WATCH, LISTEN & LEARN: Introducing the Healthy Ageing Online Conference

Scheduled for 24 November​, NutraIngredients' latest online offering will look at how demand for certain ingredient and extracts has soared as their link to quality of life in older age becomes firmly established.

The conference kicks off with the keynote presentation at 10:00 GMT (11:00 CET)​ in which Mike Hughes, Head of Research and Insight at FMCG Gurus,​ discusses how consumers’ mindsets have been shaped in response to the global pandemic.

Entitled ‘Healthy ageing in a post-COVID world’, the talk goes on to cover immunity and cognitive health, the session also looks at products and services consumers look to, to stay in optimum health.

Hughes also discusses the rising interest in preventative health methods which has led to ‘healthy ageing’ becoming a concern for a younger demographic of consumers. As the pandemic creates a recessionary environment this also creates several challenges impacting better-for-you lifestyles and changes purchasing and exercising behaviours.

Atlantia makes waves​

Ted Dinan, Medical Director at Atlantia Clinical Trials,​ is up next with a presentation on the role of the brain-gut-microbiota axis in healthy ageing.

Entitled, ‘Healthy ageing and the brain-gut-microbiota axis,’ Dinan highlights recent research on the relationship between cognitive conditions and the human microbiota.

“The difficulty here is identifying a cause and effect relationship between the brain-gut-axis, in terms of cognitive decline,”​ comments Dinan.

“However, given the growing number of individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease across the globe, we see research funding addressing the mentioned relationship increasing.”​

The programme continues as Marieke Schoemaker​ presents an overview of the nutritional solutions that are suitable for an evolving life

Scheduled in for 12:00 GMT (13:00 CET),​ Schoemaker looks to explore the growing demand, and latest nutritional solutions, for the diverse physical and mental aspects of healthy ageing, notably maintaining mobility and gut health – increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of overall health and wellbeing.

A group presentation leads the afternoon’s proceedings, as Lonza​ looks to discuss the secrets of healthy ageing whilst highlighting its UC-II undenatured type II collagen ingredient.

Here Dr Adam Carey, Renato Costa ​and Stéphane Vouche​ discuss the metabolic processes of ageing and how they are currently being identified and unravelled.

“To date there are thought to be nine mechanisms: four genomic, three cellular and two tissue dysfunctions,” the presentation brief states.​

“The end result is characterised by a loss of lean body mass, function and pain. Whilst we await fully elucidated genomic interventions, we will discuss a number of simple practical approaches that improve function and capacity as we age.”​

Elsa Trotier​ and Wenqian Sun​ then present on behalf of Ingredia, ​giving their take on the growing demand for protein in the healthy ageing market.

Key to their presentation are the solutions Ingredia offer to meet targeted nutritional needs and technical support during product development, including the firm’s range of nutritional milk proteins PRODIET.

Roquette rock up next ​

Roquette​ are up next with a presentation at 12:45 GMT (13:45 CET)​ that discusses the healthy ageing market, strategies for healthy ageing through nutrition, and innovative food concepts adapted to ageing populations.

Here, Laëtitia Guerin-Deremaux, Sophie Grand, Eva Esparza Guijarro​ and Marie Blondel​ will take a look at the factors determining healthy ageing such as diet – a top priority for older consumers.

The talk will also delve into the healthy ageing market, strategies for healthy ageing through nutrition, and innovative food concepts adapted to ageing populations.

As we head into mid-afternoon Euromed ​take charge of the online stage with a look at the role pomegranate and olive extracts have in healthy ageing and well-being.

In a science-focused presentation, the voices of Andrea Zangara, Stefanie Sprecht, Roger Marine Casado​ and Emad Al-Dyjaili​ all discuss the role of polyphenols amongst other micronutrients that play protective roles in the ageing process.

“In-vitro and in-vivo studies suggest polyphenols from olives and pomegranates protect cells from senescence by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress while supporting endothelial functions, in addition to other biological activities,”​ the team says.

“Recently, researchers investigated effects of pomegranate and olive extracts produced by Euromed on cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive and cosmetic applications. The results will be shown and discussed.”​

The conference rounds off at 14:15 GMT (15:15 CET)​ where Dr Rob Winwood​ examines what is known about the efficacy of specific nutrients, individually and in combination, in relation to delaying the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Entitled, ‘Does nutrition have a role in delaying the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in otherwise healthy, older individuals?’ the presentation also takes a look emerging evidence that suggests the onset of MCI can be delayed by “healthy living” i.e. primarily good nutrition and exercise.

Head on over to the event’s main website​​​ ​for full details to the day’s proceedings and what you can expect from the day’s events. You can also register​​ your interest.