2024 NutraIngredients Award finalists offer promise for proactive healthy aging
As populations age, there is a growing demand for ingredients that can help maintain health and vitality. With prevention-over-cure becoming an increasing consumer focus, ingredient suppliers are developing and researching the best ways to cater to this important life stage.
Suppliers Akay, ChromaDex and PB Leiner have each delved deep into serving this demographic.
Menopause support
FenuSmart by Indian supplier Akay is a patented solution derived from fenugreek seeds, designed to promote hormonal balance and alleviate menopausal discomforts in women across different life stages, including perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.
Research has suggested that it can establish hormonal balance and ameliorate sexual issues such as low libido by improving vaginal dryness, irritability and mood, without side effects.
Previous hormonal analysis revealed that menopausal women consuming the fenugreek extract experienced increases in estradiol, progesterone and free testosterone, which the researchers attributed to the metabolic conversion of protodioscin, the main furoastanic saponin in the fenugreek extract, to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)—an important precursor to both androgens and estrogens.
As it is estimated that almost 1.2 billion women in the world will be menopausal by 2030, FenuSmart aims to support women's health from middle age to later life.
Niagen
ChromaDex’s Niagen is a patented form of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a compound that effectively increases NAD+ levels in the body. NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme found in all cells, which naturally declines with age due to various stressors, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and age-related diseases.
It is backed by extensive clinical and scientific research demonstrating its ability to support healthy cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function and overall aging.
The target market for Niagen includes health-conscious individuals of all ages, particularly those within the Millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomer generations—appealing to consumers seeking preventive solutions to maintain their health as they age.
Solugel
Research shows that 93% of people between the ages of 45 and 59 are concerned about joint and muscle pain (Euromonitor Global Health & Wellness Survey 2019-2021).
Solugel Collagen Peptides, produced by PB Leiner, are collagen peptides designed to offer various health benefits including promoting bone and joint health, enhancing skin beauty, aiding in weight management and improving physical activity and performance.
Recent research found that Solugel can positively impact mental and emotional well-being in active middle-aged adults suffering from joint pain, reduce pain and improve knee functionality.
Solugel aims to break the cycle of physical activity restriction caused by pain to improve daily living activities and mental well-being.
Winner reveal
The prestigious awards will be handed out during an exclusive VIP gathering in Geneva, Switzerland on May 15, courtesy of NutraIngredients. This event will honor outstanding initiatives and products spanning various industry sectors while also commemorating the awards' 10th anniversary.
