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United States Witnessing Strong R&D Activity, As Companies Intensify Product Research Efforts and Clinical Studies in a Bid to Demonstrate the Efficacy of Phytonutrients

Posted on: Thursday, 15 March 2007, 09:01 CDT

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c52136) has announces the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report Developments in the Global Phytonutrients Markets to their offering.

This whitepaper titled Developments in the Global Phytonutrients Market provides an overview on the product and application analysis of phytonutrients and an analysis of their markets in the United States, Asia Pacific and Europe. It also examines the competitive forces in the market, discusses noteworthy R&D efforts, and reviews the commercially successful phytonutrients. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following products and their application: carotenoids, isoflavones, phytosterols, polyphenols and vitamin E.

Technologies The following technologies are covered in this research:

-Carotenoids -Isoflavones -Phytosterols -Polyphenols -Vitamin E Market Sectors By Geographic Region

-The United States -Europe -Asia Pacific Content Titles:

-1. Executive Summary

-2. Overview: Product and Application Analysis

-3. Market Observations

-4. Competitive Forces

-5. Research Review

-6. Commercial Success Stories

-7. 2006 Frost & Sullivan Awards

Growing Interest in Phytonutrients for their Health Benefits

Derived from plant extracts, phytonutrients are attracting significant attention globally with many pharmaceuticals companies incorporating them in their products to take advantage of their potential health benefits. Manufacturers of dietary supplements and fortified foods are also expressing interest in phytonutrients for the same reason. Demand for these supplements is expected to increase, particularly in the United States, following recent Medicare plans to allow their reimbursement. This is likely to contribute to the growth of the US phytonutrients market over the long term, while in Europe the key factor supporting the growth of these ingredients is the growing reference for natural extracts over synthetic products.

The United States is also witnessing strong R&D activity, as companies intensify product research efforts and clinical studies in a bid to demonstrate the efficacy of phytonutrients. This has led to the identification of new plant extracts that are finding increased usage in the dietary supplement and cosmetics application segments. "Companies are attempting to make value addition at various stages of the value chain," notes the analyst of this research service. "Formulators are identifying appropriate plant extracts, sourcing the finest natural ingredients, combining the ingredients to make premixes or retaining a single ingredient extract, distributing the end product through distributors and/or using a direct sales team so that the end products are available for consumption as and when needed."

Need to Increase Awareness Levels and Intensify Research Activity

While the rising interest in phytonutrients as an alternative form of medicine is evident, low awareness levels among consumers about the benefits of plant extracts pose a considerable challenge to market participants. Companies will need to provide the required scientific evidence to support products' health claims. "Clinical trials supporting the health claims of products will help establish their credibility and build confidence among end users," says the analyst. "These studies must also endeavour to confirm the products' safety features and emphasise their long-term impact."

Another major challenge facing the industry is the need to find appropriate uses and dosages for plant extracts. Currently, there is a lack of adequate research in this regard as well as on the potential side effects of certain plant extracts. Identifying appropriate usage and dosage levels will aid in matching plant extracts to the treatment of specific health conditions. Companies also need to focus on the raw materials used in plant extracts, since this affects the quality of the final product. With specific ingredients added in some instances to enhance the potency of the plant extracts, for instance, in the case of premixes, companies face the challenge of adhering to quality standards for each of the raw materials used, as well as assessing the related safety issues.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c52136

Source: Business Wire

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