In the past couple of years, the nutraceutical industry—from ingredients to products—has centered heavily on beauty-from-within and women’s health, according to Gaurav Soni, founder and managing director of Botanic Healthcare, who spoke to NutraIngredients at Hi-Fi Asia 2026, taking place in Shanghai, China from June 15 to 17.
However, he believes that men’s health would regain momentum in the coming year, specifically with a focus on two demographics—men aged between 25 and 45, and older men above 45 years.
For the first age group, their needs are all about strength, stamina, endurance, overall well-being, and not just sexual health. On the other hand, older men have a different body profile that has different needs with declining testosterone, metabolism, and muscle mass.
“We have developed new products for men’s health, which we think is going to be the next big thing. As we sell our ingredients all over the world, these new innovations target both groups. That’s what we tell the brands and marketing companies—you must cater to these two segments,” said Soni.
“And nutrition is getting simpler now. People don’t want to have 10 products for morning, afternoon and evening. They want all-in-one products.”
He also shared that the new ingredients are in the midst of finalizing clinical studies, and can be expected to be launched within the coming year.
Demand for premium quality in China
At the same time, Soni said that a fundamental problem in the nutraceutical industry is in the absorption of ingredients, and that liposomal delivery systems, which Botanic Healthcare specializes in, is the answer.
“Nutrients delivered through the liposomal system means more absorption in the body. For example, many ladies who take iron supplementation experience constipation and dark stools [due to unabsorbed iron oxidizing in the intestines]. Liposomal iron solves all these issues because it can be better absorbed.
“If you take a 100mg capsule, normally only 20% of ferrous sulfate will be absorbed by the body and the remaining passed out. But if you take liposomal iron, 80% goes into the blood.”
He added that botanical extracts, such as the company’s high-performing Melostacio, can also be delivered in liposomal format.
Botanic Healthcare is particularly keen to expand the uptake of liposomal delivery systems in the Chinese market, whereby premium ingredients are increasingly sought after.
“In the last three to five years, we have seen Chinese CDMOs, brand owners and consumers looking for premium product quality, and they are happy to pay for top-quality ingredients.”
