This is the second in a series of technical featurettes by the Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC) on ingredient-oriented food product development topics. Different functional or nutraceutical ingredients in demand by consumers and current food trends will be the focus of the series.

A new study indicates hair attributes and condition can benefit from a flax ingredient. Consumption of Glanbia Nutritionals’ proprietary, beauty-from-within, enriched flax ingredient increased the luster, shine and overall condition of human hair, according to the company.

Satiety-enhancing foods include some that are able to fill the gut but be markedly reduced (e.g., fiber, polydextrose), while others will affect the release of gut hormones, influencing satiety and appetite.

Inadequate prescription therapy pain-management, lack of doctor-patient communication about over-the-counter (OTC) medications and easy accessibility of OTC medications may contribute to patients using more than one medication to manage pain,"writes Stacey H. Kovac, Ph.D., from Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center and Duke University in Durham, N.C., and colleagues.

A natural, anti-wrinkle ingredient that targets the rapidly growing beauty-from-within category is being introduced to North America. Frutarom Inc. USA, has announced a new business relationship with Copalis, France.

Since cardiovascular disease risk increases with age, concern over the impending financial burden of this health condition has led to increased interest in diets and heart-healthy ingredients, as well as exercise.

The Innophos VersaCAL[tm] range of calcium phosphates can be used to enhance cereals, baked goods, beverages, nutrition bars and dozens of other food products.

Studies report on topics from consumers’ moods toward food to a few of particular significance to women’s health.

AnMar Nutrition supplies d-glucuronolactone, taurine, ascorbic acid, Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, glucosamine, chondroitin and a full line of amino acids.

GTC Nutrition is a recognized leader in providing natural, science-based ingredients to the food and supplement industries including NutraFlora[r] short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS[r]), which promotes mineral absorption and digestive health; Aquamin[tm] natural mineral source to provide essential minerals; CalciLife[tm] prebiotic mineral formulation for overall bone health; Natureal[tm] oat bran concentrate for heart health and low-glycemic benefits; and Polyglobe[r] xylitol, a naturally occurring polyol that helps reduce the incidence of dental caries.