Review explores evidence for folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects
A clearer picture exists of how much folic acid supplementation is needed to avoid neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy.
Research
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Duke-NUS Medical School, Morinaga, Yeo’s to present kids’ nutrition
Growth Asia Summit 2026 takes place from July 8 to 10 in Singapore, and childhood nutrition is one of the main themes to be covered on the first day of the summit.
Across the Nutraverse: China’s top supplement categories, Danone acquires Huel, B3 + B6 for muscles
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
Across the Nutraverse: GOED unveils new database, Magtein in the UK, gut microbe and muscle strength
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
KSM-66 ashwagandha may support cognition and sleep in children
Supplementation with KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract in gummy form for eight weeks is well tolerated and may enhance cognitive performance and sleep quality in children between the ages of 6 and 12, according to new research.
Herbal extract complex may reduce signs of skin aging: Cosmax study
A combination of extracts from Korean mint, goji berry and fig may reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration and elasticity, says a new study from scientists at Cosmax, South Korea’s largest cosmetics manufacturer.
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...
UCSD launches first human milk analytics hub
The Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego has announced the first-of-its-kind analytical hub for human milk: The Milk Analytics Core, which aims to close critical knowledge gaps, investigate bioactive molecules in milk and inform ingredient innovation.
NAD+ boosters may also boost gut microbes and beneficial metabolites: Nestlé data
The NAD+ boosting effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may be linked to the action of the gut microbiome on these compounds, says a new study from Nestlé.
OEA may boost Akkermansia levels and improve gut barrier function: RCT
Daily supplementation with oleoylethanolamide (OEA) may boost levels of the beneficial gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, says a new study.
FrieslandCampina research finds nutrient-dense supplement improves early life growth outcomes
New research conducted and funded by FrieslandCampina shows that an oral nutrition supplement (ONS) significantly improved intake of protein, vitamins D, C and B-complex, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron in children at risk of stunted...
Science shorts: Turmeric, soy protein, medicinal mushrooms in the spotlight
This round-up looks at the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including turmeric adulteration, soy protein for muscle health, medicinal mushrooms for anxiety and more.
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Don’t miss out on 15% CNY promo
Enjoy a 15% discount when you register for the Growth Asia Summit 2026 from now until February 22.
AceBiome explores probiotics, binding proteins’ gut health potential
South Korean microbiome-based health functional food company AceBiome is exploring novel ways to improve gut health, including the combination of probiotics with binding proteins.
Indonesian industry welcomes regulator’s partnership with Singapore
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be conducting joint assessments of complementary health products and clinical trial regulations, a move welcomed by the industry.
Medicinal mushrooms mix reduces anxiety, stress hormone levels - 12-week study
The supplementation of five types of medicinal mushrooms, including reishi, has been shown to reduce anxiety and serum levels of the stress hormone cortisol in a 12-week study.
Science shorts: Asparagus root extract, magnesium L-threonate in the spotlight
This round-up looks at the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including how asparagus root extract supplementation can improve blood glucose and lipid levels, magnesium L-threonate’s benefits for cognitive performance and more.
Asparagus root intake lowers blood glucose and lipids only when paired with HIIT
The supplementation of asparagus root extract can significantly lower blood glucose and lipid levels in overweight and obese individuals – but this is only possible when paired with high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Ginseng adulteration remains a significant concern, says BAPP review
Almost 25% of commercial ginseng products may be adulterated, with dietary supplements at greater risk than powdered ginseng root or ginseng tea, says a new scoping review from the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP).
Magnesium L-threonate may boost cognitive performance and improve sleep: RCT
Six weeks of supplementation with Magtein magnesium L-threonate may reduce brain cognitive age by 7.5 years, compared to placebo, says a new clinical trial from Australia.
IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026: Market dynamics, pioneers, next gen biotics and ‘from bums to gums’ headline Day 1
The IPA World Congress + Probiota is less than a month away with must-see speakers on Day 1 including Dr. John Hale, Muriel Gonzalez, Ewa Hudson, Dr. Koen Venema, Meghan Taylor and more!
Probiotic strain may ‘fine-tune’ immune responses in children
A specific probiotic strain may reduce the burden of common childhood infectious illnesses by fine-tuning immune responses and enhancing gut resilience rather than through drastic compositional changes, says a new study.
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.
Research links low fiber intake to adverse lipid profiles in children
Long-term low fiber intake and high variability in amino acid intake were associated with low-stability microbiota and adverse blood lipid profiles, according to a year-long study conducted in children.
Consumers link multivitamins to immune, metabolic and overall health benefits
According to a Haleon-funded consumer study in Taiwan, most consumers surveyed believe that multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement may support immune, metabolic and overall health.
Across the Nutraverse: iHerb acquires Vitacost, Kirin’s push into longevity, lavender supplement quality concerns
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
Low GI, high protein supplement lowers post-meal blood glucose spike in diabetics
Consuming a low glycemic index (GI) and high protein supplement as part of breakfast could lower postprandial blood glucose response in diabetic individuals, according to findings from a two-week study funded by Danone India.
Study explores astaxanthin’s sport-specific benefits
Four weeks of astaxanthin supplementation improved kicking performance in young male Taekwondo athletes, according to a new study.
Fish oil oxidation: Experts debate the science and health impacts
Research shows that some fish oil supplements are oxidized, but is there any scientific evidence to support the perception that oxidized fish oil is less efficacious or even detrimental?
Science shorts: Fucoidan, multivitamins, Tongkat Ali in the spotlight
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new findings on fucoidan for grip strength improvement, the need for targeted supplementation of multivitamins, and Tongkat Ali’s benefits in alleviating...
Editors’ picks: Our favorite articles of 2025
We enjoy writing some articles more than others, whether it’s because of the subject, the impact for industry, the insights from commentators or other reasons. But which articles did we enjoy writing the most and why?
Fucoidan intake improves grip strength in seniors: 12-week study
Supplementation with fucoidan—a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed— improved grip strength among older adults, according to a study conducted in Taiwan.
Mark your calendar: IPC 2026 heading to Kraków
The 19th annual International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health (IPC) is heading to Kraków, Poland from June 22 to 24, 2026.
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.
Cyperus rotundus extract may reduce body weight and waist lines of obese people
Daily supplementation with an extract of Cyperus rotundus, also known as nutgrass, for 90 days led to 7% reductions in body weight, waist and hip circumference, says a new randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study from Sabinsa.
‘There was never a dull moment’: 8 reasons to attend the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026
The IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026 is just two months away! The leading event for the probiotics, prebiotics and microbiome community is a must-attend event, and let us tell you why…
MVM benefits specific groups, targeted use needed: Haleon, NUS-funded study
Multivitamin and mineral supplementation may not benefit everyone, except for specific users, suggesting that a targeted supplementation approach would be prudent, says a new rapid review funded by Haleon and the National University of Singapore.
ADM report: 47% of North Americans face sleep stress
Interest in postbiotics is growing as consumers look beyond traditional sleep aids, according to new research.
Astragalus-centella blend shows dual cosmetic, supplement potential: Taiwan study
A new study from Taiwan has reported that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) improved multiple markers of skin health when used both as a topical cream and as an oral supplement.
Pro, postbiotic intake shown to reduce cold-like symptoms in meta-analysis
A first-of-its-kind meta-analysis of eight clinical studies showed that supplementing with both live and heat-killed Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) could reduce cold-like symptoms by activating a particular group of immune cells known as...
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.