Women's health

Probiotics may improve sexual function in women on anti-depressants

24-Apr-2024 By Cheryl Marie Tay

Probiotic supplementation could have the potential to improve mood and sexual function in women diagnosed with depression and being treated with anti-depressant medication in the form of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), say researchers...

Long-term consumption of oleamide could improve memory and cognitive function of elder Japanese – Meiji-funded RCT

23-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Findings from a new study suggest that continuous consumption of oleamide, produced during the fermentation process of camembert cheese, could potentially preserve or improve cognitive function of elderly Japanese individuals.

Dietary taurine intake may contribute to maintenance of knee extension muscle strength in older adults – Taisho-funded study

17-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

A study has found that dietary taurine intake was significantly and positively associated with maintenance of knee extension muscle strength over an eight-year period among middle-aged and older Japanese individuals.

Behind the Big Story

WATCH: Japanese firms pursuing overseas expansion via M&A – the case of Rohto and Eu Yan Sang

17-Apr-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Japanese companies are actively seeking overseas expansion through mergers and acquisitions, as seen in Rohto’s and Mitsui’s acquisition of Eu Yan Sang recently.

Multi-nutrient inadequacies in ANZ linked to diet-related disease calls for food-based interventions – a2 Milk-funded study

16-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

A study has found multi-nutrient inadequacies within the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) populations, including nutrients associated with diet-related disease, highlighting the need for public policies and food-based recommendations to promote intake.

Beautiful in Asia: APAC beauty-from-within opportunities growing ‘beyond appearance’ – SuanNutra

15-Apr-2024 By Audrey Yow

There is still significant scope for beauty-from-within growth in Asia spanning localised, personalised and life-stage innovation, says ingredient supplier SuanNutra.

Simplified science: Nutricode’s AI-powered personalised nutrition platform aims to save consumers from information overload

11-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Singapore-based firm Nutricode has developed an AI-backed personalised nutrition platform to close the gap between complex scientific data and layman understanding, with the aim of helping consumers make better supplement choices.

South Korea’s upcoming ‘Customised Health Functional Food System’ looks to meet growing consumer demand and spur industry growth

10-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korea is on course to implement a “Customised Health Functional Food System” next January, which aims to meet personalised nutrition needs, boost the country’s health functional foods industry, and enhance product safety control.

CJ Olive Young launches in-app feature Health+ to cater to rising consumer interest in wellness and personalisation

09-Apr-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Korean health and beauty retailer CJ Olive Young is launching Health+, a wellness-focused feature within its mobile app, to strengthen product curation and offer customised recommendations.

Rise of retro: Cheong Kwan Jang rides “grandmillennial” trend to launch red ginseng-infused traditional snacks

14-Mar-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC)-owned brand Cheong Kwan Jang is actively expanding its red ginseng snacks line-up to target young consumers amid a thriving retro craze.

Crocetin creation: Meiji launching functional milk beverage that supports vision and sleep

13-Mar-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Japanese dairy giant Meiji is set to release a new Foods with Function Claims (FFC) product that it says would support eye accommodation and improve sleep quality.

VitamINSIGHTS

India market opportunities: Weight, beauty, sports driving growth, but more attention needed on FSMP, glucose control

12-Mar-2024 By Tingmin Koe

India’s nutraceutical sector is rapidly expanding with start-ups, local players, and international brands entering the space, but the market is far from overcrowded and there is still growth space, according to insiders.

Trend tracker: Nutra sales on TikTok Shop Indonesia, creatine boom in India, probiotics for sports

08-Mar-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how the sales of dietary supplements in the re-opened TikTok Shop Indonesia have yet to recover to pre-closure levels, the never-before-seen demand for creatine in India,...

Haleon FY23 results: VMS brands Centrum, Caltrate gain shares in declining market, says CEO

05-Mar-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Haleon says that its vitamins minerals supplements (VMS) portfolio has gained shares in an overall declining market in FY23, led by growth in its core VMS brands Centrum, Caltrate, and Emergen-C, with the CEO saying that the firm is “optimistic” on the...

Brand new: Kao, Bayer Consumer Health, Tummy Buddies in the spotlight

01-Mar-2024 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Kao’s transfer of its functional beverage brand Healthya to Kirin, Bayer Consumer Health’s insights on market opportunities for prenatal to infant nutrition in...

Multispecies probiotics may have preventive effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis and fractures – Thai RCT

27-Feb-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

A Thai study has found that multispecies probiotic supplementation is protective against postmenopausal bone loss and that its potential as an adjunct treatment for osteoporosis should be further explored.

‘Huge consumer segments’: India’s Ishaanav sees nutra opportunities for pre-diabetes, PCOS

13-Feb-2024 By Tingmin Koe

India’s Ishaanav Nutraceuticals is seeing opportunities for the use of health supplements to manage conditions that currently do not have a specific pharmaceutical intervention, such as pre-diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Multi-strain probiotics show potential to slow progression and improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease – Glac Biotech-funded RCT

12-Feb-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Multi-strain probiotics supplementation has been found to have positive effects on neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress and inflammation, which play important roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to Taiwan researchers.

Probiotics in Asia: Bloating from dietary habits, women’s health top reasons for supplementation – Life-Space

12-Feb-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Bloating arising from dietary habits and women’s health are the top reasons for probiotic supplementation in Asian countries, according Life-Space.

VitamINSIGHTS

Breaking barriers: How to crack Indonesia’s supplement market with new formats, retail channels, and digital power – Exclusive analysis

07-Feb-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Indonesia’s dietary supplement market is still at a nascent stage as compared to several other South East Asian (SEA) neighbours, but industry players are seeing opportunities in attracting new consumers by introducing products in lifestyle formats, tapping...

‘Quality over quantity’: Nutrition consumers prioritising value and efficacy – Nutiani data

07-Feb-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Consumers coping with rising costs of living are showing a distinct preference for value-for-money products that not only come with an accessible price tag, but are also backed by science and multifunctional, according to latest data from Fonterra-owned...

Behind the Big Story

How Haleon will meet innovation goals: Deep human understanding, trusted science, partnerships key – WATCH

31-Jan-2024 By Tingmin Koe

A deep understanding of human biology, tapping on trusted science and key partnerships with researchers, start-ups and suppliers are key in achieving new breakthroughs in nutraceuticals innovation, Haleon’s chief of R&D told NutraIngredients-Asia...

Growth Asia Summit 2024: Danone, PepsiCo, BYHEALTH, Mondelez among first wave of keynote speakers

16-Jan-2024 By Gary Scattergood

Industry experts from major players Danone, PepsiCo, BYHEALTH and Mondelez are among the first wave of keynote speakers confirmed for our Growth Asia Summit 2024.

Amway’s Nutrilite banks on regenerative agriculture and farming partnerships to meet “ever-increasing” consumer demand

09-Jan-2024 By Hui Ling Dang

Amway’s supplements brand Nutrilite has named regenerative agriculture as a key focus area to maintain a steady provision of botanicals for its products.

Cepham zeroes in on specialized formulations for women

08-Jan-2024 By Danielle Masterson

These days, selling a good product just isn't enough. Consumers expect brands to stand up on topics such as gender equality, climate change and ethical labor practices. However, with that demand comes an increased risk of things like greenwashing...

Indian anti-hangover first mover Morning Fresh eyes growth opportunities for RTD functional beverages

19-Dec-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

India-based Morning Fresh is actively expanding its portfolio across categories and formats to fulfil rising demand for functional products, particularly ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.

Supplements and PCOS: Eight products show promise, but clinical effects remain inconclusive – new review

14-Dec-2023 By Hazel Tang

Eight nutritional supplements show promise in enhancing endocrine function and glucolipid metabolism in Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate their effects, according to Chinese researchers.

P&G trial shows multivitamins and minerals formula increases haemoglobin in women with anaemia

12-Dec-2023 By Hazel Tang

The supplementation of a product containing iron and five other vitamins and minerals has shown to significantly increase haemoglobin levels in women suffering from mild to moderate iron deficiency anaemia, according to a trial conducted by Procter and...

Show efficacy of the formulation, not just ingredients: Australia’s Ora Health embarks on observational trials for bestsellers

06-Dec-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Australian firm Ora Health has embarked on a series of observational trials for its bestsellers, as part of its efforts to show the efficacy of its formulations.

Self-care solutions: Haleon to focus on personalised healthy ageing and gut microbiome products

28-Nov-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Haleon is aiming to develop personalised self-care solutions, including health supplements and digital wearables, for supporting areas such as healthy ageing, cognitive health, women’s health, gut microbiome, and general wellbeing.

Nutrition Asia Video Series

From mass customisation to individualisation: How automation, supply chain management, 3D printing can drive personalised nutrition forward

22-Nov-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Personalised nutrition could progress from mass customisation to full personalisation as companies leverage on factory automation, supply chain management, and 3D printing to increase the efficiency of providing customised products.

Multipurpose usage: How companies are using blood sugar management ingredient for weight loss, PCOS and more

13-Nov-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Supplement firms are increasingly launching products for dual blood sugar and weight management purposes, with a recent example being Eimele Wellness from Australia.

Facilitating fortification: Industry-led coalition Millers for Nutrition to battle nutrition crisis by scaling up food fortification

01-Nov-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

A new cross-sector partnership aims to help millers produce adequately fortified staple foods in eight countries across Asia and Africa to tackle high rates of micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition among these populations.

Flaxseed supplementation could benefit PCOS sufferers and older adults – meta-analysis

31-Oct-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Flaxseed supplementation could benefit polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) sufferers, but was found to have no significant impact on sex hormones, a new meta-analysis reports.

Demand driver: Satisfying Gen Y’s appetite for premium sports and active nutrition products key to sector growth – Growth Asia Summit

31-Oct-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Asian millennial consumers’ demand for novel and higher-value sports and active nutrition products could play instrumental role in accelerating growth of the sector, insights from GlobalData reveal.

Addressing Vitamin D deficiency in premenopausal Saudi women crucial for reducing prevalence of osteoporosis – study

26-Oct-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Greater attention should be paid to diet and nutrient intake, especially vitamin D, to improve bone mineral density among premenopausal women, say Saudi Arabian researchers.

Holistic approach: New Singapore e-pharmacy aims to break the mould with strong supplement focus

24-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A newly launched e-pharmacy, Glovida-Rx, is on a mission to provide holistic healthcare in Singapore, with pharmacists advising consumers on the use of both health supplements and pharmacy medications.

Improving outcomes: Vitamin, probiotic supplementation pre-conception has major potential to boost long-term infant health

17-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Nutritional supplementation taken at the stage of pre-conception by a mother has major potential to improve the long-term health of children, according to results from cross-country research.

Is personalised nutrition truly the future? Suntory on the challenging journey to ‘full personalisation’

16-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Global megabrand Suntory has highlighted consumer confusion and production time as some of the key challenges standing in the way of achieving ‘full personalisation’ in the nutrition and food manufacturing spaces.

Nutrition Asia Video Series / Vitafoods Asia 2023

Asia’s huge women’s health opportunity: Think holistic and cover all life stages to secure market gains - WATCH

11-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The health and nutrition industry has a vast opportunity to meet women’s health needs beyond fertility and menopausal concerns, with experts believing there is still a huge gap in the range of products targeted at women’s wellbeing holistically.

‘Definite demand’ for menopause category, but accelerating market growth depends on consumer perception – Growth Asia Summit

09-Oct-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korea-based nutra firm Yuhan Care says that while there are large untapped opportunities in Asia’s menopause market, the rate of growth is dependent on how effectively brands can change consumer perceptions about the topic.

Women’s woes: Targeted supplementation for different life stages crucial to tackle unmet needs – Growth Asia Summit

04-Oct-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

The unique health and nutritional needs of women throughout their life span, which remain a significant gap to fill, could be addressed with science-backed ingredients and targeted supplementation.

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

03-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From the announcement to the list of NutraIngredients-Asia 2023 winners to China's new function claims system and South Korea's health functional food import trends, here are the most-read stories in September 2023.

‘Revive with exports’: Japanese associations gearing up for functional foods export opportunities

02-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Several Japan health foods associations are gearing up for export opportunities for Foods with Function Claims (FFC), such as providing export consultation services and establishing networks with regional dietary supplement associations.

Antioxidant vitamins found to reduce endometriosis-related pain – Chinese review

27-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Antioxidant vitamins may reduce endometriosis-related pain by regulating inflammatory responses, reports a new review from Chinese researchers.

Vitafoods Asia 2023

Good opportunities: South East Asia poised for krill oil growth in next three years, says Aker BioMarine

27-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South East Asian countries, especially Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia present good opportunities for krill oil consumption growth in the next three to five years, says krill oil supplier Aker BioMarine.

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.

Lactoferrin for sports: TurtleTree to commercialise precision fermentation ingredient in Singapore, US

19-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore-headquartered TurtleTree is targeting sports nutrition success with its lactoferrin ingredient, with commercialisation in the US and Singapore expected this year and next year respectively.

Flavanol-rich cacao extract found to improve mood states in middle-aged women – Meiji-funded RCT

13-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Japanese researchers have found that eight-weeks’ consumption of a beverage containing flavanol-rich cacao extract reduced negative mood and improved positive mood among middle-aged women.

Beyond Chinese diaspora: TCM firm Eu Yan Sang pursues new audience in North America’s health and wellness market

06-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore-headquartered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) company Eu Yan Sang is actively pursuing growth in North America’s health and wellness market by targeting not just the Chinese diaspora, but also those who are willing to give the category a...