Health ingredients Europe - show preview

Your chance to network with the key movers and shakers in healthy food ingredients, nutraceuticals, functional foods and food supplements all under one roof - Health ingredients Europe (HiE) is the biggest health ingredients show in town. Housing more than 400 exhibitors, it is your chance to discover new health ingredients and other innovative products and services and find out about current issues and trends that affect your business. It is also host to a major international conference featuring presentations on everything from health claims and changes to the Novel Food Regulation to the latest developments in gut health, satiety, salt and sugar reduction and foods for children and the elderly. Running alongside the show is Natural ingredients Europe, an exhibition and conference dedicated to natural ingredients for cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, foods and personal care products. Take a look at what's on offer----

SHOW FACTS

Location: Halls 1&2, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris, France. http://www.expoparisnord.com​

Opening hours: Nov 4: 10am-5.30pm Nov 5: 10am-5.30pm Nov 6: 10am-4pm

Transport: Paris Nord Villepinte is just a few minutes from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle International airport and 20 minutes from the centre of Paris on the RER local rail network.

Further information: http://www.hi-events.com​ CMP Information +31 346 559444

Cardiovascular health

While satiety and cognitive function might be grabbing all the headlines at the moment, there is still plenty of activity in the arena of cardiovascular health, although arguably there has not been much radical innovation in the last year, according to Mintel.

Mintel also notes a shift away from fortifying foods with so-called 'functional' ingredients towards a focus on the inherent cardiovascular benefits of well-known foods, typified by launches such as beetroot juice (claimed to lower blood pressure), speckled lentils and wholegrain muesli (for a healthy heart), and oat-based cereals for cholesterol reduction. By contrast, higher priced cholesterol-busting 'functional' foods with plant sterols have suffered, although things have picked up again this year.

But there is plenty of activity beyond cholesterol-reduction. Unilever, which has just launched blood pressure-lowering shots in the US containing potassium, is rumoured to be planning a fresh assault on this market in Europe, while it is also developing spreads containing a patented tomato extract from partner Provexis claimed to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

Several of the key players in this market are exhibiting at HiE this year, notably DSM Food Specialties, which will be promoting Tensguard, a protein hydrolysate containing bioactive peptides targeting the market for blood-pressure management. Also on show is another recent launch from DSM called InsuVital, a dairy peptide that partially restores impaired insulin function, which could pave the way for potentially groundbreaking functional foods targeting diabetics and pre-diabetics.

ADM, meanwhile, will be promoting its CardioAid phytosterols and phytosterol esters for reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol.

Meanwhile, HiE visitors will also be wooed by suppliers of polyphenols from apples, green tea and cocoa as more evidence emerges about their impact on multiple risk factors for heart disease, from stiff arteries, hypertension, high cholesterol and insulin sensitivity to oxidative stress.

One exhibitor hoping to cash in is Val de Vire Bioactives, which is promoting the health-giving properties of cider apple extracts, while Natraceutical Group will be highlighting the beneficial effects of cocoa polyphenols on endothelial function, cholesterol, blood pressure, the immune system, cognitive function and mood.

The big guns in healthy lipids are also out in force at the show. First up is Glanbia Nutritionals, which will be showcasing its MeadowPure 03 Ultra range of omega-3 ingredients.

Next up is Croda Healthcare, which will be promoting a range of essential fatty acids, notably stearidonic acid (SDA), which is converted more readily into the more beneficial EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) by the body than alpha linolenic acid (the omega-3 found in plants like flax). It will also be promoting DPA (docosapentaenoic acid (proven to stimulate endothelial cell migration). The lipids are enhanced using PureMax - a purification technology used to produce high-purity omega-3 concentrates free from pollutants and impurities.

Also looking to cash in on the growing demand for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are Cognis, which will be promoting its Omevital high purity omega-3 fish oils; Lonza and Martek Biosciences, which will be highlighting the benefits of their vegetarian long chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA derived from microalgae. Contrary to popular belief, says Martek, DHA does not have to be combined with EPA in order to deliver cardiovascular benefits.

Lipid Nutrition will be plugging its Marinol fish oil, which has a clean taste and smell and high stability; Kievit will be promoting its broad range of encapsulated oils and fats, and Ocean Nutrition Canada will be promoting its MEG-3 brand of omega-3 EPA/DHA ingredients.

Another exhibitor looking to the ocean for inspiration is Neptune Technologies, which is promoting oil from krill, which could be a powerful weapon in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Finally, LycoRed will be promoting the cardiovascular benefits of phytoene and phytofluene, carotenoids found in its tomato extract Lyc-O-Mato. These have been shown to inhibit the deposition of plaque from oxidised LDL ('bad') cholesterol in the lining of the arteries. Lyc-O-Mato contains a natural balance of phytoene and phytofluene, plus lycopene, beta carotene, tocopherols and phytosterols

Beauty from within

Feeding your face is potentially big business, although estimates of market size vary dramatically. But most agree that cosmeceuticals are experiencing double-digit growth. Packed with vitamins, Co-enzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, collagen and a host of botanicals, 'beauty from within' ingredients are therefore taking centre stage at HiE.

One exhibitor keen to get a slice of the action is Israeli firm Algatechnologies, which will introduce a new line of products containing astaxanthin - a potent antioxidant targeting skin and eye health.

Fenchem, meanwhile, is showcasing Hyamax (sodium hyaluronate), which helps boost skin elasticity; Nutra-Red (lycopene) and LuMarin (lutein from marigolds), which protect skin from sun damage, and grape seed extract Grapurit, which increases skin hydration and protects skin from free-radical mediated inflammation.

Plantextrakt will be promoting green tea and roobois extracts; Solbar is plugging natural soy isoflavone extracts; Frutarom is promoting lignan extracts from flax for smoother, less oily skin; and LycoRed will highlight Lyc-O-Mato, which helps protect skin against UV-induced free radicals. It is also claimed to increase skin density, thickness and smoothness.

Cognis has a range of beautifying ingredients from vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and mixed carotenoids to lutein esters, while Kemin will be promoting FloraGLO lutein - a purified lutein for healthy eyes and skin. Sabinsa is presenting a wide range of phytonutrients with beauty-from-within applications, while Indena will be showcasing Mirtogenol, containing extracts of bilberry and pine bark for eye health applications, and Opextan, an olive fruit extract for healthy skin.

Lallemand will be promoting its natural and bioavailable selenium yeast Lalmin, which has just been approved for use in foods and supplements in the EU. Selenium is claimed to mop up damaging free radicals, which accelerate the ageing process.

Finally, DMV International is promoting blemish-busting Praventin - a whey protein concentrate rich in the Lactoferrin fraction.

Weight management

Developing ingredients that help consumers battle the bulge is near the top of the strategic priority list for most ingredients suppliers, whether they work via boosting satiety, speeding up metabolism, inhibiting protein breakdown, blocking fat absorption or simply helping manufacturers replace fat or sugar.

Leading the charge at HiE are Cognis and Lipid Nutrition, which will be promoting conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from safflowers, which is claimed to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass.

If CLA gains EU-wide approval under the Novel Food Regulation later this year, manufacturers could start experimenting with functional food and drink products containing CLA in 2009.

Both firms offer CLA in oil and water-dispersible powder forms, enabling them to be used in milk drinks, fruit juices, yoghurts and yoghurt drinks, baked goods, salad dressings and breakfast cereals.

Lipid Nutrition will also be promoting its new powdered version of PinnoThin, which is derived from Korean pine nut oil and claimed to stimulate the hunger-suppressing hormones CCK and GLP1. Other firms offering hope for the hefty include Berkem, which will be promoting Svetol, its water soluble green coffee bean extract; Frutarom, which will be promoting green mate extract - claimed to help reduce body weight and visceral fat, Glanbia Nutritionals, which will be showcasing Prolibra (a low-glycaemic, calcium-rich milk mineral complex claimed to boost lean muscle mass and reduce fat) and Bio Serae, which will be presenting Cacti-Nea, a prickly pear extract, NeOpuntia, a fibre from cactus leaves and seaweed extract ID-alG. DSM Food Specialties, meanwhile, will be showcasing a new powdered version of Fabuless, its satiety-boosting emulsion of palm oil and oat oil.

Lonza will be showcasing Carnipure, its special grade of L-Carnitine, which has a range of applications in the fields of weight management, sports recovery and healthy ageing.

Finally, Kerry Ingredients will be unveiling new research into satiety based on recent human intervention studies.

For those preferring more traditional approaches to weight management via fat and sugar reduction, help is at hand from several big hitters, including Cargill, which will present a range of polyols including new star erythritol; Tate & Lyle, which can help customers reformulate products to reduce fat, sugar and calories; and Syral, which will be promoting a range of polyols and the prebiotic fibre Actilight.

Also offering solutions for firms looking to replace sugar and fat are Beneo Orafti with its inulin and oligofructose-based ingredients, Roquette, with its large range of polyols, Jungbunzlauer with erythritol and Rousselot and Gelita, who will be promoting gelatin for fat replacement.

Digestive health

Gut and immune health products will feature prominently at HiE this year, with some unusual products from the new human care division at Lesaffre, which will be promoting new prebiotic and probiotic yeasts and yeast fractions. Danisco, meanwhile, will showcase its HOWARU probiotic sprinkles to improve digestive health and the immune system. And BioREAL will be promoting AstaREAL, a natural astaxanthin claimed to reduce oxidative stress in the lining of the gut.

However, there is also strong representation from firms plugging fibres, which might lack sex appeal, but are proven to boost the immune system, promote digestive health and stave off hunger pangs.

The most activity is in soluble fibres, which are resistant to digestion in the small intestine, but completely or partially fermented in the large intestine.

Here they produce beneficial short chain fatty acids, which are believed to help stabilise blood glucose, reduce 'bad' cholesterol, stimulate the production of beneficial bacteria, help the immune system, boost satiety and even reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Heading the pack is Tate & Lyle with its Promitor soluble prebiotic fibres from corn. These offer significant processing benefits and enable customers to boost fibre levels without impacting taste or texture.

The range is also low-GI (glycaemic index), and has excellent process and acid stability. It also dissolves clear, opening up new opportunities in beverage applications.

Another supplier keen to makes waves in the fibre stakes is Taiyo Europe, which will be highlighting Sunfiber, a tasteless, odourless and water soluble dietary fibre designed to deliver high fibre content and excellent stability with respect to pH, heat and freeze/thaw conditions.

Also hoping to cash in is Lonza, which will be presenting FiberAid, a soluble prebiotic fibre claimed to be highly soluble in hot and cold water, stable against a wide pH and temperature range and form low viscosity solutions.

Another firm hoping to stand out from the crowd is Roquette with new pea fibres and Nutriose, a soluble fibre with a high digestive tolerance. More gradually broken down in the large intestine than some other dietary fibres, it's also more heat stable and resistant to acidity, says the company.

Sensus and Beneo-Orafti will be promoting inulin and fructo- oligosaccharide soluble dietary fibres with added health benefits, with the latter publishing new research exploring consumer understanding of concepts such as the prebiotic effect, digestive wellbeing, satiety and calcium absorption.

Finally, Beneo-Remy will be launching RemyLive, a high fibre rice bran rich in proteins, healthy fats and B vitamins.

Sports nutrition: bone and joint health

Leading the field in dairy-based proteins is Glanbia Nutritionals, which will be showcasing its Solmiko milk protein isolate and its nutritional recovery ready-to-mix beverage Provon Revive for the sports nutrition market. Fellow Irish firm Carbery meanwhile, is promoting a new advanced whey protein isolate ideal for sports drinks and functional waters and Optipep, a whey protein hydrolysate ideal for sports, clinical and infant nutrition applications.

Topping the bill for DSM Food Specialties is milk protein hydrolysate PeptoPro. This is claimed to have the edge over some whey protein isolates because it is instantly soluble in water. PeptoPro provides energy direct to muscles, helping reduce muscle fatigue and promote recovery. Elsewhere, Naturex will be promoting grape extract PowerGrape, which is claimed to boost performance and aid recovery.

DMV International is also hoping to engage visitors with its intact proteins, protein hydrolysates and bioactive protein ingredients suitable for powdered and liquid high-protein sports nutrition formulas, while Volac will be out to impress with whey protein isolates, which are ideal for clear sports drinks, and ProCrisp, a whey protein concentrate ideal for snack bars.

Also out to impress is Beneo-Palatinit, with its tooth-friendly Palatinose low-glycaemic carbohydrate. Claimed to promote the utilisation of body fat as an energy source and improve metabolic fat oxidation, Palatinose is the only carbohydrate to provide sustained energy from glucose while also boosting fat burning, says the firm. Stable in an acid environment, it is ideal for sports drinks, and is now in more than 30 products.

Boning up​

Leading the charge in bone and joint health is Marigot with its seaweed-derived Aquamin multi-mineral complex range. A rich source of calcium, magnesium and trace minerals, the new soluble version can boost mineral content in beverages without sedimentation and cloudiness, making it ideal for sports drinks. Recent studies suggest it can also help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Meanwhile Gelita will be promoting Fortigel: a bioactive collagen peptide claimed to combat wear and tear of the joints induced by age and stress. Bio Iberica will be promoting Hyal-Joint, a patent-pending natural extract rich in hyaluronic acid - a key component of synovial fluid, which cushions the joints. Gee Lawson will be offering a range of glucosamine and chondroitin products.

Jungbunzlauer will be promoting mineral salts packed with calcium, magnesium and potassium, while S Black will be showcasing bioavailable, instantly soluble forms of calcium gluconate and calcium lactate. Lonza, meanwhile, will be unveiling the results of study proving that Carnipure tartrate, a stable salt form of L-Carnitine, could beneficially affect markers of oxidative stress following resistance exercise, slow down bone loss and improve bone microstructural properties.

Rousselot is hoping to impress punters with hydrolysed collagen for healthy bones, while Kerry Ingredients will be highlighting milk proteins for sports, infant, clinical nutrition, and weight management.

Natural ingredients

Thanks to the consumer perception that all things 'natural' must be good for you, plant extracts and fruit-based ingredients have an instant headstart over many rivals, provided manufacturers don't make claims they can't support, and the technical challenges of incorporating them into foods, drinks and supplements are addressed.

So what's on offer at HiE? Almost everything, from herbal extracts to pulp from the baobab tree, which could be just what you need to liven up a tired smoothie range or add some zing to a cereal bar, says Afriplex, which is plugging Africa's hottest superfruit at this year's show.

As for green tea, the big guns are also out in force, starting with Taiyo Europe, which will be promoting two new additions to its green tea extracts portfolio. First is Sunphenon TH-20, which is packed with L-theanine: a stress-busting amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.

Second is Sunphenon 90 LBS, a new extract claimed to "virtually eliminate" green tea's characteristically astringent taste.

Next up is Plantextrakt, which will be presenting 'Extracts for Success': a new concept designed to help manufacturers incorporate natural extracts such as green tea, rooibos, lemon balm and orange blossom into products and achieve a more intense taste experience.

Starlight Products, meanwhile, will be wooing punters with its wide range of botanicals and natural ingredients from aromatic and medicinal plants to natural waxes, resins, balsams, water-soluble gums and hydrocolloids.

For those looking for natural colours, Overseal Natural Ingredients will be presenting the latest on clean-label colouring foodstuffs from a wide range of plants.

For those looking to fruits for inspiration, the Wild Blueberry Association of North America will be at hand to help visitors develop new recipes incorporating powders, purées, sugar-infused berries and individually quick-frozen berries, which are loaded with antioxidants and believed to have protective effects on the heart, eyes and brain. Ocean Spray, meanwhile, will be presenting the latest cranberry-based concepts.

Finally, premix giants Gee Lawson and Fortitech Europe will be helping customers develop new products featuring natural ingredients. Concepts developed by Fortitech include chocolate enriched with Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Magnesium, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan and Ashwaganda extract; and beauty-from-within drinks containing everything from goji berries to CoQ10, lutein and collagen.

Texturisers

For manuacturers looking to reduce sugar and fat or just improve the texture of their products to keep consumers interested, there is plenty of help at hand at HiE.

First on the menu is Equacia, a nutritional texturiser developed by Colloides Naturels International and derived from soluble acacia fibre and insoluble gluten-free wheat fibre. The product has prebiotic qualities associated with acacia gum and all the benefits of insoluble fibre on transit regulation.

Suitable for baked goods, dressing and sauces, mayonnaise, ice cream and confectionery, Equacia is highly stable to extremes of pH or heat and can replace up to 50% of the fat in these applications without compromising taste or texture, according to CNI.

Also on show will be Meripro, a new range of modified wheat proteins from Syral, which are ideal for fat replacement and protein enrichment, but also have interesting texturising capabilities in emulsified and aerated products.

Cargill, meanwhile, will be showcasing a broad range of texturising solutions, based on a wide palette of ingredients, including hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, lecithins, cultures, starches, soy flour, and functional systems.

Finally, Tate & Lyle will be promoting a wide range of starches, gums, coatings and fibres to create products that are crunchier, smoother, harder, stretchier, shinier, lighter, flakier, sweeter, creamier and more distinctive, says the firm.