Asia Pacific

Trend tracker: China imports, NPD in sleep, women’s health, India probiotics

Check out trends in China’s nutraceutical imports for the first half of 2026, innovation in women’s health, sleep support and probiotics from India-based companies in this round-up.

NI+Catching up with women’s hormonal health supplements: A roundup of the latest science

From probiotics to NAD+ boosters, a growing number of supplement interventions are targeting women’s hormonal health, with clinical trials increasingly going beyond subjective self-reporting and towards objective hormonal measures.

Nestlé launches Solgar Prime for fast-growing healthy-longevity market

Nestlé has announced the expansion of its healthy longevity portfolio with Solgar Prime, formulated to help people maintain muscle strength, vitality, mobility and overall wellbeing as they age.

NI+FSSAI enforces labeling rules for coffee, neem and other plant nutraceuticals

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is enforcing labeling requirements for nutraceuticals containing certain botanicals and plant parts, including coffee, neem and Coleus forskohlii, amid cases of non-compliance.

NI+Sleep health supplement launches go melatonin free, target better nights and days

Sleep-support supplements are broadening their focus beyond simply helping consumers get to bed, framing sleep as part of a wider recovery cycle, one that encompasses stress, circadian rhythm, daytime energy and how rested people feel when they wake.

L. paracasei KW3110 alleviates ocular symptoms from hay fever – Kirin

Kirin Holdings recently presented study findings on the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KW3110 on the alleviation of ocular symptoms associated with hay fever.

China’s dietary supplement imports: Fish oil fastest-growing category in H1 2026

Fish oil was the fastest-growing category of dietary supplement imports into China in the first half of this year, based on a report by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE).

L. plantarum intake lowers body weight, BMI but effects on lipid profile limited

Supplementation with the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum J26 could significantly lower body weight and body mass index (BMI) but has limited effects on lipid profile, glycemic levels and blood pressure.

Pregnancy nutrition: Aussie start-up designs oral-melt powder to improve user experience

Tablets and capsules are common dosage formats for health supplements. Still, depending on life stage and needs, dosage formats may need to evolve to improve user experience and compliance, and Australian start-up H.E.R Code has embarked on that journey,...

Across the Nutraverse: Accelerating EU novel foods, NZ explores natural health product rule changes, closing GRAS oversight gaps

This week’s brief tracks news that highlights the strategic importance of scientific substantiation, safety data, and regulatory readiness as increasingly important competitive advantages.

Brand new: Andrographis reformulation, PDRN innovation, biotics for eczema

See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Australian brands recalling and reformulating their Andrographis products due to regulatory changes, and the use of PDRN in oral supplements and biotics for eczema.

Dongkoo Bio&Pharma targets underserved hearing care category as growth engine

South Korean firm Dongkoo Bio&Pharma is targeting the unmet needs of its local hearing health market, which it has mapped out as a new engine for growth.

Five ways GLP-1 drugs are altering consumer demand for supplements

GLP-1 drugs are reshaping the supplement category, fueling demand for products that fill nutrient gaps, help to manage side effects and offer weight management support.

NI+Metabolic health supplement launches target gut health, glucose control and satiety

As GLP-1 drugs reshape the weight-management landscape, supplement brands are rethinking their approach, broadening the conversation beyond weight loss to metabolic health, muscle preservation and overall wellness.

NI+Magnesium and sleep: What does the science say?

A recent systematic review of randomized controlled trials raises questions about magnesium’s effectiveness as a sleep aid, concluding that the current evidence is inconsistent and of low certainty.

NI+New Zealand considering changes to natural health product rules

The New Zealand government is seeking public feedback on proposed requirements for natural health products, including how health claims may be permitted and regulations for pre-market entry, manufacturing and labeling requirements.

Vitafoods Asia 2026

Lallemand highlights metabolic balance, working with local partners in Asia

Canadian fermented functional ingredients firm Lallemand cast the spotlight on a product targeting metabolic health at the recent Vitafoods Asia, while underscoring the importance of working with local partners in this region.

NI+Supplement sector rising, ‘safety needs to evolve with it’

Growing supplement use, novel ingredients, personalized nutrition and digital health advice are challenging safety frameworks in a fragmented global regulatory landscape, prompting greater discussion about the tools needed to foster regulatory coherence.

NI+Brands begin andrographis recalls, product reformulation in Australia

Brands in Australia have begun voluntarily recalling listed medicines containing andrographis following a ban issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last month over concerns that the herb may trigger anaphylactic reactions.

New in Nippon: Ninapharm leverages pharmacy channel, Ito Kanpo expands ‘one-bite’ line

Ninapharm Japan looks to leverage the pharmacy retail channel through the launch of seven new products, while Ito Kanpo adds to its “one-bite” range of powder supplements.

NI+Catching up with metabolic health supplements: A roundup of the latest science

Obesity’s global toll is straining public health, quality of life and health systems, while drawing greater attention to the interconnected risks that shape metabolic health.

Regulatory review: USFDA’s gummy study, Australia’s rules on andrographis and more

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (USFDA) assessment of gummy supplements production, Australia’s stricter rules on andrographis use and New Zealand’s upcoming revisions to its natural health products export policies are some of the latest updates...

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026

Double champion: Phynova takes mulberry leaf extract beyond sugar control

A well-known benefit of mulberry leaf extract is blood glucose control, but Phynova Group, which won two awards in this year’s NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, is taking the ingredient to new heights through research that uncovers how insulin sensitivity...

AI’s booming, but execute it right to win – Agrifood experts

AI is rapidly transforming operations in the agrifood sector, allowing companies to identify innovative technologies quicker and enabling shorter product cycles, but whether AI is useful still boils down to meticulous planning and execution, say agrifood...

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026

Kaneka to continue investing in ubiquinol and mitochondrial health as interest grows

Japanese chemical manufacturing major Kaneka Corporation is set to continue investing in research on ubiquinol and mitochondrial health, as it observes growing interest in the ingredient’s benefits across multiple health functions.

Lower NAD+ levels linked to greater frailty in older adults: Study

Older adults with lower levels of NAD+, an important cellular co-factor for improvement of mitochondrial performance and energy metabolism, may be at higher risk of frailty, says a new study from Japan.

聚焦日本：Longevity Life Sciences 与三菱瓦斯化学合作，最新研究成果

了解日本营养保健品市场的最新发展动态，包括 Longevity Life Sciences 与三菱瓦斯化学的合作，以及最新的研究成果。

科学短报：南非醉茄、健康追踪器、眼部健康等

本次综述重点介绍最新的健康和营养研究成果，包括南非醉茄降低高血压人群甘油三酯的新发现、健康追踪如何帮助减肥等。

监管动态：成分安全性重新评估、NMN 产品命名等

本次监管新闻综述中的最新动态包括：韩国食品药品安全部将越橘提取物等功能性成分纳入重新评估范围，澳大利亚药品管理局针对 NMN 产品命名规则发布指引等。

趋势追踪：人工智能的利弊、健康寿命新产品发布等等

本文汇总了人工智能（AI）和保健品搜索趋势、健康寿命新产品发布等内容。

聚焦中国：Puredia、微信、最新研究等等

本期资讯涵盖伊纳维康荣获 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 大奖、最新研究成果，以及本刊于微信开通新服务号等新闻。

Megmilk Snow Brand sets up new unit to drive probiotics and ingredient sales

Japan’s Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd. has established a new business unit to drive domestic and international sales of its nutraceutical ingredients, including probiotics that support gut, immune, and metabolic health.

China focus: Puredia, WeChat, latest research and more

This round-up looks at news including Puredia’s win at NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, latest research findings, and our new service account on WeChat.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026

Sports nutrition is becoming everyday nutrition – Taiwan’s VITABOX

Muscle building is a major feature in sports nutrition products, but as consumer profiles and goals become more varied, award-winning Taiwanese brand VITABOX says non-whey and non-amino acid options like probiotics can cater to more individuals while...

Supplementation with plant oil extract may improve influenza vaccine efficacy

A concentrated nutritional extract derived primarily from plant oils may enhance antibody responses to the influenza vaccine.

NI+Women still want menopause relief. They have stopped calling it menopause.

The menopause supplement aisle has never been more crowded, with black cohosh alone anchoring over 230 brands, more than any other ingredient in the category. Yet the women this aisle was built for are increasingly walking away from its vocabulary.

Pure Nutrition enters the longevity supplement field

India’s Pure Nutrition has debuted a range of longevity and anti-aging supplements amid rising consumer interest and a growing number of longevity clinics.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026

Perimenopause a research focus for award-winning botanical blend

EstroG-100, a botanical blend that won the Innovation in Women’s Health Award at this year’s NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, will undergo research linked to perimenopause and sexual wellbeing, after clinical trials have proven its benefits in alleviating...

Vitex Pharmaceuticals beefs up format offerings, exports with new facility - CEO

Vitex Pharmaceuticals will offer a greater variety of nutraceutical product formats and drive further exports with the opening of its new manufacturing facility, CEO Dr Aniss Chami told NutraIngredients.

Across the Nutraverse: Restrictions in California, precision fermentation capacity, the rise of PDRN, and SANS moves to TX

This week’s brief tracks news that highlights the industry’s shift towards a future defined by biotech-enabled innovation, metabolic health convergence, heightened regulatory scrutiny and premium science-backed ingredients.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026

3rd-gen prebiotic? Whole fruit kiwi’s benefits lie beyond fiber

Prebiotics are known for their rich dietary fiber levels, but New Zealand firm Anagenix, which recently took home the microbiome modulation Ingredient of the Year with its New Zealand gold kiwifruit prebiotic powder Livaux, is championing the idea of the...

NI+Market Moves: Supplement industry deals of Q3 2026

Deal activity across the supplement and wider wellness sector remained brisk in the third quarter of 2026, with strategic buyers and private equity firms placing big bets on premium brands, science-led portfolios and scalable manufacturing platforms.

Science shorts: Biotics, ginger and protein in the spotlight

This round-up highlights the latest health and nutrition research findings, including new findings on probiotics, postbiotics and ginger supplementation and how consuming different proteins could affect plasma levels of advanced glycation end products.

Probiotics reduce gastrointestinal impact of weight loss in combat athletes – study

A study in China found that probiotic supplementation could reduce the adverse effects of rapid weight loss in combat athletes by modulating gut homeostasis and strengthening intestinal barrier integrity.

Gut-brain axis: Postbiotic shows potential to ease stress and brain activity

Heat-treated Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 may boost brain activity for young healthy people and alleviate stress levels, according to a small study from Asahi Quality and Innovations in Japan.

Vitafoods Asia 2026

Probiotics from India: Firms innovate beyond climate constraints for trending needs

India’s upstream probiotic sector may be nascent compared to other Asia-Pacific countries such as China, Japan and South Korea, but the recent Vitafoods Asia 2026 showed a growing presence of Indian probiotic firms ready to introduce their innovations...

Vitafoods Asia 2026

Thai Union Ingredients looks to expand portfolio of tuna-derived ingredients

Thai Union Ingredients aims to unlock full value of the tuna fish by expanding its portfolio of premium nutrition ingredients derived from manufacturing by-products.

Vitafoods Asia 2026

Menstruation, menopause and beyond: IMCD casts spotlight on women’s health

IMCD seeks to respond to “real consumer needs” with its market-ready women’s health formulations that the company recently showcased at Vitafoods Asia 2026.

Across the Nutraverse: NZ claims for exports, Amway vs FTC, Bio-K+ in the UK, Better Menopause, krill oil pulled from Aus retailers

This week’s brief tracks news that highlights the industry’s shift towards a future defined by stronger regulatory oversight, greater scientific substantiation, export-focused regulatory reform, and growing sustainability expectations.    

NI+PDRN: The next trending ingredient for beauty from within?

PDRN, an ingredient historically associated with professional skincare and regenerative dermatology, first moved from skin-booster injectables into serums and creams and is now making its way into oral beauty supplements, raising the question of whether...