Sally Squires, a Washington Post Health & Nutrition columnist, published an investigation of probiotics today.

It’s a relatively well balanced piece citing reputable sources…..what a rarity!

Sally discusses the growing widespread use of probiotics, their exact undetermined definition, unknown side effects, dosage uncertainty and clear health benefits. It’s a worthy read for anyone needing to be knowledgeable of what the popular press is publishing about the nutrition industry.

Michael Pollan, author of “Omnivores Dilemma” and “In Defense of Food”, gave a riveting keynote speech at Natural Products Expo West 2008. I was fortunate to hear it in person, but if you were unable to make the Mr. Pollan’s speech, you’re in luck.

I am delighted to inform you that Michael Pollan has allowed New Hope to post his keynote address on www.expowest.com.

Click on the link by the words “audio recording” on this page

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Please feel free to comment on his speech via the comments function below.

Like protein, flax is an ingredient with few faults. Suprisingly nutritious and inexpensive for manufacturers, flax is becoming a hot ingredient in many mass-market foods including spreads, tortillas, breads, cereals and many more. InsideBayArea.com reports on the growth of flaxseed with a well written article.

The article “lead” is especially catchy:

“It looks like dried bugs, smells like paint, tastes kind of bitter and turns slimy when you mix it with water. Home cooks are befuddled by it, chefs have no interest in it. But make no mistake, if you’re not already eating flax, you will be soon.”

For more on plant and fish oil omega-3 ingredients, read NBJ’s recent Nutritional Raw Materials & Ingredient Supply Issue.

Always trying to stay ahead of the trends driving the U.S. market, this article from the South-Florida Sun Sentinel about black foods caught my attention today.

In Japan, certain food colors are associated with different organs. Black foods are associated with kidney health. Perhaps there is an opportunity for Red Bull to launch Red Bull Black…conveniently and easily mixed with vodka…and marketed on college campuses. Red Bull’s growth has slowed……

Two announcements from Nutrition Business Journal

NBJ Business Achievement Awards

Nutrition Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the 6th annual NBJ Business Achievement Awards. To link directly to the survey, click this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2b9pLOGdR8CAVuGMMl11_2b3w_3d_3d Nominations will be accepted online via nutritionbusiness.com through Tuesday, November 27th.

Nominations should describe distinguishing achievements such as revenue growth or profitability gains; turnarounds; new science or product; entry into a new sales channel, market segment or geographic area; noteworthy management initiatives; diversification, acquisition or integration achievements; or initiatives on behalf of consumer education or the industry in general.

Nominations should be written testimonials of no more than 1,000 words. You may nominate your own company and make more than one nomination.

NBJ Raw Materials & Ingredient Supply Industry Survey

Nutrition Business Journal is also undertaking its annual review of the nutrition industry’s raw materials & ingredient supply segment. This one-of-a-kind survey is a benchmark for the performance of this critical industry segment. Please take 5 minutes to fill in this survey if your firm supplies nutritional ingredients or raw materials to the supplements, personal care or food industries. NBJ will share a free copy of the aggregate survey results with you as a thank you for participating. Please click on this link to participate:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=FxriGK4YGgPHBF6ct7JMJQ_3d_3d