Thai FDA drafts new policies on health products import and export
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revealed plans to draft new legislations governing the import, export, and transit of health products, including health supplements.
South East Asia
South East Asia focus: Cracking APAC’s emerging nutraceutical market in 2025
Interest in South East Asia as an emerging nutraceutical market is not waning down among health supplements companies big and small. Here, we dive into companies actively expanding across the region, key consumer health needs, as well as consumers’...
High-fibre diets can reduce risk of atopic dermatitis, house dust mite allergies in Chinese adults: Singapore-Malaysia study
A new study has revealed that young Chinese adults in Singapore and Malaysia who consume high-fibre diets are less likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergies to house dust mites (HDM).
Indonesia updates genetically modified food regulations to clarify sale requirements
The Indonesian government has updated regulations governing the production and sale of genetically modified (GM) foods.
Resistant starch consumption may improve gut health, constipation management: Thai RCT
Regular consumption of a specific type of resistant starch may improve gut health, bowel function and constipation symptoms in adults, according to researchers in Thailand.
Malaysia firm develops gut microbiome test kit to promote preventive health
A Malaysia company has developed a gut microbiome test kit aimed at helping consumers detect their risks for diseases and take preventive measures by adjusting their diet.
Singapore’s noodle maker to debut high protein, postbiotics variant
Singapore noodle maker Hiap Giap Food Manufacture is set to launch a high protein, postbiotics fortified noodle starting from e-commerce channels such as Shopee.
S’pore postbiotic firm adds fermented food, mouthwash to range
A Singapore-based company specialising in pre-, pro-, and postbiotics supplement has added fermented food and mouthwash to its range, as it attempts to provide “complete protection” for the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Behind the Big Story
Central Retail’s Tops Vita reveals vitamins marketing tips and 2025 growth plans
Central Retail Corporation’s vitamins and supplements retail arm Tops Vita has revealed top tips for vitamins and supplements marketing, as well as its growth plans for 2025.
Plant-sterol fortified palm oil reduces total cholesterol, LDL – BASF-funded study
Eating meals cooked with plant sterol fortified palm oil has shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people with mild to moderately high cholesterol levels, says an eight-week clinical trial funded...
VitamINSIGHTS
‘Emerging markets are where the opportunities are’: Singapore, Australia nutra brands on Cambodia’s appeal
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.
Caffeine can aid post-exercise recovery, but not anaerobic performance – RCT
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.
Strategic shift: Direct-to-consumer sales yields higher profits than B2B, says Indonesian ingredients firm Nekaboga
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 Korea’s FromBIO banks on wide-ranging product formats, celebrity branding to expand footprint in SEA
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.
High hopes for hub: Indonesian food sector calls for a 'larger scale' food innovation centre to move sector forward
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.
Curcumin improves insulin, blood glucose levels, and body mass – Year-long Thai trial
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.
Guava goodness: Taiwan’s Han-Sient taps patented extraction tech for guava leaves to target ASEAN diabetic and weight loss markets
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.
German firm looks to launch dosing cap technology into SEA’s functional drinks sector
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
Invest in science: NutraIngredients-Asia’s Start-up of the Year says research crucial for success
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
'Dr. Pong effect': AstaReal’s new initiative to keep out fake astaxanthin from burgeoning Thai market
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.
Fermented soybean shown to reduce GERD symptoms and inflammatory markers – 12-week RCT
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.
Halal advancements: Indonesia on the brink of ‘golden opportunity’, but quality and infrastructure focus needed
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.
Oral nutrition improves protein, calcium, vitamin B12 levels among Singapore elderly – Abbott study
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.
Premium infant formula, palatable children supplements are continued avenues for growth in Asia – FrieslandCampina
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
Philippines’ nutra market growth 'robust' with weight, liver health gaining interest - In-depth analysis
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...
Edible cutlery: Singapore start-up seeks to reduce plastic waste in Asia with nutrition-packed products
Singapore start-up Crunch Cutlery is seeking to tackle plastic waste with its edible cutlery made from chia, buckwheat and jowar.
Green banana and pineapple fibre shown to raise beneficial bacteria – Dole-funded trial
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 launches growing up milk designed for kids born via C-section in Malaysia
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.
Holistic wellness: Menstrual health, prenatal nutrition, and menopause are opportunities for product innovation
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
“Ageing as a disease”: Longevity medicines fraternity builds framework to tackle ageing
Longevity medicines researchers are working on a framework to diagnose and prevent age-related ailments, including the classifying of ageing as a disease.
Malaysia botanical extract supplement marks entry into South Korea via exclusive deal
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.
TWK10 probiotic clinically proven for muscle health receives Thai FDA approval
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.
ASEAN advancement: Jung Kwan Jang focuses on accelerating functional product growth in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam
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.
B. adolescentis positively linked with blood glucose level, say scientists
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...
Bloomage sees vast potential in SEA-made nutraceuticals for China market
China’s hyaluronic acid manufacturer Bloomage says there is vast potential for South East Asia-manufactured nutraceuticals in the China market.
Unlocking beauty from within: Key to good skin and hair lies in the gut - JSHealth Vitamins
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.
Bubbling potential: Prebiotic sodas on course to take off in SEA on the back of rising demand and product boom
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.
Sweet significance: Sugar reduction not major priority for energy drink consumers in ASEAN CLMV markets – Growth Asia Summit 2024
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 to place new heavy metal, microbial limits for supplements from Aug 2025
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
E-commerce tougher: Singapore’s nutra start-up to hone AI avatar, product range to meet evolving needs
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.
Halal happenings: Indonesia’s new halal certification system for international companies expected to boost food and beverage trade
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 aids muscle recovery among overweight males after intense exercise – RCT
Omega-3 can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation among untrained overweight males after intense exercise, say researchers.
Mental wellness for kids: Emotional support a key trend, says mum-founded supplements brand I’m Nutrients
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
Advagen hopes to fill 'white spaces' in China’s postbiotics market
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 ‘miracle mushroom’: Greenyn taps Antrodia cinnamomea for hangover relief and liver health in Asia
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...
Xylitol and sorbitol can help prevent tooth decay among children – latest findings
Sugar substitutes xylitol and sorbitol can help prevent dental caries among children and adolescents, according to a new review of clinical trials.
Made in New Zealand: LittleOak launching ready-to-drink goat milk for 0-4-year-olds
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.
'Ignoring ethical standards': Rapid rise of social commerce fuelling misleading functional foods online ads in Vietnam
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 SBT2786 improves sleep and mood – Japanese study
Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B adolescentis) SBT2786 improved sleep quality and mood of stressed Japanese adults in a randomised controlled trial.
Singapore’s Nyva seeks to expand sales channels of anti-hangover gummy, eyes US and Australia markets
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.