Trend tracker: Q-commerce, ‘proteinification’, magnesium in the spotlight
Find out more about India’s quick-commerce boom, ‘proteinification’ in food and drinks, and what’s driving the popularity of magnesium supplements in Australia.
Health claims
The ‘proteinification’ of everything
Once just a bottle shaker staple, protein is taking on new forms and finding its way into everything from soda to chips to macaroni and cheese.
Regulatory review: GST cuts, self-affirmed GRAS, health foods safety rules
India slashing GST for nutraceuticals, US proposing amendments to Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and China’s upcoming health foods safety rules review are some of the new updates in this regulatory news round-up.
Australia’s vitamin B6 saga: Legal firm considering claims against more brands
The law firm behind a potential class action against Blackmores in relation to a product containing Vitamin B6 is also considering investigations into other brands.
Growth Asia Summit 2025
From livestreaming to mini drama ads? Six trends in China’s health foods market
Livestreaming has been a popular channel for China consumers purchasing health foods in the recent years, and product advertisements in mini dramas could become the next big thing, said an industry expert who highlighted five other health foods trends at...
Indonesia approves dsm-firmenich’s 2′-FL for use in liquid milk
dsm-firmenich is making inroads in Asia’s human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) space, with its 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) ingredient approved for use in liquid milk in Indonesia - following a similar approval in India.
Growth Asia Summit 2025: Mother’s Day discount from May 12
Tickets to our Growth Asia Summit 2025 will have a 15 per cent Mother’s Day discount starting from next Monday (May 12).
China may add joint health support into list of approved claims
China’s State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) is considering the addition of joint health support into its 24 approved health claim functions.
Arjuna Natural’s ashwagandha approved by Health Canada, aims global growth
India-based Arjuna Natural aims to capitalise on the approval of its ashwagandha extract in Canada to accelerate its expansion across Asia, Europe, and the US.
Steadfast Nutrition’s new multifunctional supplement taps into growing preference for Ayurvedic formulations
India’s Steadfast Nutrition has launched a new multifunctional product formulated with science-backed compounds and traditional herbs, amid a growing preference for Ayurvedic supplements among local consumers.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025: Entries now open, four new categories added
The NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025 are now open for submissions and there are four new categories added into this year’s event.
New plant extract approved to make cognitive function claim in South Korea
A plant extract made from Dendropanax Morbifera has been approved to make cognitive function improvement by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
Korea Ginseng Corp builds up blood sugar control range post-regulatory approval
Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) is building up its blood sugar management portfolio after receiving approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).
Hangover relief products must be backed by human tests – South Korea’s MFDS
Products that claim to provide hangover relief must be backed by data from human application tests, says South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
Body fat reducing Garcinia cambogia under new usage warnings in South Korea
The extract of Garcinia cambogia, a plant commonly used for weight management, can no longer be made into health functional foods with other ingredients that similarly have body fat reduction functions, says South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety...
Brown seaweed extract could support prostate health – preclinical study
Fucoidan, a natural component of brown seaweed, could help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, said researchers of a recent animal study.
Regulatory review: India’s inter-ministerial report, Malaysia’s modern claims and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific’s health and nutrition sector, including India’s inter-ministerial committee report on nutraceutical regulations, new updates on modern claims product approval in Malaysia and...
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Life stages and dosage formats fuelling sleep support innovation
Supplements for sleep support are moving beyond melatonin or GABA pills designed for the general population, as companies place greater attention on insomnia and menopause, and designing non-pill products, such as meal replacement powders.
Milk thistle, vitamin C, E most trusted for liver care in China
Milk thistle, vitamin C and E are the top three most trusted among China’s night owls when it comes to liver care supplements, says a whitepaper recently released by BYHEALTH and the Tmall Innovation Center (TMIC).
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Propolis for the brain: Korean firm explores new uses
Korean company Seoul Propolis is exploring novel uses of propolis, such as its effects on cognitive health, amid an ongoing trend where natural and functional foods are sought after.
VitamINSIGHTS
‘Emerging markets are where the opportunities are’: Singapore, Australia nutra brands on Cambodia’s appeal
Growth opportunities are plenty in Cambodia’s health supplements scene, due to a growing middle class and lower market competition, say Singapore’s Incontech and Australia’s Healthy Vitality which entered Cambodia in the last two years.
Whey-derived peptide lowers self-perceived stress levels – Six-week Kirin study
The supplementation of a whey-derived peptide has been shown to lower self-perceived levels of stress among middle-aged adults, according to a six-week study conducted by Kirin Holdings.
Trend tracker: Insights from Lonza, Haleon, Tummy Buddies
Here is a round-up on the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including insights from Lonza on growing joint health interest among younger consumers, Haleon seeing China consumers increasing vitamin spendings in e-commerce, and popular demands...
More younger consumers in APAC seeking out joint supplements to meet active lifestyle needs, prevent future woes – Lonza
Switzerland-headquartered Lonza pinpoints opportunities in tailoring joint health products to appeal to younger consumers, who are increasingly looking for supplements to address their active lifestyle needs and concerns about future problems.
Dose and timing: Study shows caffeine intake at 400mg four hours before bed disruptive to sleep
The dose and timing of caffeine intake is known to affect sleep patterns, but a new study from Australia found that taking 400mg at four hours before bed would be significantly disruptive to sleep.
Gut-brain axis: Lactobacillus strain shown to lengthen sleep duration in 28-day trial
The supplementation of a Lactobacillus strain could lengthen sleep duration by about an hour in healthy adults under mild stress, say findings of a 28-day clinical trial that took place in China.
‘Pharma drugs’ detected: Nearly 20 supplements from US, Japan, NZ banned by Korean regulator
South Korea’s food and drug regulator has banned almost 20 supplements that claim to support memory and concentration from the US, Japan and New Zealand as they contain ingredients regulated as pharmaceutical drugs in the country, say officials.
Vitamin D an “effective adjunctive” for blood glucose control in diabetic patients, says meta-analysis
Vitamin D is an “effective adjunctive” for blood glucose management in people suffering from type II diabetes, says a new meta-analysis that looks at the results of 39 randomised controlled trials.
The next caffeine? A̅repa drills down into cognitive benefits of novel molecule found in blackcurrants
A̅repa is conducting further research on how a novel molecule discovered from New Zealand blackcurrants, which it has also patented, could benefit mood and cognition in healthy populations.
Regulatory review: Updates on New Zealand's natural products bill, China's health foods filing and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements across Asia-Pacific's health and nutrition sector, including the New Zealand government's plans in designing a new bill to regulate natural products, China's policy draft for allowing health foods in the...
Patching in: Tonik launches transdermal vitamin, botanical patches across Asia, with new SKUs underway
Tonik is launching its transdermal patches formulated with homeopathic recipes for sleep and stress relief into more Asian markets, while also preparing to launch four new SKU in the next six months.
Curcumin improves insulin, blood glucose levels, and body mass – Year-long Thai trial
Taking 1,500mg of curcumin daily for 12 months has been shown to improve insulin, fasting blood glucose levels and body mass, based on a clinical study conducted in Thailand.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Mibelle ventures into skin brightening with apple mint leaves extract launch
Mibelle is expanding into the skin brightening nutricosmetic sector with the launch of an apple mint leaves extract.
Science shorts: Skin and minerals, tomato concentrate for blood pressure and more
This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research findings, including how chronic inflammatory skin diseases are linked to iron, zinc levels, how tomato concentrate could benefit blood pressure and more.
Greater consumer awareness and more players could be key for boosting postbiotics growth – Ildong Bioscience
South Korean firm Ildong Bioscience says that raising consumer awareness and the entry of more players may be crucial for pushing the growth of postbiotics in the local market.
Iron metabolism linked to psoriasis, zinc and selenium intake may reduce atopic dermatitis risk – study
A recent study by Chinese researchers has found that iron metabolism is linked to the onset of psoriasis, and that the intake of zinc and selenium could lower the risk of atopic dermatitis.
Gut health in Asia: An AI perspective on key trends that brands should take note of
There is no slow down in the interest around gut health in maintaining wellness across different life stages, especially set against the backdrop of Asia's ageing population.
Water-soluble tomato concentrate’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure shows promise for novel CVD-preventive approaches – BYHEALTH-funded study
A recent study has found water-soluble tomato concentrate (WSTC) to have a significant impact on blood pressure regulation, which could contribute to the development of novel dietary approaches for protecting heart health.
Gut microbiome, blood glucose clinical trials most requested among Japan’s FFC producers
Clinical trials that assess the effects of Foods with Function Claims on the gut microbiome and blood glucose levels are the most requested by industry players, says a contract research organisation that has conducted trials for Kirin and Suntory.
FNA TRAILBLAZERS EP 53
Drink your biotics: Bright colours and visual appeal crucial to deliver healthier beverages to children – Tummy Buddies
Australia’s Tummy Buddies believes that healthier product innovation for children needs to focus on bright colours and visual appeal in order to secure that crucial first purchase.
Vitamin D, probiotic combination reduces migraine frequency: Study
Supplementing with a combination of a probiotic and vitamin D may have beneficial effects for adults suffering from migraine headaches.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
Invest in science: NutraIngredients-Asia’s Start-up of the Year says research crucial for success
The winner of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024 Start-up of the Year says investing in research is key for start-ups to stand out from competition and it is aiming to do more in this area, with five clinical trials in the pipeline.
'Emerging interest': Swisse seeks to pioneer Australia’s nootropics consumption with new energy range
Swisse is seeking to pioneer Australia’s nootropics consumption with the launch of three new SKUs designed for focus, memory, and stress management.
Microbiome Innovations in APAC: New editorial webinar is now open for FREE registration!
Leading industry experts from Life-Space Group, Swisse Wellness, and the International Probiotics Association (IPA) and more will be presenting insights on the latest developments and research findings surrounding the microbiome sector in APAC in our...
Nutrafol's keratin supplier targets Asia for next phase of hair supplement sector growth
Keraplast, the company which supplies functional keratin to well-known hair supplement brand Nutrafol, is aiming to expand its market presence in Asia, where it has seen growing interest especially from Malaysia and Indonesia.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
Target population: AceBiome sees market need for sports nutrition designed for middle-aged adults
There are market opportunities in Asia-Pacific’s sports nutrition sector specifically targeted at middle-aged adults, says the winner of this year’s NutraIngredients-Asia Awards Product of the Year Sports Nutrition.
Chong Kun Dang launches dual-format product to capture bigger share of South Korea’s thriving hangover cure market
Seoul-headquartered Chong Kun Dang has released a dual-format hangover relief comprising liquid and tablets, which the firm says is the first of its kind to be available at convenience stores.
Matcha intake shows tendency for improved sleep quality in seniors – 12-month trial
The consumption of matcha green tea powder over 12 months has shown the tendency for improved sleep quality among seniors, according to a trial conducted in Japan.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024
Grape King Bio drives research on cognitive benefits of award-winning mushroom ingredient
Grape King Bio is conducting further research on the cognitive benefits of its award-winning lion’s mane mushroom ingredient.
Fermented soybean shown to reduce GERD symptoms and inflammatory markers – 12-week RCT
The supplementation of fermented soybean has been shown to reduce symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including heartburn, as well as lowering inflammatory markers, based on findings from a 12-week RCT.