Lycopene Use In Fortified Foods Can Push Intake Too High; European Commission May Lower Permitted Use Levels January 27, 2010: 08:08 PM EST Authorized use levels of lycopene in the European Union may be revised downward on the back of a recently published report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Following a European Commission request to investigate, the EFSA looked at consumption patterns and found that expected lyocopene intake from its use as a food color and from naturally occurring sources would be within the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake). However, the use of lyocpene in fortified foods would push consumption levels for all populations 'much higher' and, in the case of pre-school and school children, would push it beyond the ADI. The Commission is likely to try and lower permitted lycopene use levels, notably in food colors. EFSA Unit on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), "Revised exposure assessment for lycopene as a food colour", European Food Safety Authority journal, January 27, 2010, © European Food Safety Authority

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Nanotechnology Safety Act Proposed In Senate To Bring It Under FDA Purview January 21, 2010: 09:45 PM EST A bill introduced in the Senate, The Nanotechnology Safety Act of 2010, would create a program within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assess health and safety implications of nanotechnology in everyday products, and also seek to develop best practices for companies employing nanotechnology. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), one of the sponsors of the bill, said “Nanotechnology touches so many facets of our lives today and will play a greater role in the future, but the benefits to industry and consumers come with unknown risks that must be identified and managed appropriately.” Nanotechnology is set to be become an important industry - there are currently over 600 known commercial uses of nanotechnology and a 2004 report from the National Science Foundation estimated new nanotechnology-based products would create a global market of $1 trillion dollars by 2015 as well as generate 2 million jobs. "Pryor, Cardin Call for Increased Research to Ensure Product Safety", Press Release, US Senator Mark Pryor, Arkansas, January 21, 2010, © US Senate Office

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Nestlé Hopes New Drinks For Elderly Will Bolster Sagging Nutrition Sales January 17, 2010: 03:48 AM EST Struggling to breathe new life into its nutrition business in the face of tough competition from Danone SA, Swiss food giant Nestlé SA said it is unveiling a line of drinks created to fight the malnutrition problem in the world’s elderly population. The $174 billion health and medical nutrition market is growing at nine percent a year, but Nestlé’s sales are not keeping pace, according to analysts cited in this Bloomberg report. Nestlé, which recently purchased two Kraft Foods pizza lines, could become “just another” food company if it buys more businesses outside of nutrition, one analyst said. Tom Mulier, "Nestle Targets Malnutrition in Elderly to Fight Danone’s Gains", Business Week, January 17, 2010, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Popularity Of Kosher Foods Is Expanding, Thanks To Perceived Healthfulness, Quality January 12, 2010: 02:13 AM EST The market for kosher food is rapidly expanding among non-Jews, thanks in part to perceptions that kosher food products are healthier and less likely to be contaminated. One market researcher predicts that kosher foods could be a $17 billion market by 2013, with only 15 percent of sales attributed to religious purchases. The research group Mintel said the top reasons for buying kosher are quality and general healthfulness, though science doesn’t necessarily support those beliefs. As this New York Times article notes, scientific studies of poultry are “mixed when it comes to the relative safety of kosher meat.” KIM SEVERSON, "For Some, ‘Kosher’ Equals Pure", The New York Times, January 12, 2010, © The New York Times Company

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Expensive Weight Loss Programs Battle Cheaper DIY Dieting Options January 11, 2010: 01:50 AM EST High-priced diet programs are losing customers, thanks to inexpensive weight loss options and the availability of comfort foods during a stressful recession. The trend is having a negative effect – a sharp drop in growth rate – on the diet and weight loss industry, as three-fourths of dieters now follow a “do-it-yourself diet” devised at home.(The historic average is 70 percent.) According to this Advertising Age article, high-priced diet programs like Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem are making price and other concessions to maintain market share in a battle against cheaper DIY diet options offered by fast food companies and packaged food producers. Emily Bryson York , "What the Weight-Loss Biz Has in Store for 2010", Advertising Age, January 11, 2010, © Crain Communications

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Diet, Weight Loss Firms Have A Big Advantage In Building Robust Social Network Sites January 9, 2010: 07:55 AM EST While diet brand and weight loss companies have succeeded mightily in creating vibrant social networking Web sites along the lines of MySpace and Facebook, other companies, including Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart, have failed, according to Brandweek. For example, the Atkins diet online community added a million consumers in 2009, while Nutrisystem’s online community has 4.6 million participants, up from one million in June 2007. One expert says the main reason for the success of dieting and weight loss sites is a “built-in advantage… some kind of currency to connect with each other.” Losing weight and staying fit provide that common social value. Elaine Wong, "Diet Firms Score Where Coke, Walmart Fumbled", Brandweek, January 09, 2010, © Nielsen Business Media

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Calorie Content Of Restaurant And Frozen Diet Meals Is Much Higher Than Reported January 7, 2010: 02:38 AM EST Researchers who analyzed the calorie content of frozen supermarket diet meals and food sold at ten chain restaurants found significantly higher calories on average than the companies claimed. The calories in 29 meals or other menu items at restaurant chains such as Ruby Tuesday’s and Wendy’s averaged 18 percent higher. Meanwhile, Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, etc., had eight percent more calories than labels reported. Some foods tested, however, actually had fewer calories than reported. Researchers said restaurants and food companies are not trying to mislead customers: most differences are due to variations in ingredients, portion sizes and testing methods. Lorien E. Urban, MS, Gerard E. Dallal, PhD, et al., "The Accuracy of Stated Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, January 07, 2010, © American Dietetic Association

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Restaurants, Food Companies Significantly Under-report Calories Of Side Dishes, Entrees January 6, 2010: 05:57 PM EST After checking the calories of side dishes and entrees from U.S. sit-down chain restaurants, fast food restaurants and supermarket frozen meals, researchers reported that the average stated calorie content was 18 percent less than what scientific analysis found. Two side dishes, the researchers said, surpassed restaurant calorie claims by almost 200 percent. On average, the calorie info of packaged food companies was eight percent less than what the researchers found. “If people use published calorie contents for weight control, discrepancies of this magnitude could result in weight gain of many pounds a year,” one researcher said. Lorien E. Urban, Gerard E. Dallal, et al., "The Accuracy of State Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, January 06, 2010, © American Dietetic Association

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Compounds Found In Pomegranates Suppress Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer January 5, 2010: 11:51 AM EST Certain phytochemicals found in fruits such as pomegranates suppress the production of the female hormone estrogen, thereby preventing the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors, according to a laboratory study. The enzyme aromatase, which converts androgen to estrogen, plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis. Pomegranates contain anti-aromatase compounds known as ellagitannins that have the potential to prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancers. The researchers cautioned that the high levels of phytochemicals used in the study might not be achievable in humans because ellagitannins “are not well absorbed into blood when provided in the diet.” Lynn S. Adams, Yanjun Zhang, et al., "Pomegranate Ellagitannin–Derived Compounds Exhibit Antiproliferative and Antiaromatase Activity in Breast Cancer Cells In vitro", Cancer Prevention Research, January 05, 2010, © American Association for Cancer Research

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St. John’s Wort Shown Useless For Irritable Bowel Syndrome January 4, 2010: 05:50 PM EST While antidepressants are often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the herbal antidepressant supplement St. John’s wort, which has been shown helpful in depression and certain pain syndromes, is apparently useless, according to new research. IBS affects the colon and commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. About 58 million people, mostly women, suffer from IBS. In this clinical trial involving 70 participants with IBS – half receiving St. John’s wort and half a placebo for three months – the placebo group actually fared better than the herbal supplement group. Yuri A Saito, Enrique Rey, et al., "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of St John's Wort for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, January 04, 2010, © The American College of Gastroenterology

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Gazing Into The Food And Beverage Industry Crystal Ball: Status And Trends January 4, 2010: 04:56 AM EST Noting that the food and beverage industry really comprises nine interconnected sub-industries, the editors of FoodProcessing.com recently looked into their crystal ball to forecast the future of each separate subcategory: bakery and bread, beverages, breakfasts and cereals, confectionery, dairy, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, and salty snacks. For example, they expect whole grains, fiber, added calcium, organic, all-natural, HFCS-free, and gluten-free products to do well in 2010. And because see-sawing milk prices is the major issue in dairy – which impacts other food categories – industry execs have a simple wish for 2010: stable, rational prices for raw milk. Diane Toops, News & Trends Editor, and Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief , "Look Into the Future: The State of Food & Beverage Industry", FoodProcessing.com, January 04, 2010, © Food Processing

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Study Finds That Xanthigen Shows Promise As Weight-Loss Supplement January 1, 2010: 06:53 PM EST Russian and U.S. scientists report that obese women who ingested the food supplement Xanthigen-600 (300 mg of brown marine algae-derived fucoxanthin and 300 mg of pomegranate seed oil) lost a significant amount of weight during a 16-week placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) lost an average of 12 pounds, while others lost 11 pounds. The scientists also noted decreases in waist size, body fat, and liver fat. “This product may be considered a promising food supplement in the management of obesity,” the researchers conclude. M. Abidov, Z. Ramazanov, R. Seifulla & S. Grachev, "The effects of Xanthigen™ in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat", Journal of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, January 01, 2010, © Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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FDA Says Nestlé Made Unauthorized Nutrient Claims For Certain Beverages December 22, 2009: 09:58 AM EST Swiss food company Nestlé made unauthorized nutrient claims about several of its juice brands, the U.S. FDA said in recent letters to the company. The agency said Nestlé’s Juicy Juice Brain Development Beverage (Apple), for example, used the term “no sugar added,” a claim not permitted on foods targeted at kids under the age of two. Other drinks cited in a letter were Juicy Juice All-Natural 100% Juice Orange Tangerine and Juicy Juice All-Natural 100% Juice Grape. Another FDA letter to the company said the Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink was improperly advertised as a "medical food." "Nestle made misleading drink health claims: FDA", Reuters , December 22, 2009, © Thomson Reuters

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Government Panel Calls For Restrictions On Food Marketing To Children December 16, 2009: 02:27 AM EST Stressing that only foods that offer a "meaningful contribution to a healthful diet" should be marketed to children, a congressionally-created panel of U.S. regulatory officials has called for restrictions on the marketing of foods and beverages loaded with sugar, sodium and saturated fat. The nonbinding proposals are a response to concerns that food company marketing practices may be contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic by influencing kids’ eating patterns. Panel members said that food companies need to take the lead in changing marketing tactics or "Congress may decide for all of us." JARED A. FAVOLE, "Federal Group Proposes Curbs on Marketing Food to Kids", The Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2009, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Studies Find Obesity Rates Rising Among British Kids, African Urban Dwellers December 15, 2009: 03:47 AM EST After analyzing obesity trends in England among children and young people from 1995 to 2007, researchers predict that obesity among all boys aged two to ten would reach 10.1 percent by 2015 and, in a “worst case scenario,” could reach 13.5 percent. Obesity levels among girls could reach 8.9 percent, and perhaps 9.3 percent. The researchers noted that the poorest and less educated kids were at greater risk of obesity in the years ahead. A second study in Africa found that easy access to cheap, high fat, high sugar foods is pushing up obesity rates among poor city dwellers. Kate Kelland, "Studies show obesity taking hold in UK", Reuters (UK), December 15, 2009, © Thomson Reuters

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Drinking Coffee Reduces Risk Of Prostate Cancer, Study Finds December 6, 2009: 11:04 AM EST U.S. researchers who examined 20 years of health records of nearly 50,000 men who drank regular and decaffeinated coffee found that men who drank the most coffee had a 60 percent lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer than men who did not drink any coffee. Caffeine was not the key factor in the correlation, one researcher said. In fact, they were unsure which of the many biologically active compounds in coffee, like antioxidants and minerals, was the most important. “Our results do suggest there is no reason to stop drinking coffee out of any concern about prostate cancer,” they concluded. Kathryn M. Wilson, Ph.D., "Coffee Consumption Associated with Reduced Risk of Advanced Prostate Cancer", Presentation, Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, December 06, 2009, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Unilever Recalls Canned Slim-Fast Products Because Of Bacterial Contamination December 3, 2009: 08:56 AM EST The discovery of bacterial contamination has led Unilever United States to launch a nationwide recall of all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, regardless of flavor, best-by date, lot code, or UPC number. The products are packaged in paperboard cartons containing four, six or twelve 11-oz.steel cans. The voluntary recall, in cooperation with the FDA, was prompted by discovery of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting. The probability of serious adverse health consequences, however, is remote, the company said, adding that it is identifying and correcting the production issue that led to the problem. "Unilever Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Slim-Fast® Ready-to-Drink Products in Cans Due to Possible Health Risk", Unilever United States, December 03, 2009, © Unilever

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Delivery Of Five Key Healthy Ingredients Presents Golden Opportunity For Food Industry November 23, 2009: 08:04 AM EST Food, beverage, and supplements makers take heed: a golden market opportunity exists, according to this Functional Ingredients article. Parents are concerned about obesity and diabetes, are thinking “less-sugary, less-salty, natural and organic” as they choose foods for their kids. They also want “condition-specific“ products (for immunity, energy, etc.). Companies that can deliver better-for-you foods and drinks containing some of the five key science-based ingredients should thrive. The magic ingredients include dairy calcium and potassium, vitamin K2 from dairy, vitamin D, probiotics, and lipids. This article surveys the science behind these healthy additives and how food companies can take advantage. Todd Runestad, "Nutrition that nurtures", Functional Ingredients , November 23, 2009, © Penton Media, Inc.

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Getting Enough Quality Sleep Correlates With Healthier Diet, Study Concludes November 6, 2009: 03:04 AM EST Adequate sleep – but not experiences at work – is a strong predictor of healthy food choices and better health, according to a new U.S. study of 542 men who put in long hours on irregular shifts in the trucking industry. The findings suggest that adequate sleep somehow mediates the effects of the workplace on healthy food choices. There is a link to chronic disease, the researchers said, because inadequate or poor sleep correlates with weight gain, diabetes, etc. “Sleep adequacy, by enhancing [healthy] dietary choices, is one means by which workplace factors may influence chronic disease risk," the researchers said. Orfeu M. Buxton, PhD, Lisa M. Quintiliani, PhD, et al., "Association of Sleep Adequacy With More Healthful Food Choices", American Journal of Public Health, November 06, 2009, © American Public Health Association

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Kidney Disease Associated With Diets High In Artificially Sweetened Drinks And Sodium November 2, 2009: 06:16 AM EST White women whose diets include high levels of sodium or artificially-sweetened beverages are more at risk of kidney problems, according to two studies presented at a recent medical conference. Researchers examined the health histories of 3,000 Caucasian women who were part of a nurses study. Consuming two or more servings a day of artificially sweetened soda doubled the chances of kidney function decline, they found. The researchers were careful to note that they found no link between intake of sugary drinks and kidney disease, and that their findings did not apply to men, or to women of other ethnicities. Julie Lin & Gary Curhan , "Diets High In Sodium And Artificially Sweetened Soda Linked To Kidney Function Decline", ScienceDaily, November 02, 2009, © ScienceDaily LLC

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Fetuses, Newborns Found To Be At Much Greater Risk From Food-Borne Pathogen October 23, 2009: 01:31 AM EST Analyzing data from lab animal tests, scientists have found that listeriosis, a rare but often fatal bacterial infection among the elderly, fetuses or newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems, may be occurring after exposure to much lower doses than once thought. Pregnant women who consume foods such as soft cheeses containing one million cells of Listeria monocytogenes – not 10 trillion cells, as thought previously – face a 50 percent chance that their fetus or infant will die. Scientists say the data do not suggest a new epidemic, but do confirm that Listeria is still a major public health problem. Denita Williams, Jennifer Castleman, et al., "Risk of Fetal Mortality After Exposure to Listeria monocytogenes", Risk Analysis: An International Journal , October 23, 2009, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Functional Beverage Formulators Need To Partner With Savvy Ingredients Suppliers October 16, 2009: 01:55 AM EST With so many technical, sensorial, regulatory, health and other considerations involved in development of successful functional beverages, formulators need to partner with very well-informed ingredients suppliers, this Food Product Design article suggests. Ingredients must taste, smell, and look good, of course, but they also need to be verifiably beneficial to health, should meet dietary religious standards, have a satisfactory shelf life and mix well with other ingredients. Suppliers clued in to these challenges make the best partners, says Anthony Palmieri, a critical fact considering the projected 3.7 percent annual growth rate for the category. Anthony Palmieri, "Formulating Functional Beverages", Food Product Design, October 16, 2009, © Virgo Publishing, LLC

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As Vegan Recipes Get Tastier, The Vegan Diet Gains Devotees October 8, 2009: 03:24 AM EST Although the vegan diet – no animal products, including dairy and eggs – will probably always be a niche lifestyle, it is steadily gaining adherents, according to this Hartford Courant article. Thanks to the availability of good ingredients and meat substitutes, as well as an increasing number of vegetable-oriented cookbooks and recipes, the diet can be flavorful and nutritious, containing lots of protein, calcium and iron. Says one cookbook editor of the mushrooming veganism trend: “Consumers are interested in eating locally, eating seasonally and eating a diet that's good for them and good for their family, so they're open to new ideas." Korky Vann, "Turn Over A New Leaf: Vegan Diets Are Moving More Solidly Into Mainstream ", The Hartford Courant, October 08, 2009, © The Hartford Courant

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New Lifestyle Program Advocates Balancing Omega 6 And Omega 3 Levels October 2, 2009: 06:22 AM EST The new Gene Smart diet and lifestyle program from a North Carolina company is based on the idea that increasing polyphenol antioxidants, fiber, and omega fats, reducing calories and exercising more will send healthy messages to our genes. These in turn will trigger weight loss, boosted energy, and reduced inflammation. The biggest key to success with the program, according to this Nutraceuticals World article, is getting just the right balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. For $149.95 you can buy a home blood test from Gene Smart Wellness that will measure your omega 3 levels. Joanna Cosgrove, "The Gene Smart Program ", Nutraceuticals World, October 02, 2009, © Rodman Publishing

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Rosy Future Projected For Foods Enhanced With Prebiotics/Probiotics October 2, 2009: 05:55 AM EST New U.S. market research forecasts double-digit growth in the pre- and probiotic markets, thanks to improvements in formulation technology and more knowledgeable consumers. According to Packaged Facts, the pre- and probiotics market will grow by a compound annual rate of 12 percent to $22 billion by 2013. Two key factors fueling the growth: novel formulations increase the array of improvable foods; and consumers are more aware of the link between digestive health and wellness overall. The worldwide retail market for foods and beverages enhanced with pre- and probiotic ingredients was $15 billion in 2008, up 13 percent from 2007. "Pre/Probiotic Market to Expand as Consumers Better Understand Link Between Digestive Health & Immunity", Nutraceuticals World, October 02, 2009, © Rodman Publishing

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Obese Dieters Benefit From Alternate-Day Fasting Program September 30, 2009: 08:11 PM EST A 10-week clinical trial involving 16 obese people found that a modified version of the “alternate-day fasting” plan was easy to endure and had substantial benefits for the cardiovascular system. The participants were all between the ages of 35 and 65 and weighed more than 210 pounds. The first two weeks they ate and exercised normally. The next four weeks they fasted on alternate days. They then, with counseling, chose their own meals in the last four weeks. Weight loss ranged from 10 to 30 pounds, while blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol and circulating fat levels were all lowered. Krista A Varady, Surabhi Bhutani, et al., "Short-term modified alternate-day fasting: a novel dietary strategy for weight loss and cardioprotection in obese adults", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 30, 2009, © American Society for Clinical Nutrition

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Foods Made With Yellow Pea Flour May Help Diabetics Manage Their Disease September 30, 2009: 07:00 AM EST Cheap, readily available whole yellow pea flour can be used to make functional low-glycemic foods that may help diabetics, according to a study by Canadian researchers. Managing glycemic responses – changes in blood sugar levels after eating – has become an important research issue with diabetes on the rise. In the study, the glycemic responses of 19 healthy people were monitored after eating banana bread, biscotti, and pasta made with pea flour or whole wheat flour. The foods made with pea flour uniformly reduced glycemic responses more than the whole wheat foods, and were found to have satisfactory taste and texture. Christopher P.F. Marinangeli , Amira N. Kassis, et al., "Glycemic Responses and Sensory Characteristics of Whole Yellow Pea Flour Added to Novel Functional Foods", Journal of Food Science, September 30, 2009, © Institute of Food Technologists

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Swedish Study Finds Surprising Correlation Between Drinking Whole Milk And Lower BMI September 30, 2009: 02:25 AM EST A researcher studying 92 eight-year-olds in Sweden was surprised to find that those whose diet included whole milk had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who drank skim milk. The researcher suggested two reasons in the unpublished study for the unexpected results: children who drank whole milk might also eat fewer high-calorie snacks and sweet drinks; or, their eating habits might just be generally healthier. The U.K.’s NHS Knowledge Service said more research is necessary and “people should not give their children full-fat milk to reduce their BMI on the basis of this research.” Susanne Eriksson, "Studies on nutrition, body composition and bone mineralization in healthy 8-yr-olds", Ph.D. thesis (not yet published), September 30, 2009, © Göteborgs University (Sweden)

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Women Overweight At 50 Have Much Greater Chance Of Unhealthy Old Age September 29, 2009: 11:13 AM EST A study of 17,000 U.S. women who lived at least to age 70 found that being overweight at age 50 correlated with a greater chance of health problems later in life, including multiple chronic diseases, and impaired cognitive function, physical function and mental health. The study found that obese women (with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) at age 50 had a 79 percent lower chance of healthy survival than lean women. Women who were overweight at age 18 and gained more than 22 pounds by mid-life had the worst odds of healthy survival. Qi Sun, Mary K. Townsend, et al., "Adiposity and weight change in mid-life in relation to healthy survival after age 70 in women: prospective cohort study", British Medical Journal, September 29, 2009, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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Blood Tests For Cholesterol Levels Give Women More Heart Disease Treatment Options September 28, 2009: 01:37 PM EST With heart disease now the leading cause of death in American women, experts are urging them to get the appropriate blood tests to determine “good” and “bad” cholesterol levels. As reported by CNN, early awareness of levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL, the “good” cholesterol) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) gives women better options than open heart surgery for dealing with heart disease. These options can include weight control, eating a healthier diet (i.e., fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy), getting more exercise, and taking medication. Val Willingham, CNN Medical Producer, "Knowing cholesterol numbers could ward off heart disease", CNN, September 28, 2009, © Cable News Network

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Scientists Find 'Modestly Increased' Risk Of Death From Gluten-Induced Disease September 16, 2009: 11:53 AM EST A new study in Sweden has found that celiac disease, an intestine-damaging ailment that restricts intake of nutrients, is associated with a higher risk of mortality, perhaps because of that nutrient restriction. The authors found that those with small intestine inflammation who had not been diagnosed with celiac disease likely had a worse prognosis because following a gluten-free diet often normalizes the condition. Compared to a control group the study found that patients with inflammation had a 72 percent increased risk of death; patients with celiac disease had a 39 percent increased risk. Celiac disease is induced by exposure to the wheat protein gluten. Because the disease often occurs with other disorders that assault the immune system, such as diabetes and arthritis, it can go undiagnosed and untreated, according to the study reported by Agence France-Presse. "The study … reinforces the importance of celiac disease as a diagnosis that should be sought by physicians,” says an American expert. Jonas Ludvigsson, Scott Montgomery, Anders Ekbom, Lena Brandt, Fredrik Granath, "Small-Intestinal Histopathology and Mortality Risk in Celiac Disease", The Journal of the American Medical Association, September 16, 2009, © American Medical Association

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Clinical Study Finds Melon Juice Concentrate May Reduce Stress Symptoms September 15, 2009: 01:03 PM EST A clinical study conducted in France has found that a daily dose of melon juice concentrate rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD) seems to have reduced the symptoms of stress and fatigue in healthy subjects. Scientists tested 70 people, ages 30 to 55, using the concentrate Extramel and a placebo. Four psychometric scales were used to measure stress and fatigue. However, the scientists seem not to have been convinced totally by the results. According to the abstract of the Nutrition Journal article, “a proprietary melon juice concentrate rich in SOD may have a positive effect” on stress and fatigue symptoms. Marie-Anne Milesi, Dominique Lacan, Herve Brosse, Didier Desor and Claire Notin, "Effect of an oral supplementation with a proprietary melon juice concentrate (Extramel) on stress and fatigue in healthy people: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial", Nutrition Journal 2009, September 15, 2009, © BioMed Central Ltd.

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Funktional’s “Red Stuff” Pitched As Hybrid Energy and Appetite Control Beverage September 15, 2009: 11:41 AM EST Texas-based Funktional Beverages, which a year ago introduced a purple-colored relaxation/anti-anxiety drink, has unveiled a red-colored hybrid that promises to suppress the appetite, while boosting energy and metabolism. According to the company, Red Stuff contains a unique fiber that expands 200 times its normal size when it hits the stomach, inducing a feeling of fullness that controls the appetite. The drink also contains vitamins, L-theanine, and “other ingredients,” the company says, adding that the fiber, dubbed LuraLean, has been clinically tested, tolerates high temperatures and is all natural. "Funktional Beverages, Inc. Creates a Weight Management Sports Drink", PR Newswire, September 15, 2009, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Signals From Fat May Be Telling Body Cells To Ignore Appetite Suppressors September 14, 2009: 08:55 AM EST Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have found in a rat study that fat, notably the saturated fat palmitic acid in dairy products and beef, may send messages to the body’s cells telling them to ignore the normal appetite-suppressant signals of leptin and insulin. The scientists believe saturated fat actually lowers the body’s own natural defenses against overeating. The results may strengthen the case that consumers reduce sat fat content in their diets, and that producers reformulate food products with less saturated fat. Their findings were reported in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Christopher Kemp, Stephen Benoit et al, "Palmitic acid mediates hypothalamic insulin resistance by altering PKC-? subcellular localization in rodents", The Journal of Clinical Investigation, September 14, 2009, © American Society for Clinical Investigation

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Researchers Taking A Closer Look At Potential Health Benefits Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids September 14, 2009: 02:26 AM EST Already proven to cut the risk of heart disease, the unsaturated fatty acids known as omega 3s, found in some fish and seeds, and sold as supplements, are being examined by scientists in several countries to uncover possible beneficial effects on other ailments. While research into heart-related benefits of omega 3s continues, scientists are also exploring potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and coronary artery disease. According to this Wall Street Journal article, omega 3s are also being tested for their ability to reduce harmful triglyceride levels, a contributory factor in heart disease. Jeanne Whalen, "Probing Health Benefits From Eating Omega 3s", Wall Street Journal, September 14, 2009, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Health Researchers Continue To Shed Light On The Benefits Of Natural Compounds In Grapes September 1, 2009: 01:02 PM EST Grapes and grape products like raisins, juice, and wine, all contain natural compounds that researchers are studying for their potential beneficial health effects. According to a coalition of growers, processors, wineries, and academics, an increasing amount of scientific evidence suggests that grapes and grape products could have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, cognitive function in the elderly, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and dental health. In a press release to highlight the study, Jean-Mari Peltier, President of the National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI) said "The interest in grapes and health is very strong and there is no doubt that research in this area will continue at full force". John Pezzuto, Venkat Venkatasubramanian, Mazen Hamad and Kenneth Morris, "Unraveling the Relationship between Grapes and Health", Journal of Nutrition, September 01, 2009, © American Society for Nutrition

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Reducing Dietary Salt Intake Would Save Billions In U.S. Medical Costs - Study September 1, 2009: 12:35 PM EST A recent RAND Corporation study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion suggests that "large benefits to society may result from efforts to lower sodium consumption on a population level by modest amounts over time". Adults in the U.S. on average consume nearly twice the recommended maximum of dietary sodium, most of it from processed foods and high sodium consumption often contributes to hypertension and related complications such as heart and kidney disease. Reading food packages and having lower-sodium alternatives in their diet could help Americans cut salt intake to healthier levels. The study estimates that if Americans were able to lower sodium intake to a healthy 2,300 mg per day, the cost of treatment for blood pressure and related disorders would drop by $18 billion. The saving would be $26 billion if average daily sodium intake decreased to 1,500 mg. Kartika Palar, Roland Sturm, "Potential Societal Savings From Reduced Sodium Consumption in the U.S. Adult Population", American Journal of Health Promotion, September 01, 2009, © American Journal of Health Promotion, Inc.

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Marketers See Coconut Water As Next Big Trend In The Drinks Business August 27, 2009: 06:46 PM EST Drink makers large and small are revving up their marketing engines for what may be the next big trend: coconut water. The product, already a big hit in Brazil and grabbing attention in the United States, thanks to athletes and celebrities, is low in calories and high in potassium, making it a healthy, natural drink choice, experts say. Small companies like Zico and O.N.E World Enterprises have the early lead among the athletic crowd, but Pepsi and Coca-Cola are expected to broaden the pitch to the average consumer in the near future, either new brands or acquisitions they can roll through their distribution systems. Suzanne Vranica, "Coconut Water Bubbles", Wall Street Journal, August 27, 2009, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Foods Do Help Keep The Weight Off, Study Finds August 25, 2009: 11:38 AM EST Food and beverage manufacturers should be encouraged by the results of a new study showing that people who had shed pounds were able to maintain the loss by eating low-fat foods and artificially-sweetened drinks. The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, compared normal weight people with weight-loss maintainers who had dropped at least 10 percent of their flab and kept it off for at least 12 years. Both groups had similar body mass indexes. “Ways to promote the use of fat-modified foods and artificial sweeteners merits further research,” one of the researchers said. Stephen Daniells, "Low calorie drinks and low-fat foods effective for weight loss", Food Navigator, August 25, 2009, © Decision News Media SAS

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Obesity Leads To Brain Shriveling, Study Finds August 25, 2009: 11:53 AM EST Add brain shrinkage to the list of negative effects of obesity, a new study says. It’s common knowledge that overweight and obese people, whose diet often includes too much processed food, suffer more from cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Now scientists have found that the brains of fat people are eight percent smaller than those of normal weight people, putting them at risk for several neurological disorders. "The brains of obese people looked 16 years older than the brains of those who were lean, " a study author says. , "Obese People Have 'Severe Brain Degeneration'", LiveScience, August 25, 2009, © Imaginova Corp.

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Careful Diet, Weight Loss, Help Control An Unruly Immune System August 17, 2009: 02:36 AM EST Adjusting one’s diet to include, or avoid, certain foods might reduce the chances of damaging inflammation and the risk of diseases triggered by inflammation, scientists are finding. An anti-inflammatory diet would include vegetables, whole grains, nuts, oily fish, ginger, turmeric, and blueberries. At the same time, the diet would avoid certain inflammatory foods: saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, sugars, etc. But in the end, some scientists suggest, the simplest way to quiet a haywire immune system is to eat healthy and keep the weight off. "If you lose weight, inflammation is dramatically improved," an obesity specialist says. Shara Yurkiewicz, "Battling inflammation through food", Los Angeles Times, August 17, 2009, © The Los Angeles Times

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“Smart Choices” Food Labeling Program Aims To Reassure Nutrition-Conscious Consumers August 5, 2009: 11:41 AM EST Consumers now have a quick and easy way to tell whether a packaged food or beverage contains nutritional ingredients like vitamins and minerals, and/or avoids unhealthy stuff like trans fat. Developed by nutritionists, scientists, consumer groups, and food manufacturers, the authoritative Smart Choices Program has certified more than 500 products from companies like Kraft, ConAgra, Unilever, and Kellogg. Food shoppers need only look for the “green check” logo to tell if a product meets science-based Smart Choices nutritional guidelines. The program is administered by the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and NSF International. "Smart Choices Program helps shoppers identify food and beverage choices", Reuters.com, August 05, 2009, via American Society for Nutrition, © Business Wire

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Too Many Nutritional Myths Guide Consumer Food Choices July 28, 2009: 11:18 AM EST Consumers trying to eat healthy or lose weight often purchase foods based on well-entrenched myths, according to nutritionists. Fat, for example, is often avoided, though it helps in digestion of various nutrients. Food supplements like fish oil and vitamins remain hugely popular. But people often believe, mistakenly, that larger quantities mean better health. And a single daily multivitamin may be more cost-effective and beneficial than fortified foods. Other myths shattered: snacking isn’t always bad, avoiding breakfast doesn’t cut calories, and sports drinks are only occasionally helpful. Bottom line, nutritionists tell consumers: eat vegetables. LAUREN COX, "No-Fat Meals and Other Diet Mistakes", ABC News Medical Unit, July 28, 2009, © ABC News Internet Ventures

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Probiotics Experts Caution Consumers: Study The Product Labels July 28, 2009: 10:35 AM EST As food manufacturers add live bacteria, or probiotics, to more products to promote intestinal health, experts are warning consumers to pay close attention to labels to make sure they're getting what they expect: there may be little agreement on what probiotics are, and even less understanding of what health benefits they offer. But experts suggest that, at the very least, consumers study labels to make sure products have been tested for health benefits, have live cultures and the right amount of microbes, and show the genus, species, and strain of the probiotic. Julie Deardorff , "Are Probiotics Friendly?", Tribune newspapers, July 28, 2009, © Chicago Tribune

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Six-Decade UK Study Of Dairy Consumption Raises More Questions Than Answers July 27, 2009: 08:47 AM EST A UK dietary study begun in 1937 and continued through 2005 found an apparent link between childhood dairy consumption and a healthy adulthood. Data indicated that kids who ate dairy foods lived longer and avoided strokes. But experts said it’s difficult to say drinking milk was the actual cause. Families who ate a lot of dairy products tended to be more well off economically than those who didn’t, for example, and also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. “I would be wary about saying [longevity] was due to milk consumption," a nutrition expert said. Steven Reinberg, "More Dairy, Calcium in Childhood Could Mean Longer Life", Health Day, July 27, 2009, © ScoutNews, LLC

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White Bread, Cornflakes Take Their Toll On Artery Walls, And On The Heart July 27, 2009: 08:39 AM EST Researchers using a new measuring technique have found that high glycemic foods like white bread and corn flakes damage arterial walls, leading ultimately to problems with the heart. It turns out, such foods, which also include French fries and sugary sodas, quickly boost blood sugar levels. That sugar spike causes a dysfunction of the inner layer of cells in arteries. Over time, arteries lose elasticity, a risk factor foreshadowing heart disease and lethal heart attack. "We knew high glycemic foods were bad for the heart,” said a researcher. “Now we have a mechanism that shows how." S. L. Baker, "High Glycemic Foods Damage Arteries", Natural News, July 27, 2009, © Natural News Network

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Fish Really Is Brain Food, And The More The Healthier July 21, 2009: 10:46 AM EST An “observational” study of nearly 15,000 elderly people (i.e., 65 and older) in Asia, South Asia and several South American and Caribbean countries found that those who ate a daily diet of oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids were a lot less likely to develop dementia than those who ate fish less frequently. The risk was reduced by 20 percent, scientists found. But woe to those who ate no fish at all. They were 20 percent more likely than irregular fish eaters to develop dementia. The researchers said their findings, gathered through door-to-door interviews, would be bolstered scientifically by controlled clinical trials. Roni Caryn Rabin, "Large Study Points to the Brain Benefits of Eating Fish", BlueCross BlueShield, July 21, 2009, © Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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New Weight Control Drug Leaps First FDA Hurdle July 21, 2009: 09:31 AM EST A new diet pill that works by suppressing food cravings in the brain has cleared the first FDA approval hurdle by proving to be effective in a clinical trial involving nearly 3,000 people. The drug also needs to be proven safe to win full FDA clearance. Trial participants who took Contrave from Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. for a year lost an average of 17 pounds, eight times the loss experienced by those who took a placebo. While some experts said controlling cravings at the brain level is the wave of the future, others felt it is the wrong way to control weight. LAUREN COX, "New Diet Drug Attacks Craving Center", ABC News Medical Unit, July 21, 2009, © ABC News Internet Ventures

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Experts Warn Consumers: “Probiotics” Isn’t A Well-Defined Term Yet July 3, 2009: 08:42 AM EST Scientists do agree generally that foods like yogurt containing probiotics – the so-called “good bacteria” – have a beneficial effect on the digestive and immune systems. That has led food makers to begin adding probiotics in a wider array of foods, including granola bars, fruit juices, and baby formula. But food industry and other experts warn that the term “probiotics” is bandied about somewhat carelessly by manufacturers. Consumers need to read labels closely to see what they’re buying. Even a Dannon yogurt spokesman acknowledges: “We see a lot of confusion.” Julie Deardorff, "Just how friendly are those probiotics in your food?", The Seattle Times, July 03, 2009, via Chicago Tribune, © The Seattle Times Company

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Nuts Linked to Lower Rates of Heart Problems in Women with Type 2 Diabetes June 26, 2009: 11:09 AM EST Frequent nut and peanut butter consumption could help women with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of heart problems, according to a research study based on the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, carried out by Tricia Li and colleagues of Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health. The researchers found that eating more nuts was associated with higher levels of physical activity and lower smoking rates, and with higher intakes of polyunsaturated fat, red meat, fruits and vegetables, and total energy. Women who ate five or more servings of nuts a week had a 44 percent decreased risk of a cardiovascular disease event or heart attack compared to women who “almost never” consumed them. "Peanut butter 'good for the heart'", NHS Choices, June 26, 2009, © American Society for Nutrition

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