Vitamins & premixes

2016’s top APAC regulation and policy stories revealed: Japan, China, India, Australia and South East Asia in the spotlight

21-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Food and nutrition firms in APAC have to contend with a diverse and at times contradictory regulatory landscape across the region, with rules and laws being amended or introduced all the time. And 2016 was no exception.

Underwater shockwaves improve antioxidant levels in yuzu juice: study

19-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Underwater shockwave pre-treatment improves the antioxidant functionality of yuzu fruit juice, confirming its potential for use in a wide-range of food applications and leading to the possible establishment “of a new field of industrial technology,” a...

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy linked to greater Autism risk: Population-based cohort study

15-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of autism in children by the age of six, Australian researchers have found, who argue low cost supplementation for at-risk mothers is merited.

The top five APAC research stories of 2016, featuring tea, TCM, astaxanthin, vitamins and Himalayan fruits

14-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

From the liver benefits of fermented tea, to the anti-fatigue attributes of astaxanthin, these are the top five research stories that have gained the most traction with readers in 2016.

The seven top Asia Pacific food and nutrition trends of 2016

12-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

As 2016 draws to a close, we highlight the top seven most-read APAC food and nutrition trends stories, featuring exclusive market and consumer insights from Japan, South East Asia, India, Australia and China.

Four-out-of-five Indian women have vitamin D deficiency

12-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

A four-year survey from India shows that 75-80% of women have inadequate vitamin D levels in their blood.

India’s new functional food and supplements rules: The key requirements every firm needs to know

07-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued its long-awaited rules for functional foods and supplements – publishing a 79-page set of criteria on its website.

Focus on food synergies to boost bioavailability, urge researchers

05-Dec-2016 By Nathan Gray

A greater emphasis should be placed on enhancing the bioavailability of key nutrients in foods by focusing on synergies to help fight under nutrition, say researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation helps slash risk of falls among elderly

05-Dec-2016 By Nathan Gray

A combination of low-frequency exercise and high-dose vitamin D supplementation could help reduce risk of falls in the elderly by more than 70%, a new trial suggests.

New prebiotic combination enhances calcium, magnesium and iron absorption

30-Nov-2016 By Nathan Gray

A novel combination of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides could significantly improve absorption of certain minerals, according to new research in rats.

Developing countries with high TB burden need ‘oral vaccine’ of a balanced diet

30-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

To ‘continue neglecting nutrition’ is incompatible with the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing tuberculosis (TB) by 90% by 2035, a leading academic from India has claimed.

Australians’ poor diets leading to unexpected cases of scurvy

29-Nov-2016 By RJ Whitehead

A historical disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and associated with old-world sailors, it appears that scurvy is reappearing in Australia due to poor modern dietary habits.

Sports nutrition set for impressive Asia growth as products become ‘lifestyle choices’

28-Nov-2016 By Ravi Chawat

The sports nutrition market picking up the pace in Asia Pacific and can look forward to long-term growth, writes Allied Market Research analyst Ravi Chawat.

China supplements market uncovered (part one): Minerals and dietary supplements out-performing vitamins

21-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Minerals and dietary supplements are leading the nutrition industry’s charge in China, with vitamins lagging behind, according to a new report which suggests the total market will reach RMB124bn (USD$20bn) by the end of the year, up 12.2 % from 2015.

The Daily Wellness Company readies for China launch with major authentication deal

16-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Hawaii supplement firm The Daily Wellness Company is preparing to launch its first products in China in early 2017 – and has signed a deal with TruTag technologies to authenticate its products.

Australia’s favourite vitamin brand revealed as data shows almost 45% regularly take a supplement

15-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Almost 9m Aussies (44.2% of the population) regularly take vitamins, minerals or supplements, with Nature’s Own being the most widely consumed brand, according to new research.

Malnutrition affecting child cancer treatment in India

14-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Young cancer patients in Delhi, India, will soon get nutritional support from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) as part of their treatment regime.

Supplement firm Mannatech prepares for China entry with new e-commerce strategy

07-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

US supplement firm Mannatech is entering the China market via e-commerce - a clear change in tack for the Texas company, which usually focuses on multi-level marketing or direct selling.

Nationwide strike hits flagship child nutrition project in northern India

02-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

A flagship policy to tackle child malnutrition in Uttarakhand, India, has been hit by a nationwide eight-week strike of Aganwadi health workers.

Kids with vitamin D deficiency more likely to develop asthma: 10-year study

01-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Children with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop asthma, a 10-year study of children in Perth, Australia, has discovered.

BioCeuticals health portal FX Medicine recognised at industry body awards

31-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Australian nutraceutical firm BioCeuticals has picked up two awards, one for a new health portal, and another for its health and lifestyle brand IsoWhey.

Blackmores Q1 results: Daigou downturn leads to sharp sales drop

27-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Net profits at Australian vitamin and supplement supplier Blackmores fell by 46.6% in the first quarter, with daigou sales – items bought by Chinese entrepreneurs in Australia to ship back to China – plummeting.

Former Liverpool FC expert helps Herbalife pick up the pace of sports nutrition promotion

24-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Herbalife is launching the Herbalife24 Program for Australia and New Zealand as it seeks to boost its sports nutrition products in the two countries.

‘World-first’ rapid Vitamin B12 deficiency test could boost fight against cognitive decline

18-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Australian researchers have developed a world-first optical sensor that can detect vitamin B12 in diluted human blood – something they believe is a first step towards a low-cost and portable, vitamin B12 deficiency test.

High vitamin and mineral consumption linked to delayed biological ageing: 10-year study

17-Oct-2016 By Nathan GRAY

High consumption of vitamin and mineral-rich foods throughout early adulthood could help delay the biological process of ageing, according to new data from South Korea.

Big in Japan? Blackcurrants, barley and maple syrup pitch for functional food success in Tokyo

12-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The sports nutrition potential of New Zealand blackcurrants, the superfood status of Canadian maple syrup and the functional benefits of Canadian barley – these were three of the high-profile pitches at the HI Japan tradeshow from international organisations seeking...

‘Time to take supplements and probiotics mainstream in South East Asia’: DuPont

05-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

In the second part of our interview with DuPont’s Asia regional president Dr Li Yongjing, we assess the potential for the dietary supplements industry in South East Asia and examine why probiotics may be about to go mainstream in emerging markets.

Indian joint venture launches new nationwide supplements brand

03-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Indian companies Vitalic Health and Athena Life Sciences have signed a joint venture to launch nutraceuticals and dietary supplements under the brand name 'Truuth'.

Four nutrition and health trends shaping functional food and drink innovation in South East Asia

03-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Functional food innovation in developed Asian economies is increasingly influencing consumers in South East Asia’s emerging nations, with protein products, superfoods, herbal extract powders and fortified breakfast snacks making their presence felt on...

DuPont's Asia nutrition boss: Dow merger will make us faster, flexible and more efficient

28-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

In the first of a two-part interview, DuPont’s Asia president for health and nutrition Dr Li Yongjing discusses the initial turbulence created by the ongoing merger with Dow, and explains why he believes the new relationship will make the firm better...

Mother’s vitamin B levels affect eczema risk, study finds

26-Sep-2016 By Will Chu

Mothers, who have higher levels of vitamin B during pregnancy, tend to produce offspring less likely to develop eczema, a study has found.

Chinese vitamin C firms overturn $148m US antitrust ruling

26-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Two Chinese companies have successfully overturned a $148m vitamin C price fixing verdict in the US.

Supplements may help women with antenatal depression, study suggests

21-Sep-2016 By Nathan GRAY

Antenatal depression may be linked to poor nutrient intake, causing health risks for mum and baby, say researchers who suggest that supplementation could help.

Sports nutrition and healthy ageing will fuel China's industry growth

21-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The rise of China’s functional food and dietary supplement industry is continuing to outstrip overall economic growth, and will continue to do so with sports nutrition and goods for the elderly likely to drive future increases.

Vitamin B clinical trials first to use neuroimaging technology

07-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Supplementation with B vitamins significantly improves general mental health, reduces subjective stress and increases vigour and overall mood in mentally demanding situations, according to research from Melbourne’s Swinburne University.

Warning over vitamin D deficiency in southern Australian youngsters

07-Sep-2016 By Nathan Gray

A high percentage of children and teens in southern Australia may be deficient in vitamin D, putting them at increased risk of bone fractures and higher long-term risk of osteoporosis, warn researchers.

Taking supplements while breastfeeding boosts vitamin D status of baby too: Study

31-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

New research has found that giving breastfeeding mothers monthly high-dose vitamin D supplements may help improve their babies’ vitamin D status.

R&D tax boost for Gordagen ahead of US nutraceutical launch

25-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Australian nutraceutical firm Gordagen Pharmaceuticals is preparing to launch its heart health and endurance products in the US by the end of the year.

Thai functional beverage firm takes US$4m stake in coconut processor

18-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Thailand functional beverages manufacturer Sappe has taken a 40% stake coconut processor Coconut Factory Co Ltd for US$4 million.

Only one-in-four Australian pregnant women adhere to folic acid and iodine guidelines

18-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

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.

Nutrition products to help Himalaya hit US$1bn target by 2020

10-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Bangalore-based firm The Himalaya Drug Company is expanding its “wellness and nutrition” offering as it seeks beak through the US$1bn revenue barrier by 2020.

Malaysia study: Vitamin D deficiency risk for epileptic children

08-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Malaysian children undergoing long-term treatment for epilepsy are at significant risk of vitamin D deficiency, with youngsters of Indian ethnicity especially affected, a study has found.

Australia

Industry slams call to halt complementary medicine sales in pharmacies

05-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Australia's natural nutrition industry body has come out fighting after a government review into pharmacy regulations in the country published concerns over the sale of complementary medicines.

Chinese group pays $239m for Australian vitamin firm

04-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co Ltd and private equity firm Primavera Capital is to buy Australian vitamin manufacturer Vitaco Holdings for US$239m.

Vitamin D status linked to cognitive decline risk in Chinese elderly

29-Jul-2016 By Nathan Gray

Low vitamin D levels could be linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and impairment in the Chinese elderly, say researchers.

Blackmores voted Australia’s ‘most trusted’ supplement brand

29-Jul-2016 By Nathan Gray

For the eighth year in succession, Blackmores has been awarded Australia’s most trusted vitamin and supplement brand.

Sun-drenched Australians still in need of vitamin D supplementation

28-Jul-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Guidance by an independent British committee of experts that advises everyone to take the so-called “sunshine vitamin” whatever the weather has been well received in Australia, where up to 58% of people suffer from vitamin D deficiency in spite of its...

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