Destigmatising perimenopause: Functional food opportunities for brands
How the food industry can support women in perimenopause with functional ingredients like protein, omega-3s and fibre
Mind & mood
Prosomnial pistachio extract gummy as effective as synthetic melatonin: Study
New research suggests a gummy supplement containing a pistachio extract demonstrates comparable absorption and sleep-promoting effects to a synthetic melatonin gummy.
How beauty and wellness are converging: Insights from Unilever R&D head
From the brain-skin axis to scalp care, we discover more about Unilever’s future focus on wellness.
5-HTP shows early promise for cognitive support and in seniors: Singapore study
A 12-week randomized trial by the National University of Singapore (NUS) has found that daily 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplementation modestly improved a global cognitive test and reduced depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults.
Too little, too much: TGA finds content discrepancies in imported melatonin products
Several melatonin supplements imported into Australia were found to contain amounts that were either significantly higher or lower than the amount labeled, says the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Top 5 foods fuelling the brain health boom
Brain food is booming. As consumers seek sharper focus and long-term cognitive health, the food industry is responding with powerful ingredients and smarter nutrition
Vitafoods Asia 2025
Brand exclusivity matters for new premium ingredient - Aker BioMarine on Xandro collab
Working with select brands exclusively is important for marketing new premium ingredients, says Aker BioMarine after embarking on an exclusive South East Asia (SEA) partnership with a Singapore firm for its new ingredient.
Vitafoods Asia 2025
Morinaga Milk launches first mood support postbiotics for global markets
Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd has launched its first postbiotics for mood support for international markets at last week’s Vitafoods Asia 2025 held in Bangkok.
Red Bull’s former APAC head sets up functional drink start-up with neuroscientist
Arun Hozack, formerly the President of Red Bull Asia-Pacific, has launched a functional drink start-up known as Numin with neuroscientist Dr Shawn Watson.
Coffee linked to happiness in latest boost to $485.59bn industry
New research reveals caffeine could boost mood and energy - especially in the morning
Could flavanols protect the brain from sitting-induced damage?
Cocoa flavanols improved blood flow to the brain in older adults who sat still for two hours, according to a study published in Nutrients.
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.
Magnesium, relaxation, and sleep supplement trends in Australia
The Australian supplement market is seeing an increase in products for energy, sleep, and muscle relaxation, with ingredients like magnesium at the center of the action.
NZ firm uncovers how blackcurrant actives can alleviate diabetic complications
A molecule in blackcurrants could alleviate diabetes-related vascular complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, by rebuilding blood vessels and capillaries, reveals New Zealand-based The cGP Lab Ltd.
OmniActive’s low dose ashwagandha effective for stress, sleep and mood benefits: RCT
Twelve weeks of supplementation with Zenroot ashwagandha may improve sleep quality and decrease occasional anxiety and mood swings, says a new study from India.
Cocoa extract may support healthy blood pressure: COSMOS data
Supplementation with a cocoa extract may reduce incident hypertension by 24% in participants with normal systolic blood pressure, according to a new analysis of data from the COSMOS study.
‘Longevity vitamin’ ergothioneine could protect the aging brain
A new study from ergothioneine supplier Blue California suggests that supplementation with its ErgoActive ingredient leads to dose-dependent improvements in subjective memory and sleep in healthy older adults.
‘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.
Longevity bars may signal what’s next in functional snacking
Ingredient innovation and demand for preventive health drive growth in the nutrition and snack bar category
Probiotic may ease gut microbiota changes linked to stress: RCT
Consuming a probiotic yogurt before academic exams may help students protect their gut microbiota from stress-related disruptions, says a new study from KU Leuven and Danone Research & Innovation.
Why creatine is the hottest ingredient in functional food and beverage
With a projected CAGR of 25.2%, creatine is a breakout ingredient in functional food and beverage
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.
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.
Emerging trends or missed opportunities in the 2025 active nutrition market?
From messy content creation and smart-stacking ingredients to thinking beyond the gym, presentations at the recent NutraIngredients Active Nutrition Summit provided concise instructions to help formulators succeed in an increasingly saturated market.
Palm oil tocotrienol drink reduces oxidative stress in aging population: RCT
Taking palm oil tocotrienol-enriched drinks for six months may reduce oxidative stress and improve the quality of life in aging populations, says a RCT conducted in Malaysia.
Hi & Fi Asia-China 2025
Morinaga Milk on three new growth engines for probiotic business in China
Japan dairy giant Morinaga Milk has identified three new growth engines to stand out in the highly competitive probiotic market in China.
Magnesium, riboflavin most used supplements for migraine prevention - NZ survey
Magnesium and riboflavin are the most used supplements for migraine prevention, says a new survey conducted in New Zealand.
Danone taps Singapore lab’s AI, digital capabilities to advance healthy ageing
Danone is tapping on the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital capabilities of its Singapore laboratory for the research and development of new solutions for healthy ageing.
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.
South Korea’s health supplements industry shows signs of growing reliance on exports
South Korea’s health functional foods production is increasingly fuelled by overseas demand for vitamins and minerals, according to new government data.
Probiotics show promise for improving cognitive function, China meta-analysis
Probiotics could become a key tool in managing cognitive decline, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis.
Post-meal blood glucose levels affect sleep quality - Nestle study
Post-meal blood glucose levels can directly affect sleep quality, says a new set of study findings from Nestle.
Poor sleep more common in adults in 30s - Asahi Group Foods survey
A consumer survey by Asahi Group Foods has revealed that poor sleep is more common in adults in their 30s as compared to other age groups.
Growth Asia Summit 2025: Mother’s Day discount from May 12
Tickets to our Growth Asia Summit 2025 will have a 15 per cent Mother’s Day discount starting from next Monday (May 12).
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.
Five top trends in functional beverages
What’s catching the attention of today’s health-savvy consumers?
Women’s health webinar insights: The estrobolome, cognitive stress and targeted intervention
Improving gut health education and creating interventions to strengthen the body and brain against life’s stressors offers a powerful opportunity to advance women’s health, according to insights shared during a recent NutraIngredients webinar on women’s...
Probiotics’ benefits on mood pre and post-childbirth inconclusive - Nestle study
Despite growing evidence on probiotics’ benefits on mood and mental wellbeing, a new study by Nestle showed no conclusive findings among perinatal women.
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.
‘Protection is key’: Why brain health consumer strategies need to focus on early intervention
Many consumers associate brain health with day-to-day cognitive performance rather than long-term protection against decline, leaving them vulnerable to unnoticed deterioration, according to supplements firm Vitality Wellness.
Companion product opportunities: 5 charts explaining the GLP-1 consumer
Lumina Intelligence data reveals who the GLP-1 consumers are, how they are creating demand for tailored solutions, and where the biggest opportunities lie for nutrition brands ready to lead.
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.
GenieBiome’s new synbiotic targets increasing mental, mood disorders in children and adolescents
Hong Kong biotech firm GenieBiome’s latest synbiotic product is aimed at improving the brain, emotional and digestive health of children and adolescents, a demographic said to be increasingly experiencing mental and mood disorders.
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.
Brain boosters: How credible are dietary interventions for cognitive longevity?
Nutritional interventions have increasingly been shown to help maintain cognitive health as we age, but a Singapore-based longevity clinic has stressed the need for personalised approaches.
Ārepa to develop new blackcurrant-based prototype for cognitive and mood support in different product formats
Ārepa is developing a new blackcurrant-based prototype to expand beyond its current range of brain health products, which include beverages, powders, and capsules.
Science shorts: New findings on tocotrienol, lutein, zeaxanthin and more
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new findings on how consuming tocotrienol-enriched oat could improve fasting blood glucose and lutein, zeaxanthin’s benefits for dry eyes.
Can a citrus-based supplement rival pharmaceuticals for better sleep?
Taking a supplement formulated from lime peels can help users get to and stay asleep—and with no side effects.
New plant extract approved to make cognitive function claim in South Korea
A plant extract made from Dendropanax Morbifera has been approved to make cognitive function improvement by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
IPAWC + Probiota 2025: Critical thinking about the gut-brain axis
The IPA World Congress + Probiota is less than a month away. Don’t wait to register your attendance for this world-class program in Copenhagen!