Japan focus: Matcha for sleep, Daiichi Sankyo’s acquisition, fertility health, and more
Matcha intake shows tendency for improved sleep quality in seniors – 12-month trial
The consumption of matcha green tea powder over 12 months has shown the tendency for improved sleep quality among seniors, according to a trial conducted in Japan.
Researchers found that the consumption of matcha could also enhance certain cognitive functions, such as facial expression recognition and attention. These, they said, were beneficial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
Japanese health care firm Daiichi Sankyo acquires sports nutrition brand DNS
Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co Ltd has acquired sports nutrition brand DNS as it continues to grow its portfolio from pharmaceuticals to functional foods, oral and skin care.
The acquisition also marks Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare’s entry into the sports nutrition market. Its main business is in OTC medicines, spanning across allergy, cold, gastrointestinal conditions and painkillers etc.
Targeting male menopause and female fertility: King Agaricus KA21 mushroom patents filed for enhancing reproductive health
The KA21 strain of King Agaricus mushroom has potential to combat male hair loss and erectile dysfunction, support female fertility, and manage menopause symptoms for both sexes, say researchers in Japan.
KA21 is cultivated in Brazil, with the outdoor-grown version said to contain a higher amount of beta-glucan, vitamin D, calcium, and copper. It is believed to have multiple health benefits, including for reproductive health, wound healing, and skin health.
Fatigue, anxiety, bad skin top health concerns among Japanese aged 18 to 34 – Suntory survey
Although this age group is very interested in their appearance, such as beauty and body modification, they are not very conscious of their health, and as a result they tend to neglect self-care.
“In addition, in the telework environment of the past few years, face-to-face direct communication has decreased, so there are fewer opportunities to consult face-to-face, and even if they have worries, they may keep them to themselves,” said psychiatrist Dr. Hiromi Okuda.
Japan’s Fordays seeks to address consumer needs across lifespan with nucleic acid supplements, eyes global expansion
Japanese firm Fordays aims to build on the success of its nucleic acid-based supplements, which it claims to be particularly beneficial for immunity, infant growth and ageing woes, and extend its reach to more markets in Asia and globally.
The company’s decision to prioritise nucleic acids in its research and product development is due to their “recognised status as essential nutrients” throughout the lifespan.
