Heart Health

Pantesin, a highly absorbable vitamin B5 (pantethine) from Kyowa Hakko (New York City), may significantly lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in humans, according to research published in the journal Nutrition Research.

Moreover, the association argues, FDA’s proposed enforcement deadline of February 21, 2012, is “untenable” for supplement marketers, many of whom CRN contends would find it difficult to replace or reformulate current products in time.

An NIH-supported study on vitamin E tocotrienol supplementation has found a potential brain-protective effect from the nutrient following ischemic stroke.

Horphag Research Nutrition will focus on function food and beverage development with Pycnogenol.

The original UltraMeal PLUS 360°is touted for managing metabolic syndrome, including reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Swedish researchers analyzed the results of 15 studies including 383,838 participants with a reported 9360 stroke events.

The products are available at select Walgreens stores.

EFSA has granted a health claim for hydroxytyrosol and the protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage, according to ingredient marketer P.L. Thomas.

Challenges for Functional Foods and Beverages

Cardiovascular-health ingredients are probably the main beneficiaries of EFSA rulings. What is the significance of this, and what are the opportunities for the industry?

Modern research is gaining on the health benefits of chocolate and cocoa.

New ingredients and technologies to quench the thirst for beverage innovation.

Results of a meta-analysis reveal significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate.

The ESPRIT trial will examine the efficacy and safety of adding Epanova to statin therapy for patients with very high triglycerides.

A coalition of over 100 U.S. health departments and associations is uniting on a campaign to reduce consumption of sugary beverages, including sodas, fruit juices with little to no juice, and sweetened iced teas.

Two muffin and three snack bar concepts were designed with or without 30 g of milled brown flaxseed (providing 6 g of ALA) and assigned to taste judges.

Chocolate intake is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke in a meta-analysis of over 114,000 adults.

Canadian researchers believe that a diet program involving FDA-recognized heart-healthy foods may be more effective at lowering LDL cholesterol than a low-saturated fat diet.

A meta-analysis of 10 studies on over 268,000 subjects has determined that potassium intake is inversely related to risk of ischemic stroke.

This is the second time the companies have collaborated.

Tocotrienols for cardiovascular health.

Chemically known as D-ribose, ribose is a 5-carbon sugar (pentose) that is found in every cell in the body. Due to its chemical structure, it is not used by the body as a typical sugar, such as glucose (6-carbons)-meaning it is not metabolized via glycolysis, the biochemical pathway in which sugar is converted into energy. Ribose serves as the carbohydrate backbone of ribonucleic acid/RNA (as ribose) and of deoxyribonucleic acid/DNA (as deoxyribose), both of which are involved in cell growth and function.

GreenPower Health Products will launch heart-health dietary supplements based on VESIsorb bioavailability technology.

The study has been published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.

Dietary supplements brand Nathans Natural announced that its Levodyn supplement will begin a Phase II clinical trial.