News, Analysis & Insights on Nutrition, Supplements, and Health
VitamINSIGHTS
Growth opportunities are plenty in Cambodia’s health supplements scene, due to a growing middle class and lower market competition, say Singapore’s Incontech and Australia’s Healthy Vitality which entered Cambodia in the last two years.
High caffeine consumption at 6mg/kg body weight significantly enhances skeletal muscle reactivity at rest, but did not improve anaerobic performance, according to a randomised crossover trial.
Leveraging consumer trends and having better control of pricing mean better opportunities and profit margins in the D2C than B2B space, says Indonesian spice supplier Nekaboga.
South Korean firm FromBIO aims to venture into more markets in South East Asia (SEA) by capitalising on its ability to produce health functional foods in myriad formats, as well as endorsements by Korean celebrities popular in the region.
The food and beverage sector in Indonesia believes that it is high time for a larger scale food innovation centre focusing on the advancement and development of domestic companies to be established in the country.
Taking 1,500mg of curcumin daily for 12 months has been shown to improve insulin, fasting blood glucose levels and body mass, based on a clinical study conducted in Thailand.
Taiwan-based Han-Sient believes it has struck gold with its patented technology to produce guava leaf extract for blood sugar control and fat-burning, eyeing the diabetic and weight loss markets in South East Asia as its next major expansion step.
A German firm specialising in manufacturing functional drinks using dosing cap technology is hoping to expand into South East Asia by partnering with local beverage firms.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
The winner of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024 Start-up of the Year says investing in research is key for start-ups to stand out from competition and it is aiming to do more in this area, with five clinical trials in the pipeline.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
AstaReal has launched an initiative to identify authentic astaxanthin supplements from counterfeits in Thailand, which is experiencing strong demand for astaxanthin products led by homegrown brand Dr. Pong.
The supplementation of fermented soybean has been shown to reduce symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including heartburn, as well as lowering inflammatory markers, based on findings from a 12-week RCT.
Indonesia will be able to capitalise on a ‘golden opportunity’ with its halal food products industry as long as it improves product quality, safety and infrastructure, according to a leading halal certification official.
The use of an oral nutrition supplement for over six months has shown improvements in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12 levels among Singapore’s elderly aged 65 and above, say new findings from a study by Abbott.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients says infant formula with premium, multi-benefit ingredients and easy-to-consume supplements for children are continued avenues for growth in Asia.
VitamINSIGHTS
The Philippines’ nutraceutical industry is expected to continue growing at mid-single digits, with consumers paying more attention to weight, liver, and cognitive health post-COVID, according to latest insights from the local health supplement...
Singapore start-up Crunch Cutlery is seeking to tackle plastic waste with its edible cutlery made from chia, buckwheat and jowar.
The supplementation of green banana powder and pineapple fibre powder has been shown to raise the levels of beneficial bacteria deficient in young adults, including Bifidobacterium bifidum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, say findings of a 14-day trial...
Danone is introducing its growing up milk for children born via caesarean section (C-section) into more South East Asian countries, with the latest launch happening in Malaysia.
There are extensive opportunities for 'holistic product innovation' across three key areas of women’s health: menstrual health, prenatal nutrition, and menopause, says Mintel.
Growth Asia Summit 2024
Longevity medicines researchers are working on a framework to diagnose and prevent age-related ailments, including the classifying of ageing as a disease.
Malaysia’s Medika Natura, which specialises in health supplements made using local botanical extracts, is expecting to sell its products in South Korea next July through an exclusive partnership with NS Home Shopping.
A probiotic strain clinically shown to improve muscle health, including increasing muscle mass and recovery, has been approved by the Thai authorities for use in foods.
South Korea’s health functional food brand Jung Kwan Jang recently launched its flagship ginseng products in major health and beauty stores in Malaysia, which has been identified as one of the firm’s key markets in ASEAN.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis is found to be positively linked with fasting blood glucose level among Singaporean elderly, says a new study which also uncovered links between gut microbial and other chronic issues, such as cardiometabolic health and...
China’s hyaluronic acid manufacturer Bloomage says there is vast potential for South East Asia-manufactured nutraceuticals in the China market.
The founder of Australia-based JSHealth Vitamins, which is expanding across Asia, says beauty-from-within success has to start by targeting the gut, and predicts that microbiome-focused innovations will continue to grow in popularity.
Prebiotic sodas are said to possess strong growth potential in South East Asia (SEA), largely owing to rising consumer interest in gut health, and an increasing number of companies making strides in product development and launches.
Thai natural energy drink brand Hippo Energy Drink has revealed that sugar reduction in beverages is not a major priority for most consumers in the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) markets despite an ongoing trend for this in the rest of the...
Vietnam is introducing new limits on contaminants permitted in health supplements from August 1, 2025, but existing products can still be sold in the market until their expiry dates.
Nutrachampion podcast
Singapore nutraceutical start-up NanoSG is honing up its AI avatar and online tools, as consumers are relying more on data and information to guide their purchase decision.
The Indonesian government has launched a new halal certification system dedicated to international companies which is expected to significantly accelerate certified product imports into the country, including for foods and beverages.
Omega-3 can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation among untrained overweight males after intense exercise, say researchers.
Mental wellbeing is one of the key trends driving the kids supplement industry as consumers move towards targeted formulations for children’s needs, says child-focused brand I’m Nutrients.
Healthplex Expo 2024
Singapore firm Advagen is expanding into China with the upcoming launch of a postbiotic supplement – a white space in which the company is seeing growth opportunities.
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...
Sugar substitutes xylitol and sorbitol can help prevent dental caries among children and adolescents, according to a new review of clinical trials.
LittleOak is set to launch a ready-to-drink (RTD) goat milk product in Asia, which it claims to be the first in the region not to contain palm oil.
The rapid rise of social commerce has brought along a host of problems related to the advertising of dietary supplements and functional foods in Vietnam, according to statistics from the industry association.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B adolescentis) SBT2786 improved sleep quality and mood of stressed Japanese adults in a randomised controlled trial.
Singapore start-up Nyva is aiming to broaden sales channels of its AlcoBlock anti-hangover gummies, including convenience stores, while setting sights on expansion to markets like the US and Australia.
Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts improved sleep quality of participants without adverse side effects in a study trial.
Curcumin can fight chronic diseases by reducing key inflammatory markers, offering a promising natural intervention for conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new research.
Hydrolysed milk formula may prevent certain allergies but increase risk of wheeze as compared to breast milk, according to a new meta-analysis funded by Huhhot Science & Technology Plan and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy in China.
Swiss longevity start-up Avea is seeing strong growth in China on the back of a livestreaming event, alongside Singapore and Japan, and is eyeing entry into South Korea with its NMN and collagen products.
Singapore start-up Flojo has debuted its sparkling drinks formulated with botanical ingredients aimed at supporting cognitive function, strengthening immune system, and improving mood and mental clarity.
Vietnam’s prime minister has instructed the country’s Ministry of Health to review rules governing functional food advertising.
Chinese low calorie and high fibre konjac rice and noodle manufacturers Ketoslim Mo says emphasising an enjoyable eating experience is just as important to health needs to drive consumer acceptance.
Researchers in Hong Kong have started a randomised controlled trial to observe whether probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women can reduce the incidence of neonatal jaundice.
PhytoGaia and Monash University are studying how oral supplementation of squalene and tocotrienols could benefit dry skin, including eczema, in a 70-day trial.
Kalbe Nutritionals has launched a canned milk version of its flagship adult nutrition brand Entrasol, which it said was designed to cater to busy and active individuals.