An August 2002 U.S. patent issued to Innovative Foods Inc. provides a method of infusing nutrients such as vitamins, phytochemicals, herbal extracts and medicinals into fruits, vegetables and other underutilized food products.
On March 7th, 2003, the FDA proposed labeling and manufacturing standards for all dietary supplements. Under the cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) proposal, manufacturers would be required to evaluate the identity, purity, quality, strength and composition of their dietary ingredients and dietary supplements.
Some attribute the phenomenon of the "French Paradox" to consumption of red wine at least to a certain degree. Although the French consume a diet high in saturated fatty acids, have high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and smoking rates similar to other countries, their incidence of death due to coronary heart disease is relatively low.
Elevated sales of calcium supplements and fortified foods evidence concerns about osteoporosis, even as isoflavones and essential fatty acids join the battle.
The resin from a tree in India, the guggul tree, contains a substance effective in controlling high cholesterol. The compound, guggulsterone, blocks the action of a cell receptor, FXR, which helps to regulate body cholesterol levels.
Consumer awareness of eye-health, along with landmark research supporting supplementation benefits, gives direction for nutritional products companies.
A $4.5 million study to be conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston will examine the health benefits of soy isoflavone supplementation in reducing bone loss in postmenopausal women.
A Nutrition Business Journal report titled "Consumer Research in the Nutrition Industry II," concludes consumers are ill-informed about nutritional science, brands and regulations, making them easy prey for misconceptions and misinformation.
The interest in foods with healthful properties has increased the need for food formulators to offer additional benefits in the foods and beverages they manufacture.