Nutrition

Vitamin K2: Study unlocks which forms have higher bioavailability

Consuming vitamin K2 in its MK-7 form is better for raising levels of the vitamin in serum than K2 in the MK-4 form, says a new study from Japan and...

Malnutrition still rife in N Korea in spite of increased crop yield

North Korea might have seen its second increase in staple food production in as many year, but nearly 3m of its population are still undernourished, according to UN figures.

Probiotics may ease eczema for children: RCT data

Daily supplements of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 may improve eczema in children, says a new study from South Korea.

Curcumin may match exercise for heart health benefits: RCT data

Daily supplements of curcumin may benefit cardiovascular health to the same extent as exercise for postmenopausal women, says new data from a clinical trial from Japan.

New vegetable range serves the health conscious in Oceania

A joint research effort by institutes in New Zealand and Australia has led to the development of a new range of packaged vegetables that is said to help shoppers understand...

Market focus

Weightloss industry dragged down by unsubstantiated claims

Last week’s launch of global weightloss major Rapid Nutrition into India saw claims that the company’s Leisa’s Secret scientific programme will be the first of its kind in the country....

73% of Australian mothers buy food supplements

Almost three quarters of Australian expectant mothers (73%) purchase food supplements, according to Roy Morgan research.

Firm eyeing India’s 'first scientific weight loss programme'

An Australian natural nutrition company has announced plans to invest INR100cr in an Indian manufacturing and sales operation to provide, it claims, the country's only scientific weight loss programme.

Charity calls on Indian producers to help in malnutrition fight

Food producers and manufacturers are the “natural allies” of charities in the fight against child malnutrition in India, according to the leader of an international humanitarian major.

Research looks at how omega-3 can spur sustainable aquaculture

A new research project by an Australian university is investigating whether the global increase in popularity of omega-3 can be delinked from damage to fish stocks.

'Chinese demand for infant foods driving innovation'

China is setting the regional benchmark for innovation in premium infant foods, according to Enzymotec, the Israel-based lipids-maker.

China approves use of ginseng in food products

Chinese authorities have given a green light for the use of ginseng in food products, a move that is being viewed positively by the plant’s growers. 

Booming Indian nutraceutical market boosts ingredient players

The Indian nutraceuticals market is driving growth for food ingredient players, thanks to growing health awareness and one unlikely sporting extravaganza.

Researchers uncover how green tea compound boosts brain function

The green tea compound epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) provides benefits to memory and special learning by boosting the production of important neural cells, say researchers from China.

Ripe Australian supplements sector drives distribution deal

High usage of supplements across Australia has prompted local firm Lipa Pharmaceuticals to strike a distribution deal for a botanical extract manufactured in India.

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol damaging: Study

Young Australians who mix their alcohol with energy drinks may be getting more than the heady cocktail that they bargained for, a new study has suggested.

Curcumin linked to reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Consumption of Asia’s popular spice extract curcumin has been linked to a reduced risk in the development of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and improved beta-cell function in a new Thai...

Dark chocolate could reduce heart disease risk, says study

Cocoa compounds found in dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure in the short term and could help guard against cardiovascular disease, according to a recently released study.

Oz cereal makers form regulation-facing alliance

The top Australian food industry body has formed an alliance of the country’s cereal makers with an eye on health and nutrition regulations for the growing industry.

Study questions iodine status of NZ kids

The iodine status of children in New Zealand has been improved with the mandatory use of iodised salt in commercial bread since 2009, but many remain mildly deficient in this...

Micronutrient powder can battle infant anaemia: Study

Mixing micronutrient powder into infants’ complementary food reduces rates of anaemia more effectively than nutrition education alone, a new study has concluded.

Breastfed infants more likely to develop nut allergy: Study

Australian children breast fed in the first six months of life are at an increased risk of developing a parent-reported nut allergy, a study has found.

Yakult ups production in ‘promising’ China

Japanese probiotics hulk Yakult is driving up production of its iconic fermented milk drink at its Tianjin facility in China amid ‘promising’ growth opportunities.

Food labelling needs a fix in India, says expert

Indian food labelling regulations need a sweeping review if products are to provide valuable information, a food industry experts has said.