These claims fall under the category of nutrient content claims (NCC). An NCC refers to any direct statement about the level or range of a nutrient in the food, such as “low sodium.” Only NCCs that have been defined by the FDA or USDA are permitted on labeling conventional foods, including meat and poultry products, as well as dietary supplements. 

Manufacturers must consider various factors to determine if their product qualifies for an NCC. Manufacturers are not allowed to make non-defined NCCs or use non-prescribed wording, such as “Low in Sugar” or “Free of Trans Fat,” on food or dietary supplement labels. Below are descriptions and synonyms for commonly seen NCCs:

Free

This claim is used when a product contains an insignificant amount of any of the following nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars, or calories. Synonyms permitted include “negligible source of,” “dietarily insignificant source,” “No,” “Zero,” and “Trivial Source of.”

Low

This claim is used when a product contains a nutrient per Reference Amount that is below the defined level. For example, 3g or less for fat, 140mg or less for sodium. Synonyms permitted include “little,” “few,” “contains a small amount,” and “low source of.”

Good Source Of

This claim is used when a product contains 10-19% of the Daily Value per Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC). Synonyms permitted include “contains” and “provides.”

High

This claim is used when a product contains 20% or more of the Daily Value per RACC. Synonyms permitted include “excellent source” and “rich in.”

Lean

This claim is applicable to seafood or game meats that contain less than 10g total fat, 4.5g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per RACC.

Extra Lean

This claim is applicable to seafood or game meat that has 5g total fat, less than 2g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per RACC.

Why Food Labeling Regulations are Important

As mentioned, consumers rely on claims when making food purchasing decisions. Therefore, it is crucial that all claims made on food labels are truthful, not misleading, and align with the definitions prescribed by the FDA and USDA.

New regulations have been implemented as of January 1, 2020, which impact both new and existing products. These regulations cover aspects such as revised Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) for certain products, updated Reference Daily Intakes (RDI), changes in units of measurement, modified nutrient definitions, and the inclusion of new mandatory nutrients like Added Sugar and Potassium. It is important to consider and comply with these regulations when including NCCs on your product labels.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

Original article posted by Mérieux NutriSciences.

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This free consumer guide was put together to bring attention to and provide information on incorporating brain-healthy foods into the diet. The main message of the guide comes down to “it’s never too early to start taking care of your brain.”

Brain-Healthy Nutrition

Researchers from all of the institutes involved in the cookbook came together to share data, information, and recipes. 

“Eating a brain-healthy diet means including an array of foods–that’s why we’re so excited to partner with these food groups to create this easy-to-use guide,” says Kitty Broihier, MS, RD and Nutrition Advisor for the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. “The Cognition Kitchen guide is a free consumer resource that provides science-based, but simple, information about these brain-healthy foods. Inside the guide, consumers will find a selection of recipes and details on how these four foods help nourish a healthy brain.”

The research decided to be included in the final cookbook and was condensed into 27 pages of healthy, easy-to-make recipes targeted toward anyone who is interested.

The cookbook is not intended to be a final draft. Instead, the researchers note that data and studies reveal new things every day. This means that the cookbook will have to be updated to keep up with new information in order to stay relevant.

Wild Blueberries aka Brain Berries

Research has linked blueberries and cognition since the 1990s and has shown that these tiny blue wonders can improve various measures of cognitive ability for all ages—children, teens, middle-aged adults, and older adults. Much of the focus on cognitive benefits is due to the flavonoid content of the wild berries—particularly the anthocyanins (and by the way, research shows wild blueberries contain more anthocyanins than any other commonly consumed berry in the US diet, including ordinary blueberries).

Brain Healthy Fish

Fish and shellfish are among the only foods naturally rich in a healthy type of omega-3 fat called DHA, which literally builds the brain and helps support brain health throughout the entire lifespan. DHA makes up 97% of the omega-3s in a newborn’s brain and the DHA content of an infant’s brain triples during the first three months of life. Research shows that children of moms who eat seafood 2-3 times each week during pregnancy reach milestones–like climbing stairs, copying sounds, and drinking from a cup–more quickly. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages all children and adults, especially moms-to-be, to eat a variety of seafood—including popular options like salmon, canned tuna, shrimp, tilapia, and crab—at least 2-3 times each week.

Brain-Healthy Tree Nuts

Tree nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts, have been shown to help reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and may play a positive role in satiety and maintaining healthy body weight. Emerging research is suggesting that long-term nut consumption may also improve cognitive function and help reduce cognitive dysfunction, such as dementia. Oxidative stress is believed to play a major role in brain health. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as nuts, may help protect the brain against the effects of oxidative stress, and ultimately help decrease cognitive decline.

Eggs and Brain Health

Eggs are a naturally nutrient-rich choice providing a good or excellent source of eight essential nutrients, including choline — a nutrient that helps reduce the risk of birth defects and supports brain health throughout the lifespan; however, more than 90% of Americans (including approximately 90% of pregnant women) don’t get enough of this essential nutrient and it’s not found in high quantities in many foods. Fortunately, eggs are one of the most concentrated sources of choline in the American diet. In fact, two large eggs supply more than half the recommended intake for pregnant women and can help them meet their needs.

The new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans specifically recommend nutrient-dense eggs as an important first food for infants and toddlers, as well as for pregnant women and lactating moms. The new Guidelines affirm that eggs — long known to be a vital source of nutrients for people of all ages — provide several key nutrients important for babies during a time in which their brains are most rapidly developing and can contribute to health and well-being during every life stage.

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The global probiotics market has grown tremendously in the last couple of years; especially in the supplement form. In 2021, the probiotics industry was >48 billion dollars with a 22% increase in probiotic supplements from 2019 to 2021. This increasing use of probiotic supplements is due to the evidence that probiotics support GI health. Further, clinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain in children, and infant colic to name a few.

Reacting to the increase in consumer demand and growth in the industry, researchers are developing novel probiotic strains at a fast pace while considering the impact of processing, storage, gastrointestinal survivability, and functionality of the cells. A key consideration during formulation is compatibility with other ingredients. Probiotic strains may be encapsulated to ensure survivability in the GI tract, during processing, and for application when added to different food matrices such as powders, bars, gummies, infant formula, and pet food.

The most widely used probiotic strains belong to two main genera, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, due to their abundance in the human gut and GRAS status. Species of other genera such as Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus are also used as probiotic supplements.

Irrespective of probiotics with multiple strains or single strains, in capsule, powder, or as an additive in a food matrix, the level claimed on the label needs verification. Mérieux NutriSciences offers this verification in CFUs or AFUs and has experience with a variety of probiotic strains and their applications. Our services also include testing for contaminants to ensure the safety of probiotics for human consumption.

To qualify as probiotics, strains need to be viable and have a health benefit when consumed. Clinical studies help identify the minimal and optimal doses that probiotics exert on a favorable outcome. Biofortis, Mérieux NutriScience’s sister company, offers clinical research testing to demonstrate GI survivability and health benefit claim studies.

Our Mérieux NutriScience laboratory and Biofortis Research clinical trial services will support you through your product lifecycle and beyond ensuring a high-quality probiotic formulation supported by data.

We are eager to help!

Contact Us

1. International Probiotics Association Europe. Global and European probiotic market insights 2018-2021. IPAEurope website. https://www.ipaeurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Market-data-probiotics-2018-2021.pdf
2. Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6656559/
3. The Development of High-Quality Multispecies Probiotic Formulations: From Bench to Market. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468868/
4. Encapsulated probiotic cells: Relevant techniques, natural sources as encapsulating materials and food applications – A narrative review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996920307079#:~:text=Several%20techniques%20are%20currently%20available,%2C%20%26%20Tzia%2C%202020

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In a recent Systematic Review, breakfast consumers had higher energy intake, fiber intake, and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables than non-breakfast eaters. People who ate regular healthy breakfasts also has lower consumption of soft drinks than those who skipped breakfast.

The most important meal of the day? When it comes to energy, breakfast just might be.

The Importance of Breakfast

The nutrients and energy kids derive from breakfast don’t just enhance their daily performance. Regular breakfast has been associated with overall health and keeping dangerous health conditions at bay, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity

While the optimal caloric/energy intake kids should have with breakfast is still in debate, the issue of eating breakfast or not is non-existent. Children who eat breakfast have better macronutrient distribution, leading to healthy lives and overall performance.

Breakfast is also important by being the first meal after the longest fast of a typical day. Sleeping 8+ hours means no food for 8+ hours. Making sure to have a healthy breakfast after a long period of no eating can get kids refueled and ready for the day.

Eating a Healthy Breakfast & Energy

Kids who ate breakfast regularly showed higher levels of carbohydrate, fiber, and protein intake when compared to breakfast-skippers. Fruit, vegetable, and dairy consumption levels were all found to be higher in the groups of kids who ate regular breakfasts.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

The post Breakfast Nutrients & Kids appeared first on Biofortis Research.

Approximately 70% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and one in three have increased levels of VAT, making research into it very important. Many modern studies are focusing on what avocados can do in conjunction with a healthy diet to help fight visceral obesity.

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)

Increased levels of VAT can lead to visceral obesity, which isn’t a common term, but some studies use it in relation to intra-abdominal obesity. Intra-abdominal obesity is when the VAT accounts for the majority of extra weight in an obese individual and is known to be more negative to health than having the same amount of fat accumulated in other areas of the body.

Some health-related conditions affected by visceral obesity include:

• Systemic-inflammation
• Insulin resistance
• Type-2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease

Avocado Diet Research

Recent studies have primarily focused on adding regular avocado consumption to a diet and conducted on observational data. One avocado per day for at least three months is a benchmark for measuring changes in VAT and related markers, such as insulinemia and blood glucose.

Most studies have recorded observational evidence that regular consumption of avocados is associated with lower levels of body fat and obesity. Studies from 2001-2008 noted that people on ‘avocado diets’ have lower weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference than people on standard diets.

While earlier studies showed a strong correlation between avocado consumption and lower weight/obesity levels, no baseline levels for avocado consumption have been established. In addition, most studies have only been on observational data. Current studies are primarily focused on determining the optimal amounts of avocados to add to daily dietary routines.

Avocado Research Groups

A study published in September 2022, which collected data between 2016 and 2018,  and was funded by the Haas Avocado Board tested the hypothesis of avocado consumption on obesity-related aspects of health. This study used a randomized controlled clinical trial design, with a 12-week intervention comparing diets adding one avocado a day to a control diet with no added avocado. Noticeably lower levels of VAT were found, primarily in women. 

The study is noteworthy for being a high-quality RCT with a large number (over 100) of participants and focused on avocado consumption and obesity/body weight. The initial data from this report shows the benefits of regular avocado consumption, particularly in women. Chief among the research that needs to be conducted based on this study are better understandings of the biological and pathological markers that directly correlate with avocado consumption, such as effects on glucose, insulin, and other metabolites.

Researchers are also needing to factor in the potential issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and how they may affect the diets of some study participants. The amount of data that is being gathered should provide a very strong foundation for determining how regular avocado consumption affects health and the optimal levels of avocados that can be added to dietary plans.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health worldwide by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

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Nutraceutical is a very broad term and its use is not specifically regulated or legally defined by many countries, including the US. In the US, dietary supplements are legally defined, and many people use the terms nutraceutical and dietary supplement interchangeably. And,  many researchers and manufacturers focus on similar areas of application of dietary supplements or nutraceuticals. For example, vitamins and mineral pills, herbal-based dietary supplements, and probiotics are all considered nutraceuticals. Let’s take a look at the most commonly used or ‘popular’ nutraceuticals people use every day.

Letter Vitamins

The most commonly used nutraceuticals are traditional vitamin supplements.  For example,  vitamins B, C, and D, are some of the most popular vitamins in the US.

Vitamins and multivitamin supplements are taken to give the body the essential vitamins & minerals it may not be getting from regular dietary means. Multivitamins are usually designed by manufacturers to address several areas of common vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin supplements are available in any supermarket or pharmacy. They are the supplements we see nearly every time we make a trip to the grocery store. And yes, they are also called nutraceuticals.

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins and blends are supplements for mothers during and after pregnancy. Some prenatal supplements are even recommended for women before pregnancy, as they contain vitamins and minerals conducive to healthy pregnancies and births.

Prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide the key minerals like calcium and iron, as well as vitamins women often aren’t consuming enough of, and are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy (e.g., folate, choline). Prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements are important for healthy pregnancies for many women.

Prenatal vitamins are also not meant to replace or change a healthy diet. A healthy diet is important to provide the full range of needed vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Supplements are meant to fill in the gaps for those nutrients that are needed in higher amounts or often missing from many foods so harder to get in high enough amounts.  

Probiotics

Probiotic blends are meant to enhance gut microbiota diversity, which can lead to health benefits. Probiotic supplements are tolerated differently by people with different diets and gut microbiota. As such, changes and supplementation research into probiotics (prebiotics, postbiotics, etc.) has been focusing on specific health issues to target. Popular areas of research & development include digestive health, immune health, and bowel health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids play an integral role in human health, and some omega-3 fatty acids are required in higher amounts by children for healthy development. Supplements of Omega-3 fatty acids have been popular nutraceuticals due to many of them coming primarily from less common US diets (primarily fatty fish like salmon).

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been linked to positive effects on everything from the common cold to cancer, conclusive evidence is scarce. However, it is known that omega-3 fatty acids are needed for healthy immune function.

Functional/Fortified Food & Drink

Functional or fortified foods & drinks are nutraceutical products that add vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to foods or drinks to target a specific nutritional need. Common fortified foods & drinks include dairy products like milk or yogurt.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

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