All articles by Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Cleaner, greener extraction
The rise of functional foods has increased demand for bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. At the same time, pressure for ‘more natural’ ingredients is intensifying – from both health-conscious consumers and regulators. These trends are fuelling the advance of supercritical CO2 extraction: a cleaner, greener way of extricating functional ingredients. Lorraine Mullaney speaks to Hans Schonemann, chief technology officer for Phasex, and R&D specialist Riccardo Destefano at Separeco, to find out more.
Omega power against cancer
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are known for a number of benefits, from skin health to brain health. However, it hasn’t previously been clear whether they might help reduce the incidence of cancer. A new study by the University of Georgia provides compelling evidence that they might. Abi Millar speaks to study author Kaixiong Ye to discover more.
Vitafoods Europe agenda launched: experts address market challenges and opportunities in Barcelona
This year’s edition boasts a new theatre and three days of content focused around key industry growth areas, from women’s health to finished products and more
AstaReal AB expands Benelux presence – new agreement with Lithos Ingredients
AstaReal has entered into a new distribution agreement with Lithos Ingredients, a subsidiary of the Lithos Food Group, to increase the availability of AstaReal® Astaxanthin in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The agreement covers the AstaReal® Astaxanthin ingredients in various forms, including bulk finished formulations, capsules, and softgels.
Countdown to Barcelona: Registrations open for Vitafoods Europe 2025
The event’s milestone premiere in Barcelona will offer even more for visitors in 2025, with an expanded exhibition space reflecting the growth of a thriving nutraceutical market
Natural versus artificial flavourings
Flavour is an essential factor in the eating experience, but there is a hot debate in the food industry about where flavour should come from. Faced with a choice between natural and synthetic flavours, the latter often coming with a bad reputation, what is the best choice? Are synthetic flavourings harmful, even when they have the same chemical composition as a natural flavour? Jim Banks speaks to Matthew Carpenter, chair of the UK Flavour Association, and food researcher Ahmed Olatunde of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria, to find out more.
The secret life of ingredients
In recent years, consumers have begun to play a more active role in improving their health and are increasingly looking to food not just for basic nutrition but also to provide health benefits. Elly Earls speaks to Kavita Karnik, global head of nutrition, regulatory and scientific affairs at Tate & Lyle; food science consultant Bryan Quoc Le; and Alon Chen, CEO and co-founder of Tastewise, about the rise of functional ingredients, the challenges of integrating them into food products and why the future of healthy eating is personalised.
Micro size, macro effect
Over recent years, microalgae like spirulina and chlorella have emerged as remarkable sources of nutrients, offering consumers rich strains of protein, vitamins and minerals. But with robust scientific evidence of their benefits still lacking, and with some microalgae including potentially dangerous toxins, hurdles clearly remain. Andrea Valentino speaks to Xinyu Duan at the University of Melbourne, and Eduardo Jacob-Lopes from the Federal University of Santa Maria, to learn more.
Cracking the omega code
Many will be familiar with reported benefits of omega-3, from the potential cardiovascular benefits to reduced risk of dementia. Fewer will be aware of its cousin omega-7, which is thought to improve heart health, skin health and metabolism. Abi Millar speaks to scientists Dr Nils Hoem and Dr Zhihong Yang to find out what sets these two fatty acids apart and how incorporating omega-3 and omega-7 into your diet can lead to a healthier life.
Mirage or miracle?
Collagen is one of the most popular supplements on the market, with shoppers eager to reap the purported anti-ageing benefits. As well as improving skin, hair and nails, some studies claim that it can improve joint mobility and assuage joint pain. But how effective are they? Abi Millar speaks to dermatologists Dr Jonathan Kentley and Dr Emilia Pasiah to find out if collagen is worth the hype.