Once again, Prepared Foods, under its NutraSolutions brand, offers the “Ingredients for Health Reference” to provide market data and information on commercially available ingredients that assist in the development of products targeting various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures used to make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of information.

The categories are as follows:

• Antioxidants for Health

• Bone and Joint Health

• Cancer: Reducing Risk

• Cardiovascular Health

• Cognitive Health

• Diabetic Benefits

• Digestive Health

• Energy and/or Sports Performance

• Eye Health

• Immunity Enhancement

• Weight Management and

• General Health

Antioxidants for Health

Product launches claiming to contain free-radical-fighting antioxidants are still in abundance worldwide. However, the antioxidant trend has finally peaked; according to the Innova Database, in 2011 vs. 2010, there was a 13% reduction in global product launches with an antioxidant positioning. In 2011, global product launch activity with antioxidant claims was dominated by the beverage market, with the leading categories being tea (16.9%), juice and juice drinks (11.6%), and iced tea (6.3%). The most popular food categories with antioxidant claims were cereal and energy bars (4.4%), and breakfast cereals (3.4%). Many products simply state that they contain antioxidants, without any specific health claims associated with them. It is now generally accepted by consumers that products with antioxidants are indeed “better-for-you.” From an ingredients perspective, the most popular fruits associated with an antioxidant claim were pomegranate, açai and goji berry; the tea varietals, green tea and rooibos, were also popular ingredient sources for claims.

—Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights, helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com

 Benexia Chia Seed

Benexia chia seed is a distinctive oleaginous seed that provides the best plant source of omega-3 ALA.  Scientific assertions of its effect on human health are as numerous as those supporting sea animal-origin EPA and DHA.  Chia seed also contains adequate levels of antioxidants, fiber, protein and minerals, such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc.  Unlike marine sources, chia is emerging as one of the most sustainable sources of omega-3.  With a variety of applications worldwide, including snack crackers, cereals, breads and nutrition bars, Benexia chia seed also is highly suitable for the rapidly growing gluten-free and low-GI food markets. PNI Brands, Dean Mosca, 519-647-2071, dean@pnibrands.com, www.pnibrands.com

 Antioxidant Oil

Oli Ola is an olive extract with a guaranteed level of hydroxytyrosol, a very potent form of polyphenol. It has been established that hydroxytyrosol helps in the protection of LDL particles from oxidative damage, thus showing benefits for cardiovascular health. Oli Ola is solvent-free, water-soluble and organic-certified. The recommended intake of 170mg/day makes it easy to use in small doses, such as soft gel capsules. Franck Gillet, sales manager, Nexira Health USA, 908-704-7494, f.gillet@nexira.com

 The Carotenoid People

The nutritious red tomato, appealing orange carrot and exotic yellow mango have one thing in common. They are rich in carotenoids, a powerful antioxidant group responsible for the bright yellow, orange and red colors found in plants, fruits and animals. Research indicates that diets low in carotenoids can increase the body’s susceptibility to damage from free radicals. As a result, carotenoid-deficient diets may increase tissue damage from free-radical activity and increase risk of chronic diseases. There are approximately 600 carotenoids in nature; the most well-known are beta-carotene, apocarotenal, lycopene and lutein. Beta-carotene and apocarotenal are also a safe source of vitamin A. They are stored in the body and only converted into vitamin A when needed. Carotenoids are not produced by the body and must be obtained through diet.  As “The Carotenoid Company,” Allied Biotech Corporation (distributed by Lugo Nutrition in the U.S.) provides a comprehensive portfolio of carotenoid products suitable for all food applications. Lugo Nutrition Inc. (exclusive U.S. distributors), 302-573-2503, srivoir@lugonutrition, www.lugonutrition.com

 Natural Vitamin E

This widely heralded antioxidant vitamin is readily available from Rochem International. As a distributor with an international presence, Rochem can bring companies a strategic partnership representing a vertically integrated manufacturer of both the oil and powder forms of non-GMO, natural vitamin E. The past few years have witnessed major swings in availability of this popular and essential vitamin; the coming year will be no exception. Rochem International will work to eliminate supply concerns. The company’s strong affiliation with its manufacturing partner, Jiangsu Springfruit, enables them to offer a wide range of non-GMO natural vitamin E ingredients. Jointly, they control the process—from the crop to the finished product. Whether one is in the nutritional, food or personal-care business, let Rochem International be the bridge to supply quality ingredients that will continuously meet requirements. Rochem International Inc., 631-738-1188, sales@rocheminlt.com, www.rochemintl.com

 Key Antioxidants in Pistachios 

Results of new research presented at the American Society of Nutrition in San Diego contribute to the increasing amount of scientific evidence that underscores the health benefits of eating pistachios on a daily basis. Research was conducted at University of Messina. The study quantified polyphenols, carotenoids (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E)—all with strong antioxidant qualities. The study began in 2010 and was completed in 2011. While a number of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of pistachio consumption in modifying lipid risk factors for coronary heart disease, officials say this study is the first to characterize pistachio polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols and investigate their bioaccessibility during digestion. American Pistachio Growers, www.AmericanPistachios.org

 Seeing Red  

Algatechnologies, Israel, a manufacturer of natural astaxanthin, has collaborated with Novel Creation, Israel, to develop Maximum Red Alga, a unique liquid dietary supplement of natural astaxanthin using AstaPure 10% astaxanthin oleoresin as its main active ingredient. Maximum Red Alga liquid supplement is produced and marketed by Novel Creation and was launched in the U.S. and Europe earlier this year. This innovative product was developed utilizing advanced technology that enables oil-soluble ingredients, such as natural astaxanthin, to be easily incorporated into water-based formulations, while keeping their natural properties and delivering their health benefits more effectively, according to the companies. Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment and the most important natural carotenoid found in nature. It is an extremely potent antioxidant and is recognized to be as much as 500 times more effective than vitamin E and more powerful than beta-carotene. Astaxanthin was found to be beneficial in several areas, including preventing disorders related to sports activities; and maintaining cardiovascular and skin health. Algatechnologies Ltd., www.algatech.com 

Cranberry Benefits Kids  

Ocean Spray Ingredient Technology attended the Vitafoods conference in Europe and discussed a new Finnish research study that shows cranberry juice may reduce recurrences of urinary tract infections in children. Research found that—compared to placebo—regular consumption of cranberry juice limited the number of UTI recurrences in children by 43%. This also reduced the need for antibiotics by 34%, the equivalent of six days per patient a year, the study found. Cranberries are better known for their role in maintaining urinary tract health in adult women. Ocean Spray asserts these findings demonstrate that cranberry juice can also benefit younger patients who might otherwise face long-term antibiotic use. Ocean Spray Ingredient Technology Group, www.oceansprayitg.com  

More Cherry Products, Benefits 

Cherries have long been appreciated for their taste, but growing evidence about their health benefits puts them squarely in the frame for “superfruit” status. Cherries—especially tart cherries—are increasingly being used in juices and juice drink blends, according to Innova Market Insights. Although oranges and apples still dominate juice products globally, cherry did feature in about 7% of juice and juice drink launches recorded by Innova during 2011, up from 4% from the five previous years. Research shows that sour or tart cherries have high antioxidant content, and use of that claim in marketing is increasing, Innova reports. Newer research eyes the cherries’ potential to reduce inflammation, ease pain and improve sleep quality.  Innova Market Insights, www.innovadatabase.com NS