Haleon taps into tripartite partnership to drive microbiome R&D in S’pore
Haleon is working with a Singapore-based research institute and start-up to drive microbiome research and innovation.
Immune support
Vietnamese health supplement firm taps brown algae extract for weight control
TA Vital, a Vietnam-based company specializing in spirulina and algae products, has formulated a supplement containing brown algae extract for weight management, with plans to develop sleep, stress, and immune health products further down the road.
Big name brands on board: Check out the first wave of speakers for our Growth Asia Summit 2026
Today we can announce the first wave of speakers for our Growth Asia Summit 2026, with major brands from Japan, India, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and France on the agenda.
Cargill, CP Foods, Tate & Lyle on driving healthy longevity in food innovation
Longevity is attracting the attention of not only nutraceutical companies but companies traditionally in the food sector. Cargill, CP Foods, and Tate & Lyle outlined in a recent panel discussion their strategies in this area.
Urolithin A may counteract age-related immune decline and inflammaging
Daily supplementation with MitoPure urolithin A may help maintain immune function with age and protect against inflammaging, says data from a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Guardian, Mannings to feature menopause-friendly product aisle in mid-2026
Guardian and Mannings, both pharmacy chains under DFI Retail Group, will feature “menopause-friendly” product aisles in five Asian markets come mid-2026.
TikTok clears nearly 800 sellers making exaggerated weight loss, health claims
Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, has clamped down on merchants promoting their general foods, beverages and supplement products via exaggerated weight loss and other unsupported health claims in a three-month long inspection.
Urine test and immune status: Kirin studies new ways to measure pDC activity
Kirin says it plans to develop a “simple” method to measure plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) activity - which is indicative of a person’s immune status - after a recent research showed links between pDC activity and urine test results.
Withanolide glycosides: Ashwagandha study suggests supplement quality criterion
A clinical study identified withanolide glycosides as the key drivers of superior bioavailability in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extracts.
Gencor’s PEA may modulate microbiome activity and metabolic pathways: RCT
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplementation may regulate specific microbiome activity, support a balanced inflammatory response and aid in maintaining healthy triglyceride levels, says a new study with Gencor’s Levagen+ ingredient.
‘Never a dull moment’: Save the date for IPA WC + Probiota 2026
Described by one recent attendee as “the bridge between science and marketing”, the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026 is returning to the Emerald Isle for its 12th edition.
Levelle democratizes precision nutrition with launch of cycle syncing protein
New York-based Levelle Nutrition launched its Cycle Syncing Protein, the first protein powder intentionally developed to support the shifting nutritional needs of menstruating women throughout their cycle.
Behind the Big Story
WATCH: Kirin finds link between frailty and low pDC activity
Kirin Holdings says it has found a relationship between reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) activity and frailty, which it claims is the first time that a link between the two has been established.
Cell Biotech to enter Thailand and Philippines on the back of strong export growth
South Korean firm Cell Biotech looks to enter Thailand and The Philippines within the second half of 2025, on the back of continued performance as one of the top K-probiotic exporters.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025: The finalists are revealed
Today we can reveal the pioneering companies, organisations and researchers that have been named as finalists for the 2025 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards.
Nestlé considers selling supplement assets
Four years after Nestlé acquired the Bountiful Company for $5.75 billion, the Swiss conglomerate may be willing to divest itself of its vitamins, minerals and supplements brands.
Australia approves MFGM for use in infant nutrition for the first time
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved the use of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) as a nutritive substance in infant formula products in Australia for the first time.
Pine-derived vitamin D3 gains entry approval from Indian regulator
China’s functional ingredient supplier INNOBIO hopes to target India’s vast vegetarian and vegan populations with the approval.
Probiotic strain shown to improve respiratory symptoms, dry stool and eczema in children: RCT
A study in China has found that daily supplementation of a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk significantly reduced the duration of cough, fever, dry stool, and eczema in children.
Nutritional supplements may help manage COPD symptoms, improve patient outcomes: China study
A comprehensive network meta-analysis by researchers at Guangzhou Medical University and Central South University suggests that several nutritional supplements may improve lung function, boost exercise capacity, and enhance the quality of life for COPD...
Barentz to acquire China’s Fengli Group as part of growth acceleration in APAC
Dutch-headquartered ingredients firm Barentz is acquiring China’s Fengli Group to tap into opportunities in the local market and accelerate growth across Asia-Pacific.
How traditional firms and start-ups can tap into booming functional hydration category
The functional hydration category is poised for growth, and both traditional beverage firms and start-ups can tap into opportunities in this space with consumer segmentation and ingredient innovation.
Exclusive: FDA’s ‘no questions’ letter for TurtleTree’s LF+ could accelerate adoption of precision-fermented lactoferrin into everyday nutrition
FDA’s acknowledgement of the safety of LF+ in functional foods, beverages and supplements will encourage more companies to use the animal-free lactoferrin beyond the applications of its bovine counterpart, which due to limited availability and high price...
ABbiotek postbiotic blend shows promise in easing diarrhea symptoms
Including specific postbiotic strains in an oral rehydration solution (ORS) may help alleviate inflammation associated with diarrhea in older adults.
Singapore’s hue aims to carve a niche with mood-focused functional snacks
Singapore start-up hue seeks to carve out a niche in the functional snacks space with its mood-focused products in formats that it says differentiate from existing ones in the market.
Science shorts: Yakult, CKD Healthcare, Nestle probiotics findings
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new research findings on probiotics by Yakult, Chong Kun Dang Healthcare, and Nestle.
Shake Your Plants seeks to fill dehydration and nutrient gaps in UAE with functional beverages
Functional beverage brand Shake Your Plants (SYP) aims to address dehydration and nutrient deficiency issues among the UAE population, while actively seeking global expansion.
Arjuna Natural’s ashwagandha approved by Health Canada, aims global growth
India-based Arjuna Natural aims to capitalise on the approval of its ashwagandha extract in Canada to accelerate its expansion across Asia, Europe, and the US.
Steadfast Nutrition’s new multifunctional supplement taps into growing preference for Ayurvedic formulations
India’s Steadfast Nutrition has launched a new multifunctional product formulated with science-backed compounds and traditional herbs, amid a growing preference for Ayurvedic supplements among local consumers.
Sword beans show benefits for allergic rhinitis – RCT
A new clinical trial has found that sword bean pod extract can significantly improve allergic rhinitis symptoms, offering a potential natural alternative to conventional treatments.
Yeast beta-glucan for MCI: Angel Yeast reveals findings from six-month trial
The supplementation of yeast beta-glucan at one gram per day can help alleviate symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, says Angel Yeast.
Sole Pharma seizes growth opportunities in Philippines to accelerate SEA expansion
Latvia-headquartered Sole Pharma is seizing new opportunities in the Philippines’ nutrition and supplements market, while actively expanding its footprint in South East Asia (SEA).
Haleon reaps strong results from localised strategies in China
Haleon says its localisation strategy for its China supplement products has been key to its overall APAC business success, with the firm also announcing a focus on healthy ageing in the country.
Brand new: Probiotic beer OMG!, Kirin, Blackmores, EZZ in the spotlight
See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including expansion plans of Singapore probiotic beer brand Oh My Guts! (OMG!), Kirin and subsidiary Blackmores’ first collaborative product launch and more.
Kirin, Blackmores’ first immune health supplement debuts in Taiwan
Kirin and its subsidiary Blackmores have launched their first collaborative product in Taiwan.
Danone reaps strong infant formula sales in China, India in FY24
Danone says it has continued to gain shares in China’s infant formula market, while sales in India, especially the super premium sector, was “two times faster” than the market in FY24.
Blackmores major profit contributor to Kirin health science business in FY24
Blackmores was the major profit contributor to Kirin’s health science business in FY24, followed by FANCL, while its ingredient arm Kyowa Hakko Bio suffered further losses.
Brand new: GNC, CJ Bioscience, Kewpie, KGC in the spotlight
See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including GNC’s return to the Singapore market, CJ Bioscience’s gut microbiome test launch, Korea Ginseng Corporation using red ginseng for blood sugar control and more.
Watsons Singapore to roll out GNC store-within-store in 14 more outlets
Watsons Singapore, which recently launched its first-ever GNC store-within-store concept in its flagship outlet at Ngee Ann City, will be bringing this concept into 14 more of its outlets by the end of this year.
Kewpie expands immune health portfolio with functional vinegar
Kewpie Brewing, a subsidiary of Kewpie Corporation best known for its mayonnaise, is expanding its range of products supporting immune health.
Behind the Big Story
India’s protein boom: 90% funds poured in last two years, says Rainmatter - WATCH
India’s protein sector, be it protein supplements or protein-rich functional foods, is booming, says venture capital fund Rainmatter.
Inject more funds for local manufacturing, exports - Aussie nutra industry body
Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA), which represents the local dietary supplement industry, is urging for more government funding to support local manufacturing and exports.
Goat milk maker Nuchev’s new acquisition drives nearly 50% of sales
Australia goat milk maker Nuchev’s revenue in the first half of 2025 was up 65 per cent, with its complementary medicine business acquired last year a major contributor.
Bacillus coagulans LMG S-31876 shows positive effect on immune status, stress relief and lipid profile – RCT
Supplementation with Bacillus coagulans LMG S-31876 probiotic over an eight-week period significantly improved immune status, perceived stress levels, and lipid parameters.
K-wave: Korean nutra firms pursue global growth amid saturated domestic market - in-depth analysis
Korean health functional foods are actively seeking success overseas – an endeavour backed by the government as well as a means to pursue new growth opportunities in an increasingly saturated domestic market.
Korea Ginseng Corp builds up blood sugar control range post-regulatory approval
Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) is building up its blood sugar management portfolio after receiving approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).
Review explores health benefits and regulatory challenges for prebiotics
Challenges around inconsistent terminology and definitions have slowed the widespread adoption of prebiotics, argues a new comprehensive new review published in Beneficial Microbes.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, elderberry shown to improve vision - Malaysia study
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and elderberry supplementation has been shown to improve vision in individuals with dry eye disease symptoms, say findings from a study from Malaysia.
Supplement use prevalent among individuals with COVID-19 in pandemic early years
Supplement consumption increased during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic for people testing positive for the virus, regardless of whether they were symptomatic.