Japan Focus: Omega-3 index, new rules for functional foods, Meiji’s gut-boosting functional chocolate, and more
Japan, South Korea top omega-3 index, while China, Australia lower than average – 2024 data
A new global omega-3 index (O3I) study shows that populations in Japan and South Korea topped the APAC with a desirable O3I, where the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membrane fatty acids was more than eight per cent.
The study, partly financed by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), assessed global O3I through observational studies and randomised controlled trials.
Kobayashi knock-on effect: Japanese functional foods businesses legally bound to four new rules from Sep
Manufacturers of Foods with Function Claims (FFC) are legally bound to four new rules from September 1 – the latest move from Japan’s authorities following Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s red yeast rice scandal.
One of the new rules require manufacturers to inform the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of new scientific findings related to the safety or effectiveness of their products.
This means that commercially available products would need to remove certain claims that are deemed inappropriate if new findings emerged.
Gut-boosting treat: Meiji releases functional chocolate containing fructooligosaccharides
Meiji has launched new chocolate products that replaced sugar with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which is said to help regulate intestinal flora and offer various health benefits.
The products have been notified as Foods with Function Claims (FFCs) with Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency, and were launched across the country from June 11.
Probiotic may boost estrogen levels, provide menopause support: RCT
A probiotic formula containing L. brevis KABP052 was found to maintain estrogen levels over time, while estrogen levels significantly decreased in women receiving the placebo, according a new study by the Kaneka Corporation.
Lead researcher Dr. Shinichi Honda said this is the first time that a probiotic blend has been demonstrated to maintain serum estrogens levels in peri- and postmenopausal women.
'Supplements and skin care': FANCL acquisition could bring synergies across R&D and market presence, says Kirin
This is the second high profile acquisition that Kirin has been pursuing since Blackmores last year, as the brewery giant sought to diversify its business amid a declining domestic beer market.
In fact, Kirin had acquired approximately 33 per cent of FANCL's shares and entered into a capital and business alliance agreement five years ago.
