Hot Right Now: Mundipharma's nutraceutical move, DSM's sustainability advice, and Blackmores' climate change warning

Mundipharma makes nutraceutical move in Vietnam and eyes wider regional expansion

Global pharmaceutical network Mundipharma has hinted at expansion in developing APAC countries with its foray into nutraceuticals​, having recently launched a nutritional supplement in Vietnam.

Last month, the firm launched US-based medical nutrition firm Signutra's powdered health supplement, Maxvida, in Vietnam.

Along with 32 key ingredients — including essential amino acids, complex carbohydrates, and biotin — Maxvida contains Certi5, a proprietary blend of five signature ingredients: dual protein (milk protein and the soy protein isolate SUPRO), soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, antioxidants (vitamins C and E, and selenium), haemo nutrients (iron, folic acid, riboflavin and vitamins B6 and B12) and bone nutrients (calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K).

'Do less and do differently': Why innovation and reduction are both crucial for sustainability — DSM nutrition CEO

Extensive investment in innovation to develop more sustainable products​, as well as ambitious CO2 reduction targets directly linked to the company's bottom line, are two of the key strategies DSM is adopting as part of its sustainability efforts.

In the second part of our exclusive interview with the company’s Nutritional Products President and CEO Chris Goppelsroeder, we drilled down on all matters related to sustainability in light of DSM’s belief that it is well equipped to contribute to five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These are the commitments spanning zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, affordable and clean energy, climate action and responsible consumption and production.

Suntory reveals top five functional beverage trends shaping Japan's market

Suntory has identified the top five consumer trends​ shaping Japan's booming dietary supplement market.

The country is witnessing a sharp increase in new product development, largely stemming from regulatory changes.

While firms previously had to adhere to the stringent Foods for Special Health Uses (FOSHU) rules, the introduction of the less rigorous Foods with Functional Claims (FFC) in 2015 enabled more innovation.

High GI, high diabetes risk: New systematic review provides 'robust evidence' of link

Diets higher in glycaemic index (GI) and load (GL) substantially elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes​ (T2D) among healthy populations of men and women, according to a new systematic review.

Previous meta-analyses have indicated significant but inconsistent incident risk relations between T2D and dietary GI and GL, but the last meta-analysis to use a predefined standard to identify valid studies was conducted more than 10 years ago.

As such, researchers in Australia, North America, Europe and the UK conducted a systematic review to determine if the link between T2D and GI / GL could inform nutritional guidance for the improvement of public health.

EXCLUSIVE: Supplements and climate change — Blackmores calls for immediate industry action and collaboration

The impact of climate change​ on nutrient intake and the future sustainability of supplement and functional food products has been laid bare in a new document by The Blackmores' Institute, which highlights stark warnings, especially in relation to omega-3 and medicinal plants.

The Institute, the academic and research arm of Australian supplements giants Blackmores, has released Sustainable Nutrition​, a scientific literature review.

The review assesses climate change, its predicted impacts on human nutritional needs, future access to medicinal herbs, and key ingredients used in natural medicine.