News, Analysis & Insights on Nutrition, Supplements, and Health
A study from Japan found that underweight women - those with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 17.5 - have a significantly lower gut microbiota diversity and a higher amount of gut bacteria species linked to inflammation.
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.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has gained traction as an anti-aging ingredient, but a 12-week study funded by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences - said to be “first of its kind” human clinical trial - showed that it could improve hair health too.
Meiji Co. Ltd is putting a twist to its flagship amino acid collagen powder with the addition of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in a bid to grow its global market share.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supplement brand Eu Yan Sang has recently launched in Australia, with plans for Japan, Vietnam, and US entry further down the road, says parent company Rohto which also revealed new findings on microbiome and TCM.
South Korean regulator Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s plans in recognizing sleep support claims for hydrolyzed milk protein and its import ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) supplements are some of the new updates in this round-up.
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.
Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFC) can now be formulated with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and make joint health claims.
The consumption of the by-product of sake, a Japanese traditional alcohol, has been shown to relieve constipation in a pilot study.
From India’s ‘new drugs’ ban, to Nestle’s new findings on how post-meal blood sugar levels could affect sleep quality, here are the 10 most-read stories on NutraIngredients-Asia in May 2025.
Suntory is building up the science behind its first meal replacement product, with the first set of clinical trial findings showing significant body weight and body mass index (BMI) reduction.
Speaking at the Yakult Science for Health symposium last week, healthy aging experts highlighted that healthy aging depends not just on diet but on tending to the ‘microbial garden’.
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.
Researchers suggest that maltobionic acid may enhance the growth of Faecalibacterium while not affecting Bifidobacterium.
The supplementation of a whey-derived peptide has been shown to lower self-perceived levels of stress among middle-aged adults, according to a six-week study conducted by Kirin Holdings.
Probiotic strain Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 can help improve gastric discomfort and mental health in healthy adults with gastric complaints, a Meiji-funded study revealed.
Aker BioMarine is hoping to secure a Food with Function Claim (FFC) in Japan in relation to krill oil and skin health in a move it hopes will significantly boost its business within a booming category in the country.
The KA21 mushroom is effective in repairing skin damage and maintaining skin elasticity, according to new research findings.
The supplementation of a synbiotic has shown to increase resting energy expenditure in overweight or mildly obese adults, according to a clinical trial funded by Japan confectionery company Ezaki Glico.
Morinaga Milk Industry zeroed in on the weight management efficacies of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (B. breve B-3) probiotic strain, and its potential for preventing age-related metabolic issues, at the Growth Asia Summit 2024.
Taiwan's Greenyn Biotechnology is working to get regulatory approvals in key Asia markets for Antrodia cinnamomea, after the so-called 'miracle mushroom' was found to improve the liver function of regular drinkers and chronic Hep B patients in trials...
The health of half the population has been largely ignored in research and on the shelves. However, the recent IPAWC + Probiota Americas highlighted how more brands are using gut health to tap into a range of needs–from fertility to PMS to menopause.
Probiotic supplementation containing a specific Levilactobacillus brevis strain may help maintain estrogen levels in healthy peri- and postmenopausal women, compared to placebo, says a new study from the Kaneka Corporation.
A study has found that dietary taurine intake was significantly and positively associated with maintenance of knee extension muscle strength over an eight-year period among middle-aged and older Japanese individuals.
Daily supplementation with B. longum BB536 can suppress common cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, but future studies are required to clarify how it works, according to a new Morinaga-funded study.
A new study published in the journal Stroke shows that people with the highest omega-3 levels have a lower risk of stroke. It also dispels correlations between omega-3s and increased risk of brain hemorrhaging.
The supplementation of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve M-16V has shown to modulate the nervous system, such as decreasing heart rate during stress and increasing the production of pipecolic acid – a GABA-like substance for supporting stress...
Kirin-owned Kyowa Hakko Bio will be collaborating with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore to advance research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and explore their potential applications, particularly in the areas of...
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is known for its longevity-related health claims, but a new observational study from Meiji claims that a higher concentration of the NMN in breast milk is linked to significantly better motor and communication skills in...
A functional food ingredient derived from natto has demonstrated its effects on preventing age spots, enhancing skin tone, and improving fine lines among other benefits, say Japanese researchers.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023
While supplements for cognitive support are commonly designed for the middle-aged and older adults, Japan is seeing companies selling such products in the form of functional foods for the general population.
Japanese researchers have found that eight-weeks’ consumption of a beverage containing flavanol-rich cacao extract reduced negative mood and improved positive mood among middle-aged women.
The supplementation of egg yolk choline has been shown to improve verbal memory in a 12-week trial funded by Japan food firm Kewpie Corporation.
A 12-week RCT conducted in Japan has showed that the supplementation of a yam-derived bioactive could improve muscle quality and reduce glycated haemoglobin among middle-aged adults.
High prices, “unscrupulous suppliers”, and inadequate identification methods have resulted in adulteration rates of saw palmetto extracts reaching 33% in Japan and as high as 75% in other Asian markets, says BGG World.
This round-up looks at the latest findings from health and nutrition research, including the benefit of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in lowering cardiovascular disease risk among diabetic patients, γ-tocopherol in reducing premenstrual symptoms such as...
The supplementation of collagen peptide has shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and fatigue in middle-aged men, making it a potential sports nutrition candidate, said researchers from Japan.
A new RCT proposes that routine, low dose iron supplementation helps reduce the burden of exercise and improve the mood and fatigue among non-anaemic athletes.
Individuals who have above-average body mass index or blood glucose levels have seen a reduction in arterial stiffness following 12 weeks of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation.
This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research from regional dairy firms in Asia-Pacific, namely South Korea’s Maeil, China’s Yili, and Japan’s Meiji.
Japanese researchers found that the ‘high bread and low rice’ dietary pattern leads to higher serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol for both sexes, while the ‘high confectioneries and low alcohol’ diet did the same only for men.
Suntory has shed more light on its plans for its personalised nutrition services and products in Japan following a US$3.06m investment in UK start-up Remedy Health.
The supplementation of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 has been shown to improve bowel movement, specifically stool frequency, in elderly with chronic constipation, according to a four-week RCT conducted in Japan.
Prolonged fig leaf tea consumption may have positive effects on mild atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, according to a Japanese RCT.
A dose-dependent relationship between protein intake and muscle strength has been reported by a new meta-analysis conducted by Japanese dairy company Meiji.
Soy peptide supplementation may help to improve both motor and memory function in community-dwelling older adults, alongside an exercise regimen, a Japanese study has found.
A study using a branded form of partially hydrolyzed guar gum has shown that it can help suppress common cold symptoms. The study used Taiyo’s Sunfiber ingredient.
Infants and toddlers are more likely to sleep 10 hours or more if their mothers consume fermented food when pregnant, according to a Japanese study on 64,200 pairs of mothers and children.
Inflammation and dysbiosis were the two most studied health conditions for probiotics related research between 2016 and 2020, according to a newly constructed database by a group of Hong Kong researchers.
Supplementation with a heat-killed bacterium may significantly increase iron status for young women, says new study from Japan that creates novel opportunities to address a leading global nutrient deficiency.