• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Health Products Association - China Executive Director Reflects on Market Dynamics, Challenges

    Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention

    New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance

    Tapping Functional Beverages to Meet Modern Wellness Needs

    Adaptogens: Where Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Wellness Products
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Florida Food Products Acquires Javo

    Roquette Launches Nutralys Rice Protein

    New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy

    CTRL Launches Meal On-The-Go Bars

    GNC and RealEats Meal Delivery Partnership Expands Nationally
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Roquette Launches Nutralys Rice Protein

    Upcycled Coffeeberry® Cascara Offers Versatility in Functional Beverage Development

    Study Reveals Low Intake of Tocotrienols in Polish Population

    Combination of Collagen and Boswellia Serrata Shown to Reduce Joint Discomfort

    Nutralliance Adds Eggshell-Derived Ingredients for Beauty and Joint Health to Portfolio
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Florida Food Products Acquires Javo

    Roquette Launches Nutralys Rice Protein

    New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy

    CTRL Launches Meal On-The-Go Bars

    Upcycled Coffeeberry® Cascara Offers Versatility in Functional Beverage Development
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Upcycled Coffeeberry® Cascara Offers Versatility in Functional Beverage Development

    Botanical Gum for Kids Aims to Curb Sugar Cravings

    Combination of Collagen and Boswellia Serrata Shown to Reduce Joint Discomfort

    Childhood Fitness and Obesity Impact Cognition Later in Life, Study Finds

    Nutralliance Adds Eggshell-Derived Ingredients for Beauty and Joint Health to Portfolio
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Xsto Solutions

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Atlantia Clinical Trials
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Xsto Solutions

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Atlantia Clinical Trials
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    A Small World

    Nanotechnology could revolutionize our food but are there too many downsides?

    Related CONTENT
    • New CBD Products Range from Sleep Sprays to Pet Salves
    • CBD Living: Unique Delivery Systems Offer Better Absorption and Brand Appeal
    • Healthy Aging Tops Agenda For Nutraceutical Companies
    • Vitafoods Europe Conference to Feature Findings from EU-Funded Studies
    • IFT Names 2015-2016 President
    Amanda Baltazar12.27.10
    One hundred years ago, if you wanted the best paint for your house you bought lead paint.
     
    Eighty years ago if you wanted to insulate your boiler, the best technology was asbestos.
     
    Today, if you want to produce the healthiest, tastiest, safest, longest-lasting food, you can use nanotechnology.
     
    I’m sure you can see where we’re going with this.
     
    Nanotechnology—the science of dealing with matter on a miniscule, or molecular, scale—is, in a somewhat ironic twist, becoming a bigger industry.
     
    In fact, a British parliamentary report says that the global market for nanotechnology is expected to be $5.6 billion by 2012—an increase of $5.46 billion over 2006.
     
    In the U.S., this year the government allocated $1.6 billion to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which will be devoted, in part, to manipulating foods on a nano scale, to make them healthier, taste better and safer. 
     
    On top of that, the USDA has announced that it plans to use nanotechnology to improve food safety, Americans' health and bioactives in functional foods.
     
    But we’re probably consuming and coming into contact with more nanotechnology than we think we are. It’s already used widely in diet and sports drinks (i.e. to encapsulate vitamins and minerals and also to aid metabolism), nutraceuticals and non-foods (e.g. shoe liners, coffee makers, drugs, cosmetics, water purifiers).
     
    In foods, nanotechnology is largely being used, to date, to make them more functional—encapsulating nutraceuticals and eliminating harmful fats—and to make them safer—sprays containing antimicrobials can be used to coat foods to extend their shelf-life, for example
     
    There are also new uses for nanotechnology in food on the horizon. David Julian McClements, professor in the department of food science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, is working to coat the butyric acid in milk, to turn it into a colon cancer-fighting compound.
     
    As it is, the body absorbs this acid, which occurs naturally in milk, before it reaches the colon. McClements' changes would mean it could travel intact to the colon, where it would help fight the disease.
     
    And Britain's Institute of Food Research has found a way to break down fat using nanotechnology that might lead to new ways of slowing digestion, and ultimately to creating foods that make consumers feel fuller, helping millions of obese and overweight people around the world.
     
    Nanotechnology is being used in packaging, too. Nano clay materials have been placed between the two layers of a Miller Light bottle to prevent the ultra violet rays from getting into the beer and spoiling the hops. Nano clays can also help keep carbon dioxide in the bottle (and for plastic juice bottles can keep the oxygen out).
     
    Nano packaging can also keep food safer. For example, oxygen sensors composed of ink that contains nano-particles of titanium dioxide can be incorporated into packaging. These nano-particles become sensitive to oxygen levels once they are exposed to UV, and then change color, indicating that the product has been exposed to oxygen and may be—or is—spoiled.
     
    Soon we’ll see fresh food such as broccoli wrapped in a nano saran wrap that prevents oxidation from taking place so the shelf-life of the vegetable extends from three to four days to three to four weeks.
     
    And the foods themselves are starting to be affected in many steps of the food cycle as nanotechnology is being used on plants, in processing, packaging and storage.
     
    It all sounds very futuristic and good for us, doesn’t it? So did lead paint and asbestos, remember.
     
    Jaydee Hanson is senior policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety. Nanotechnology could be the best thing since sliced (unsprayed and uncoated) bread, he said, but he’s not convinced.
     
    “We are concerned about [nanotechnology] because it’s untested and unregulated. We’ve been working with the FDA and the environmental protection agency (EPA) to try to get them to regulate nanotechnology in food.”
     
    One nano product that’s getting food manufacturers excited is nano titanium dioxide. Companies are proposing that it be sprayed on bread to make it stay fresh longer.
     
    “Bulk scale nano titanium dioxide is already an approved food substance but the nature of nano titanium dioxide changes on a nano scale,” Mr. Hanson explained.
     
    When it becomes that small, it can enter the bloodstream and the body’s cells. In testing on mice (a grand total of two tests so far) researchers found it changed the DNA in the first generation and caused cancer in the second generation.
     
    But where we’re most likely to see nanotechnology used soon, said Mr. Hanson, is as an anti-microbial. Nano silver is a strong anti-microbial and companies are trying to incorporate it into foods, packaging and even the inside walls of refrigerators to make food stay fresh for longer.
     
    “That’s the good news,” said Mr. Hanson. “The bad news is that it kills the good along with the bad.” And the good it might kill, he explained, is the good flora in our intestines, but no one knows for sure yet because the testing hasn’t been done.
     
    Mr. Hanson added that in fact nanotechnology is contrary to organic principles, and the latter are the current vogue. Organic is natural; nanotechnology brings us engineered synthetic products. So it almost goes against the grain to use nanotechnology, despite the possible advantages.
     
    Kantha Shelke, a principle at Corvus Blue, a Chicago, IL-based food science and nutrition research firm and a spokesperson for the institute of Food Technologists, has similar reservations to Mr. Hanson.
     
    “Nanotechnology is already being used in the supplements sector,” she said. “It’s not the ingredients but the size that’s going to cause problem. There’s nothing wrong with iron but what happens when you make it really small? Up until now we’ve not had to worry about whether you can overdose on iron because it wasn’t possible, but now it is—now that these foods are more nutritious but also possibly more poisonous.”
     
    Despite all these possible—and potentially life-threatening—downsides, the food industry is embracing nanotechnology because of the competitive advantages it brings to the food manufacturers themselves—not because of advantages to consumers, according to Ms. Shelke.
     
    But if tests show nanotechnology is safe for humans, we could be in for some exciting times.
     
    “In food, what we’re likely to see will help our immune system—adding functionality in nano particles to our food,” says Andrew Salamon, staff scientist of analytical sciences and laboratory Services at PerkinElmer, a Waltham, MA-based company that deals with human and environmental health.
     
    With all of the things manufacturers will be able to add to food, he pointed out, there will be increased health benefits across the board: Everything from stronger bones to less obesity.
     
    “Nutrition is the main reason nanotechnology will be used,” added Ms. Shelke, especially to add ingredients that are not otherwise easy to add to foods, such as amino acids, or fat- and water-soluble nutrients. And iron is a big area, she said, especially in children’s foods.
     
    But these companies, said Mr. Hanson, “need more testing and they need complete labels. I’d like to see not just that it has nano omega three fatty acids but also how it’s encapsulated [by nanotechnology]. I don’t expect to see it on the bottle but I’d like to see it on the company website.”
     
    Unfortunately, these aren’t the only concerns.
     
    Ms. Shelke’s also worried about how to ensure the safe disposal of nanotech products.
     
    After a person has eaten nanotechnology-dosed foods, the waste from their body will then enter the water stream, taking nano particles with it.
     
    And she pointed to a new nanotechnology powder that can be sprayed on meat and glow if there is e-coli. The intensity of the illumination shows you how bad it is.
     
    “The good news is that if someone uses this at home they can test their meat, use the uninfected parts and throw the others away—but what happens when [the nanotechnology-treated parts] are thrown away?” she said. 
     
    Nanotechnology could also be used in agriculture—to enhance the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, for example, or in the form of nanosensors that could be used to monitor soil conditions and crop growth and to decrease waste and cost while increasing production. However, Ms. Shelke explained, these agricultural nano materials could be blown onto other crops, onto our clothes, or our bodies.
     
    “You may be able to harvest more food using nanotechnology but the problem is what is the unintended application of that technology? It’s a question of which risk do I choose?”
     
    Nanotechnology: The New GMO Debate?
     
    Because of all the uncertainty surrounding what nanotechnology foods are going to do for us, and to us, the clamor of the debate is rising to a level similar to that over genetically modified foods. So if it follows in the path of the GMO furor, the questions about nanotechnology won’t be answered for quite some time.
     
    Below are some of the lessons that can be learned from the GMO debate, according to Mr. Hanson:
     
    • Don’t mess with food.
    • If you do, don’t try to pretend that it’s just like traditional food.
    • Label all products that contain nano materials.
    • Develop a pre-market approval process.
    • Require approvals BEFORE products go on the market and monitoring AFTER.
    • Give the public a voice in deciding what to put on the market.
    • Conduct further research to address the knowledge gaps that currently exist and develop specific risk assessment methodologies. Fund this adequately.
    • Apply the precautionary principle. Don’t wait for illnesses and death before regulating.
    Related Searches
    • Minerals
    • Testing
    • Organic
    • Fatty Acids
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Minerals
    • Immune Function
    • Fatty Acids
    Suggested For You
    New CBD Products Range from Sleep Sprays to Pet Salves New CBD Products Range from Sleep Sprays to Pet Salves
    CBD Living: Unique Delivery Systems Offer Better Absorption and Brand Appeal CBD Living: Unique Delivery Systems Offer Better Absorption and Brand Appeal
    Healthy Aging Tops Agenda For Nutraceutical Companies Healthy Aging Tops Agenda For Nutraceutical Companies
    Vitafoods Europe Conference to Feature Findings from EU-Funded Studies Vitafoods Europe Conference to Feature Findings from EU-Funded Studies
    IFT Names 2015-2016 President IFT Names 2015-2016 President
    Sabinsa Launches uC3 Clear, Nano-Free, Water-Soluble Form of Curcumin Sabinsa Launches uC3 Clear, Nano-Free, Water-Soluble Form of Curcumin
    Food Matters Live Hosts Food, Drink & Nutrition Industry Experts Food Matters Live Hosts Food, Drink & Nutrition Industry Experts
    FDA Issues Guidance on Responsible Use of Nanotechnology FDA Issues Guidance on Responsible Use of Nanotechnology
    FDA Issues Guidance on Responsible Use of Nanotechnology FDA Issues Guidance on Responsible Use of Nanotechnology
    An Interview with Luke Huber, ND, MBA An Interview with Luke Huber, ND, MBA
    Exploring Nanoparticles in Food Exploring Nanoparticles in Food
    2010 State of the Industry Review 2010 State of the Industry Review
    Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should …or Does It? Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should …or Does It?
    Bühler Partec Introduces Oxylink Performance Additive for Waterborne Coatings Bühler Partec Introduces Oxylink Performance Additive for Waterborne Coatings
    BYK Launches NANOBYK 3650 Family BYK Launches NANOBYK 3650 Family

    Related Features

    • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics | Herbs & Botanicals | Pet Nutraceuticals | Products
      New CBD Products Range from Sleep Sprays to Pet Salves

      New CBD Products Range from Sleep Sprays to Pet Salves

      Martha Stewart expands her CBD portfolio.
      By Melissa Meisel, Senior Editor, Happi 04.07.22

    • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics | Healthcare Trends | Healthy Aging | Herbs & Botanicals
      CBD Living: Unique Delivery Systems Offer Better Absorption and Brand Appeal

      CBD Living: Unique Delivery Systems Offer Better Absorption and Brand Appeal

      From immune system-friendly gummies to topical creams, CBD Living offers an array of premium THC-free products.
      By Lianna Albrizio, Assistant Editor 11.04.21

    • Cardiovascular Health | Digestive Health | Healthy Aging

      Healthy Aging Tops Agenda For Nutraceutical Companies

      There will be a major focus on healthy aging, digestive health, cardiovascular health and weight management.
      05.06.16


    • Breaking News | Cardiovascular Health | Cognitive Function | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthy Aging | Industry & Market News | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Research | World Markets

      Vitafoods Europe Conference to Feature Findings from EU-Funded Studies

      Nutrition and health experts will present findings from studies commissioned under Horizon 2020.
      02.03.16

    • Functional Foods & Beverages | People News

      IFT Names 2015-2016 President

      ...
      09.02.15

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Three Grams Of Omega-3s May Be Optimal Dose For Reducing Blood Pressure
    • 3 grams of Omega-3s May be Optimal Dose for Reducing Blood Pressu
    • Olive/Pomegranate Extract May Improve Dyslipidemia
    Breaking News
    • Azelis Opens Food and Nutrition Lab in Cairo, Egypt
    • Florida Food Products Acquires Javo
    • Roquette Launches Nutralys Rice Protein
    • New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy
    • CTRL Launches Meal On-The-Go Bars
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    June 2022

    • Tapping Functional Beverages to Meet Modern Wellness Needs
    • Adaptogens: Where Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Wellness Products
    • New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance
    • Health Products Association - China Executive Director Reflects on Market Dynamics, Challenges
    • Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Florida Food Products Acquires Javo
    Roquette Launches Nutralys Rice Protein
    New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Hempel Launches New Fast-drying CUI Coating
    The Southern Society for Coatings Technology's 84th Annual Technical Conference A Success
    PPG to Showcase Specialty Automotive, Aerospace Adhesives, Sealants at Adhesives & Bonding Expo
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Dr. Brandee Pappalardo Joins Fresenius Kabi as Chief Medical Officer
    XACT ACE Robotic System Wins Expanded FDA Clearance
    MPO's Most Read Stories This Week—June 25
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Pfizer, BioNTech Adapt COVID Vax Against Omicron
    CoreRx Expands Capabilities
    Pierre Fabre and Lonza Enter Manufacturing Agreement
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    L’Oréal Paris Unveils Men Expert One-Twist Hair Color
    Weekly Recap: Ulta’s Shelly Haus Dies, Potential Buyer Eyes Revlon & More
    Benefit Exec Joins Madison Reed's Board
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Sunday II Sunday Launches Wash Day System Collection
    L’Oréal Paris Has a New Answer For Men with Gray Hair
    Entries Open for Dow 2022 Packaging Innovation Awards
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Weekly Recap: INX’s VC Fund, Screen Industry and Ball Top This Week’s News
    British Coatings Federation Posts Online History
    Orion Announces Price Increases, Reduced Payment Terms
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    PCMC teams with IGT, Fujifilm makes big announcement and more
    Loftware recognized as 'AIDC Company of the Year'
    Schreiner MediPharm highlights sustainability of Needle-Trap technology
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Fibertex Personal Care Awarded EcoVadis Awards for Sustainability
    Yanpai Orders Batt Forming Equipment for Needlepunch Line
    Weekly Recap: SWM and Neenah Introduce Mativ Inc., Avgol honored for Biotransformation Technology & More
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Researchers Develop Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Smart Metamaterial Implants
    Global Sports Medicine Market to Approach $9B by 2028
    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—June 25
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Weekly Recap: eMagin, Applied Materials, and Schott Top This Week’s Stories
    NREL Names Jennifer Logan to Leadership Team as CFO
    National Grid Renewables Orders 2 GW of First Solar Modules

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login