Dairy stabilizer: TIC Gums has unveiled new Dairyblend stabilizers that work well with applications for dairy, including TIC Pretested Dairyblend YG LC Stabilizer for low-carbohydrate yogurt formulations and TIC Pretested Dairyblend IC LC Base for low-carbohydrate and sugar-free/reduced-sugar ice cream bases. Another new product is TIC Pretested Ticaloid LC Corn Syrup Replacer, which is comprised of 85 percent dietary fiber and is used to form a syrup similar to corn syrup. —TIC Gums, 4609 Richlynn Dr., P.O. Box 369, Belcamp, Md. 21017; 410/273-7300; ticgums.com

Botanical capsules: Capsugel, a division of Pfizer Inc., and botanical ingredients manufacturer Draco Natural Products Inc. announced they are jointly marketing Draco’s Vital Treasures encapsulated line of ingredients, designed for internal dietary supplement products. The natural ingredients create new possibilities for skin care product companies that want to take advantage of the powerful anti-aging and skin protective effects of herbs, at functionally active levels. The first three Vital Treasures products to be jointly marketed under the new agreement are Trinitea, a tea-based ultraviolet light protectant; SeaRose, an elastase inhibitor; and Traditional Antioxidant, a classic antioxidant formula. —Draco Natural Products Inc., 539 Parrott St., San Jose, Calif. 95112; 408/287-7871; dracoherbs.com

Citrus extracts: Treatt USA has introduced Lime HV, which is extracted entirely from lime, or Citrus aurantifolia (also known as West Indian, Mexican or Key Lime). Lime HV is 100 percent natural and FTNF. A highly volatile fraction, it provides intense, well-balanced lime notes at low-dosage rates less than 1 ppm in finished product. It can also be used with other citrus creations such as lemon. In addition to Lime HV, Treatt also offers Lemon HV. Applications of Lemon HV and Lime HV span the full range of beverages, from soft drinks to juices. Both HV products are water white, and are suitable for clear beverages. —Treatt USA Inc., 4900 Lakeland Commerce Parkway, Lakeland, Fla. 33805; 863/668-9500; treattusa.com

B-carotene formulations: Scientists from DSM Nutritional Products have identified how the carotenoid b-carotene can help reduce photoaging (skin damage from exposure to sunlight). In a new article, they demonstrate that b-carotene can inhibit UVA-induced matrix metalloprotease 1 and 10 expression in human skin keratinocytes by a singlet oxygen-dependent mechanism. DSM Nutritional Products offers a wide range of b-carotene formulations. The oily suspension Beta-carotene 30 percent FS and the Beta-carotene 10 percent CWS powder are the two main formulations for foods. —DSM Nutritional Products Inc., 45 Water-view Blvd., Parsippany, N.J. 07054-1298; 800/526-0189; dsmnutritionalproducts.com