Antioxidants/carotenoids

An egg a day could keep confectionery cravings away: Kewpie-backed study

26-Feb-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Eating an egg a day at breakfast led to trial participants consuming less confectionery and adhering to a more healthy overall diet.

Pearl powder may have anti-ageing treatment potential: Taiwanese study

26-Feb-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Pearl powder might have potential as treatment for a variety of age-related degenerative disorders, according to researchers in Taiwan.

Cardax's synthetic astaxanthin supplement ZanthoSyn expands to China

19-Feb-2018 By Adi Menayang

Astanxanthin specialist Cardax announced over the weekend that it has inked a deal to distribute its finished product ZanthoSyn in China.

Healthy Ageing APAC Summit: The biggest food and nutrition opportunities to be revealed at Singapore event

30-Jan-2018 By Gary Scattergood

NutraIngredients-Asia and FoodNavigator-Asia are bringing together business leaders, policymakers and academics to debate how industry can meet the food and nutritional challenges brought about by Asia-Pacific's rapidly ageing population.

News in brief

AstaReal bolsters quality positioning with USP seal

26-Jan-2018 By Hank Schultz

Supplier AstaReal has taken another step in trying to differentiate itself within the astaxanthin category by announcing it has achieved USP Ingredient Verification on its ingredient.

Vitamin D deficiency may increase metabolic syndrome risk after menopause: Indian population study

15-Jan-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Vitamin D deficiency could lead to a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome among postmenopausal women, according to a recent study in India.

Most popular supplements for Saudi women revealed as study shows increased use

15-Jan-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Dietary supplement usage has increased significantly among women in Saudi Arabia over the last two decades, say researchers in the country.

Mediterranean diet could inspire functional food development to tackle type 2 diabetes: Review

05-Jan-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Components of the Mediterranean diet could provide a multi-component model for functional foods to combat type 2 diabetes, according to a recent review.

Vitamins may not help improve IVF pregnancy rate despite importance in reproductive physiology

15-Dec-2017 By Cheryl Tay

There is no clinical evidence to show that the antioxidant properties of vitamins D and E help to improve the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), despite a better pregnancy rate in a treatment group supplemented with the vitamins.

Mushrooms may improve health via gut microbiota activation: Review

23-Nov-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Edible mushrooms could promote health benefits by activating gut microbiota, according to a recent review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Vitamins C and D may lower rheumatoid arthritis patients' gum disease risk: Taiwan study

17-Nov-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Vitamin C intake and higher serum vitamin D levels could help to lower the risk of gingival disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to a Taiwanese study.

That's nuts! Peanut butter boosts vitamin A value of kale

13-Nov-2017 By Cheryl Tay

The vitamin A value of hipster 'superfood' kale van be boosted by an unlikely addition — peanut butter.

Grasping the nettle: Iranian plants have anti-diabetes potential, say researchers

08-Nov-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Several species of medicinal plants can be used in developing anti-diabetes drugs with limited side effects, according to Iranian researchers.

Antioxidants could help reduce heart disease risk in haemodialysis patients

24-Oct-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Greater antioxidant and B-vitamin intake could lower the risk of heart disease in haemodialysis patients, according to an Iranian study.

GTP supplementation may help combat heart disease: Chinese study

11-Oct-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Green tea polyphenol (GTP) supplementation can fight atherogenesis, a disorder of the artery wall, according to a study led by Xinxiang Medical University.

Astaxanthin displays protective effects against tubular injury in kidneys: Japan study

27-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Chemically modified astaxanthin (Ax-C-8) protects the kidneys against iron-induced tubular injury, according to Japanese researchers.

Vitafoods Asia 2017

WATCH - AstaReal's Singapore boss on its latest sports, skincare and delivery system developments

26-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Recent clinical findings on the sports nutrition and skincare benefits of astaxanthin, as well as new delivery systems for products aimed at older consumers, are helping fuel growth for AstaReal across the region, according to its Singapore president.

Steroid-free asthma hope? Vitamin E holds anti-inflammation promise: Human Trial

21-Sep-2017 By Kacey Culliney

The γ-Tocopherol isoform of vitamin E can reduce typical inflammatory features of asthma and could be a future steroid-free option for sufferers, say researchers.

FI Asia 2017

The four key health concerns driving Chinese consumers to spend more on functional foods

14-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Demand for functional food and drink has shot up in APAC, particularly in China, where 80% of the population claims to want to make their diets more healthy. And four key health concerns are driving sales.

Astaxanthin supplementation offers anti-ageing skincare potential: AstaReal study

07-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

A trial conducted by Japanese nutraceutical firm AstaReal has concluded that the company’s natural astaxanthin possess anti-ageing skincare benefits.

Wild mushroom species exhibits functional food, commercial potential: Pakistani study

06-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Extracts from a species of wild mushroom could serve as a safe and nutritious functional food, according to a recent Pakistani study.

Probiotic supplementation heightens breast milk antioxidant levels: RCT

04-Sep-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Lactobacillus supplementation increases antioxidant levels in human breast milk, a new RCT has concluded.

Vitamin E deficiency may lead to increased colorectal cancer risk: Chinese meta-analysis

28-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Vitamin E deficiency might be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to a Chinese systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fermented functional food, Xeniji, increases immunity: Malaysian mouse study

28-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Xeniji, a functional food comprising a variety of fermented ingredients, can boost antioxidant levels and immunity, according to a Malaysian mouse study.

Glucoraphanin shows preventive effects against obesity and type 2 diabetes

25-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Supplementation with glucoraphanin — an antioxidant found in broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard — could help prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as obesity-related metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a study by Kanazawa...

Evergreen oak bark extract aids kidney stone treatment: South Korean study

24-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Extract from the bark of an evergreen oak species that grows in certain Asian countries could be used to treat inflammation, as well as kidney and bladder stones, a South Korean study has found.

Supplements inferior to prescription drug in treating chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity

23-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

A combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals commonly used to treat chemotherapy-induced chronic neurotoxicity (CICNT) has been deemed less effective than a pharmaceutical alternative.

Lack of antioxidants increases obesity risk in sleep-deprived men: Korean study

22-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Low dietary antioxidant intake — coupled with insufficient sleep — could lead to an increased risk of obesity in men, a Korean study has found.

Bamboo shoots hold ‘great promise’ as health food and economic driver: Indian study

18-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Bamboo shoots hold great nutritive and economic potential for Northeast India, according to an article by Bodoland University and the Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women.

Skate cartilage extract found to have protective effects against liver damage: South Korean study

16-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Cartilage extracted from the skate fish can protect against liver damage, according to a recent South Korean study.

No link between vitamin and antioxidant intake and asthma status: Japan RCT

11-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Researchers in Japan have reported that they did not find a link between antioxidant vitamin levels and reduced oxidative stress in a small study of asthma patients conducted by a team at Tottori University.

Sabinsa takes lead to establish Global Curcumin Association

09-Aug-2017 By Hank Schultz

Major curcuminoids supplier Sabinsa has taken a step it hopes will help protect the entire category by becoming the founding board member of the Global Curcumin Association.

Melanin from cuttlefish ink can positively affect gut microbiota: China study

09-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Melanin in ink from the most commonly consumed cuttlefish in China can become a powerful functional food component and potential therapeutic aid for manipulating the gut microbiota, according to a new study.

Flavonoid-packed orange peel extract protects intestines against alcohol-induced damage

08-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

A superior from of orange peel extract from Xinhui, China — called nchenpi — could help to prevent alcohol-induced intestinal dysfunction, a new study has found.

Traditional Korean herb combination can counter prostate inflammation

07-Aug-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Ojayeonjonghwan (OJ), a traditional Korean combination of herbs and botanicals, has a positive effect on prostatitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, according to a recent South Korean study.

Lemon juice protects against alcohol-induced liver damage: Study

21-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Lemon juice could prevent and treat liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption, according to a recent Chinese study.

Coffee consumption a counter to sarcopenia in elderly men: Korean study

19-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Consuming at least three cups of coffee a day could lower the risk of elderly men developing sarcopenia, according to a Korean study.

Higher dietary vitamin E intake can reduce lung cancer risk: Chinese meta-analysis

12-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Increased dietary vitamin E intake could help to lower the risk of lung cancer, according to a Chinese meta-analysis, but the association appears more significant for Americans and Europeans than for Asians.

Eye health and vitamins: Supplement intake ‘can increase degeneration’, review reveals

10-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Scientists have cautioned that antioxidant consumption in supplement form is not as effective as a nutrient-rich diet to improve eye diseases, with some evidence suggesting they can actually worsen existing conditions.

Supplements in Singapore: What’s hot and what’s not as sales rise in the City State

20-Jun-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Supplements sales in Singapore rose 4% to $574m by the end of last year, amid growing health concerns and increasing consumer spending.

Cinnamon’s potential anti-obesity benefits underlined by new study

20-Jun-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Cinnamon polyphenol can help tackle obesity and manage hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia, a new study on rats which were fed a high-fat diet reveals.

Sea buckthorn oil extract helps alleviate type 2 diabetes insulin resistance: Study

14-Jun-2017 By Staff Reporter

The palmitoleic acid from sea buckthorn fruit oil can play a positive role in reducing type 2 diabetes symptoms, according to new in vivo and in vitro studies. 

Chinese red dates: Ultrasonic power and microwave extraction boosts functionality

13-Jun-2017 By Staff Reporter

Polysaccharides from Chinese red dates can provide a host of functional benefits, but certain extraction methods can boost their yields, a review reveals.

New Zealand natural ingredients to be ‘fast-tracked’ to international launch

30-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

A new collaboration between ingredient supplier Anagenix and Plant & Food Research will see products based on New Zealand science fast-tracked to the international market.

Low levels of carotenoids linked to Parkinson’s disease risk and progression: RCT

26-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Low levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene contributed to increased risk and progression of Parkinson’s disease, a new study reports.

Ingredient Identity helps Indian firm expand in North and South America

19-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

Consulting firm Ingredient Identity is working with Bio-gen Extracts, an Indian ingredients supplier, to aid that company’s expansion into the United States and other global markets.

Supplement brands clamour to meet demand for health and convenience in Australia, NZ with NPD boom

17-May-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Innovation is booming in Australia and New Zealand’s vitamins and dietary supplements sector with companies rolling out scores of new products over the past five years, according to new research.

Antioxidant-rich grape powder protects brain from damage caused by high fat and high sugar diets: Study

17-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Antioxidants from grape powder helped ease hyperglycaemia-related cognitive dysfunction in aged rats, a study discovered.

Probiotic proliferation: Australian and New Zealand consumers increasingly open to new health benefits

16-May-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Australian and New Zealand probiotic product launches have rocketed by 200% in the past three years, with immunity claims becoming widely accepted by consumers alongside traditional gut health benefits.

Cinnamic acid and diabetes: Clinical studies needed to assess bioavailability concerns

02-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Cinnamic acid’s potential for diabetes management has been highlighted in a new review, but concerns over bioavailability are still hindering its use in nutraceuticals.