Neutraceuticals Market Assessment 2008 Out Now

The nutraceuticals market comprises the combined functional foods and vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) sectors. The larger functional foods sector encompasses principally the four areas of: breakfast cereals fortified with fibre and sometimes with vitamins
and minerals; probiotic yoghurts and yoghurt drinks; cholesterol-lowering margarines; and soya milks. A newer and growing segment is fortified breads. Fortified breakfast cereals and probiotic yoghurts/yoghurt drinks are claimed to aid digestion, and cholesterol-lowering margarines are targeted at heart health. The use of the cholesterol-lowering active ingredients has been extended to probiotic yoghurts and yoghurt drinks, and to milk and cheese.

The smaller VMS sector is dominated by single and multivitamins, fish oils (mainly cod liver oil), plant oils (largely evening primrose oil), minerals and glucosamine supplement products.

The functional foods sector increased by 8.3% in value terms in the year ending 8th September 2007, a substantial slowing of growth from the 22.1% rise shown in the year to 9th September 2006. This slowdown was accounted for by a decline in sales of probiotic yoghurt drinks (which appear to have peaked after strong previous growth), while sales of cholesterol-lowering margarines and spreads experienced only a slight rise. However, some positive growth was achieved through increased sales of fortified breakfast cereals, probiotic yoghurts and soya milks.

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Double Shot of Supplement Info for Pregnant Women

Already this week comes two separate studies describing the importance of nutritional supplements for pregnant women, and the importance they play in the health of both the mother and the fetus. First, a report from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology finds that "women who take multivitamins containing folic acid have a far reduced risk of pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure) than women who don't. (read more.

Meanwhile, upping the ante, an article in this week's Lancet reports that "multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMN) for pregnant women is more effective than iron and folic acid at preventing early infant death and fetus loss ( read more).

Liver Life: When January Catches Up

JANUARY'S the month when all the boozing, the late nights and the over-eating finally catches up with us.

We drag ourselves around, perhaps pledging "never" to drink again, or to abstain for a while and tackle our sagging health.

Specialist in nutrition, Professor Patrick Holford, says: "It's common for people to panic at this time of year because they may be feeling really groggy and struggling to perform.
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"The reality is most of us are always vertically ill - that is, we are upright but don't feel great most of the time. The majority of people are usually functioning well below their potential because their body is overloaded with toxins from the food and drink they take in.

(read more)