Functional foods & beverages

Don’t call it a comeback, chia’s been here for years

Don’t call it a comeback, chia’s been here for years

By Asia Sherman

Chia became a household name in the 1980s, popularized by the fascination with fur-sprouting animal figurines, but its use as health aid dates as far back as the Aztec and Mayan empires. Today, after a slight dip in the market, chia is back on the scene...

© MiroNovak / Getty Images

Ahiflower oil gets novel food approval for Brazil

By Stephen Daniells

The National Health Surveillance Agency of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (ANVISA) has granted pre-market approval to Natures Crops International’s Ahiflower oil, opening up South America’s biggest market to this plant-based omega oil.

©Getty Images - Oakozhan

Herbalife abruptly ousts CEO on heels of disappointing sales

By Hank Schultz

For the second time in recent years network marketing giant Herbalife has made an abrupt management switch, with board chairman Michael Johnson stepping in as interim CEO. The move coincided with a disappointing sales report that saw the company’s share...

©Getty Images - Allison Micheal Orenstein

Study shows anti-aging promise of taurine supplementation

By Asia Sherman

Supplementation with taurine – perhaps best known as an additive in energy drinks – may help control oxidative stress during the aging process, says a recent study published in the journal Nutrition.

Highlights from the Beauty from Within webinar

Highlights from the Beauty from Within webinar

By Danielle Masterson

The beauty from within category is resonating in the marketplace as consumers look to maintain a youthful glow and even turn back the clock. The nutri-cosmetics market is forecasted to grow significantly over the next few years and the rising interest...

NutraWomen Wednesday: Jessica ter Haar, Scientific Director, IPA

NutraWomen Wednesday: Jessica ter Haar, Scientific Director, IPA

By Danielle Masterson

Microbiology expert Jessica ter Haar, PhD, is the scientific director at the International Probiotics Association (IPA). She focuses a lot on helping women achieve their best possible microbial health during every stage of life—a topic that she’s helping...

getty | microgen

Study: Probiotic can reduce sore throat and fever in children

By Nikki Hancocks

A supplement of two L. reuteri probiotic strains can significantly reduce days of fever and severity of pain in children being treated for upper respiratory tract infections thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, according to a new clinical trial.

© airdone / Getty Images

Back to the Future and the reset called 2021

By George Paraskevakos, IPA Executive Director

Contemplating the year that was and in the classical fashion of penning articles tied to movie titles, I must say, it was difficult to choose one which depicted the year IPA and the world of probiotics has gone through.

© Bunyos / Getty Images

News in Brief

ANVISA grants novel food certification for Levagen

By Stephen Daniells

Gencor’s Levagen, a clinically studied form of palmitolethanolamide (PEA), has been granted novel foods certification by Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency ANVISA.

Image courtesy of Lallemand Health Solutions

Apsen launches 'first psychobiotic' in Brazil

São Paulo-based Apsen has partnered with Lallemand Health Solutions to launch a probiotic formulation for the brain-gut axis on the Brazilian market, with approved health claims by the Brazilian Health Authorities, ANVISA.

Global probiotics market grows 8%, says IPA’s Paraskevakos

Global probiotics market grows 8%, says IPA’s Paraskevakos

By Stephen Daniells

As consumers seek out immune-support products, probiotics are one of the categories to have experienced sales growth in 2020. The science to substantiate the claims has been key, said George Paraskevakos, Executive Director of the International Probiotics...