In the search for sources of excess sodium, sometimes the saltiest culprits are the least expected foods. After all, when someone tears into a bag of salt-and-vinegar potato chips, they have probably already factored a relative sodium wallop into the bargain. Far less likely, though, do they expect to soak up as much as half a day’s sodium from, say, a single cup of chili.

Findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (January, 2012) suggest the antioxidants in walnuts and other Mediterranean foods could help counteract age-related cognitive decline and reduce incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Alchem USA Inc.’s new ReQollect is a natural, plant-derived vinpocetine (ethyl apovincaminate) for memory and cognitive function. ReQollect is a branded, high-purity vinpocetine from periwinkle and Voacanga africana plants. Vinpocetine often is called the “smart nutrient,” for its studied ability to help improve cognitive function and memory by increasing blood circulation through the brain.

New research funded by Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas Inc., and presented at the FASEB Experimental Biology 2012 conference in San Diego, adds to the body of emerging research on fibers, including additional support for the role of soluble corn fiber in bone health.

PL Thomas and Co., Inc. and Polinat S.A. announced publication of a peer-reviewed study about the effects of Xanthigen in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry (2012 Jan 3).

For the general American population, adopting a gluten‐free diet is becoming an increasingly popular solution to numerous health problems, stated Pam Cureton, RD, LDN in a presentation at the Food Marketing Institute's (FMI) 2012 Health and Wellness Conference, held in April in Orlando, Fla. Cureton is with the Center for Celiac Research based at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a natural polyphenolic compound produced by plants, is found in the skin of red grapes and in other fruits, and it can also be produced by chemical synthesis. Resveratrol’s benefits are the subject of numerous animal and human studies. Animal studies have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aggregatory, hypoglycemic and other beneficial cardiovascular effects have been reported, as has blood pressure reduction.

National experts met at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting to discuss new, evidenced-based approaches to tackle childhood obesity.

Wal-mart Shoppers in 43 states can take a bite-sized approach to healthier snacking with Praeventia cookies, made with Wellmune WGP and other specially selected ingredients.

Upgrades to Stepan Company’s website make it easier for food and beverage processors to navigate Stepan Lipid Nutrition’s portfolio of natural nutritional oils. Stepan markets Neobee medium-chain triglycerides, Clarinol conjugated linoleic acid, Marinol concentrated Omega-3s and PinnoThin concentrated pine-nut oils.