A total of 10 formulation concepts built around four pillars, namely hormonal cycle balance, inner wellness and vitality, age preservation and radiance, and cognitive wellness, were presented at the trade show held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to NutraIngredients, Eprina Ng, Regional Business Development Manager (Nutraceuticals) at IMCD, said that women’s health is a key focus area, with formulations such as Cycle Ease Tablets, Meno Ease Tablets, Keep Up Fastmelt Powder, and Beauty Build Support Effervescent Tablet being highlights.
“It’s not just IMCD. A lot of industry players are going more into women’s health. Most clinical studies before are not done on women simply because of hormonal fluctuations that may influence the results. But that’s precisely the thing that we need to address,” she explained.
“Women play many roles in modern society. They are no longer just the housekeeper; they go out to work and take care of the family on top of that. Women are also important for the health and nutrition industry because they are the ones who look out for these products. So, it’s crucial that we meet their needs.”
At every stage of a woman’s life, spanning menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, she may have different health issues and needs, which are all areas of opportunity for research and innovation.
Yet, Ng observes that there remains gaps in women’s health. For instance, many women may not even be aware that they are undergoing menopause and that there are ways to alleviate their symptoms.
“For those who know they are menopausal, they may not know what’s the solution and how supplements could help mitigate what they are experiencing. This is a gap that we want to fill—making people more aware of the possibilities of nutritional supplementation.”
According to Ng, IMCD works closely with brand owners to support them beyond formulation development and product launch. This includes assisting with marketing and storytelling of the science behind products.
The company also actively posts on LinkedIn and conducts media interviews to share scientific insights and consumer trends, as part of its efforts to raise awareness.
Targeting women of all ages
IMCD’s market-ready formulation concepts are aimed at creating tangible benefits. For example, Cycle Ease is designed to support menstrual cycle balance, alleviate common symptoms such as bloating, and enhance overall well-being.
It is formulated with a combination of actives including Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry), vegan vitamin D3, co-enzyme Q10, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), and a vitamin premix.
Menopause is another primary area of focus for IMCD.
A targeted solution for supporting hormone fluctuations through the postmenopausal stage, Meno Ease is made with Foenix Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Humulus lupulus L (hops), Isoflav.One Glycine max (soybean), and 5-MTHF.
These ingredients are made into an immediate-release tablet format via direct compression, working synergistically to help women of menopausal age maintain comfort, balance and vitality.
For multitasking mothers and working women, the Think Well formulation leverages the benefits of Bacopa monnieri, an Ayurvedic herb widely used for its nootropic effects, to boost cognitive performance.
As Bacopa monnieri is known to be one of the most unpleasant-tasting herbs, IMCD has incorporated Ebel.One Preactivated Bacopa Concentrate to realize a more palatable consumption experience, and to allow formulation into diverse formats such as gummies, liquid shots, chewable tablets, and ready-to-drink beverages.
“Think Well does not only cater to menopausal women, but women of all ages. The ingredients can even help people who are studying or taking exams etc.,” said Ng.
Developed with hectic lifestyles in mind, Keep Up Fastmelt Powder combines iron and ashwagandha to support energy production and improve resilience to everyday stress, helping women stay energized and productive.
It is made using a co-processed mannitol system, delivering smooth mouthfeel and a melt-in-mouth sensory experience. It can be quickly and conveniently taken without water, which meets the needs of its target audience.
Particularly for the Asian region, beauty-from-within is an “always trending” category, said Ng.
Beauty Build Support seeks to help women who want to maintain healthy, resilient skin as they age, especially during perimenopause and menopause when collagen loss accelerates.
It is also claimed to provide antioxidant protection during the menopausal transition, and support skin firmness, elasticity and hydration while also promoting stronger hair and nails.
