective In Slowing Progression Of Leukemia June 4, 2010: 11:31 AM EST A phase II U.S. clinical trial involving 42 early-stage patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) found that a nontoxic extract of green tea significantly reduced the number of leukemia cells. According to the researchers, the major component of green tea, a chemical known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), apparently stabilizes and slows the progression of the disease with only mild side effects. Sixty-nine percent of CLL patients had a biological response to EGCG: either a 20 percent or greater reduction in blood lymphocyte count or a 50 percent or greater reduction in lymph node size. “These studies advance the notion that nutraceuticals like EGCG can and should be studied as cancer preventives,” says one researcher, who also cautioned that EGCG is not a substitute for chemotherapy. Tait Shanafelt, M.D., Neil Kay, M.D., et al., "Phase II trial of daily, oral green tea extract in patients with asymptomatic, Rai stage 0-II chronic lymphocytic leukemia", Presentation, annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, June 04, 2010, © American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Despite Recession And Search For Bargains, Shoppers Still Think Green When Shopping June 3, 2010: 08:28 AM EST Although many grocery shoppers in the U.K. turned away from “green” and organic foods during the recession – sales dipped 9.7 percent in 2009 – market research indicates that consumers still think green as they wander the supermarket aisles, and sales are beginning to perk up. Research by a British retailer found that the down economy did not really change people’s attitudes toward environmental issues. Half of 2,000 people interviewed said they would do more to protect the environment if it were easier to do so. Grocery analyst firm IGD found that people still believe the provenance of food is important and more and more people want locally produced food and fairtrade products. The key for companies is to work with consumers on finding ways to save money by buying green. Elizabeth Rigby, "Consumers: Green issues are still a concern for food buyers", Financial Times, June 03, 2010, © The Financial Times Ltd.

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Food-Grade Distiller Grains Enhance Protein, Fiber Content Of Flatbreads June 3, 2010: 11:22 AM EST In a discovery that could help improve human nutrition around the world and create a new market for corn producers, U.S. researchers have found that the protein and fiber content of whole wheat Asian unleavened breads called chapathi fortified with food-grade distiller grains is significantly enhanced. Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are a co-product from processing corn into ethanol. That means that corn producers everywhere could have a huge new market if food manufacturers were to begin using DDGS to fortify products in human diets. Lab studies found that using DDGS to make up 10 percent of the dough in chapathi boosted the fiber from 2.9 percent to 7.8 percent, while protein increased from 10.5 to 12.9 percent. In the U.S., DDGS is usually fed to livestock. Padu Krishnan, "Ethanol Co-products Boost Nutrition in Asian Flatbread", News release, South Dakota State University, June 03, 2010, via Newswise, © South Dakota State University

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Americans Not Yet Convinced “Obesity Tax” Is The Solution To The Problem June 2, 2010: 08:33 PM EST The childhood obesity issue has gained more publicity lately as First Lady Michelle Obama has championed efforts by government, schools, food companies, and others to battle the problem. Local and state governments are pondering taxes on soft drinks and fast food as a deterrent, but American consumers apparently aren’t convinced it’s the right way to go. In fact, more than half – 56 percent – are opposed to an “obesity tax,” a Harris Interactive survey of 2,140 U.S. adults has found. About 42 percent said they are strongly opposed to the tax, and three in ten supported such a measure. The survey results varied by location and age, Harris said, noting that Easterners and Westerners were more likely to favor the tax, while Southerners and Midwesterners were more likely to oppose it. "Over Half of Americans Opposed to Taxing Soft Drinks and Fast Food", Harris Interactive, June 02, 2010, © Harris Interactive Inc.

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Choline Taken During Pregnancy May Protect Against Neurodegenerative Disorders June 2, 2010: 12:00 PM EST A study in mice has found that mothers pregnant with Down syndrome babies can improve their offspring’s cognition and emotional regulation by taking a choline supplement. Researchers said that choline, a nutrient found in egg yolks, liver and cauliflower, also seemed to protect the mice from the dementia that is characteristic of aging Down syndrome people, and could possibly protect people “in the population at large” from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The U.S. researchers found that the offspring of mothers who received about 4.5 times more choline than unsupplemented mothers showed partial improvement in impulsivity, attention span, emotional control and other mental abilities. ”These are clearly lasting cognitive improvements, seen many months after the period of choline supplementation," the researchers wrote. Barbara Strupp, Jisook Moon, Myla Strawderman, David Levitsky, "Key nutrient in maternal diet promises "dramatic" improvements for people with Down syndrome", Behavioral Neuroscience, June 02, 2010, © American Psychological Association

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Diet Containing Less Methionine Slows, Reduces Damage, From Alzheimer’s June 2, 2010: 01:32 PM EST A lifestyle change that includes a healthy diet with less of the amino acid methionine could not only slow or stop the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease but also reverse some of the impairments that occur in the brain, U.S. scientists have found. Mice bred to show Alzheimer’s symptoms were fed either a normal diet or one rich in methionine, which has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Methionine is found in red meats, fish, eggs, garlic, and other foods. After five months, the group fed the methionine diet was divided in half, with one cluster continuing to eat high levels of methionine, while the other switched to a healthier diet. Cognitive impairment was reversed and brain plaques were reduced in the mice who ate the healthier diet. Jia-Min Zhuo and Domenico Praticò, "Normalization of hyperhomocysteinemia improves cognitive deficits and ameliorates brain amyloidosis of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease", Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, June 02, 2010, © Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

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Foods Advertised On TV Provide A Grossly Unbalanced Diet - Study June 1, 2010: 08:49 AM EST If people ate a diet that consisted only of foods advertised on primetime and Saturday morning television, they would consume 2,560 percent of the recommended daily serving of sugar, 2,080 percent of the recommended serving of fat, and only 40 percent of the recommended serving of vegetables, according to a study that analyzed food ads shown during 84 hours of TV in 2004. The researchers said the hugely unbalanced diet would “substantially oversupply” protein, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, while undersupplying carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins A, E, and D, pantothenic acid, iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium. “Overall, the food choices endorsed on television fail to meet nutrition guidelines and encourage nutritional imbalance,” the researchers concluded. Michael Mink, PhD, Alexandra Evans, PhD, et al., "Nutritional Imbalance Endorsed by Televised Food Advertisements", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, June 01, 2010, © American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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Oxidative Stress Is Not The Culprit In The Aging Process June 1, 2010: 04:54 PM EST The theory that our lives are shortened by oxidative stress to our tissues seems to be untrue, according to a new Canadian study that should surprise antioxidant advocates. The findings suggest that a slower rate of living coupled with a reduction in energy metabolism is enough to increase lifespan, even without any reduction in oxidative stress. The scientists induced DNA changes in worms, then checked to see if the altered worms had a slow rate of metabolism. They identified the mutations that caused the change: ten were involved in metabolism. Amazingly, the slow-metabolism worms did not show less oxidative stress and had a longer lifespan. "We hope our study will help in tempering the undue emphasis put on the notion that … antioxidants could combat aging," one author said. Jeremy Michael Van Raamsdonk, Yan Meng, et al., "Decreased Energy Metabolism Extends Life Span in Caenorhabditis elegans Without Reducing Oxidative Damage", Genetics, June 01, 2010, © Genetics Society of America

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Unilever Debuts Margarine Made With Cholesterol-Lowering Plant Sterols June 1, 2010: 05:35 PM EST Unilever Canada has launched a reduced-calorie margarine made with plant sterols that have a cholesterol-lowering effect. According to the company, plant sterols, which occur naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, grain products, fruits and vegetables, lower cholesterol by partly blocking its absorption in the intestines. “More than 180 clinical studies have proven that the plant sterol ingredient in Becel pro.activ significantly lowers cholesterol,” the company says, “up to 15 per cent starting within three weeks when combined with a move to a healthy diet.” A Unilver scientist says that the two grams of plant sterols provided in five teaspoons of Becel pro.active are equivalent to the amount found in 425 tomatoes or 70 slices of whole grain bread. The new margarine is available in Canada. "Becel Launches First Food Fortified with Plant Sterols in Canada", Canada News Wire, June 01, 2010, © CNW Group Ltd.

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Researchers Caution Against Taking Too Much Calcium June 1, 2010: 11:50 AM EST The increased use of over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements is causing a rise in a dangerous health problem known as milk-alkali or calcium-alkali syndrome, U.S. scientists report. The phenomenon was first detected more than a hundred years ago when people began drinking milk and taking antacids to treat ulcers. Increased levels of calcium in the blood raised blood pressure and often caused kidney failure. The problem declined when new ulcer medications were developed, but is now on the rise, thanks to greater use of calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis. The researchers advise that the intake of calcium should be limited to 1.2 to 1.5 grams per day, a dosage that is both safe and beneficial. Stanley Goldfarb, MD and Ami Patel, MD, "Got Calcium? Welcome to the Calcium-Alkali Syndrome", Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, June 01, 2010, © American Society of Nephrology

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Study Finds Pistachios Boost Antioxidants, Lower Bad Cholesterol June 1, 2010: 06:10 AM EST People with high cholesterol could obtain some significant relief by adding pistachio nuts to a healthy diet, according to new research. Pistachios have previously been found to lower lipid (fat) and lipoprotein levels in the blood, but have now been found to boost antioxidants in the blood of adults with high cholesterol. According to the researchers, pistachios are packed with the antioxidants lutein, beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol that may reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) linked to blood vessel inflammation and plaque buildup. But conclusive evidence of the benefits of antioxidants is still lacking. In the study, the amounts of pistachios in the diets of participants were 1.5 ounces and 3 ounces daily. After eating both pistachio-enriched diets, participants had lower oxidized-LDL concentrations in their blood than those who ate the control diet. Colin D. Kay3,4,6, Sarah K. Gebauer3,5,7, Sheila G. West3,4 and Penny M. Kris-therton3,5,*, "Pistachios Increase Serum Antioxidants and Lower Serum Oxidized-LDL in Hypercholesterolemic Adults1,2", Journal of Nutrition, June 01, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition

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Skincare Ingredients Suppliers Busy As Consumers Focus On Protection, Rejuvenation June 1, 2010: 03:38 AM EST Though overall facial treatment sales, and premium product sales in particular, have declined in recent years, sales of anti-aging cosmetics are picking up as consumers seek to rejuvenate skin and smooth wrinkles and facial lines. Industry experts say a key reason for the staying power of anti-aging products is rising consumer awareness of the need to defend the skin from the negative effects of environmental stress, such as sunlight, pollution and smoking. Sunscreen is not enough to do the job, which is why active ingredient suppliers are focusing on oral and topical products containing antioxidants, d-alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, retinoids and peptides. Suppliers are also offering new anti-aging actives that target men’s skin, as well as cellulite, wrinkling, and hair problems. Tom Branna, Editorial Director, "All Things Active", Happi.com, June 01, 2010, © Rodman Publishing / HAPPI.

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Food Industry Battles Health Experts, Government, Over Salt Reduction May 29, 2010: 06:24 PM EST Hardly anyone disputes the fact that hypertension is a serious health problem in the U.S. But while federal government and other health experts advocate cutting sodium content of processed foods to save billions of dollars in health care costs, and thousands of lives each year, the food industry urges Americans to simply eat less. According to critics, food companies worry that replacing the flavor lost by reducing the levels of relatively cheap salt in foods would cut profits. So the industry is working behind the scenes to make sure its take on the problem is heard by the federal committee set up to make recommendations on salt and other nutrient content issues. Kellogg warned the panel that lower salt guidelines were “incompatible with a palatable diet.” Jim Wilson, "The Hard Sell on Salt ", The New York Times , May 29, 2010, © The New York Times Company

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Candy Companies Say Their Products Are Getting Healthier May 28, 2010: 05:38 AM EST Candy makers don’t believe they are contributing much to America’s obesity problem. Candy, after all, accounts for only two percent of the daily American diet. Nevertheless, they are responding to consumer and governmental pressure to fight obesity. At a recent candy expo, many companies touted the healthful aspects of their products, such as nutritious ingredients, reduced portion sizes and lower calorie levels. And Mars, Hershey and Nestle USA joined a coalition that has promised to trim 1.5 trillion calories from products by the end of 2015. But critics are skeptical, noting that confectioners have always said their candy bars are healthy because they contain peanuts or milk. "A candy bar is typically a lot of calories and not a lot of nutrition," a consumer advocate said. "That's really the bottom line." P.J. Huffstutter, "Healthful sweets: Treats of the future?", Los Angeles Times, May 28, 2010, © The Los Angeles Times

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Resveratrol Neutralizes Toxic Proteins Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease May 28, 2010: 11:26 AM EST Resveratrol, which has been shown to affect cancer and aging, has now been found to neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, U.S. researchers reported. An organic compound found in red wine and grapes, resveratrol selectively targets and neutralizes certain toxic peptide isoforms, without affecting the benign ones. Peptide deformations have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, in which improperly folded peptides collect to form “plaques” in the brain. The plaques are often found near areas of cell death in diseased brains. The intriguing finding in the research is that seemingly identical non-toxic and toxic arrangements have some yet undiscovered distinguishing feature, raising questions for future study. “It helps us to think about the structural differences between the peptide isoforms,” the researchers said. Peter M. Tessier, et al., "Resveratrol selectively remodels soluble oligomers and fibrils of amyloid aß into off-pathway conformers", Journal of Biological Chemistry, May 28, 2010, © The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Consumers Offered More Exotic Yogurt Varieties In Steadily Growing Market May 27, 2010: 06:41 PM EST The variety of yogurts and different cultures available in the market is growing rapidly, contributing to a steady growth in sales. Despite a sluggish 2009, yogurt sales grew 32 percent over the past five years, and topped $4 billion, market researcher Mintel reported. New varieties of yogurt are very different from what Americans are used to. They include Greek-style strained yogurts, drinkable kefir, and nutrient-dense Icelandic yogurts whose tartness can be shocking to consumers used to the sweetness of traditional yogurts. Some of the new yogurts are expensive, thanks to the use of organic milk and other ingredients. Siggi's, for example, comes in seven non-fat flavors and costs $2.50 for a 6-ounce carton. Mainstream brands, even some organic varieties, typically sell for under a buck. Michelle Locke, "Yogurt lovers getting more choices", MSNBC, May 27, 2010, © msnbc.com

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Food Companies, Restaurants Did Not Replace Trans Fats With Saturated Fats May 27, 2010: 06:34 AM EST Food companies and restaurants have responded to public and governmental pressure by reducing unhealthy trans fat content in foods. Some have wondered whether those reformulations actually boosted saturated fat content to replace the trans fats. But U.S. scientists who investigated reformulated foods found that products that were reformulated generally did not replace trans fats with saturated fats. The researchers, who gathered information on 83 reformulated products from various sources, including FDA food-composition databases, found that trans fat content was cut to less than half a gram per serving in most of the foods. After reformulation, saturated fat content was also lower, unchanged or only a little higher in 65 percent of the supermarket products and 90 percent of the restaurant products. Dariush Mozaffarian, M.D., Dr.P.H., Harvard Medical School, Letter to the Editor, "Food Reformulations to Reduce Trans Fatty Acids", New England Medical Journal, May 27, 2010, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Studies On Health Benefits Of Cocoa Are Mostly Inconclusive, Researchers Find May 26, 2010: 09:06 AM EST Scientists in China who looked at the results of eight clinical studies found that people with conditions like diabetes that put them at risk for heart disease could reduce levels of “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and total cholesterol somewhat by eating moderate amounts of cocoa. But they also found that healthy people got no cholesterol-lowering benefits from cocoa. The portion of cocoa containing 260 milligrams of polyphenols or less seemed to be the optimum amount for health benefit. The researchers concluded that “short-term cocoa consumption significantly reduced blood cholesterol” but cautioned that there were inconsistencies in trial results that might be cleared up with larger studies over longer periods of time. Lei Jia, Xuan Liu, Yong Yi Bai, Shao Hua Li, Kai Sun, Chen He and Rutai Hui, "Short-term effect of cocoa product consumption on lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 26, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition

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More Indian Men Are Seeking Fairness Products And Treatments May 25, 2010: 03:39 AM EST A desire for lighter skin, combined with the trend away from macho and towards metrosexual, has led to an increase in demand for fairness products and treatments, such as chemical peels, as part of the emergence of the male grooming market in the country. Fairness products include Emami’s Fair & Handsome, launched in 2005, HUL’s Fair & Lovely Menz Active, as well as Nivea for Men products. Garnier India introduced the Men’s Powerlight line last year. One report estimates the men’s fairness products market at Rs175 crore (some $40 million) and a growth rate of 25 percent, compared with 7-8 percent for the women’s fairness market, spurred by ads that suggest darker-skinned men are less confident and successful than their fairer-skinned counterparts. "Indian men chase fairness creams", The Express Tribune , May 25, 2010, © The Express Tribune News Network

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China’s Prosperity Creates An Obesity Problem – And A Slew Of Business Opportunities May 25, 2010: 03:32 AM EST China’s fast-growing economy has spawned increased prosperity and a major problem with obesity and associated health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, thanks to more sedentary lifestyles and diets containing more meat and processed food. The obesity problem in turn has created numerous new business opportunities for entrepreneurs and big companies with products or services to help the Chinese fight fat. Sales of soy and fruit bars are soaring. Weight Watchers China has opened a center in Shanghai and plans more there and in other cities. Fitness companies like Bally are launching gyms and health clubs, adding to the 3,000 currently in existence. And that means fitness equipment suppliers are thriving as well. Frederik Balfour, "Chinese Fight Growing Girth With Weight Watchers, Soyjoy Bars", Bloomberg Businessweek, May 25, 2010, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Congressional Report Finds Herbal Supplements May Contain Contaminants May 25, 2010: 04:34 AM EST A Congressional report prepared by the Government Accountability Office reveals that the majority of 40 herbal supplements tested had trace levels of contaminants such as lead and mercury and that some make false health claims. Contaminant levels are not high enough to be hazardous but 16 of the supplements had pesticide residues that seem to be above the legal limits. The report comes ahead of planned debates in the Senate on wider regulations for food manufacturers. Democratic Senator Herb Kohl, who believes the FDA should have the power to regulate supplements, is leading the hearings. Currently, products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure diseases are tightly regulated but FDA approval is not required for products that make benign health claims. Annual sales of dietary supplements is estimated to be near $25 billion. Gardiner Harris, "Study Finds Supplements Contain Contaminants", New York Times, May 25, 2010, © New York Times

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Modern Breed Of Vending Machine Inhabits Space Between Retail And Web May 25, 2010: 03:48 AM EST Modern vending machines are high-tech, interactive and being used to sell new and surprising products, including gold, strawberries and underwear. Tech savvy consumers are comfortable with touch-screen interfaces and a high-degree of self-service. Vendors can tap less economic niches and locations – vending machines can cost less than an employee, are open 24/7 and can have high sales per square foot: while a mall might generate about $330 a square foot/year, vending machines can generate $3,000-$10,000. Studies suggest the traditional vending machine business for soda and cigarettes is in decline, but modern machines are bridging a gap between online shopping and bricks-and-mortar retail. Stephanie Rosenbloom, "The New Touch-Face of Vending Machines", New York Times, May 25, 2010, © The New York Times Company

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Blood Pressure Drops Significantly When Consumption Of Sugary Drinks Is Reduced May 24, 2010: 06:31 AM EST Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit drinks, lemonade and fruit punch helped lower blood pressure in a U.S. study, a finding that could reduce the risk of blood pressure-related diseases. Researchers who examined data on 810 adults aged 25 to 79 found that by drinking an average of two fewer servings – a total of 24 ounces less – of sugar-sweetened beverages a day would reduce blood pressure enough to lower the risk of death by stroke by eight percent and by coronary heart disease by five percent. Participants drank about 10.5 ounces of sugar-sweetened drinks a day at the start of the study. By the end of the study, consumption had dropped by half a serving a day and blood pressure had dropped significantly. Liwei Chen MD, PhD, Benjamin Caballero MD, PhD, et al. , "Reducing Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated With Reduced Blood Pressure. A Prospective Study Among United States Adults", Circulation, May 24, 2010, © American Heart Association, Inc.

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Study Finds That Poverty May Be At The Core Of The Obesity Epidemic May 24, 2010: 05:54 AM EST In a study designed to find out who buys what food, why, where and for how much, researchers in Seattle, Wash., came up with some surprising findings. Distance from a supermarket, for example, is not as important to grocery shoppers as some suppose. Researchers who gathered data from phone surveys or from geographic analysis found that 86 percent of people shopped for groceries outside their immediate neighborhood, often traveling more than three miles to save money, not to find healthier food options. Additionally, obese food shoppers are ten times more likely to shop at cheaper-priced grocery stores than upscale stores, a finding that suggests that poverty may be the determining factor in America's obesity epidemic. JoNel Aleccia, Health writer, "Pricey grocery stores attract skinniest shoppers", msnbc.com, May 24, 2010, © msnbc.com

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Rite Aid Launches Wellness-Focused Membership Discount Program May 24, 2010: 01:00 AM EST Rite Aid has launched what it calls the “Wellness+” customer loyalty program combining members-only discounts with health and wellness-related benefits. Rival CVS has had a similar program in place for nine years, claiming a membership of 64 million. Customers who register for the program in stores, online or over the phone receive a discount coupon and wallet or key chain cards to swipe at checkout. Customers are rewarded for purchases with both member-only shopping discounts and health and wellness benefits that increase the more they shop or fill prescriptions. Benefits include 24-hour, toll-free access to pharmacists, discounts off private-label products, and accrued points on pharmacy and non-prescription and prescription purchases. The company tested the program in four markets over the last six months. Tim Binder, "Rite Aid Field Report (May 24, 2010)", In-Store Marketing Institute, May 24, 2010, © In-Store Marketing Institute

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Pectin From Kiwi Fruit Makes Prebiotic Superior To Inulin May 23, 2010: 07:48 PM EST Scientists in New Zealand have found that kiwi fruit pectin’s ability to increase certain good bacteria in the digestive tract makes it a better prebiotic than inulin and kiwi fruit fiber could be used as microencapsulation material or act as “bioactive packaging to deliver probiotic bacteria.” The researchers said re-solubilized monoK pectin tested the best against citrus pectin, guar gum and inulin. MonoK pectin was superior at increasing the adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and reducing adhesion of the harmful bacterium Salmonella typhimurium. Only inulin and citrus pectin enhanced the adhesion of Bifidobacterium bifidum, however. Kiwi pectin “may also provide edible packaging that can be tailored to deliver bioactives such as phytonutrients, vitamins or even pharmaceuticals directly to the gut,” the researchers said. Shanthi G. Parkara, Emma L. Redgateb, Reginald Wibisonob, Xiaoxia Luoa, Eric T.H. Kohc and Roswitha Schröderb, "Gut health benefits of kiwifruit pectins: Comparison with commercial functional polysaccharides", Journal of Functional Foods, May 23, 2010, © Elsevier B.V.

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Added Sugar In Processed Foods Boosts Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease May 21, 2010: 06:53 PM EST Consuming the added sugar found in processed foods and beverages increases triglyceride (fat) and cholesterol levels – a risk factor for cardiovascular disease – as much as eating a high-fat diet, according to new U.S. research. Researchers analyzed U.S. government nutritional data and blood lipid levels in more than 6,000 adult men and women between 1999 and 2006. Those in the various test groups who consumed an average of 46 teaspoons of added sugars a day showed the highest levels of blood fats. “Among higher consumers (10 percent added sugars) the odds of low HDL-C (“good cholesterol”) levels were 50 percent to more than 300 percent greater compared with the reference group (<5 percent="percent" added="added" sugars).="sugars)." The="The" lowest-consuming="lowest-consuming" group="group" ate="ate" only="only" about="about" three="three" teaspoons="teaspoons"> Jean A. Welsh, MPH, RN; Andrea Sharma, PhD, MPH; Jerome L. Abramson, PhD; Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD; Cathleen Gillespie, MS; Miriam B. Vos, MD, MSPH , "Caloric Sweetener Consumption and Dyslipidemia Among US Adults", JAMA. 2010;303(15):1490-1497, May 21, 2010, © American Medical Association

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Mintel Study Reveals Lack Of Understanding About Fiber in America May 20, 2010: 07:36 AM EST A new report from market research company Mintel found that Americans don’t eat much fiber. Even though a third of respondents believed they eat healthily, just 20 percent said they seek and buy items described as healthy. Other studies have found that Americans typically don’t eat the recommended daily levels of fiber. The Mintel study said that 27 percent of respondents find the taste of fiber unpleasant and a quarter believe that added fiber is only for people with digestive problems. The study revealed significant ignorance about the benefits and sources of fiber: 37 percent think they get sufficient fiber from regular foods. Men are particularly prone to “false beliefs” about fiber. "The importance of fiber, a hard pill for consumers to swallow", Mintel Oxygen Report, May 20, 2010, © Mintel

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Savory Snack Companies Overcome Technical Challenges To Create Healthier Products May 20, 2010: 05:48 AM EST With consumers clamoring for savory snacks that are a little exotic, tasty and healthier, food companies have revved up their innovation engines to deliver products that meet all three criteria. But adding functional ingredients to create healthier extensions of product lines, or to create new products, while maintaining taste and texture is no easy task. Several companies, however, seem up to the challenge. The Sensible Portions chips and cracker line from World Gourmet Products, for example, includes "better-for-you" options made with whole grains, soy protein, vitamins, iron and fiber, but no trans fats. Bean Brand Foods’s omega-3-rich Beanito chips are made from pinto or black beans mixed with whole grain rice and flax seeds. And Corazonas Foods is offering "heart-healthy snacks" like its lower-fat potato chip made with plant sterols. Mark Anthony, Ph. D., Technical Editor, "How to Build A Healthier Savory Snack", Food Processing, May 20, 2010, © Food Processing

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Toothpaste With CoQ10 Reduces Gingivitis In Clinical Trial May 20, 2010: 03:51 AM EST Perfect Smile said recently that its brand of fluoride toothpaste containing CoQ10 was tested in a clinical study that found significant improvement over regular fluoride toothpaste in reducing gingivitis. According to the company, the toothpaste, which contains MicroActive CoQ10 from BioActives LLC, significantly reduced the presence of harmful bacteria and gum swelling. The company said several studies have concluded that CoQ10 applied directly to the gums or taken as a supplement can provide measureable improvement in treating gum disease. The MicroActive form of CoQ10 dissolves during teeth brushing, the company said, to spread evenly. It is also readily absorbed “as compared to other forms of CoQ10 used in other brands of toothpaste." "Perfect Smile MicroActive CoQ10 Toothpaste Improves on Fluoride", News release, Perfect Smile, May 20, 2010, © Perfect Smile

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Mediterranean Diet Improves Long-Term Outlook For Heart Attack Patients May 19, 2010: 09:16 PM EST The Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils, low-fat dairy products, legumes, whole grains, and fish has a beneficial effect on the heart and improves the long-term outlook for heart attack patients, Greek researchers have found. Scientists examined data on 1,000 heart attack or heart pain patients, paying attention to how closely their eating habits followed a Mediterranean diet. Though about half the patients suffered an acute coronary event within 24 months, those on the Mediterranean diet had a 31 percent lower risk of a repeat problem. The researchers found that people who ate vegetables and salad or nuts especially every day lowered their risk of a repeated heart attack or chest pain within two years compared to patients who ate these foods less often. Christina Chrysohoou, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, Panagiotis Aggelopoulos, Christina-Maria Kastorini, Ioanna Kehagia, Christos Pitsavos and Christodoulos Stefanadis, "The Mediterranean diet contributes to the preservation of left ventricular systolic function and to the long-term favorable prognosis of patients who have had an acute coronary event", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 19, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition

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Pledge By Food Industry To Trim Calories From Products Has Two Big Flaws May 19, 2010: 03:58 AM EST The recent pledge by big food companies to trim 1.5 trillion calories from products by 2015 may keep the regulatory wolf at bay, but it isn't going to make Americans healthier or slimmer, writes Melanie Warner. One problem is that cutting calories in a food does not necessarily make it healthier. “Just because you’re eating a Pop-Tart that now has fewer calories doesn’t mean that it’s better for you.” It still lacks essential nutrients. Another problem is that big restaurant companies did not join the initiative, and they are much bigger contributors to the obesity problem than food companies. Americans, after all, spend half of their food dollars at restaurants, especially the fast-food variety. Without participation by the restaurant industry, efforts to fight obesity “are going to fall flat.” Melanie Warner, "Food Industry's Calorie Reduction Pledge: Smart Marketing, but Dumb Nutrition", BNET, May 19, 2010, © CBS Interactive Inc.

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