Five market hotspots for start-up partnerships, according to Haleon
The Philippines, India, Taiwan, Japan, and China are the five markets deemed as the “most realistic” for launching start-up partnerships in the upcoming year, according to Haleon.
Paul Katimbang, VP for Portfolio and Performance, Haleon Asia Pacific pointed out the above during a panel discussion in Singapore hosted by the company.
Japan, in particular, will be suitable for start-ups wooing aging consumers, where there are “massive opportunities”.
Big name brands on board: Check out the first wave of speakers for our Growth Asia Summit 2026
The first wave of speakers for our Growth Asia Summit 2026 has been announced, with major brands from Japan, India, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and France on the agenda.
The event takes place at Marina Bay Sands from July 8-10. Standard delegate tickets are now available at an early bird rate until the end of November. Register here.
Underweight women have lower gut microbiota diversity - Japan study
A study from Japan found that underweight women – those with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 17.5 – have a significantly lower gut microbiota diversity and a higher amount of gut bacteria species linked to inflammation.
The findings suggest that gut health is as important as caloric intake when it comes to addressing low body weight.
Researchers from Fujita Health University and Symbiosis Solutions recommended pre- and probiotics supplementation to improve the gut microbiota and for a healthier body weight.
Fibre boost shifts gut bacteria, improves bowel-related QOL in healthy adults: Japan study
Four weeks of added dietary fibre meaningfully shifted gut bacteria and improved how healthy adults felt about their bowel function, according to a double-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted by Japanese researchers at Setsunan University, Mizkan Co., Ltd., and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine,
The study collected data on 105 adults aged 20 to 50.
The findings showed that a realistic food-based fibre load near 8g of additional total fibre daily — roughly 6g per day as fermentable fibre — can improve consumer-relevant outcomes within two weeks, with benefits sustained through a month.
Lemon myrtle extract may enhance muscle hypertrophy when combined with low-load resistance training: Study
Japanese adults who consumed Backhousia citriodora, or lemon myrtle (LM), extract for 12 weeks while resistance training increased their thigh muscle thickness, according to a newly published study.
The LM leaf extract is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, the study of adults with self-reported muscle mass decline found the positive impact was particularly prominent for those exercising at a lower volume.
