A recent study suggests that drinking lowfat milk may reduce the risk of developing hypertension, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Researchers at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, and Harvard University analyzed the diets and risk factors of 6,000 adults over a 27-month period. Participants’ intake ranged from one to three servings of dairy foods each day, and those who consumed lowfat options were less likely to develop hypertension. Ninety-two percent of the lowfat dairy intake was attributed to milk. The Navarra study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Other studies suggest that nutrients found in milk — calcium, potassium and magnesium — may play an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure.

Integrity Nutraceuticals International, Sarasota, Fla., a raw-materials supplier of bulk nutraceuticals, has acquired the Soleris™ 128 rapid optical system to expand its in-house microbiology testing capabilities. Manufactured by Centrus International Inc., the Soleris 128 will allow Integrity’s microbiology lab to rapidly and accurately test all incoming ingredients and raw materials for early contamination of microorganisms.

Teterboro, N.J.-based Mastertaste, a flavor and fragrance manufacturer, is sponsoring a three-year research project with the Monell Chemical Senses Center. The research goals are to increase understanding of a perceptual process called sensory adaptation as a prelude to the development of longer-lasting aromatic materials. Mastertaste is a global division of Kerry Group plc.

D.D. Williamson, Louisville, Ky., has acquired Dinesen Trading Co., Port Washington, Wis., a natural color manufacturer. The company will operate Dinesen’s color manufacturing facility as the central source for its natural colors operation that was expanded through D.D. Williamson’s July acquisition of the natural colors business of Artemis International Inc.