Americas: Kemin’s spearmint extract may be beneficial for cognitive health and performance, finds study

A human study conducted by Biofortis, a global contract research organization, suggests that the use of a patent-pending spearmint extract containing phenolic complex K110-42 may help improve cognitive health and cognitive performance in older adults. The study results were presented in a poster session, sponsored by the American Society for Nutrition, at Experimental Biology from April 26 to 30,...

Americas: Ganedean Biotech receives US patent on use of probiotic in coffee, tea, cereal

Ganeden Biotech has received a US patent that covers the use of all Bacillus coagulans, including GanedenBC30, in all coffee, tea and cereal. The company says the probiotic industry is growing rapidly, with no indication that it will be slowing down anytime soon. By 2015 the market is expected to reach $31.1 billion globally, with about 90% of that from the...

Americas: Study suggests a little wine may be good for kidneys

Moderate wine consumption could help keep the kidneys healthy and may protect the heart in patients who already have kidney disease, according to findings presented at the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) 2014 Spring Clinical Meetings held from April 22 to 26, 2014 in Las Vegas, US. Tapan Mehta, MD, of the University of Colorado-Denver, and his colleagues found that people...

Americas: Corbion Caravan launches dough improver that reduces gluten

Corbion Caravan launches GEM 100, a clean label dough improver for yeast-leavened dough formulas. The ingredient allows producers to reduce – or eliminate – wheat gluten in their recipes. “With GEM 100, the gluten and related costs can be reduced without sacrificing taste, texture, product quality or the consumer’s eating experience,” says Abby Ceule, director, marketing communications. “You can retain the quality...

Americas: Study shows key chocolate ingredients could help prevent obesity, diabetes

Scientists are researching on the ingredients in chocolate that might help prevent obesity, type-2 diabetes and potential health benefits such as improved thinking, decreased appetite and lowered blood pressure. They found that an antioxidant in cocoa prevented laboratory mice from gaining excess weight and lowered their blood sugar levels. Their report appears in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry by...

Americas: Whey beneficially affects diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults, say researchers

New evidence shores up findings that whey protein, which is found in milk and cheese, could have health benefits for people who are obese and do not yet have diabetes. The study, which appears in the Journal of Proteome Research by American Chemical Society, examined how different protein sources affect metabolism. Lars O. Dragsted, Kjeld Hermansen and their colleagues point out...

Americas: M&H Plastics packages vitamins in PET spray bottles

M&H Plastics has produced 15ml polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Tubular bottles for BetterYou products, using tooling and production capabilities. BetterYou is a natural health supplement company producing vitamin supplements through spray delivery, especially magnesium and vitamins B12 and D. “Vitamin deficiency is one of the most important lifestyle problems facing us today,” said Rebecca Thompson, production manager of BetterYou. “With M&H Plastics to...

Europe: Clear Lam Packaging shows stackable, reclosable packaging solution at interpack 2014

Following a successful launch in North America, Clear Lam Packaging debuts the PrimaPak Packaging System in Europe at the Ilapak booth at interpack 2014 from May 8 to 14, 2014 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Clear Lam first developed the proprietary PrimaPak vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) technology using an Ilapak machine platform. The Clear Lam patented technology produces a cubed package with a reclosable...

Asia Pacific: Amcor buys Indonesian flexible packaging company for US$25.3M

Amcor says it has entered into an agreement to acquire Bella Prima Packaging, an Indonesian flexible packaging business for A$27 million (US$25.3 million). It adds the purchase price represents seven times reported in calendar year (CY) 2013, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Bella Prima has two plants in Jakarta, Indonesia specializing in the shrink sleeve, label and lidding businesses. Its...

Asia Pacific: Chinese researchers create color-coded smart tag for food safety

A color-coded smart tag could tell consumers whether a carton of milk has turned sour or a can of green beans has spoiled without opening the containers, according to researchers. The tag, which would appear on the packaging, also could be used to determine if medications and other perishable products were still active or fresh, they said. This report on the...