IPAWC + Probiota 2025: Critical thinking about the gut-brain axis
The IPA World Congress + Probiota is less than a month away. Don’t wait to register your attendance for this world-class program in Copenhagen!
Microbiome
Nutra trends 2025: Five key consumer health trends set to drive APAC forward
We look at five key consumer health trends that companies active in Asia-Pacific are focusing on for this year, and their reasons for doing so.
Science shorts: dsm-firmenich funds HMOs studies, top 10 research news and more
In the first round-up of year 2025, we bring you the latest research happening across Asia-Pacific, including new studies funded by dsm-firmenich that look at the use of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for immunity and ageing.
Generation next: HMOs could be a new category of prebiotics in the market – NUS-AMILI study
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) could potentially support neurological function, immune and metabolic health, offering a unique differentiation against existing prebiotic formulations in the market.
Probiotics supplementation may benefit bone health in post-menopausal women: China study
Probiotic supplementation can significantly improve bone health, according to researchers in China.
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.
Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit 2024
Food for good: Expert panel explores natural compounds for metabolic health
From exploring phenolic rich ingredients such as black pepper to bee pollen, an expert panel has pointed out how the food industry should put in more efforts into developing healthier products that could benefit both gut and metabolic health.
JSHealth makes Asia debut in Singapore via Watsons deal
JSHealth, which specialises in beauty-from-within supplements and has grown rapidly across its domestic Australian market, is making its Asia retail debut in Singapore via a deal with retailer Watsons.
Probiotic, vitamin D reduce migraine, but no significant effect on mental health
Probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation reduced migraine headache symptoms in adults but had no effects on mental health and inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), observed researchers in an RCT.
A sharper Asian focus: Five studies to explore HMOs, postbiotics in APAC populations
Five Asia-focused projects will examine the effects of human oligosaccharides (HMOs) and postbiotics – independently or with probiotics – on immunity, metabolism, ageing, and mental health.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation – RCT
Probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (RH 3201) can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), according to RCT findings.
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.
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.
Synbiotic-fortified toddler milk improves iron absorption – Danone study
The consumption of synbiotic-fortified milk can better promote iron absorption in toddlers, says new findings from a Danone-funded trial.
Yogurt and longevity? Meiji signs 10-year research contract with Bulgarian firm
Japanese dairy and confectionary firm Meiji has signed a 10-year joint research agreement with a Bulgarian firm, with the aim of uncovering the links between the gut, yogurt, and longevity.
Navigating the legal landscape of ingredients for mind health
Ayurvedic herbs, probiotics, CBD, and mushrooms are under scrutiny as the mind health boom means brands must overcome regulatory hurdles, says an industry expert.
Science shorts: Probiotics, vitamin D, curcumin on diabetes and more
This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research findings, including the effects of probiotics, vitamin D, and curcumin supplementation on blood glucose control, and how a South Korean firm is studying the use of propolis on cognitive health.
Probiotics ‘had no statistically significant benefits’ for diabetics
Probiotics had no statistically significant benefits for glycaemic control, lipid profiles, or weight in people with Type-2 diabetes, according to an RCT conducted by Chinese researchers at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
The microbiome modulation market: The rise of Amazon and TikTok
Amazon continues to drive probiotic and prebiotic supplement sales growth, but shifting trends suggest that TikTok is driving search and social engagement around the topics, particularly for younger demographics.
Trend tracker: Insights from Lonza, Haleon, Tummy Buddies
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...
Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 helps improve gastric and mental health – RCT
Probiotic strain Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 can help improve gastric discomfort and mental health in healthy adults with gastric complaints, a Meiji-funded study revealed.
US still the #1 probiotics supplement market, but China is catching up: IPA Chief
The United States remains the number one market for probiotic supplementation, but double-digit growth in China could see the Asian country replace the U.S. in “a year, maybe two,” says the executive director of the International Probiotics Association...
Gut-brain axis: Lactobacillus strain shown to lengthen sleep duration in 28-day trial
The supplementation of a Lactobacillus strain could lengthen sleep duration by about an hour in healthy adults under mild stress, say findings of a 28-day clinical trial that took place in China.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 improves happiness and provides support for stress management – NZ study
Probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 has been linked with improvements in both happiness and stress scores among healthy adults, according to a New Zealand study.
Kids’ bedtimes affects gut microbiota: Study
A study published in Scientific Reports compared the gut flora species composition and abundance in children who were early sleepers to that of late sleepers.
Join us for Microbiome Innovations APAC webinar on Tues, Nov 5
Our Microbiome Innovations APAC editorial webinar will take place on Tuesday (November 5), 3pm Singapore time, and registration is FREE.
Dark chocolate lowers depression in menopausal women – RCT
Dark chocolate reduced depression scores among menopausal women but had no significant effect on sleep quality and anthropometric indices, according to researchers.
Greater consumer awareness and more players could be key for boosting postbiotics growth – Ildong Bioscience
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.
Healthier horizons: Sugar reduction and allergen aversion amongst major APAC demands in functional beverage sector
The Asia Pacific functional beverage industry is increasingly seeing consumer demands for sugar reduction, label transparency and allergen aversion becoming commonplace.
Gut health in Asia: An AI perspective on key trends that brands should take note of
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.
Gut microbiome, blood glucose clinical trials most requested among Japan’s FFC producers
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.
FNA TRAILBLAZERS EP 53
Drink your biotics: Bright colours and visual appeal crucial to deliver healthier beverages to children – Tummy Buddies
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.
New synbiotic yoghurt offers novel solution for metabolic syndrome management – study
A synbiotic yoghurt could help reduce oxidative stress in adults with metabolic syndrome, according to a new RCT.
Microbiome Innovations in APAC: New editorial webinar is now open for FREE registration!
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...
Trend tracker: Probiotics use among HCPs, rise of hair nutrition in post-COVID era, and more
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
Oral health probiotics NPD: BLIS Technologies explores concepts for pregnant women and chemo patients
New Zealand’s BLIS Technologies Limited is expanding the use of oral and gum health probiotics for specific groups, including pregnant women and patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Psychobiotics pioneer Bened Biomedical targets South East Asia markets with HCP partnerships
Psychobiotics pioneer Bened Biomedical is aiming to expand its presence in South East Asia through partnerships with health care practitioners.
Evidence and education: Probiotics increasingly seen as valuable healthcare tools in South East Asia
Probiotics are increasingly valuable components of treatment protocols in South East Asia (SEA), with growing clinical evidence and enhanced education playing pivotal roles, say healthcare professional community platform Docquity and pharmaceutical firm...
Co-culturing Bifidobacteria and propionic acid bacteria in soy whey can boost vitamin B12 levels in plant-based products
Fortifying soy whey with selected strains of Bifidobacteria and propionic acid bacteria can increase vitamin B12 levels in plant-based products, according to an academic from the National University of Singapore.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024 winners announced at celebration evening in Bangkok
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.
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...
Countering antibiotics: How gut microbiota improvement could boost immune protection in exposed infants - Growth Asia Summit 2024
The use of probiotics to improve the gut microbiota of infants that have been exposed to antibiotics has strong potential to boost the extent of immune protection conveyed by vaccination, according to recent research data.
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.
Synbiotic supplementation raises resting energy expenditure in overweight adults – Ezaki Glico study
The supplementation of a synbiotic has shown to increase resting energy expenditure in overweight or mildly obese adults, according to a clinical trial funded by Japan confectionery company Ezaki Glico.
Personalised probiotic treatment could support cognitive health in older adults – case study
Tailored probiotic supplements for individuals could help address age-related cognitive decline, according to researchers of a case study conducted in Taiwan.
Formula slump: H&H Group reports “challenging” first six months with net profit down nearly 50%
Health and Happiness Group (H&H Group) saw its net profit plummeted 49.7 per cent for the first six months of this year – a “challenging period” which it said was primarily due to a downturn and discounting in the infant milk formulas segment.
Growth Asia Summit 2024
Morinaga Milk tackles Japan’s healthy ageing needs with functional food innovation
Morinaga Milk Industry has launched a series of functional foods across yogurt, sachet powder, milk formula, and fermented drinks to support the nutritional needs of Japan’s rapidly ageing population.
Nutrachampion podcast
Back in the game: Why Life-Space's former boss is returning to the biotics business after bumper 2018 sale
Life-Space’s former CEO and founder Craig Silbery is making a return to the human biotics space as he seeks to make Australia a world-class site for manufacturing probiotics and postbiotics, he told our Nutrachampion podcast.
Dual approach: Pro- and postbiotic Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - ADM
Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D), ADM told our Growth Asia Summit, referring to a first human clinical trial for a dual pro- and postbiotic.
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.