Women's health

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...

Educational objective: Driving healthcare practitioner awareness of the microbiome crucial for success – Biome Australia

04-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Precision probiotics firm Biome Australia says that giving practitioners a foundational understanding of microbiome modulation, before reinforcing efficacy via clinical trials, will be key to its ongoing growth objectives in the market.

Diet diversity: Higher migraine frequency linked to less diverse diets – study

31-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Dietary intake from diverse food groups could have a positive impact on the frequency of migraine and serum levels of nitric oxide, say researchers.

Singapore’s REVIT looks to carve a niche with gummies amid rising competition in anti-hangover category

28-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Singapore-based REVIT is eyeing a bigger market share in the anti-hangover category with its gummy product, on the back of sales numbers that have been tripling month-on-month since its launch in January this year.

Grape King Bio to focus on growing healthy ageing and women’s health markets in China

21-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Grape King Bio will focus on its healthy ageing and women’s health nutrition portfolios in China, which it believes are two sectors poised for growth in the country.

US expansion fuelled by demand for ‘natural solutions’ and consumer receptivity – HK’s TCM supplements brand

16-Aug-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Hong Kong-based NOOCI has launched in United States first through its website and an online distribution platform and is expanding offline via its practitioner’s programme – with over 100 practitioners across the country signed up thus far.

India’s Arjuna Natural extends application of pain-relieving botanical blend to tackle menstrual cramps

14-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

India-based nutraceutical company Arjuna Natural is hoping to meet growing consumer demand for natural solutions to menstrual pain management with its turmeric-frankincense formulation.

Pain-free period: Singapore’s Moom Health extends supplements line-up to battle PMS and menstrual woes

07-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

After more than a year of development and 13 versions of the prototype, Singapore’s Moom Health has completed the formulation of a new supplement that is specifically targeted at relieving premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and painful period cramps.

Exclusive women's health insights: Senior Haleon execs to take the stage at Growth Asia 2023

31-Jul-2023 By Gary Scattergood

Two industry experts from Haleon (Formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) are preparing to share their exclusive insights on the women’s health category at our Growth Asia Summit 2023.

Experience and efficiency: Fast&Up’s parent firm sees growing interest from pharma sector for effervescent supplements

12-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Health supplements in the form of effervescent tablets have a “better lifestyle association” and are receiving interest from pharmaceutical firms and health practitioners for an ability to contain a larger amount of active ingredients in one dose, says...

Evidence-based approach: Thai researchers seeking to commercialise herbal drink shown to stimulate breast milk supply

04-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Thai research team is embarking on a long-term journey to commercialise a herbal tea that has been shown to boost breast milk production in a clinical trial.

South Korea authorities detect banned Thai kudzu in imported health foods

28-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korean authorities have detected Thai kudzu, a locally banned ingredient, in health functional foods imported from Japan as part of its exercise in tightening the inspection of prohibited ingredients.

Brand new: Youvit, Biostime, Wellversed in the spotlight

23-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Youvit's plans in developing new product formats with investment from Unilever, the formulation of Biostime's China-approved infant formulas, and Turkish...

New formats, new markets: Indonesia’s Youvit on a roll in wake of US$6 mn Unilever-led funding boost

21-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Indonesian supplement brand Youvit is innovating with new product formats after expanding significantly in the Malaysian market on the back of funding led by the venture capital and private equity arm of Unilever.

Science shorts: Latest findings on EPA, tocopherol, and updates on New Zealand’s large-scale diet study

16-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest findings from health and nutrition research, including the benefit of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in lowering cardiovascular disease risk among diabetic patients, γ-tocopherol in reducing premenstrual symptoms such as...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japan RCT supports γ-tocopherol’s potential to improve some PMS symptoms

16-May-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Intake of γ-tocopherol (γ-toc) for seven weeks has been shown to reduce premenstrual (PMS) symptoms like fatigue and irritability, and particularly those related to water retention during the luteal phase.

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.

Super-premium: Swisse outpaces industry growth in China, ANZ, and taps top-end segment for future boom

27-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Swisse says that the sales of its vitamin and mineral supplement products are growing faster than the market rate in key markets such as China, Australia and New Zealand, and that it is expecting more room for growth in South East Asia.

VitamINSIGHTS

Exclusive Malaysia nutrition sector analysis: From vending machine trend to fears over unregistered products online

15-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From emerging sales channels for functional foods and supplements such as vending machines, to fears over unregistered products being sold online, as well as industry concerns over advertising and ingredient rules, the Malaysian industry is currently...

Targeted nutritional support needed to curb negative consequences of morning sickness – Yili-funded study

08-Mar-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), commonly known as “morning sickness”, could lead to nutrient deficiencies and severe complications for both mother and infant, say Chinese researchers.

High consumption of fatty acids is linked to lower quality of life in obese woman – new study

27-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Excessive intake of trans and saturated fats could affect an individual’s physical and social functioning, especially in overweight and obese women, according to a new study.

Vitamin D supplementation could prevent postmenopausal conditions in women – systematic review

13-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Large, single doses of up to 300,000 IU of vitamin D per day may significantly improve vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women, say researchers.

Fortified future? China set for mass fortification of staple foods to combat deficiencies – consultation open

13-Feb-2023 By Pearly Neo

China is considering mandating mass nutritional fortification for various staple foods in order to boost public health and combat nutrient deficiencies.

Build consumer confidence: Better info needed to meet stress and gut-brain health concerns – Nutiani

09-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Consumers are seeking holistic nutrition support as they become increasingly aware of the relationship between stress, sleep and gut health, although barriers to purchase remain to be overcome, according to a new report by Fonterra’s nutrition brand,...

Mental and physical boost: New Blackmores’ dual-benefit supplement targets office workers, students and gamers

09-Feb-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Blackmores has developed a new supplement that both relieves physical pain and enhances mental focus, after citing what it believes are the unfulfilled needs of young adults and working professionals.

Brand new: Suntory’s foray into personalised nutrition, Amway’s gut microbiome R&D plans and more

27-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from nutraceutical brands across Asia-Pacific, including Suntory’s foray into personalised nutrition via its partnership with UK start-up Remedy Health, Amway’s product expansion plans for its pre-, probiotics range and more.

VitamINSIGHTS – Exclusive in-depth analysis

Investment, innovation and demand: Why India is experiencing a nutra boom, with more growth to come

25-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

With heightened MNC interest to local firms receiving funding boosts, coupled with increased innovation and consumer demand across three key categories, we take an in-depth look at why India’s nutra market is booming…and primed for further growth.

‘Possible causal association’ between soy isoflavone intake and breast cancer risk biomarker – Malaysia 12-month RCT

16-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

There is a “possible causal association” between soy isoflavone intake and mammographic density – a biomarker of breast cancer risk, according to a 12-month clinical trial conducted in Malaysia.

Vitafoods Asia 2022

E-commerce expansion: South Korean supplement firm Yuhan Care sets sights on China, South East Asia

10-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korean health supplement firm Yuhan Care, which is seen as a pioneer in the women’s health space domestically, is eyeing overseas expansion in China and South East Asia.

2023 outlook: The must know nutraceutical regulations on the horizon in APAC this year

09-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Check out the new nutraceutical related regulations that will kick in this year in various parts of Asia-Pacific, from the use of aloe vera in Taiwan to Hong Kong’s Amendment Regulation regarding harmful substances in food, and Malaysia implementing Quantitative...

Folic acid and iodine supplementation speeds up conception rate – new study

04-Jan-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Dietary supplementation of folic acid and iodine could boost fertility rate, while evening primrose oil is associated with a longer time to pregnancy (TTP), say Singapore researchers.

Top 10 most watched health and nutrition news videos of year 2022 revealed

20-Dec-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Here we summed up the 10 most watched health and nutrition news videos of the year, including Fonterra’s cultured milk drink launch in Singapore, Vinamilk’s and Health and Happiness Group’s analysis of Vietnam’s infant formula market and more.

Brand new: Latest developments from Melrose, Amorepacific, DKSH

16-Dec-2022 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from nutraceutical brands across Asia-Pacific, including Australian firm Melrose's strategies for the China market, Amorepacific's new product development pipeline for healthy ageing, and probiotics launched by DKSH...

Probi, DKSH collaboration: Probiotics for bone health and iron absorption land in Singapore

12-Dec-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Probiotic ingredient supplier Probi AB has partnered with DKSH Business Unit Healthcare in launching two new probiotic supplements for the Singapore market.

Vitafoods Asia 2022

Price differentiation: Demand for value-added supplements growing in Vietnam – PharmaLinea

21-Nov-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Supplement brands in Vietnam are increasingly demanding value-added concepts and ease the pressure of relying on commodity-based products at low prices.

Seven up: Kerry reveals the top health and nutrition categories to grow ProActive Health business

15-Nov-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Kerry has identified seven health categories that it hopes to focus on for its ProActive Health ingredient business across Asia.

Growth Asia Summit 2022

Beyond pre- and probiotics: Combination products and personalisation driving innovation – Exclusive Growth Asia Summit insights

08-Nov-2022 By Pearly Neo

Combination products and customisation look set to be key drivers for product innovation in the microbiome health space, moving the sector far beyond the conventional prebiotics and probiotics products of today.

Science shorts: Latest research news in vitamin D, probiotics, and longevity studies

04-Nov-2022 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest research news in the study of vitamin D, probiotics, and healthy ageing.

Probiotics may improve post-partum gut, metabolic health in women with gestational diabetes

31-Oct-2022 By Gary Scattergood

Probiotics supplementation can improve post-partum metabolic outcomes and the gut microbiota in women with a history of gestational diabetes, say researchers in Malaysia.

Saudi supplement trends: Research reveals low levels of consumption among breastfeeding mothers - Cross-sectional study

26-Oct-2022 By Gary Scattergood

A first-of-its-kind Saudi Arabian study has found that although dietary supplement use is most prevalent among young, highly educated medical students or professionals, there is a lack of understanding of its importance among breastfeeding women.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2022

NMN combo: Award winner Vital Care addressing ageing through cellular rejuvenation and DNA repair

25-Oct-2022 By Tingmin Koe

The winner of NutraIngredients-Asia’s Women’s Health Innovation of the Year Award said it sought to address age-related issues by looking at cellular regeneration and DNA damage repair, on top of addressing common needs such as joints, skin, hair, and...

‘Double approach’: Skin care brands launching oral supplements for anti-hyperpigmentation as awareness grows

04-Oct-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Skin care firms are increasingly launching supplements that claim to reduce skin hyperpigmentation, giving consumers an alternative to traditional topical creams.

Dampen depression: Vitamin D could alleviate depression, support women’s health – RCT meta-analysis

29-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Vitamin D supplementation could have a beneficial impact on the incidence and prognosis of depression, according to the findings from a Chinese meta-analysis.

Grave concern: Severe malnutrition rising in Afghan kids and mums – Kabul researchers

22-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Afghanistan continues to battle extreme stunting and maternal malnutrition, with a combination of economic, political and social factors creating a perfect storm that shows no signs of abating.