News, Analysis & Insights on Nutrition, Supplements, and Health
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Supplements for sleep support are moving beyond melatonin or GABA pills designed for the general population, as companies place greater attention on insomnia and menopause, and designing non-pill products, such as meal replacement powders.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Korean company Seoul Propolis is exploring novel uses of propolis, such as its effects on cognitive health, amid an ongoing trend where natural and functional foods are sought after.
Here is a round-up on the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including insights from Lonza on growing joint health interest among younger consumers, Haleon seeing China consumers increasing vitamin spendings in e-commerce, and popular demands...
Blackmores’ strong sales performance in Q3 FY2024 has helped parent company Kirin reduce the operating loss coming from its health science business.
Japanese cosmetics manufacturer ALMADO has launched its first Foods with Function Claims (FFC) product that contains eggshell membrane and GABA, targeting consumers with concerns regarding sleep, dry and ageing skin, and muscle loss.
A̅repa is conducting further research on how a novel molecule discovered from New Zealand blackcurrants, which it has also patented, could benefit mood and cognition in healthy populations.
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.
Our Microbiome Innovations APAC editorial webinar will take place on Tuesday (November 5), 3pm Singapore time, and registration is FREE.
Behind the Big Story
Swisse Wellness is adding new dosage formats to its vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS) range in Australia, with orally disintegrating tablets targeted at the younger demographic its latest endeavour.
Cargill is building on its decades-long experience in infant nutrition and know-how on flavours to grow its specialised nutrition business, a focus area for the company’s next stage of development.
South Korean firm Ildong Bioscience says that raising consumer awareness and the entry of more players may be crucial for pushing the growth of postbiotics in the local market.
Australia-based Cauldron Ferm has received funding from the Queensland Government to develop a first-of-its-kind precision fermentation facility in Mackay, which is expected to reduce costs and raise production capacity significantly.
The Asia Pacific functional beverage industry is increasingly seeing consumer demands for sugar reduction, label transparency and allergen aversion becoming commonplace.
There is no slow down in the interest around gut health in maintaining wellness across different life stages, especially set against the backdrop of Asia's ageing population.
A recent study has found water-soluble tomato concentrate (WSTC) to have a significant impact on blood pressure regulation, which could contribute to the development of novel dietary approaches for protecting heart health.
Clinical trials that assess the effects of Foods with Function Claims on the gut microbiome and blood glucose levels are the most requested by industry players, says a contract research organisation that has conducted trials for Kirin and Suntory.
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.
LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H)’s Vital Garden has released an edible retinol supplement to keep up with global beauty-from-within trends and boost the competitiveness of its health food business.
FNA TRAILBLAZERS EP 53
Australia’s Tummy Buddies believes that healthier product innovation for children needs to focus on bright colours and visual appeal in order to secure that crucial first purchase.
China may allow health foods in the form of chocolates, candies, jellies, and beverages to go through the official health foods filing process.
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.
Leading industry experts from Life-Space Group, Swisse Wellness, and the International Probiotics Association (IPA) and more will be presenting insights on the latest developments and research findings surrounding the microbiome sector in APAC in our...
Here is a round-up on the latest nutraceutical trends, including how probiotics are increasingly viewed as a valuable healthcare tool in South East Asia, strong demand for hair nutrition products among young women post-COVID, a look into China's liver...
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Microbial alternative proteins such as those made from yeast need to expand into trending product formats in order to secure the awareness and acceptance of a larger consumer group.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
South Korea’s Natural Good Things (NGT) is eyeing an expansion across Asia with its Active Enzyme sticks after successfully making a name for itself in the domestic women’s beauty and wellness market.
Seoul-headquartered Chong Kun Dang has released a dual-format hangover relief comprising liquid and tablets, which the firm says is the first of its kind to be available at convenience stores.
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 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.
Growth Asia Summit 2024
From hot flashes, memory decline to trouble sleeping, Haleon has identified women’s menopausal symptoms into three broad categories for product innovation.
There is an unexpectedly strong demand for dietary supplements that are said to address hair thinning among young women post-COVID-19, according to the brand Haircarebear.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
The winners of the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024 have been announced in Bangkok, at a ceremony to celebrate the region’s brightest and best ingredients, products, research and initiatives.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients says infant formula with premium, multi-benefit ingredients and easy-to-consume supplements for children are continued avenues for growth in Asia.
Growth Asia Summit 2024
New research from New Zealand has identified a bioactive from blackcurrants that could boost mood in healthy adults.
A study by Australian researchers finds that older adults who consumed more zinc and iron in their diet had lower risk of incident tinnitus, but further studies are needed to confirm the association.
Thai-based natural energy drink brand En-Theories has highlighted the paradox between a rising demand for better-for-you beverage options and consumer aversion towards the term ‘energy drinks’ as a major challenge for healthier, more natural alternatives...
Growth Asia Summit 2024
Sleep and mental health have been identified as the top consumer concerns in Asia-Pacific (APAC) amid the cost-of-living crisis, which consequently spell opportunities for innovation and category growth, says a consumer intelligence firm.
A study suggests that individuals who are carriers of a specific genetic variant may reap better exercise performance from caffeine supplementation, underscoring a potential approach for developing personalised sports nutrition products.
Chinese firm GanoHerb has identified untapped opportunities in the Middle Eastern market, where awareness and availability of ganoderma products are relatively scant.
Growth Asia Summit 2024
The major opportunities for product innovation and industry growth in China’s infant and maternal nutrition sector lie in emerging ingredients such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and postbiotics, as well as functional snacks, says a...
Amway is focusing its resources on several key categories, including gut health and anti-ageing, based on major trends that it has observed and believes possess immense potential for growth.
Findings from a Korean study showed that a higher intake of prebiotic and probiotic foods was significantly associated with lower severity of anxiety symptoms.
A study has found that 12 weeks of multi-nutrient supplementation, comprising astaxanthin, vitamin E and grape juice extract, resulted in improved episodic memory and several biomarkers associated with cognitive health.
New Zealand-headquartered biotech firm Nutrition From Water (NXW) is scaling up production of its microalgae-based whey for multi-market launch within the next 12 months, with first targets set on Japan, Europe, and the US.
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.
The bioactive compounds, high nutritional content and antioxidant capabilities of dates make the fruit an effective base ingredient for functional snack bars, says Saudi researchers.
A new study shows that a probiotic strain isolated from Korean kimchi has beneficial effects on immune regulation, particularly in people with a weak immune system, highlighting its potential as a functional health food ingredient.
Indian company Parag Milk Foods is focused on addressing “critical needs” of local consumers, who face a high prevalence of protein deficiency and what it believes is high levels of product adulteration, through its whey protein brand Avvatar.
A proposal by Feihe Dairy’s chairman to add a new functional foods category to China’s regulatory system could offer financial and innovation benefits to brands, but there are concerns around its practicality and industry compliance.
The decline of bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women could be averted by adding appropriate amounts of eggshell powder and vitamin D to the daily diet, say Korean researchers.