Indian authority bans ‘new drugs’, including nutra formulations
India drug control authority has issued a notice recently banning ‘new drugs’ - including nutraceutical formulations - that have not yet received approval but are circulating in the market.
Some examples of these “new drugs” containing nutraceuticals involved the combinations of probiotics and antibiotics, as well as the combination of omega-3, botanicals and minerals.
In India, “new drugs” or “fixed dose combination” drugs contain one or more active ingredients used for a particular indication(s).
Post-meal blood glucose levels affect sleep quality - Nestle study
Post-meal blood glucose levels can directly affect sleep quality, said a new set of study findings from Nestle.
Writing in the European Journal of Nutrition, the researchers from National University of Singapore, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Nestle reported that managing post-meal blood glucose spike could be a novel approach to improving sleep.
This is because their findings have shown that a lower post-meal blood glucose spike could significantly shorten the amount of time needed to fall asleep.
Haleon replicates China VMS success in the Philippines and Korea
Haleon has revealed how it is replicating features of its successful Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) business model in China to other markets, including The Philippines and South Korea.
For example, it is introducing a program similar to Bone Up China in The Philippines, as it seeks to expand the market presence of its calcium supplement brand Caltrate, said Haleon’s APAC president Keith Choy.
In contrast to China where the focus has been largely on the ageing population, a key target audience in The Philippines would be pregnant women, as they are also a group that requires calcium and bone support.
Indian start-up debuts low-carb meal replacement for pre-diabetics
Indian nutraceutical start-up Zantus Lifesciences LLP, co-founded by a former Abbott Nutrition executive, has launched low-carb meal replacement powders designed for pre-diabetics.
The objective of the meal replacement powder branded Reducarb is to decrease total daily carbohydrate contribution from approximately 70 per cent to 55 per cent.
Blackmores Q1 sales up but profit dragged down by rising raw material costs
Blackmores Q1 sales had increased by 7.7 per year-on-year, but profits were dragged down by rising raw material costs, says parent company Kirin Holdings in its Q1 FY25 results.
Blackmores saw an increase in revenue in all its major markets during the quarter.
The biggest growth came from the South East Asian and South Korean markets, where revenue climbed 15.9 per cent from AUD$36 million (US$23.1m) to AUD$42 million (US$26.9m).
Aussie firm creates ‘dairy, vegan-friendly’ protein; eyes sports and GLP-1 users
The best of both worlds? An Australian firm said it has developed a plant-based protein that mimics the advantages of whey, while bypassing concerns around dairy allergies and intolerance.
Launched late last year, the protein trademarked NiHPRO is a hydrolysed protein isolate.
It is made using three key ingredients, pea protein, rice protein, and essential amino acids. No dairy is used, which makes the protein vegan-friendly, according to the firm.
Vit D supplementation shown to play key role in post-surgical muscle recovery – review
A study in Singapore has highlighted the role of tailored vitamin D supplementation as a pre- and post-surgery intervention to support muscle recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
Writing in Nutrients, the study found that vitamin D supplementation, particularly high-dose regimens administered preoperatively or early postoperatively, has significantly improved muscle strength and functional outcomes in orthopaedic surgeries.
These include hip and knee replacements, as well as bariatric surgeries.
Taiwan’s best-selling e-commerce vitamin brands revealed
E-commerce firm Coupang has revealed Taiwan’s best-selling vitamin brands for the first time.
This is against the back of rising consumer interest in healthier and functional products.
According to the firm, Japan’s DHC, GSK, local brands FB Shop (台塑生醫), Daiken Biomedical (大研生醫), and Sentosa (三多) were the top five best-performing brands in Q1 this year.
Vietnam to tighten food inspection and self-declaration amid fake milk saga
Manufacturers of functional foods in Vietnam can expect more surprise inspections and tighter product registration processed, as the government seeks to clamp down rising cases of food fraud.
This was announced by Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen in a national conference held on May 7.
The conference was aimed at discussing methods in strengthening the regulatory compliance of pharmaceuticals and food safety, in response of recent high profile cases of illegal milk production ring and sale of counterfeits nutritional products.
Suntory yields favourable findings for first meal replacement product
Suntory has released its first set of trial findings on its first meal replacement product, with significant body weight and body mass index (BMI) reduction reported.
The product studied is a cocoa-flavoured meal replacement powder containing dairy and soy protein, as well as dietary fibre as the key ingredients.
It is the first meal replacement product from Suntory as it seeks to grow its wellness business.