Vitamins & premixes

And the winners are…Check out who took the top prizes at the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023

26-Sep-2023 By Gary Scattergood

We have announced the winners of the 2023 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, held to recognise the brightest and best products, ingredients and initiatives across the nutrition industry.

Developmental delay risk: New data shows lack of diet diversity among young Chinese

26-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Only one-in-three rural Chinese youngsters have adequate diet diversity in early childhood leading to a high risk of developmental delays, new data reveals.

Vitafoods Asia 2023

Candy growth: dsm-firmenich eyes Japan, South Korea market expansion with exclusive deal

25-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

dsm-firmenich is eyeing greater market share in Japan’s and South Korea’s functional food market by offering a new format known as "candy capsules" made by Taiwan firm Boncha Bio.

Brand new: 3C Group, Eu Yan Sang, Yiling Pharma in the spotlight

15-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including how Thailand's 3C Group is eyeing growth in the prebiotic sector, TCM firm Eu Yan Sang's strategies for the North American market and more.

VitamINSIGHTS

Can Japan’s Foods with Function Claims keep up with demand for more science and ethical advertising?

13-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Japan’s vibrant Foods with Function Claims (FFC) sector will need to keep up with the demand for rigorous scientific evidence and ethical advertising for it to continue its phenomenal market growth, say experts from the country’s health foods associations.

Post-COVID impact: South Korea's health functional food imports decline for first time in four years

12-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korea’s imports of Health Functional Foods (HFF) saw a decline for the first time in four years, with volumes shrinking 9.5 per cent in the first six months of this year.

Beetroot juice intake found to improve muscle recovery among female athletes after high-pressure training – Iran RCT

07-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Beetroot juice supplementation among female volleyball players was found to improve muscle endurance and pain reduction after high-pressure training, says researchers.

Dietary deficits: South Korea warns of vitamin A, C, calcium and iron deficiency from poor eating habits

05-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

There is a lack of vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron dietary intake among adolescents and adults in South Korea due to poor dietary habits, warns the country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

Regulatory review: India on sugar and weight loss, Taiwan to limit ashwagandha consumption and more

01-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at India’s stance on sugar, sweeteners and weight loss, South Korea’s support for slow-release supplements, and Taiwan FDA’s plans in limiting ashwagandha consumption amounts.

Similar efficacy found between daily and intermittent supplementation of vitamin D – meta-analysis

30-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

There is “no significant difference” between the efficacy of daily and intermittent vitamin D supplementation under equivalent dosage and duration conditions, say Chinese researchers.

Paediatric probiotics offset China’s infant formula revenue slump for H&H, while adult nutrition sales surge

28-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The paediatric probiotics business has helped to offset a revenue slump in the infant formula business in China for Health and Happiness Group (H&H Group), while its adult nutrition portfolio surged by 55 per cent.

Sucrosomial tech improves Vit D3 absorption

22-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A six week course of sucrosomial vitamin D3 supplementation leads to a more substantial increase in serum vitamin D levels than standard vitamin D3 supplements.

Science shorts: Probiotics for diarrhoea, reduction of visceral fat and choline for cognitive health

11-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research, including the benefits of probiotics supplementation in shortening diarrhoea duration in kids, reducing visceral fat in overweight individuals, and how egg yolk choline could offer cognitive...

Vitamin B12, folate deficiencies more prevalent in adolescents than younger kids – India study

09-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

There is a higher rate of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in teenagers than in younger children, according to a new survey from India.

Asia Pacific growth offsets US’s VMS revenue decline – Centrum, Caltrate maker Haleon

09-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Haleon, the company behind vitamin brands Centrum and Caltrate, said VMS revenue was down 0.5 per cent in the first six months of this year, with a decline in the US offset by growth in Asia Pacific and Europe.

Healthplex Expo and Natural & Nutraceutical Products China

Nutra success: China consumers care most about brand recognition, not formulations / ingredients – Pharma exec

07-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

China consumers pay more attention to brand recognition than formulations, ingredients, or scientific evidence when it comes to nutraceuticals, says a leading pharma exec from a firm that has been seeing strong growth from its nutra business.

Regulatory review: ASEAN harmonisation, Japan’s FFC, China infant formula in the spotlight

04-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at the progress in ASEAN harmonisation of technical standards for health supplements, how Japan’s authorities are reviewing the scientific assessment of Food with Function Claims (FFC), and...

VitamINSIGHTS

Exclusive China analysis: Consumers spending cautiously but supplement sector holding up well

02-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Chinese consumer spending on health supplements is holding up, against the backdrop of slow economic recovery and dampened spending spanning luxury goods, beauty, and apparel, industry experts have told us.

Ease of entry: High consumer acceptance for varied formats behind US launch of vitamin spray range – Australia’s Henry Blooms

31-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Australian supplements brand Henry Blooms has launched its vitamin spray range in the US, citing that high consumer knowledge and acceptance enabled ease of entry into the market.

Trend tracker: India’s sports nutrition, personalised nutrition, and China’s e-commerce trends

28-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the rise of new formats, such as energy gels and effervescent tablets in India’s sports nutrition sector, personalised nutrition developments across companies and regulators,...

Cracking results? Egg yolk choline shown to improve verbal memory – Kewpie-funded trial

27-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of egg yolk choline has been shown to improve verbal memory in a 12-week trial funded by Japan food firm Kewpie Corporation.

Positive participation: Singapore’s HSA to expand types of supplements applicable for voluntary notification

25-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is expanding the types of health supplements applicable for voluntary notification from August 1, 2023, having received “positive participation” since implementing the initiative a year ago.

Personalised nutrition round-up: Latest updates from APAC companies, associations, and regulators

25-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here we shine the spotlight on the very latest developments in APAC’s thriving personalised nutrition sector, including updates from India, South Korea, China, and Australia.

Brand new: DrinkAid, Amazin’ Graze, Amway in the spotlight

21-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including anti-hangover supplement DrinkAid’s debut in pharmacy retail, granola maker Amazin’ Graze using probiotics for new product development, and Amway China’s plans...

One in three children at risk of anaemia: Malaysian paediatric health expert calls for corrective steps

19-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

One in three children aged six to 36 months old is at risk of anaemia, according to a new study from Malaysia. In our latest Nutrachampion podcast, a prominent paediatric endocrinologist who led the study discusses the prevalence of anaemia in young children...

China’s online health supplements: Calcium popular on CBEC while probiotics took lead on domestic e-commerce in Q1

12-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Calcium was one of the bestselling health supplement on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in China, while the top spot went to probiotics on domestic e-commerce platforms during Q1 this year.

China CBEC phenomenon: Tmall Global on overcoming supplements supply chain woes as products hit peak popularity

11-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Overseas supplements sold into China via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) can get popular easily, but supply chain pain points are making it difficult for brands to replenish their goods in time, says the head of Tmall Global.

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in June 2023

10-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From H&H Group's appointment of a new CEO to South Korea's nutraceutical industry trends and developments, here are the most-read stories in June 2023.

Bayer Consumer Health looks to tie-up precision health innovation with existing supplement brands

05-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Consumer Health Division of Bayer is looking for a tie-up between its flagship health supplement brands and its newly formed precision health group – which it believes will occupy 10 to 20 per cent of the consumer health care industry within the next...

Healthplex Expo and Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2023

China CBEC concerns: Authorities urge e-commerce supplement firms to play by ‘general trade’ rules

04-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The presence of banned components, fake health claims, and IP infringement are common problems seen in health foods imported into China via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), and the authorities are urging companies to adhere to general trade rules even...

High dose of vitamin D supplementation did not alter gut microbiome – Australia five-year trial

29-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A five-year long trial from Australia has shown that taking large amounts of vitamin D at 60,000 IU each month will not affect the gut microbiota – a result that is in contrary to findings from a number of previous studies.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation shows metabolic health benefits in kids – India RCT

21-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of vitamin B12 and folic acid in toddlers has reduced their plasma concentrations of fasting total homocysteine (tHcy) – an amino acid that is linked to cardiometabolic diseases when in elevated levels.

‘The fastest growing beverage category’: Danone China launches electrolyte drink on the back of rising demand

14-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Danone China has launched an electrolyte drink on the back of booming demand, adding that the category is the fastest growing in China’s beverage sector.

Interdisciplinary research, products and services innovation to drive the future of personalised nutrition – China industry association

12-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Interdisciplinary scientific research, as well as innovative products and services, is set to drive the future of personalised nutrition, according to a set of expert guidelines published by China Nutrition and Health Food Association (CNHFA).

Regulatory review: Latest updates on Malaysia’s supplement registration trend, Singapore’s vitamin B6 warning and more

09-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at the health supplement registration trends in Malaysia, warning against excessive vitamin B6 intake in Singapore, South Korea’s plans in setting national guidelines for the personalised...

New Malaysia data: Health supplements registered on the rise while natural products hit five-year low

07-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The number of health supplements registered in Malaysia has been on the rise in recent years, but those classed as natural products, which consist of herbal remedies, has hit five-year low, according to a report released by the country’s health ministry.

VitamINSIGHTS

South Korea: Nutra sector thriving despite economic slowdown as body fat reduction remains top concern

06-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The nutraceutical market in South Korea is thriving despite inflationary pressures and an economic slowdown, largely due to the ‘evergreen’ demand for body fat reduction, immune support, as well as rising interest in joint and bone health supplements,...

Consumer-led NPD: Aussie supplement firm The Fix on ‘not putting up’ with period symptoms

05-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Aussie supplement brand The Fix says that there is huge unmet demand for preventive nutritional solutions to tackle symptoms experienced during menstruation.

Vitamin B6 warning: Supplement firms advised to warn against excessive intake on product labels – Singapore HSA

01-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has advised health supplements firms to warn consumers the association between excessive vitamin B6 intake and the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.

Innovation and expansion: Japan liposomal vitamin C brand Lypo-C seeks overseas growth

30-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Japan’s liposomal vitamin C supplement brand Lypo-C is hoping to grow its overseas presence, including in Singapore where its local partner firm is looking to launch the product with more retailers and distributors.

Trend tracker: NPD for hair, gut health, and omega-3 consumer demand

26-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the new product development opportunities for hair and gut health products, as well as consumer preference for omega-3 products in South Korea.

Brand new: Herbs of Gold, Shinryo, Jerôsse, Fiji Kava, Swisse in the spotlight

19-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from the health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Herbs of Gold’s plan to debut in Vietnam via mum-and-baby chain, Japan’s Shinryo to relaunch hydrogen-rich jelly sleep supplement, and Taiwanese brand Jerôsse's...

Bayer Q1 results: CEO confident of ‘return to healthy growth’ amid steep drop in nutritionals sales

16-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Bayer, the company behind supplement brands Redoxon and Berocca, reported a “significant decline” in its nutritionals category in APAC and other major markets, but the CEO is still confident that sales would “return to healthy growth” for the full year.

South Korea’s Ildong Bioscience obtains patents for proprietary probiotic strains’ vitamin production ability

15-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korea’s Ildong Bioscience has obtained invention patents for three of its probiotic strains for their vitamin production ability, specifically B-vitamins and vitamin C.

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in April 2023

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Fonterra's functional beverages launch plans in South East Asia to Danone China's partnership with Qingdao University to drive gut health R&D, here are the most-read stories in April 2023.

No store, not MLM: Taiwan supplement brand Jerôsse to expand in Singapore, Malaysia with novel distributor model

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Jerôsse , a supplement and skincare brand from Taiwan firm Biotech Lab Inc, has embarked on an expansion mission in Singapore and Malaysia which heavily relies on social media platforms operated by individual distributor to retail its products.

Oral strips revolution: India’s Soul Strips eyes global opportunities with Middle East as first stop

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

An oral strips nutraceutical firm from India has set itself on a journey to build its international presence, following strong market demand in the Middle East which was its first overseas market.

VitamINSIGHTS

Australia nutra trends: Market leaders Blackmores, Swisse gearing up on mental health, sleep products

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Australian nutraceutical market is poised for growth, especially in the areas of mental health and sleep aid products, while consumers are preferring big value-packs and increasing their basket sizes, according to Blackmores, Swisse, and Herbs of...

Trend tracker: Self-care in Japan, most searched supplements in Korea, healthy ageing R&D in China

28-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how demand for self-care and ‘efficient nutrient consumption’ is driving sales growth for Asahi, how omega-3, vitamin D are the most searched supplements in South Korea,...

‘Inside-out vitamin power’: Australia’s JSHealth eyes independent stores for sales expansion as beauty range takes off

26-Apr-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Australia’s JSHealth Vitamins has launched a number of products with new formulations and formats and has set its sights on independent chemists and stores for sales success.