|
 The common willow herb with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties has been used traditionally as a tonic for easing prostate and urinary tract problems. New Romanian research, however, now finds that it may also help reduce antibiotic dosages used to fight microbes increasingly resistant to a wide range of drugs, a global public health problem. The testing showed that blending commonly used antibiotics with willow herb may effectively treat bacterial and fungal infections. Researchers also found that the willow herb/antibiotic blends also led to fewer side effects.
"Herba Extracts Influence the In Vitro Activity of Common Antibiotics on Standard Bacteria. ", Open Chemistry, May 03, 2016
|
 The FDA has sent warning letters to companies whose dietary supplement products contain alarming levels of an illegal drug chemically similar to the banned heart stimulant ephedrine. The letters were sent in March to seven companies selling products containing ethylsynephrine (also known as oxilofrine). A study published in a scientific journal in April reported that an analysis of 27 brands of over-the-counter dietary supplements found that 14 contained the unapproved stimulant. Supplements containing oxilofrine were linked to 26 health emergencies in The Netherlands, including nausea and vomiting, chest pain and cardiac arrest. Oxilofrine is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and most major sports organizations.
"Ephedrine-Like Drug Found in Diet/Sports Nutrition Products", Nutraceuticals World, May 02, 2016
|
|
 Sales of eggs in the year ended in February declined by 3.6 percent, the fourth year of declines in a row, according to Nielsen. This despite solid scientific evidence that eggs are an extremely healthful, and economical, addition to the diet. Nielsen suggests that to reduce sagging sales trends, egg farmers and retailers need to make obesity-conscious Americans aware of the benefits of eggs: high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, healthful fats and beneficial trace nutrients. If they can do that, “they may just see their sales spike in the future.”
"Cracked up – the latest on U.S. Egg sales", News release, Nielsen, April 27, 2016
|
 Yogurt maker Dannon has pledged to farmers, retailers, and consumers that it will improve sustainable practices for its milk supply. It also promises greater transparency for its products as uses more natural – and fewer – ingredients. Improving its sustainable agriculture practices and technology will lead to better soil health, better water management, an increase in biodiversity, and a decrease in carbon emission. Moving to natural ingredients means fewer synthetic and more non-GMO over a three-year transition period. The company will ensure that by the end of 2017 any GMO ingredients will be clearly indicated on product labels.
"Dannon Announces Breakthrough Sweeping Commitment for Sustainable Agriculture, More Natural Ingredients and Greater Transparency", News release, Dannon, April 27, 2016
|