Researchers have demonstrated a significant association between a seafood and noodle-based dietary pattern and the reduced likelihood of gestational diabetes.
The demand for ‘clean label’ products, especially in North America and Europe, is continuing to affect consumers’ acceptance of fortified foods, meaning manufacturers should focus their efforts on Asia, Latin America and Africa.
There is an urgent need for more research on infant nutrition that is centred on South East Asia, with the vast majority of published studies focusing on the western world, a new paper states.
Only two countries out of the 19 being monitored in Asia-Pacific will meet the UN’s second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving zero hunger by 2030 if prevalence of undernourishment rates (PoU) continue to reduce at 2010-15 rates.
A novel combination of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides could significantly improve absorption of certain minerals, according to new research in rats.
Nutrition has the power to make or break the vast majority of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – but not enough nutrition or food firms are pledging to help solve the problems of hunger, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Danone’s Milupa Nutricia has signed a deal with online retailer windeln.de to better distribute its Aptamil infant formula brand in China as it seeks to thwart the booming grey market.
The benefits of alpha-lacalbumin in providing effective protein in infant formula, and its role in increasing brain serotonin concentrations, were two of the academic highlights presented at the Alpha Summit in Singapore.
A new low-cost test to measure early-stage infant malnutrition that is suitable for use in areas with limited electricity and little health expertise has been developed by University of Sydney researchers.
Better protection of intellectual property and a period of market exclusivity for innovative products would help improve research and development in Australia, claims trade body Complementary Medicines Australia.
China has provided one of the few positive notes in Mead Johnson’s quarterly results, with bosses hailing “substantial progress” in the country, despite conceding that global growth would be slower than planned.
A dose of dextrose gel rubbed inside a newborn baby’s mouth an hour after birth can lower their risk of developing neonatal hypoglycaemia, according to a new randomised study.
A joint venture between Blackmores and Bega Cheese to supply infant formula across APAC - and in particular China - has missed its sales targets, hitting Bega’s financial performance.
By Natasha Flynn, business development manager, HealthDirection
With more than 30,000 businesses generating sales of over A$4bn (US$3.1bn), the Australian complementary medicines industry has created a highly competitive landscape.
There is concern about the considerable variance in the recommended consumption levels of infant formula and follow-on formula in Asia and questions over the amount of protein they are required to contain, an international conference has heard.
Asia’s functional foods and supplements industry needs to stop making unfounded health claims, while also better educating policy makers about the sound science behind its reputable products.
The use of a modified alginate and hi-maize starch encapsulation technique could help to increase the survival rate of probiotics, say Thai researchers.
The United Nations health agency has called for a whole-of-society approach to address the double burden of malnutrition which affects populations across southeast Asia, particularly women and girls.
New Zealand’s a2 Milk Company has signalled its intention to branch out from infant formula into a broader range of dairy-based nutritional products – with the burgeoning China market very much in its sights.
Sales at Chinese infant nutrition firm Biostime dropped by 14% in the first half of 2016 to RMB1.46bn (US$220m), with the Biostime brand – which accounts for 86% of the company’s sales – down 5.4% and the value brand Adimil down 65.7%.
Australian women are well aware that folic acid (PFS) and iodine (IS) are recommended supplements to take during pregnancy, but only a quarter of them adhere to the recommendations, scientists report.
Trying to tackle obesity in women when they become pregnant is usually “too little too late”, according to two authors from the University of Sydney and Charles Perkins Centre.
Fish sauce fortified with thiamine could help fight cases of beriberi in Southeast Asia – a public health concern caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.
A multi-sector approach is needed to improve the ‘complex’ relationship between agricultural practices and nutrition status in South Asia, finds Gates Foundation research.
The use of diet and functional foods to alter the microbiota and impact the gut-brain axis could be a promising strategy for people with autism spectrum disorder, say researchers.
A renewed focus on multiple short term and long term strategies is needed to battle the high prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia in South East Asia, research warns.
Spanish probiotics, omega-3 and extracts supplier Biosearch Life has been given approval for the sale of its Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 LC40 probiotic strain by China’s Family Planning and National Health Commission for use in infant formula manufactured...
Australian supplement manufacturer Swisse Wellness has launched a sugar-free, tooth friendly, range of wellness products for children, the company says.
Australian researchers have found that malnourished fathers can prevent passing on poor health to children by taking antioxidant and vitamin supplements before conceiving.