The next generation of pharm-food lies in cosmetic-food, experts believe. These products claim to bring cosmetic improvements, such as reducing wrinkles and moisturizing the skin. Companies like Loreal and Nestle have already united the forces of the cosmetics and food industries in this field.

The cosmetic food industry is based on introducing into food products ingredients that characterize cosmetics and skin care products. The industry made good progress in 2005, particularly in Japan but also in Europe.

Danone has also jumped on the bandwagon, recently introducing in Japan its "Beauty Yogurt" brand, which induces 1,000 milligrams of collagen, a protein that is used for strengthening the skin in the cosmetics industry and for plastic surgery, and 15 milligrams of Vitamin C.

This is cache, read story here