Monsanto Research Lab To Focus On Enhancing Flavor, Nutrition Of Vegetables January 28, 2010: 09:43 PM EST Monsanto is establishing research facilities at the North Carolina Research Campus as part of a collaborative effort in nutrition, agriculture and biotechnology to speed development of more nutritious foods with better flavor. Monsanto will focus on the taste and nutritional composition of vegetables, and enhanced nutrition in food-focused row crops such as soybeans. "We hope that by developing produce varieties with fantastic flavor and real nutritional benefits, people will enjoy eating more fruits and vegetables and be healthier," a Monsanto exec said. Only 29 percent of adults eat the recommended three to five servings of vegetables per day. "Monsanto to Establish Facilities at North Carolina Research Campus to Accelerate Research and Development of Flavorful, Nutritious Food", PR Newswire Association LLC, January 28, 2010, via Monsanto Company, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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A Close Look At Meaningful – And Meaningless – Food Labels January 28, 2010: 10:44 PM EST An article in Wallet Pop explains various common food labels, including such regulated terms as “organic” and “extra lean,” but also largely vague and meaningless terms as “kid approved” and “made with natural goodness.” Misleading food labels are common, some are fairly new, and U.S. regulators like the FDA and USDA haven’t kept up. For example, says an expert at a consumer watchdog group, many products tout claims to strengthen the immune system and ward off disease, and “all of them are false.” Other misleading terms include “made with whole grains” and “made with real fruit.” Mitch Lipka, "What do your food labels really mean? 'Free-range,' 'natural,' 'non-toxic,' and other myths", Wallet Pop, January 28, 2010, via Wallet Pop, © AOL Inc.

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Chinese Researchers Find That Boosting Brain Magnesium Enhances Learning, Memory January 28, 2010: 02:10 AM EST Chinese scientists have found that boosting the level of magnesium in the brain improved learning and memory in both young and old rats. The researchers detected an increase in the number of functional synapses, activation of key signaling molecules and an enhancement of short- and long-term synaptic processes crucial for learning and memory after increasing brain magnesium in the animals. And, because it is difficult to increase brain magnesium using oral supplements, the researchers developed a new compound, magnesium-L-threonate (MgT), that might someday be taken as a dietary supplement to enhance cognitive abilities. Inna Slutsky, et al, "Enhancement of Learning and Memory by Elevating Brain Magnesium", Neuron, January 28, 2010, via Neuron, © Elsevier Inc.

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Lycopene Use In Fortified Foods Can Push Intake Too High; European Commission May Lower Permitted Use Levels January 27, 2010: 08:08 PM EST Authorized use levels of lycopene in the European Union may be revised downward on the back of a recently published report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Following a European Commission request to investigate, the EFSA looked at consumption patterns and found that expected lyocopene intake from its use as a food color and from naturally occurring sources would be within the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake). However, the use of lyocpene in fortified foods would push consumption levels for all populations 'much higher' and, in the case of pre-school and school children, would push it beyond the ADI. The Commission is likely to try and lower permitted lycopene use levels, notably in food colors. EFSA Unit on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), "Revised exposure assessment for lycopene as a food colour", European Food Safety Authority journal, January 27, 2010, © European Food Safety Authority

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Antioxidants Reduce Risk Of Atopic Dermatitis In Children - Study January 27, 2010: 06:16 AM EST Korean researchers have found that increased consumption of beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid, and iron may reduce the risk of a form of eczema known as atopic dermatitis (AD), marked by itching, redness and scaling. The researchers examined the antioxidant content of the diets of AD and non-AD children aged 4 to 6 years, as well as fat-soluble vitamins (retinol, a-tocopherol, and ß-carotene) and vitamin C in blood samples. Though they found no AD risk relationship for vitamin C, they did find that AD risk was reduced by 56 percent with beta-carotene, 67 percent with vitamin E, 63 percent for folic acid, 61 percent with iron, 36 percent with serum a-tocopherol and 26 percent with retinol. "Antioxidant nutrient intakes and corresponding biomarkers associated with the risk of atopic dermatitis in young children", European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 27, 2010, via European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, © Nature Publishing Group

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Green Tea, Exercise Lessen Risk Of Depression Among Breast Cancer Patients January 27, 2010: 12:44 PM EST Breast cancer survivors who exercised and drank green tea regularly – more than 100 g of dried tea leaves a month – were found to be less at risk for depression, a serious health issue for women with breast cancer, according to a joint U.S-Chinese study. Researchers interviewed 1,399 Chinese women about exercise, diet habits and depression symptoms six months following a cancer diagnosis, then again 18 months later. Patients who exercised more during the follow-up period were 42 percent less likely to report overall depression, researchers found. In addition, tea drinking was inversely associated with the risk for mild depression. Xiao Ou Shu, M.D., Ph.D., Xiaoli Chen, M.D., et al., "Exercise, Tea Consumption, and Depression Among Breast Cancer Survivors", Journal of Clinical Oncology, January 27, 2010, © American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Scientists Discover Yeast That Might Protect Nut Trees, Other Crops From Toxins January 27, 2010: 01:43 PM EST A yeast called Pichia anomala competes successfully for nutrients and growing space with an unwanted mold, Aspergillus flavus. That fact, U.S. researchers have found, means that pistachios, almonds and other popular tree nuts might someday be routinely sprayed with the yeast to control A. flavus and some other aspergillus species that produce troublesome toxins known collectively as aflatoxins that can ruin a food’s taste, texture, yield, safety, etc. The yeast may also protect against other microbes including, for example, Botrytis cinerea, which causes gray mold of table grapes. Sui-Sheng (Sylvia) Hua, "Helpful Yeast Battles Food Contaminating Aflatoxin", Agricultural Research Service (USDA) press release, January 27, 2010, © USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

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16 Functional Foods That Will Drive The Industry In 2010 January 26, 2010: 06:34 AM EST The functional food industry is expected to grow by 56 percent through 2011, according to a nutrition market researcher, mainly because the baby boom generation takes an activist role in its own health, especially-age-related issues, while 18-29-year-olds (generations Y and Z?) focus on their energy levels and their appearance. Whatever is driving the overall growth, HealthFocus International says, 16 functional foods are sure to be in the mix when consumers seek food-related solutions to health issues. Among the 16: exotic spices, sweet potatoes, green herbs like rosemary and cilantro, “free” foods (i.e., gluten-free, fat-free, etc.), and immune system boosters like probiotics and antioxidants. Sharon Palmer , "Top Functional Food Trends of 2010", Sharon Palmer Blog, January 26, 2010, via Sharon Palmer Blog, © Belvoir Media Group, LLC

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Antioxidants Are Not A Panacea, And Sometimes Can Be Harmful January 26, 2010: 03:34 AM EST Noting that the antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance in the human body is very delicate, U.S. researchers who have completed several studies on the subject caution that antioxidants can actually be harmful if that balance is disturbed. Larger doses of antioxidants don’t necessarily provide a health benefit, the U.S. scientists said, and may actually make a problem worse. Antioxidants can, of course, reverse or partially reverse some of the changes that result from aging or disease. But some oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide, are helpful to increase blood flow. Moreover, antioxidants can suppress key signaling mechanisms necessary for effective muscle function. "K-STATE STUDY FINDS THAT ANTIOXIDANTS AREN'T ALWAYS BENEFICIAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND CAN SOMETIMES IMPAIR MUSCLE FUNCTION", Kansas State University, January 26, 2010, © Kansas State University

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Food Makers Should Pay Special Attention To Four Key Consumer-Driven Trends January 26, 2010: 08:05 AM EST Food and industrial ingredients company Tate & Lyle says food manufacturer should take note of four key consumer-driven purchasing trends in 2010. For example, private label “premium options” with healthy and high quality ingredients appear to be seducing shoppers away from national brands – 47 percent of consumers have switched to store brands – as consumers continue to watch spending. Other trends that will affect food maker product lines: Americans are more sensitive to environmental impact; they want convenience foods that are affordable and nutritious; and they are eating more gluten-free products, even without suffering from celiac disease. EmailWire.Com, "2010 Food & Beverage Trends", Earth Times, January 26, 2010, © www.earthtimes.org, The Earth Times

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Onion Flavonoids Promote Health, Inhibit Growth Of Food-Spoiling Bacteria January 25, 2010: 05:49 PM EST A study by Spanish scientists shows that the flavonoids of onion, especially the yellow variety, not only promote good health, but also inhibit bacterial growth in foods, making them “a natural alternative to artificial additives used in the food industry." Synthesized by plants, flavonoids are phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, vasodilatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. According to the study, they also prevent development of several strains of bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Listeria monocytogenes) associated with food spoilage. "The onion can be effective for delaying lipid oxidation in emulsions of oil and water – a model system of foods like margarines and mayonnaises – and it also inhibits the growth of microorganisms that alter foods," one researcher said. Jonathan Santas 1*, María Pilar Almajano 2 & Rosa Carbó 3, "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of crude onion (Allium cepa, L.) extracts", International Journal of Food Science and Technology, January 25, 2010, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Are Impulse Buyers Influenced By Low Blood Sugar Levels? January 25, 2010: 02:13 PM EST People's preferences for an immediate versus a postponed reward may be influenced by blood glucose levels, U.S. researchers have found. In the study, volunteers whose blood sugar levels were high from drinking sugary sodas were more likely to choose to receive a larger sum of money later. Volunteers who drank diet sodas, and had lower blood glucose levels, tended to choose smaller sums of money immediately. The findings suggest, researchers said, that artificial sweeteners may warn the body of imminent caloric crisis, leading to impulsive behavior. An adaptive mechanism, they say, apparently links gratification decisions to metabolic cues. X.T. Wang and Robert D. Dvorak, "Sweet Future: Fluctuating Blood Glucose Levels Affect Future Discounting", Psychological Science, January 25, 2010, © Association for Psychological Science

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Reformulated Yoplait Yogurt Promises “Digestive Health, Bone Health” January 26, 2010: 03:55 AM EST General Mills is now offering reformulated versions of its Yoplait yogurt, dubbed YoPlus and YoPlus Light, that promise “digestive health” and “bone health,” according to its ad campaign. The company says the new 110-calorie variety provides 20% of the daily value of antioxidant vitamins A and E, as well as calcium and vitamin D, a mix of probiotic yogurt cultures (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) and three grams of fiber per 4-ounce serving. The YoPlus Light version has 70 calories per serving. The light version comes in three flavors, the regular version in six flavors, all sold in 4-packs. "Newly reformulated Yoplait Yoplus…a delicisious way to get three steps closer to healthy, balanced living", General Mills , January 26, 2010, © General Mills, Inc.

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Breakfast Cereals Market Doing Well, Thanks To New Products, Promotional Spending January 25, 2010: 07:55 AM EST Although breakfast cereals haven’t really caught on globally – they are deeply entrenched in more developed markets, especially in the United States, the UK and Australia. The market remains healthy there, where new products are constantly being introduced and brand competition is fierce. A look at new launches recorded on the Innova Database shows that themes found in the rest of the food and drinks market – health, convenience and indulgence – predominate in breakfast cereals as well. Innova researchers say the mature breakfast cereals market continues to perform well because of “ongoing high levels of new product development and promotional expenditure.” "Cereal Market Showing High Emphasis on Premium Adult Products – Innova Market Insights", Food Ingredients First, January 25, 2010, © Food Ingredients First

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Australia Sees Big Bakery Industry Potential For Its Tiny Chia Plant January 25, 2010: 04:02 AM EST Australia’s six-year-old Chia Company recently completed a national supply partnership with Bakers Delight to provide the obscure ancient grain to 650 bakeries in Australia and New Zealand. Chia, whose tiny seed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, protein and antioxidants, is being grown in Western Australia as part of the Ord River Irrigation project, a $415 million state-federal partnership. According to FoodWeek Online, the Chia Company and the bakery network expect Chia production to double in 2010, and industry value to hit $20 million in five years. So far, 95 percent of Australian Chia seed is exported. "Super seed emerging at super speed", FoodWeek Online , January 25, 2010, © Octomedia pty ltd

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Dairy-Based Food Packaging Wraps Offer Green Alternative To Polymers January 25, 2010: 10:51 AM EST Most food packaging today is made of multilayer films – thin, continuous sheets of synthetic, petroleum-based polymers – the manufacturing of which contributes to the world’s waste disposal problem. Biobased packaging offers a green alternative, and one option being explored centers on dairy ingredients, according to a chapter in a new USDA book. The chapter focuses on films made from dairy proteins, especially those based on casein and whey from milk. But casein presents a challenge: while an excellent barrier to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and aromas, it is a weak barrier to moisture. So research is focused on improving casein’s water-vapor-barrier properties. Peggy Tomasula, "Using Dairy Ingredients to Produce Edible Films and Biodegradable Packaging Materials (chapter title)", Dairy-Derived Ingredients: Food and Nutraceutical Uses (book title), January 25, 2010, © Woodhead Publishing

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Parents Pick Lower Calorie Fast-Food Menu Items If Nutrition Info Is Provided January 25, 2010: 10:19 AM EST Fast-food restaurant menus labeled with nutritional information may lead to significantly reduced calorie intake in meals purchased for children, according to a new U.S. study. Pediatricians surveyed 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-olds who sometimes ate in fast food restaurants. Sample McDonald’s menus were provided and parents were asked what they would select. Only half of the menus, however, clearly showed calorie information for each item. The number of calories parents chose for a child’s hypothetical McDonald’s meal was reduced by an average of 102 calories when the menus clearly showed the calories for each item. Pooja S. Tandon, MD, Jeffrey Wright, MD, et al., "Nutrition Menu Labeling May Lead to Lower-Energy Restaurant Meal Choices for Children", Pediatrics, January 25, 2010, © American Academy of Pediatrics

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Research Firm Identifies High-Impact Food Product Trends For 2010 January 25, 2010: 02:33 AM EST Despite the continuing worldwide financial downturn, new food product launches in 2009 accelerated from the sluggish pace of 2008. Looking ahead to 2010, a Dutch research firm has pinpointed ten new product trends likely to have a major impact on the market. At the top of the list: consumer preference for simpler, more natural foods, including natural sweeteners; growing interest in locally-sourced, sustainable and fairly-traded products; increased skepticism about functional food claims; and the emergence of consumer interest in foods with immune-boosting ingredients such as antioxidants and probiotics. Other trends: cooking at home, extreme-flavored foods, authentically regional foods, functional foods promising energy, and foods “free” of troublesome ingredients (such as gluten). Presentation, Innova Market Insights, "Ingredients in Action Top 10 Trends for 2010", Food Ingredients First, January 25, 2010, © CNS Media BV

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Vitamin Supplement Helps Defend Against Inflammatory Bowel Disorder January 22, 2010: 07:46 AM EST A vitamin widely found in supplements or cod liver oil, can counter the effects of the inflammatory bowel disorder Crohn's disease, Canadian scientists report. Vitamin D directly affects the Beta defensin 2 gene, which encodes an antimicrobial peptide, the NOD2 gene that alerts cells to the presence of invading microbes. Both Beta-defensin and NOD2 have been linked to Crohn's disease. If NOD2 is deficient or defective – for example, in sunlight-deprived people from northern countries – it cannot fight intestinal tract invaders. The researchers say their discovery “shows how an over-the-counter supplement … could help people defend themselves against Crohn's disease.” Tian-Tian Wang, Basel Dabbas, et al., "Direct and indirect induction by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 of theNOD2/CARD15-beta defensin 2 innate immune pathway defective in Crohn's disease ", The Journal of Biological Chemistry, January 22, 2010, © American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Canada May Liberalize “Natural” Food Rules To Reduce Consumer Confusion January 22, 2010: 08:14 AM EST Canada’s central health regulator is working to liberalize natural food rules to give food companies more flexibility in fortifying products with vitamins and minerals. Canada.com says the move is caused partly by product applications that broadly interpret Health Canada’s Natural Health Product regulations, leading to an application backlog and confusion among consumers and health authorities about what “natural” really means. In 2009, the backlog of products seeking approval as “natural” included juices, waters, energy drinks and candy. Some experts worry that liberalized rules will mean nutritional ingredients could simply be added to junk foods to win the natural label. "Health Canada to Create a Friendlier Market for Fortified Foods ", Nutraceuticals World, January 22, 2010, © Rodman Publishing

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Nanotechnology Safety Act Proposed In Senate To Bring It Under FDA Purview January 21, 2010: 09:45 PM EST A bill introduced in the Senate, The Nanotechnology Safety Act of 2010, would create a program within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assess health and safety implications of nanotechnology in everyday products, and also seek to develop best practices for companies employing nanotechnology. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), one of the sponsors of the bill, said “Nanotechnology touches so many facets of our lives today and will play a greater role in the future, but the benefits to industry and consumers come with unknown risks that must be identified and managed appropriately.” Nanotechnology is set to be become an important industry - there are currently over 600 known commercial uses of nanotechnology and a 2004 report from the National Science Foundation estimated new nanotechnology-based products would create a global market of $1 trillion dollars by 2015 as well as generate 2 million jobs. "Pryor, Cardin Call for Increased Research to Ensure Product Safety", Press Release, US Senator Mark Pryor, Arkansas, January 21, 2010, © US Senate Office

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Besieged Monsanto To Let GM Soybean Patents To Expire January 21, 2010: 09:22 AM EST Under investigation by the U.S. Dept. of Justice and battered by a steep drop in stock value, Monsanto says it will let some bioengineered farm seeds become generic by allowing patents to expire, beginning with Roundup Ready soybeans in 2014. According to Business Week, the beleaguered company will continue to vigorously protect its newer genetically modified seeds, including herbicide-resistant soybeans and corn. With the expiration of the company’s seed patents, rivals like DuPont will be able to make less expensive versions and farmers will be able to plant the seeds from their own harvests without legal hassles. Jack Kaskey, "Monsanto Will Let Bio-Crop Patents Expire", Business Week, January 21, 2010, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Despite Paucity Of Info, “Superfruits” Capture Consumer, Food Company, Attention January 22, 2010: 01:02 AM EST So-called “superfruits” packed with antioxidants and other purported beneficial ingredients have captured consumer attention, despite the relative lack of information. Scientists have not yet agreed on what constitutes a superfruit, and have not identified all potentially healthy ingredients. One researcher has listed 36 exotic fruits marketed as superfruits, including açaí, pomegranate, mangosteen, goji berry, noni, etc. Food companies are nevertheless offering superfruit products in many different segments, from supplements to foods and personal care, according to this article. But one skeptic says: “There's no evidence that one type of fruit is better for you than any other.” Steve Myers, "Up, Up and Away with Superfruits", Natural Products Marketplace, January 22, 2010, © Virgo Publishing, LLC.

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Despite Food Company Promises, Kids’ Cereals Are Still Way Too Sugary January 21, 2010: 08:55 AM EST A study by the Rudd Center says that a promise made in 2006 by 16 big food companies to market less sugary breakfast cereals to kids has not been kept. Though the companies have offered healthier options, and cut sugar content somewhat, cereals advertised to children are more likely to be loaded with sugar than those marketed to adults. In fact, kids’ cereals have 85 percent more sugar, 65 percent less fiber and 60 percent more sodium. “Most of [General Mills’] products have one or two grams of fiber and more sugar than whole grain,” said a Rudd researcher. GINA SALAMONE, "Kids' cereals still packed with sugar, despite companies' pledge to market healthy products", NYDaily News.com, January 21, 2010, © NYDailyNews.com

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Animal Organ Damage Data Raises Level Of Concern Over Monsanto’s GM Corn January 21, 2010: 08:22 AM EST Animals fed on three strains of genetically modified (GM) corn created by Monsanto showed signs of liver and kidney damage after three months, according to safety test data released by the company after legal challenges from Greenpeace and other concerned organizations. A French researcher took a look at the data and concluded that more studies were needed to determine whether long-term organ damage was possible. “What we've shown is clearly not proof of toxicity, but signs of toxicity," the scientist magazine said. "I'm sure there's no acute toxicity but who's to say there are no chronic effects?" DAVID DERBYSHIRE, "Fears grow as study shows genetically modified crops 'can cause liver and kidney damage'", Mail Online, January 21, 2010, © Associated Newspapers Ltd.

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Law Firm Preparing Class Action Lawsuit Against Baby Food Makers For Health Claims January 21, 2010: 08:35 AM EST A Seattle, Wash.-based law firm said it is conducting its own investigation of “possible claims” against several big food companies that have advertised various health benefits for their infant formulas and baby foods. Keller Rohrback LLP’s class action suit targets Nestle USA, Nestle Healthcare Nutrition, Gerber Products Company, Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, and Abbott Laboratories for ads claiming their products promote "brain development," "immunity," "growth" and other health benefits. Products being examined include juice beverages, infant formulas, toddler dinners, and cereals that contain vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, nucleotides, antioxidants, and fatty acids, the firm said. "Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Investigates Nestle, Gerber, Mead Johnson, and Abbott Laboratories for Health Claim Advertisements in Baby and Children's Nutrition Products", Globe Newswire, January 21, 2010, © GlobeNewswire, Inc.

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Whole Foods Market Launches Healthy Eating Initiative January 21, 2010: 07:49 AM EST Whole Foods Market has launched a healthy eating initiative at its 289 stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., emphasizing plant-based foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc., that are naturally low-fat and nutrient-dense, and whole foods that are real, fresh and natural. “Avoid highly processed and refined foods, and those with artificial ingredients,” the company advises. The company is also featuring two third-party partner programs to provide guidance for shoppers: Eat Right America and the Engine 2 Diet. Both offer 28-day "getting started" healthy eating plans. The initiative also includes free information, recipes, in-store lectures, events and support groups. "Health Starts Here Launches at Whole Foods Market ", PRNewswire, January 21, 2010, via PRNewswire, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Pectin From Apples Shown To Provide Beneficial Environment For Good Digestive Bacteria January 20, 2010: 11:28 AM EST Microbiologists in Denmark have found in controlled experiments that laboratory rats fed a diet rich in pectin, a component of dietary fiber in apples, had higher levels of certain “friendly” bacteria that improve intestinal health and may influence the risk for cancer. When apples are eaten regularly and over a prolonged period of time, the researchers said, these bacteria help produce short-chain fatty acids that provide ideal pH conditions for ensuring a beneficial balance of microorganisms. In addition, they produce a chemical called butyrate, which is an important fuel for the cells of the intestinal wall. Tine R Licht, Max Hansen, et al., "Effects of apples and specific apple components on the cecal environment of conventional rats: role of apple pectin", BMC Microbiology, January 20, 2010, © BioMed Central

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Study Associates Higher Folate Levels With Fewer Depression Symptoms In Men January 20, 2010: 08:00 PM EST A Japanese study has found that men with high levels of the water-soluble B vitamin folate, found naturally in some foods, had 50 percent fewer symptoms of depression compared to those with the least amounts. In this study, 530 adult men and women completed a questionnaire at their health checkup. About 36 percent had symptoms of depression. A higher serum folate was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in the men, but not in the women involved in the study. “Low serum folate may be related to an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in Japanese men,” the researchers concluded. A Nanri, T Mizoue, Y Matsushita, S Sasaki, M Ohta, M Sato and N Mishima, "Serum folate and homocysteine and depressive symptoms among Japanese men and women", European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Online, January 20, 2010, © Nature Publishing Group

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Scientists Discover Clue To Omega-3’s Impact On Survival Of Coronary Patients January 20, 2010: 09:41 AM EST Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to higher survival rates among cardiovascular patients, but no one knew why. Now, U.S. researchers have found that omega-3s may protect against cellular aging in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Focusing on the rate of shortening of blood cell telomere length, a chromosome marker of biological aging, the scientists studied 608 CHD outpatients over five years. Levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in the blood were measured. “Each 1-standard deviation increase in DHA+EPA levels was associated with a 32 percent reduction in the odds of telomere shortening,” the authors wrote. Ramin Farzaneh-Far, MD, Jue Lin, PhD, et al., "Association of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels With Telomeric Aging in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease", Journal of the American Medical Association, January 20, 2010, © American Medical Association

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Computer Model Projects Major Health Benefits From Minor Reductions In Salt Intake January 20, 2010: 07:58 PM EST A very slight decrease in the salt consumed daily by Americans – barely noticeable in the taste of food – would have “dramatic health benefits,” preventing 100,000 heart attacks and 92,000 deaths, according to a U.S. study. The researchers used a computer simulation of heart disease among U.S. adults known as the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model to calculate the benefits of such a change in the national diet. Reducing dietary salt by three grams per day would result in 11 percent fewer cases of heart disease, 13 percent fewer heart attacks, and eight percent fewer strokes, researchers projected. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Ph.D., M.D., Glenn M. Chertow, M.D., M.P.H., Pamela G. Coxson, Ph.D., Andrew Moran, M.D., James M. Lightwood, Ph.D., Mark J. Pletcher, M.D., M.P.H., and Lee Goldman, M.D., M.P.H., "Projected Effect of Dietary Salt Reductions on Future Cardiovascular Disease", The New England Journal of Medicine, January 20, 2010, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Researchers Discover Direct Link Between Nutrition And The Immune System January 20, 2010: 08:59 AM EST German researchers have discovered a nutrition-based mechanism that regulates vital immune functions in healthy people who are hungry or exercising. Low energy and insulin levels place great stress on the body's cells, making them vulnerable to harmful pathogens. But the newly discovered defense mechanism invokes a transcription factor that switches on genes for immune defense proteins when energy is needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are released and dissolve pathogen cell walls. The mechanism “directly depends on how much and what we eat,” a researcher says, adding that “the barrier between body and outside world is fortified in a potentially dangerous situation.” Prof. Joachim Schultze, et al. , "Study shows nutrition has a direct influence on the immune system", EurekAlert (future publication in Nature), January 20, 2010, © Nature Publishing Group

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Big Food Companies Fund Scientists Developing Appetite-Suppressing Gel January 19, 2010: 08:38 PM EST British scientists have come up with a water-soluble compound that solidifies in the stomach and helps curb appetite. According to this Guardian article, the appetite-suppressing goo is designed for those who tend to binge eat. The aqueous solution is a hydrocolloid made from natural polymers. The new product, which might someday be mixed with milk and poured over cereal or blended into an energy drink, comes from a project financed by food giant Unilever and other members of the Diet and Health Research Industry Club. At least one of the companies “sees potential for future commercial application," says a researcher. Chris Arnot, "Food scientists develop appetite-curbing gel", guardian.co.uk, January 19, 2010, via guardian.co.uk, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Spain Set To Ban Prime Time TV Ads For Diet Foods, Beauty Products January 20, 2010: 06:56 AM EST Determined to eradicate young women’s eating disorders and improve mental health, Spain’s parliament is expected to pass a ban on pre-10:00 p.m. TV ads for diet products, some beauty treatments and plastic surgery, Advertising Age reports. Such ads are more dangerous for young people than commercials for alcohol, legislators feel, as young women become increasingly obsessed with weight and appearance. One expert said the goal is to slow the growth of anorexia and bulimia, and put a brake on plastic surgery for weight loss. Seven thousand TV ads that aired in 2008 would be banned under the pending law. Emma Hall , "Spain to Ban Some Diet, Beauty TV Ads Before 10 P.M.", Advertising Age, January 20, 2010, © Crain Communications

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Survey Sheds Light On Canadian Attitudes Toward Food Purchasing January 19, 2010: 08:51 PM EST A survey of 25,000 Canadian consumers has unearthed four key trends in attitudes toward food shopping. The recession, for example, is keeping Canadians indoors, with 73 percent cooking more at home and 47 percent saying they have purchased more private label/in-store brands versus premium and name brands. Eighty-eight percent of Canadians feel that food and nutrition can help prevent illness, and 83 percent want foods that are healthier. Environmental accountability is important, as well, with 82 percent believing that companies are exploiting eco-friendly claims. The BrandSpark survey determines winners of the 2010 Best New Product Awards among 144 products. "7th Annual Best New Product Awards Reveals Key Insights into the Minds of Canadian Consumers", Brandspark International, January 19, 2010, via Brandspark International, © CNW Group Ltd

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Probiotics Might Provide Novel Treatment For Inflammatory Bowel Disease January 19, 2010: 09:53 AM EST Probiotic microbes that produce butyric acid that reduces inflammation and strengthens immunity in the intestine could be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Belgian and British researchers have found. An inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract that causes severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, IBD affects 20 out of 100,000 genetically susceptible people in Europe and North America. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common manifestations of IBD, which results from an overactive immune response linked to an imbalance of “good bacteria” in the gut. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, butyric acid strengthens intestinal wall cells. Filip Van Immerseel, Richard Ducatelle, et al., "Butyric acid-producing anaerobic bacteria as a novel probiotic treatment approach for inflammatory bowel disease", Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 19, 2010, © Society for General Microbiology

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Danish Scientists Researching Infant Formula Similar To Mothers’ Milk January 19, 2010: 10:34 AM EST Calling it a major technical challenge, two companies are working with Danish universities who have received government funding to develop an enzymatic process for producing key oligosaccharides, complex sugars found in high concentrations in human breast milk. Danisco and Arla Foods said the project offers an opportunity to explore the immune system of newborns: oligosaccharides help protect infants from infections and diarrhea. Some oligosaccharides are thought to be prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal system. “The possibility to develop such substances can lead to new and higher standards for commercial infant formula,” a company scientist said. "Research towards infant formula more closely resembling mothers’ milk", Danisco , January 19, 2010, © Danisco A/S

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Danisco Joins Danish Project To Synthesize Healthy Compound Found In Breast Milk January 19, 2010: 01:38 AM EST Danish food ingredient maker Danisco says it has joined a project whose goal is to develop a technology for producing oligosaccharides, an ingredient found in high concentrations in human breast milk that helps protect infants from infections and diarrhea. The project, funded by a $3.6 million grant from the Danish government, is tackling a major technical challenge, according to participants. But if successful, it will lead to the production of oligosaccharides that can be added to commercial infant formula. Because of oligosaccharides in breast milk, health authorities urge women to breastfeed babies exclusively for the first four to six months. "Research towards infant formula more closely resembling mothers’ milk", Danisco, January 19, 2010, © Danisco A/S

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Phase 2 Of U.K.’s Anti-Saturated Fat Campaign Urges Switch To 1% Milk January 18, 2010: 10:53 AM EST The U.K.’s Food Standards Agency has begun the second phase of the saturated fat campaign it launched in February 2009, using press, poster and radio ads to offer tips on trimming saturated fat intake. A keystone of phase 2, the FSA says, is an ad encouraging people to switch to 1% fat milk. The FSA cites a recent survey finding that people who use semi-skimmed milk are just as happy drinking a lower fat milk. One percent fat milk has half the fat of semi-skimmed, and people who drink semi like the taste of one percent milk just as much. Press release, FSA, "Consumers set for another milk revolution?", UK Food Standards Agency, January 18, 2010, © Crown copyright

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Microsphere Technology Permeates Food, Cosmetics Industries January 19, 2010: 03:14 AM EST Most big companies in the food and cosmetics are either using or exploring microsphere technology to enhance foods, fragrances, etc., according to this Forbes article. Made of polymers, starches or waxes, the tiny hollow orbs can be packed with flavors, vitamins, cooling compounds, scents, and much more. Energy bar manufacturers, for example, are using microspheres to protect Vitamin C freshness, which can dissipate when exposed to air. The only possible brake on the technology is the trend toward unadulterated, natural foods. But consumers also seek healthier foods and microspheres have a lot to offer on that score, Forbes says. Osman Can Ozcanli, "Food That Can Think For Itself", Forbes.com, January 19, 2010, © Forbes.com LLC™

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General Mills Extends Fiber One Brand With Low-Calorie Snack Bars January 19, 2010: 04:20 AM EST General Mills has extended its Fiber One brand of fiber-packed baking mixes, breakfast cereals and snack bars with the addition of two 90-calorie Chewy Bars designed to “make weight management easier for busy consumers.” Each bar, either chocolate or chocolate peanut butter, is about 50 calories less than the brand’s other bars, and provides five grams of fiber and 2.5 grams of fat. Americans over age four are supposed to be ingesting 25 grams of fiber a day, according to Institute of Medicine figures cited by General Mills, though 90 percent fail to meet that target. "Fiber One(R) Introduces 90 Calorie Chewy Bars", PR Newswire, January 19, 2010, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Nestlé Battles Elderly Malnutrition With New High-Calorie Nutrient Drink January 18, 2010: 04:05 PM EST Switzerland's Nestlé SA is set to launch a high-calorie nutrient drink packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and prebiotic fiber to fight malnutrition among older people. The company says Resource SeniorActiv is formulated to help stop weight loss and promote weight gain. Key ingredients include protein, Vitamin D, prebiotic fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins to support cognitive health and antioxidants to address “the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that are part of normal aging.” The product will be introduced in Switzerland and rolled out gradually in other European countries. Press Release, Nestlé Nutrition, Switzerland, "New Nestlé Nutrition oral nutritional supplement and screening tool address malnutrition amongst older people", Nestlé S A,Switzerland , January 18, 2010, © Nestlé S.A.

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Time For Another Look At Safety Of Pesticide Residues On Apples? January 18, 2010: 02:26 AM EST After the Alar cancer scare of 1989, apple growers reduced the use of harsh chemicals and found new ways to spray apples. But pesticides did not disappear from the apple industry, this Associated Press article reports. According to 2005 statistics, pesticide residues were found by the USDA on 98 percent of apples tested, though the levels were within federal safety guidelines. Consumer groups and health experts say the level of pesticide residues on apples seems to be safe, but suggest that no one is really sure. “I think we're due for another look" at pesticide safety, one environmental advocate said. SHANNON DININNY, "Chemicals Coat Apples Decades After Alar Scare", abc News, January 18, 2010, © The Associated Press

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Nestlé Hopes New Drinks For Elderly Will Bolster Sagging Nutrition Sales January 17, 2010: 03:48 AM EST Struggling to breathe new life into its nutrition business in the face of tough competition from Danone SA, Swiss food giant Nestlé SA said it is unveiling a line of drinks created to fight the malnutrition problem in the world’s elderly population. The $174 billion health and medical nutrition market is growing at nine percent a year, but Nestlé’s sales are not keeping pace, according to analysts cited in this Bloomberg report. Nestlé, which recently purchased two Kraft Foods pizza lines, could become “just another” food company if it buys more businesses outside of nutrition, one analyst said. Tom Mulier, "Nestle Targets Malnutrition in Elderly to Fight Danone’s Gains", Business Week, January 17, 2010, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Researchers Find That One In Five Indian Girls Suffer From Calcium Deficiency January 16, 2010: 02:15 AM EST Twenty percent of Indian girls between the ages of 14 and 17 years are suffering from a calcium deficiency that could increase the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders, according to a private hospital study by Indian scientists. The calcium deficiency is linked to an increasing trend toward a junk food diet among younger people in India, the researchers said, and is exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of exercise. “These days youngsters are more prone to lifestyle-related diseases,” one of the researchers said. Obesity, for example, is fast becoming an epidemic in the country. Simran Virk, "20% girls suffering from calcium deficiency: Study", The Times of India, January 16, 2010, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Court Agrees: DuPont Violated Contract With Monsanto On GMO Seed Development January 16, 2010: 03:09 AM EST DuPont did violate a contract by using Monsanto technology to develop its own genetically-modified seed resistant to the herbicide Roundup, a federal judge said, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of legal challenges by DuPont against Monsanto on antitrust grounds. A Monsanto spokesman said the antitrust claims are a "smoke screen and effort to obscure the significance of the court's ruling on [DuPont’s] license violation." DuPont, however, said the antitrust battle was just beginning. Meanwhile, the U.S. Dept. of Justice is conducting its own probe of alleged anti-competitive activity in the seed industry. By CHRISTOPHER LEONARD , "Court Rules for Monsanto, Antitrust Case Remains", abc News, January 16, 2010, © The Associated Press/ ABC News Internet Ventures

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FDA Policy Reversal May Jump-Start Further Legislative Activity Against Bisphenol January 16, 2010: 02:53 AM EST Reversing a Bush-era ruling, the U.S. FDA will spend $30 million to study whether bisphenol (BPA), which has been linked to a host of health problems, is as safe as proponents like the American Chemical Society say it is. Canada, Connecticut, Minnesota and Chicago have all restricted the use of BPA, which is used to harden the plastic of sip cups and bottles among other uses. More legislative bodies, including the U.S. Congress, are looking at the issue. A California legislator said the FDA’s about-face "is hopefully the start of comprehensive regulation of this dangerous chemical." "Bisphenol A: Should there be laws?", Los Angeles Times, January 16, 2010, © Los Angeles Times

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Western Diet Of Saturated Fats, Refined Foods Linked To Higher Risk Of Depression January 15, 2010: 04:18 AM EST An Australian study of 1,046 women ages 20 to 93 years found that those who followed a traditional diet – vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and high-quality meat and fish – were a third less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders than those following a diet high in refined or processed foods and saturated fats. The Western diet, researchers found, was associated increased the risk of depression by 50 percent. One problem for Americans is the relative unavailability of “high-quality meat,” researchers said. Meat from North American cattle fed a corn-based diet has more saturated fat and fewer good fatty acids. Caroline Cassels, "Whole Diet May Ward Off Depression and Anxiety", Medscape Today, January 15, 2010, © Medscape

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Wheaties FUEL For Active Individuals Is Now Available In Stores January 14, 2010: 10:35 PM EST The newest incarnation of the 85-year-old “Breakfast of Champions" – Wheaties FUEL cereal – is available in stores, General Mills announced. Created with the help of top athletes like Peyton Manning, Kevin Garnett, and Albert Pujols, the cereal was designed to help fuel athletic performance for active individuals looking for a lot of carbs in their diet. Each serving includes 210 calories worth of whole grain, B-vitamins, fiber, calcium and vitamins A, C, D and E. “Immediate energy” is provided by 14 grams of sugar, the company says. The cinnamon honey crunch-flavored cereal does not replace the original Wheaties. "Prepare to Win: Wheaties FUEL™, The New Breakfast of Champions®, Now Available in Stores ", Smart Brief, January 14, 2010, © SmartBrief, Inc.

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Uterine Fibroids May Someday Be Treated With Green Tea Compounds January 14, 2010: 09:30 PM EST A green tea extract known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been shown to kill human leiomyoma cells in lab rat cancer tissue and in fibroid lesions in mice models, suggesting that it might be useful in treating uterine fibroids in humans. Affecting forty percent of reproductive age women, the symptoms of uterine fibroids include excessive vaginal bleeding, anemia, fatigue and lack of energy. In the study, rat leiomyoma cells were treated with various concentrations of EGCG. In the live mice, the treatment “dramatically reduced the volume and weight of tumors at four and eight weeks after the treatment,” researchers said. Dong Zhang, MD, Mohamed Al-Hendy, Gloria Richard-Davis, MD, Valerie Montgomery-Rice, MD, Chakradhari Sharan, PhD, Veera Rajaratnam, PhD, Anjali Khurana, BS, Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD, "Green tea extract inhibits proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in nude mice", American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, January 14, 2010, © Mosby, Inc.

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