New research on vitamin D, analysis on a2 milk's long-term growth potential in China, and Sabinsa's trial on curcumin and black pepper supplementation in speeding up recovery in COVID-19 patients are some of the most-read stories in August.
![NIA top 10 stories](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/2FG4R7UAHJMSZIROQDZS2ACH2U.png?auth=50317b30ce10deec72fb3ce80c1556b1090cab1b5e965b40a80b539a7d1baebf&width=750&height=422&smart=true)
![Vitamin D and falls: High-dose intake increases risk in elderly with normal BMI – major study](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/7OX4A44ULRM3VPLWJ3UAUXM2YQ.png?auth=b71dbb07dc9ad06dfa58cab9851a6d10916c2f667a296aa5691c429028b6f3a9&width=750&height=443&smart=true)
High-dose vitamin D supplementation has been found to increase the risk of falls among the elderly with a normal body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m2, according to a five-year long research project conducted in Australia.
![Sabinsa's curcumin and black pepper extract combo results in faster recovery of COVID-19 symptoms – clinical trial](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/BTAKDOCEPRL7XM4VFJVEFRB6IA.jpg?auth=0796c78db261d98d595ddfe8ceeee31cc47eb0a82a3d930c30d0dd3bb9a61be1&width=724&height=483&smart=true)
A combination of Sabinsa's curcumin and piperine (black pepper extract) showed faster symptomatic recovery among COVID-19 patients in India, according to findings from a recent clinical trial.
![a2 milk in China: Analysts divided on brand's long-term growth potential amid Nestle takeover rumours](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/AQAJOB6ZVNMYRL57E2D22RO5QA.png?auth=90f8e5fe49ec850cb82a7418c5dc8ae810ee4e3381fcdeec64ecfe0da9b3f271&width=739&height=424&smart=true)
Regional analysts are divided on The a2 Milk Company's long-term growth potential, especially in China – its current largest market – amid acquisition rumours.
![Berberine supplementation lowers total cholesterol but increases testosterone in men – 12-week RCT](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/K3BISRXQWBI5FHSTA22OH5KOEA.png?auth=2600f39ccc6cc8883d38756d12ae884b42554413d0dc89cda86dcccfddfc8292&width=727&height=466&smart=true)
The supplementation of berberine for 12 weeks is able to reduce total cholesterol and raise testosterone levels in men, based on the result of a RCT.
![CBD in Singapore: Botanical unlikely to be allowed in supplements in near future](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/LNLJOTUVKRMWXE6X3R3HI4UOGY.jpg?auth=a499227c14163b2a162b5e9efd359daa64f0483bba549b0af7e663ab1872ecdb&width=750&height=422&smart=true)
Singapore is unlikely to permit the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in supplements in the near future, despite acknowledging it may have a role to play as a medicine.
![Supplements and liver injury: Australian trade body argues critical study lacks sufficient detail and data](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/WPGGTW4LTROODI4PF2RUY5KNKY.png?auth=7805fd56d5c6eff65d87837524fb547f4e94151b42038433a4a76e94f047cd66&width=750&height=422&smart=true)
Australian trade body Complementary Medicines Australia says a recent report linking a rise in liver injuries due to supplement intake does not provide sufficient information on the ingredients used or the origins of the products, adding that consumers can be assured of the safety of products made and regulated in the country.
![India's RDA levels: Regulator again revises vitamin and mineral rules with increase in magnesium, biotin](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/6K4SHPWT55PM3P3KUAWX3O6BB4.png?auth=2762ec6e3ea8311004e287dbb0724d157f07ed0a2495192b6bbbd277d472c77c&width=750&height=422&smart=true)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has again amended its rules on Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals, a matter of weeks after originally publishing updated regulations.
![Vitamin D supplementation alongside high doses of calcium reduces risk of heart problems in osteoporosis sufferers](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/KVFESEMHBZKBRGV32QTTESO5OY.png?auth=354f683229b322b259d51a1fd84d8b4333526853bb183768463e6735512d5236&width=750&height=422&smart=true)
Osteoporosis sufferers taking vitamin D alongside high dose calcium supplementation have a reduced risk of cardiovascular (CVD) events, according to a study from South Korea.
![New normal? Meiji reports sales growth in sports nutrition and gummies, while functional yogurt and formula decline](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/4FZ2LMZABNOHTEH4IKO6LLE7GU.jpg?auth=8d3d747b723e43a2c631055d9d3105fb10435733a6000d529cbdd1bfb2732ddd&width=749&height=350&smart=true)
Sales of sports nutrition, chocolates and gummies in Japan have increased for Meiji, while functional yogurt and formula sales have slumped in comparison to last year's pandemic-induced spikes.
![China innovation: Firms benefit as first products in new formats and containing new ingredients approved](https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/resizer/v2/SFQRWM3XEROPRM5NWG72J32YYQ.png?auth=af7f38898a0b6561a15f11b352f57414e0cfeaedf166db18f5cd66d893632e58&width=724&height=423&smart=true)
The first wave of products has been approved in recently permitted formats under China's filing track, as well as those containing raw materials newly added into the Health Foods Raw Materials Directory.