
Polyphenols


Body weight may influence coffee’s effects on heart and metabolic health
Lower BMI may be associated with greater activation of metabolic pathways linked to cardiovascular health following caffeinated coffee consumption, according to new research.

Probiotic–phytonutrient blends may improve gut function
Probiotic–phytonutrient blends containing Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium strains plus citrus bioflavonoids and dandelion root extract could improve bowl function and gut health, according to a new study.


Blackcurrant may boost strength and focus, but not sprint power
A short course of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) supplements showed small improvements in certain strength measures and modest gains in some cognitive performance tests in resistance-trained adults, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Mintel reveals top taste trends driving food and beverage formulation
Economic uncertainty is driving consumers towards comforting, familiar flavors, according to Mintel’s 2026 The Future of Flavors report.

Novel polyphenol-based ingredient could boost distance running
An ingredient created from lychee fruit may improve endurance performance and reduce exertion in long-distance runners.

Piceatannol intake shown to improve skin hydration, wrinkles: Morinaga-funded study
A study in Japan shows that daily intake of piceatannol led to a significant improvement in skin hydration and wrinkles, underscoring its potential as a dietary intervention for enhancing moisture retention and the appearance of crow’s feet.

New pharmacovigilance survey on natural health products to roll out globally
A new survey covering global pharmacovigilance approaches in the natural health products sector is launching soon and will be extended to over 200 industry organizations and regulatory bodies, including those in China, the United States, Europe and other...

World Customs Organization formally recognizes dietary supplements as a standalone category
Dietary supplements are set to be formally recognized as a distinct category in global trade for the first time, following a recent update to the Harmonized System by the World Customs Organization.


Resveratrol supplements may improve signs of skin aging: Lallemand RCT
Oral supplementation and topical application of trans-resveratrol may help improve women’s skin health parameters by reducing wrinkles and boosting sebum levels, says a new study using Lallemand’s Veri-te resveratrol.

Tempeh extract may extend lifespan, for tiny worms at least
Extracts from tempeh, a traditional fermented soybean product, may extend lifespan for nematodes by 45%, says a new study.

Pomegranate plus marigold extracts may boost NAD+ levels, mitochondrial health and physical performance
A polyphenol-rich blend of extracts from pomegranate and marigold may improve key biomarkers of mitochondrial health, energy metabolism, inflammation, cognition, physical performance and quality of life scores, says a new study.

Coffeeberry extract may improve soccer skill performance: RCT
A single dose of coffeeberry extract may enhance soccer skill performance particularly passing speed and accuracy, says a new study with young players.

Performance supplements research: Significant knowledge gaps for female athletes and certain sports
A review of research into the performance benefits of a range of sports supplements concludes that there is a significant underrepresentation of women.

Coffee linked to happiness in latest boost to $485.59bn industry
New research reveals caffeine could boost mood and energy - especially in the morning

Nutra Healthspan Summit: Early bird delegate rate expiring soon!
The discounted early bird delegate registration for our Nutra Healthspan Summit will expire on Sept. 10, 2025.

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.

Can supplements protect against UV-induced skin damage?
Within the booming anti-aging supplement market, beauty-from-within represents a fast-growing segment as consumers turn to ingestible collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to fend off internal and external insults that degrade youthful...

Functional coffee market surges to $4.5bn
Functional coffee market growing fast as clean label and consumer wellness trends drive demand

Mulberry leaf, water chestnut tea could suppress post-meal blood sugar spike
Drinking tea made from the leaves of mulberry and husk of water chestnut could significantly suppress post-meal blood sugar spike, says a new study from Japan.

dsm-firmenich launches three-step pack to tackle cellular senescence
dsm-firmenich has launched a three-step solution to tackle cellular senescence, as part of its research and innovation in targeting the hallmarks of aging.

The Vitamin Shoppe 2025 Health & Wellness Trends: Proven efficacy meets modern lifestyle
This year’s health and wellness trends reflect a consumer evolution away from influencer-driven fads toward science-backed, lifestyle-focused wellness, signaling a deeper convergence of innovation and shifting priorities, according to The Vitamin Shoppe.

Regenesome to launch beauty supplement targeting skin ageing, environmental damage
Japanese biotech start-up Regenesome Inc is set to launch a beauty supplement targeted at tackling skin damage caused by ageing and external stimuli.

Could black tea be a key to healthier aging?
New research puts the spotlight on flavonoids in foods and drinks such as black tea

Dongsung Bio Pharm to develop new hangover cures, health functional foods using native ingredients
South Korean firm Dongsung Bio Pharm is partnering with other companies to develop and commercialise new hangover relief products and health functional foods using locally sourced natural ingredients.

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.

Japan’s Teaflex drops new functional teas in powder format targeted at sleep support, fat reduction
Japanese functional tea brand Teaflex has launched two new products in a dissolvable powder format, which are targeted at improving sleep quality and fat reduction separately.

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.

Cocoa flavanol may protect blood vessel health from stress-related impairments
Acute consumption of a flavanol-rich cocoa drink may protect the body’s vasculature against stress even after eating high-fat food, says a new study from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

Navigating the legal landscape of ingredients for mind health
Ayurvedic herbs, probiotics, CBD, and mushrooms are under scrutiny as the mind health boom means brands must overcome regulatory hurdles, says an industry expert.

Dark chocolate lowers depression in menopausal women – RCT
Dark chocolate reduced depression scores among menopausal women but had no significant effect on sleep quality and anthropometric indices, according to researchers.

Water-soluble tomato concentrate’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure shows promise for novel CVD-preventive approaches – BYHEALTH-funded study
A recent study has found water-soluble tomato concentrate (WSTC) to have a significant impact on blood pressure regulation, which could contribute to the development of novel dietary approaches for protecting heart health.

Growth Asia Summit 2024
“Ageing as a disease”: Longevity medicines fraternity builds framework to tackle ageing
Longevity medicines researchers are working on a framework to diagnose and prevent age-related ailments, including the classifying of ageing as a disease.

Singapore’s Nyva seeks to expand sales channels of anti-hangover gummy, eyes US and Australia markets
Singapore start-up Nyva is aiming to broaden sales channels of its AlcoBlock anti-hangover gummies, including convenience stores, while setting sights on expansion to markets like the US and Australia.

New Zealand’s Ārepa files new health claims, repackages products to overcome compliance difficulty
New Zealand-based Ārepa is doubling down on ensuring compliance with regulations regarding health claims and product labelling through submission of a scientific dossier, repackaging, and continuous research.

Milk in cans: Kalbe Nutritionals recreates flagship adult milk formula into RTD cans
Kalbe Nutritionals has launched a canned milk version of its flagship adult nutrition brand Entrasol, which it said was designed to cater to busy and active individuals.

Regulatory review: New Zealand's natural health products, Japan's GMP requirement in the spotlight
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across APAC, including what's next for New Zealand's natural health products regulatory landscape, Japan requiring all Food with Function Claims (FFC) in tablets, capsules forms to comply with GMP...

Two in five pharmacists believe more expensive dietary supplements are more effective – Malaysia study
Two in five pharmacists believe there is a correlation between the efficacy and price of dietary supplements, new findings from a study that took place in Malaysia reveal.

China’s BGG establishing new HQ in Switzerland to pursue double business growth in five years
Beijing-based branded ingredients supplier BGG recently announced the establishment of a new global headquarters in Switzerland as part of a major restructuring move to accelerate expansion and business growth.

Urgent action needed: NZ natural products industry demands action to boost exports as Therapeutic Products Act repealed
The New Zealand natural health products industry is calling for urgent action to protect and boost exports after the country's health minister said the government would repeal the Therapeutic Products Act due to come into force in 2026.

Sweet relief: Amorepacific’s Vital Beautie adds new functional jelly product to body fat reduction range
Amorepacific-owned brand Vital Beautie says that its “diet line-up” is now complete with the launch of a new jelly product that helps manage blood sugar levels for people who have difficulty controlling carbohydrate intake.

Toyo Sugar produces water-soluble resveratrol to expand use in cosmetic formulations to tap longevity trend
A Japanese ingredient firm has enzymatically modified resveratrol to make it water-soluble and more bioavailable to expand its use in various cosmetic formulas amidst rising interest in longevity.

Sugarcane fix: Revolutionary remote trial to explore health benefits of polyphenols in plant extract
Researchers at Deakin University Australia are planning a fully remote trial to investigate the health beneficial properties of polyphenols in sugarcane extract and their potential to improve gut, heart and mental health.

Portfolio revision: Kao transfers functional beverage brand to Kirin to focus on ‘core businesses’
Kao Corporation has entered into an agreement with Kirin Beverage Company Limited for the transfer of Healthya, a functional tea-catechin beverage brand, to focus its resources on other business areas to achieve its targets for FY2027.

Crataegus extract shows promise for weight management
A recent study has found that supplementation with a mixture of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and Citrus unshiu peels, resulted in significant improvements to body weight and fat percentage in overweight adults.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023
Metabolic and maternal mission: Our Start-up of the Year winner on functional foods knowledge plan
Of Dreams & Knowledge (Asia), a functional food firm which won the start-up category at the recent NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, is seeking to drive consumer awareness of its products by looking more deeply into metabolic and maternal health concerns.

Beauty-from-within Interactive Broadcast
Beauty-from-within space sees higher demand for multi-benefit products spanning gut and mental support – expert panel
Asia-Pacific’s beauty-from-within category is seeing rising demand for products that address not only beauty concerns, but also those that provide multiple benefits spanning gut health and mental support, says a panel involving experts from Haleon,...

Regulatory review: Updates from FSSAI, Malaysia's NPRA, and HMOs approval in China
In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at India's nutraceutical regulatory approach through an interview with a former director from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Malaysia's advisory on oral aloe vera...