Content about Chemistry

DALLAS — Reducing sodium is at the top of consumer request lists when it comes to what they want in snacks, according to Frito-Lay. SymphonyIRI data showed that 52% of consumers in 2009 identified low sodium as an important snack attribute — up from 43% in 2007.


Manufacturers are giving consumers what they want. Frito-Lay, for example, continues to expand its lightly salted chip varieties, which offer 50% less sodium per ounce per serving.

SILVERDALE, Wash. — Infrared Systems International has announced that its subsidiary, AquaLiv, has launched the first product of its new Infotone skin care brand. Infotone face mist began shipping Dec. 20 after several years of research and testing.

Infotone face mist is a purse-sized mister that utilizes spring water to improve skin. The mister contains a ceramic ball that enhances water with the qualities of several skin-activating compounds, but without adding any chemical ingredients, according to the company.

DENVER — Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood may reduce inflammation and symptoms of gum disease and risk of abnormal heartbeats, according to recent articles in the December 2010 PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life e-newsletters for health professionals and consumers.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Tuesday ruled that Procter & Gamble provided reasonable support for claims that Prilosec OTC provides “superior acid control” over a competing product, Prevacid 24HR. However, the NAD recommended P&G discontinue a comparative claim made in a context that doesn’t reference acid control, the review board added.

P&G’s Prilosec OTC claims were challenged by Novartis Consumer Health, maker of Prevacid 24HR. Claims at issue included:

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Chemotherapy drugs made by Johnson & Johnson and Merck will become the standard second-line treatment for ovarian cancer within the decade, replacing a treatment made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and generic versions, according to a new report by market research firm Decision Resources.

NEW YORK — Black Opal, a line of ethnic skin care and color cosmetics, is launching in early 2011 its new total coverage spot and scar eraser.

The formula is an ultra-pigmented concealer that promises to camouflage blemishes, scars and imperfections to create perfect-looking skin.

The transfer-resistant concealer is available in several shades, including Kalahari Sand, Heavenly Honey, Truly Tropez and nutmeg. The suggested retail price is $8.95 each.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — The Food and Drug Administration has granted market exclusivity for a generic version of a medication designed to treat indoor and outdoor allergies.

Perrigo said Monday that its licensor and supplier Synthon received regulatory approval for levocetirizine tablets, a generic version of UCB/Sepracor's Xyzal, which is marketed in the United States by Sanofi-Aventis.

The levocetirizine tablet is the only approved generic product having a label containing all indications, Perrigo said.

NEW YORK A new line of hand soaps promises a luxurious scent at an affordable price.

Motif is launching a new collection of hand washes just for the holidays, which are available in three rich fragrances and equally striking patterns, and are formulated with the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera. The collection includes:

• Pomegranate and Rose: Fruity top notes of pomegranate and grapefruit combine with a delicate yet distinct rose floral note;

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Patients taking an investigational treatment for cardiovascular disease showed big improvements in cholesterol levels, according to late-stage clinical trial results released Wednesday.

CHICAGO An investigational drug made by Johnson & Johnson is more effective in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with a trial fibrillation than a widely available generic, the drug maker said Monday.

J&J announced results of the phase-3 “Rocket-AF” trial of rivaroxaban, saying results showed that a once-daily dose of the drug worked better than warfarin, the most commonly used drug for preventing stroke in AF patients. Rivaroxaban also was comparable in terms of safety.

PRINCETON, N.J. —Arm & Hammer’s new Double Duty clumping cat litter’s breakthrough formula allows cat owners to address feces and urine odors in the litter box. More than 90% of cat owners said eliminating odor from feces and urine is important to them in a litter product, but most products on the market concentrate only on the pungent ammonia smell of cat urine.

DALEVILLE, Ind. This holiday season, one company is helping hosts keep their table settings chic without breaking the bank.

Jarden's Diamond brand is promoting the use of its Diamond Brilliance plastic cutlery, which looks like real silverware with its polished silver-look and intricate handle design. Additionally, the Diamond brand now also offers natural wood GreenLight matches, strong, quick-to-light matches that have a long burn-time for ease of use. What's more, the matches and packaging for the GreenLight products are recyclable.