Science shorts: Whey protein, ashwagandha, PEA in the spotlight
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new findings on whey protein, ashwagandha, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA).
Research
Probiotics plus omega-3s may boost muscle strength for swimmers: RCT
Combining probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and ultra-short race-pace training may enhance explosive upper-body strength for elite sprint swimmers, compared to training alone, says a new study.
Whey protein intake with exercise improves MPS in time- and dose-dependent manner
The combination of whey protein supplementation and physical exercise improves muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in a time- and dose-dependent manner, according to a new review in China.
Withanolide glycosides: Ashwagandha study suggests supplement quality criterion
A clinical study identified withanolide glycosides as the key drivers of superior bioavailability in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extracts.
Gencor’s PEA may modulate microbiome activity and metabolic pathways: RCT
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplementation may regulate specific microbiome activity, support a balanced inflammatory response and aid in maintaining healthy triglyceride levels, says a new study with Gencor’s Levagen+ ingredient.
Nutra Healthspan Summit: Early bird delegate rate expiring soon!
The discounted early bird delegate registration for our Nutra Healthspan Summit will expire on Sept. 10, 2025.
NZ firm uncovers how blackcurrant actives can alleviate diabetic complications
A molecule in blackcurrants could alleviate diabetes-related vascular complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, by rebuilding blood vessels and capillaries, reveals New Zealand-based The cGP Lab Ltd.
dsm-firmenich launches research grant to advance healthy longevity in APAC
dsm-firmenich has launched a nutrition research grant to advance the knowledge of healthy longevity and nutrition supplementation in the context of Asia-Pacific (APAC).
Indonesian prof creates pigeon pea yogurt drink for metabolic health
A professor from Indonesia is utilizing pigeon pea - a locally grown legume - in creating a yogurt drink to support metabolic health among the local population.
Curcumin improves weight, waistline, BMI depending on dose, intake period
Curcumin supplementation has shown to improve weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in diabetic individuals, depending on the dose and intake duration, say findings from a new meta-analysis.
‘Longevity vitamin’ ergothioneine could protect the aging brain
A new study from ergothioneine supplier Blue California suggests that supplementation with its ErgoActive ingredient leads to dose-dependent improvements in subjective memory and sleep in healthy older adults.
Experts warn against young adult reliance on Instagram for nutrition advice: UAE study
A new study has revealed that nearly two-thirds of young adults in the UAE turn to social media for nutrition advice, with Instagram topping the list.
‘Never a dull moment’: Save the date for IPA WC + Probiota 2026
Described by one recent attendee as “the bridge between science and marketing”, the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026 is returning to the Emerald Isle for its 12th edition.
Growth Asia Summit 2025
AAK launches new blend to tackle immune, metabolic health needs
AAK has launched a blend of omega-3 DHA and phosphatidylcholine which is said to support immune and metabolic health via targeted delivery of DHA in the body.
Boswellia effective for knee pain, stiffness — meta-analysis
Boswellia appears to be more effective than other commonly used nutritional supplements for addressing knee pain and stiffness in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis, say findings of a new systematic review and meta-analysis.
Can supplements protect against UV-induced skin damage?
Within the booming anti-aging supplement market, beauty-from-within represents a fast-growing segment as consumers turn to ingestible collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to fend off internal and external insults that degrade youthful...
UPF linked to rising cancer rates in latest study
New research links high UPF consumption to a 41% increase in lung cancer risk, independent of smoking
Science shorts: Anti-hangover probiotics, tocotrienols for joint health and more
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new findings on how probiotics could reduce acetaldehyde levels post alcohol drinking, tocotrienols for joint health and more.
Eye health: Emerging ingredients and research areas
While lutein and zeaxanthin are common ingredients used in eye health supplements, there is emerging research on ingredients such as red ginseng, citicoline, and cordyceps.
Danone expands IDA screening in SEA, reaps new findings from Thailand
Danone is introducing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) screening into more parts of South East Asia, including Indonesia, and has yielded new findings from Thailand which showed that nearly two in five kids are at risk of anemia.
Hangover relief? L. mesenteroides probiotic shown to lower acetaldehyde levels
A new clinical trial from South Korea has shown that taking the probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides before alcohol drinking could alleviate hangover symptoms.
Meta-analysis examines most effective sports nutrition supplements
With so many sports nutrition products on the market, building the right regimen can be challenging. To better understand which products offer the greatest athletic benefit, researchers set out to identify the most effective supplementation for athletes...
Calcium, protein the most used supplements among China centenarians
Calcium and protein are the most used health supplements among China centenarians, according to a new study involving over 2,800 centenarians.
Probiotic may ease gut microbiota changes linked to stress: RCT
Consuming a probiotic yogurt before academic exams may help students protect their gut microbiota from stress-related disruptions, says a new study from KU Leuven and Danone Research & Innovation.
Behind the Big Story
WATCH: Kirin finds link between frailty and low pDC activity
Kirin Holdings says it has found a relationship between reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) activity and frailty, which it claims is the first time that a link between the two has been established.
Mulberry leaf, water chestnut tea could suppress post-meal blood sugar spike
Drinking tea made from the leaves of mulberry and husk of water chestnut could significantly suppress post-meal blood sugar spike, says a new study from Japan.
B. breve shown to improve metabolic, gut health
The supplementation of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 has been shown to improve metabolic and gut health in an eight-week trial.
Synbiotic formula may support infant growth and protect against pathogens
An infant formula supplemented with six human milk oligosaccharides and two probiotics may support healthy, age-appropriate growth and improve gut health, according to new research.
Tocotrienols and cellular health: PhytoGaia embarks on second clinical trial
Malaysia-based PhytoGaia is embarking on its second human clinical trial assessing the potential effects of tocotrienols and plant squalene for cellular health and telomere preservation.
Growth Asia Summit 2025
Healthy longevity: Ubiquinol shown to reverse biological age in new study
The supplementation of ubiquinol, alongside a regimen of healthy diet, exercise, and practising mindfulness has been shown to significantly reverse biological age in a new study.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025: The finalists are revealed
Today we can reveal the pioneering companies, organisations and researchers that have been named as finalists for the 2025 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards.
Tocotrienol intake reduces joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
A new study from Malaysia reported that taking both tocotrienol-rich fraction and anti-rheumatic drugs can significantly reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint stiffness and discomfort, and the results were better than people who were...
GROWTH ASIA SUMMIT 2025
PepsiCo: Oats could reduce age-related inflammation
Research shows that oats can lower age-related inflammation (iAge) in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease
Marinova to drill down fucoidan’s gut, immune, anti-inflammatory benefits
Australia’s Marinova has identified and conducted research on three emerging areas in which fucoidan could provide a potential health benefit.
Science shorts: Palm oil tocotrienol, probiotics, sake by-product and more
In this round-up, we bring you the latest research findings on health and nutrition, including new findings on palm oil tocotrienol’s antioxidative benefits, probiotics for eczema, sake by-product for constipation and more.
Omega-3s and probiotics show synergistic effects on swimming performance
Swimmers’ performance could benefit from a synergistic blend of specific probiotics and omega-3s, new research conducted in professional athletes finds.
Amway deepens partnership with Korean microbiome firm HEM
Amway is developing new probiotic products and bringing microbiome testing and research to new markets as part of its expanded partnership with HEM Pharma.
Palm oil tocotrienol drink reduces oxidative stress in aging population: RCT
Taking palm oil tocotrienol-enriched drinks for six months may reduce oxidative stress and improve the quality of life in aging populations, says a RCT conducted in Malaysia.
Spore-forming probiotic may improve bowel habits: PepsiCo study
Daily supplementation with a specific spore-forming probiotic may improve stool characteristics for people with hard and poor quality stools, says a new study by PepsiCo and Nutrasource.
Probiotic strain shown to improve respiratory symptoms, dry stool and eczema in children: RCT
A study in China has found that daily supplementation of a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk significantly reduced the duration of cough, fever, dry stool, and eczema in children.
Growth Asia Summit 2025: Join Danone, Shiseido, TikTok - last week to register
There is only one week left to register your attendance for Growth Asia Summit 2025 which takes place in Singapore from July 15 to 17.
Magnesium, riboflavin most used supplements for migraine prevention - NZ survey
Magnesium and riboflavin are the most used supplements for migraine prevention, says a new survey conducted in New Zealand.
Probiotics shown to reduce inflammation, improve gut barrier in IBS patients
The supplementation of a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics reduces inflammation and improves gut barrier in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), states a new study from China.
Saffron, elderberry and melilotus combo may offer eye support
When combined, saffron, elderberry and melilotus could avert the progression of macular degeneration and several other eye conditions.
Adulteration rate in weight-loss products lower in early 2020s than years prior
The cases of adulterants found in natural weight-loss products are lower in the early 2020s as compared to the years prior, says a new systematic review.
Higher intake of B vitamins linked to reduced risk of constipation – China study
Higher intake of B vitamins, particularly niacin, folate, and choline, may reduce risk of constipation and aid in management of the condition.
Danone taps Singapore lab’s AI, digital capabilities to advance healthy ageing
Danone is tapping on the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital capabilities of its Singapore laboratory for the research and development of new solutions for healthy ageing.
Dairy, but not fruits and vegetables, shown to lower blood lipid levels – WHO-based STEPs study
Researchers have found that dairy intake lowered triglyceride levels while fruit and vegetable intake had no significant impact on blood lipid levels.
Over 50% of Singaporeans interested in attending healthy longevity medicine clinics
A new report has shown that over 50 per cent of Singaporeans are interested in attending healthy longevity medicine clinics.
Diabetes more prevalent worldwide despite ‘healthier’ diets: Global study
A major global study has revealed that while general consumption of vegetables and fruits has increased and red meat reduced, the worldwide burden of diabetes has continued to rise