Vitamin K was discovered in Copenhagen in 1935
In 1935, a scientist in Copenhagen observed that newly hatched chickens receiving a diet containing all of the known essential nutrients were developing a hemorrhagic disease. The problem was believed to be related to a decrease in prothrombin, a substance necessary for normal clotting of blood. The Danish scientist named this newly discovered antihemorrhagic factor vitamin K or “Koagulationsvitamin.” KEEP READING >>
What is spray drying?
Spray drying is the process of converting a mixture in its liquid form to a powder. This is done by removing the moisture component from the liquid solution. The solution, sometimes called an emulsion, is sprayed through a nozzle into a chamber that simultaneously has hot air being blown into it. As droplets of the solution are released through the nozzle and come in contact with the hot air, the moisture content of each droplet is removed, thus turning it from liquid to powder form. KEEP READING >>
Home fortification with multiple-micronutrient powders reduces anemia in infants and young children from low income countries
One approach to combating micronutrient deficiencies has been the development of home fortification programs based on single-dose packets containing multiple vitamins and minerals in powdered form that can be sprinkled on food. This approach may be advantageous in augmenting the micronutrient impact of various complementary foods to improve the micronutrient status of children under two years of age. KEEP READING >>
Poor folate status in Indian children associated with increased risk of developing diarrhea
It has been well appreciated that certain micronutrients, such as vitamin A and zinc, play a role in immune function. Moreover, deficiencies of these micronutrients have been associated with increased risk of infectious diseases, including diarrheal disease, a major source of illness and mortality in young children in developing countries. Less is known, however, about the role of the B-vitamins, such as folate and vitamin B-12, in immune function and the risk of diarrheal disease. However, given the importance of these micronutrients in DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, it is reasonable to assume that deficiencies of these B-vitamins could increase the incidence or severity of infectious disease. KEEP READING >>
Fish oil supplementation improves muscle function in elderly Brazilian women
Aging is accompanied by decreases in functional capacity that can degrade the quality of life. Changes in function associated with aging include declines in the neuromuscular system, such as morphologic and phenotypic changes, changes in the size of muscle fibers and loss of muscle mass and strength. Among the detrimental age-associated neuromuscular changes, the ability to generate muscle torque and the rate at which this torque can be developed declines. However, studies have shown that these altered neuromuscular effects can be reversed or attenuated through strength training. And given the potential positive effects of fish oil, it is reasonable to explore the possibility that the effects of strength training on skeletal muscles may be enhanced by increased fish oil intake. KEEP READING >>
Fortitech focuses on functional beverage development during SupplySide 2012
As more consumers look to functional beverages to supplement their nutritional needs, a myriad of opportunities exist for those manufacturers that understand convenience is key to gaining market share. Knowing that the powdered beverage category offers significant growth, Fortitech (SupplySide booth 529) has developed an all-in-one drink mix that combines nutrients, flavors, colors, sweeteners and stabilizers into a single market-ready powder. The mix, which contains over 10 nutrients that help to support overall wellness can be added to bottled water to create an on-the-go health-promoting beverage. KEEP READING >>
Fortitech Asia Pacific expands operations with office in Shanghai, China
Fortitech Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd has announced the opening of an office in Shanghai. The new office expands operations of the global network of manufacturing and distribution companies of Fortitech, Inc., the world leader in the development of custom nutrient premixes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Located in the Xi Zang Middle Road, staff will provide sales and customer support to Fortitech’s customers throughout China. “The demand for fortified foods and beverages in China is growing at an unprecedented rate,” said Mui Siang Tay, Fortitech’s Business Development Manager for China. KEEP READING >>
Vitamin A supplementation reduces incidence of bacterial vaginosis in Bangladeshi women
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain unfavorable bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and may affect from 6% to 41% of women. The cause of BV is unknown and may be related to various behaviors and practices, as well as nutritional factors. KEEP READING >>
Case study: Increasing the solubility of ingredients in an all-in-one beverage premix
We received a request from a customer interested in developing a powdered beverage mix which included over 10 nutrients, as well as flavoring, color and a sweetener that would dissolve easily in water. The request came through Fortitech’s beverage program (www.fortitech.com/beverage). After creating the premix to the customer’s specifications, our first trial resulted in the powder ‘clumping’ when it was added to water. The clumping effect was due to the inability of the water to penetrate the nutrients. Utilizing Fortitech’s in-house R&D team, we determined the problem had to do with the rate of hydration of the nutrients and recommended agglomeration as a solution. KEEP READING >>
Calcium and vitamin D fortification benefit to weight loss diets: Reduces abdominal visceral fat
A recent publication has reported on the effects of calcium and vitamin D fortification of orange juice on weight loss and visceral fat stores in a group of overweight and obese adults (average age ~40 years) who were put on a weight reduction diet for 16 weeks. The findings of the study are noteworthy because they suggest that increased calcium and vitamin D intake in people undergoing a moderate weight loss diet may have beneficial effects by enhancing the loss of intra-abdominal fat. KEEP READING >>