According to the firm’s consumer research, more than a third of Australia’s population are office workers, amounting to over 8 million people.
The study also found that 54% of people globally have experienced body aches and joint and muscle pain triggered by bad posture.
In particular, 65% of Australians suffer from back pain that is closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle and long hours of being desk-bound.
A major challenge faced by these groups is getting through each day without permanently relying on pain relief medications.
“When people experience physical pain, their mind gets clouded, hindering them from staying focused and productive at work. This could lead to longer working hours, which affects their ability to keep up with after-work activities like exercise. They may even miss out on important occasions with their families.
“Consumers are aware of how physical and mental health are connected, and they understand their needs in each area. However, there’s nothing in the market to solve both problems in a natural healthy way,” Meg Farquhar, Global Marketing Director at Blackmores, told NutraIngredients-Asia.
As such, the brand’s new Ache Relief + Focus supplement is targeted at alleviating pain and discomfort, and supporting muscle health and mental focus.
Its key active ingredients include Salix alba (white willow) stem bark extract, which contains analgesic properties and is clinically shown to be effective at relieving lower back pain; and Panax (ginseng) root extract, which helps reduce mental and physical fatigue, and raise energy levels.
In addition, the supplement is also formulated with Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), which is associated with cognitive function and plays a part in converting food into energy; and Colecalciferol (vitamin D3), which aids in maintaining muscle strength.
“Ache Relief + Focus is designed for those who are required to sit and concentrate for prolonged durations. It is necessary to support mental focus and energy when dietary intake is inadequate. The supplement can be used by students, office workers, and even gamers,” said Humera Ahmad, Product Development Director of Blackmores Group.
Brainy issues
Before Ache Relief + Focus was developed, Blackmores tested the concept in three countries.
“Our target consumers showed strong interest in the dual benefits that the product delivers, particularly among the younger consumers,” Farquhar shared.
At the moment, the supplement is available on online platforms and at retail stores of major pharmacies and supermarkets in Australia.
It adds to the brand’s brain-health portfolio, which includes current bestsellers such as Ginkgo Brahmi and Ginkgoforte. These contain ginkgo, an ingredient with demonstrated benefits for memory recall and cognitive performance.
“Blackmores’ cognitive-health portfolio has been expanding to fulfil the growing needs of consumers worldwide. These include products that help with overall cognitive function, and specifically, that support memory recall, energy level, or mental focus and clarity,” Farquhar reiterated.
