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.
Medical nutrition
Hi & Fi Asia-China 2025
Spanish gummy specialist Nutris eyes opportunities in China, seeks local partners
Spanish firm Nutris is eyeing opportunities and seeking local partners in the Chinese market on the back of growing interest in functional gummies.
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.
Barentz to acquire China’s Fengli Group as part of growth acceleration in APAC
Dutch-headquartered ingredients firm Barentz is acquiring China’s Fengli Group to tap into opportunities in the local market and accelerate growth across Asia-Pacific.
ABbiotek postbiotic blend shows promise in easing diarrhea symptoms
Including specific postbiotic strains in an oral rehydration solution (ORS) may help alleviate inflammation associated with diarrhea in older adults.
Vit D supplementation shown to play key role in post-surgical muscle recovery – review
A study in Singapore highlights the role of tailored vitamin D supplementation as a pre- and post-surgery intervention to support muscle recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
Enoki mushroom intake could counter male menopause, testosterone decline – Japan RCT
The intake of enoki mushroom extract containing high adenosine content has beneficial effects on male menopausal symptoms, including boosting testosterone production.
IQVIA and NUS join forces to boost healthspan, innovate personalised health solutions
Data science company IQVIA and the National University of Singapore (NUS) are set to embark on several joint efforts to advance longevity medicine and personalised health innovations.
Lutein-zeaxanthin supplementation in high screen time users found to improve dry eyes, macular function – RCT
Six months of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in people with high usage of electronic screens has positive effects on dry eyes and macular function.
Calcium maltobionate intake could mitigate facial bone density decline in pre-, post-menopausal women – RCT
The continuous intake of calcium maltobionate could slow down the decline of bone density in pre- and post-menopausal women, according to a study in Japan.
Okra could help manage cardiometabolic symptoms – meta-analysis
Okra consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels.
Higher potassium intake at dinner linked to fewer sleep disturbances – Japan study
A Japanese study underscores the potential of higher potassium intake, particularly at dinner time, in relation to improved sleep.
Glutamine supplementation in ‘larger doses’ within a ‘short time’ improves gut health, say researchers.
Glutamine supplementation in doses of more than 30mg/day for less than two weeks improves gut health by reducing gut permeability, according to systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs conducted by researchers.
Probiotics ‘had no statistically significant benefits’ for diabetics
Probiotics had no statistically significant benefits for glycaemic control, lipid profiles, or weight in people with Type-2 diabetes, according to an RCT conducted by Chinese researchers at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
Localisation and education: New venture seeks personalised solutions to address disease-related malnutrition in India
Pristine Pearl Pharma and Dutch Medical Food B.V. have formed a strategic collaboration to bring personalised medical nutrition products to India, targeting the issue of disease-related malnutrition.
Japan’s ALMADO debuts eggshell membrane-containing FFC targeting sleep, skin and muscle mass
Japanese cosmetics manufacturer ALMADO has launched its first Foods with Function Claims (FFC) product that contains eggshell membrane and GABA, targeting consumers with concerns regarding sleep, dry and ageing skin, and muscle loss.
Dark chocolate lowers depression in menopausal women – RCT
Dark chocolate reduced depression scores among menopausal women but had no significant effect on sleep quality and anthropometric indices, according to researchers.
Blurring boundaries: Cargill builds on infant nutrition and flavours expertise to advance specialised nutrition business
Cargill is building on its decades-long experience in infant nutrition and know-how on flavours to grow its specialised nutrition business, a focus area for the company’s next stage of development.
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.
New synbiotic yoghurt offers novel solution for metabolic syndrome management – study
A synbiotic yoghurt could help reduce oxidative stress in adults with metabolic syndrome, according to a new RCT.
'Don't need to reinvent the wheel': CBD start-up Awshad taps cordyceps formulation for latest launch in India
Anxiety, insomnia and mental endurance are among the biggest drivers of cannabidiol (CBD) demand in the country, says Delhi-based start-up Awshad which has just launched a new formulation containing cordyceps.
Maternal health in India: How digital innovation can support tailored nutrition and overall wellbeing
Digital transformation in India has led to increased consumer knowledge about maternal wellbeing and enabled efficient information management, leading to better health care for mothers, says Nutraworks Consulting Group.
Regulatory review: Halal certification, vitamin K2 use in FSMP, health star ratings and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific's health and nutrition sector, such as growing interest in acquiring halal-certification among food firms, and new regulatory initiatives by Food Standards Australia New Zealand...
Japan’s Fordays seeks to address consumer needs across lifespan with nucleic acid supplements, eyes global expansion
Japanese firm Fordays aims to build on the success of its nucleic acid-based supplements, which it claims to be particularly beneficial for immunity, infant growth and ageing woes, and extend its reach to more markets in Asia and globally.
Vitamin E supplementation combined with high doses of vitamin B6 and niacin shows promise in reducing cataract risk – study
Targeted supplementation of vitamins E, B6 and niacin could play a key role in maintaining eye health and mitigating the risk of cataract formation, findings from a Chinese study suggest.
Dual approach: Pro- and postbiotic Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - ADM
Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D), ADM told our Growth Asia Summit, referring to a first human clinical trial for a dual pro- and postbiotic.
Higher intake of iron and zinc linked to lower tinnitus risk – Australia study
A study by Australian researchers finds that older adults who consumed more zinc and iron in their diet had lower risk of incident tinnitus, but further studies are needed to confirm the association.
Glutamine supplementation could help restore post-surgery muscle atrophy – Taiwan study
Supplementation of glutamine, an amino acid that plays a key role in protein metabolism and immune function, may improve post-surgery atrophy of the psoas muscle, say Taiwanese researchers.
Gut approach: Morinaga Milk spotlights probiotic strain’s efficacy in counteracting obesity and age-related metabolic issues
Morinaga Milk Industry zeroed in on the weight management efficacies of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (B. breve B-3) probiotic strain, and its potential for preventing age-related metabolic issues, at the Growth Asia Summit 2024.
Omega-3 aids muscle recovery among overweight males after intense exercise – RCT
Omega-3 can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation among untrained overweight males after intense exercise, say researchers.
Taiwan’s ‘miracle mushroom’: Greenyn taps Antrodia cinnamomea for hangover relief and liver health in Asia
Taiwan's Greenyn Biotechnology is working to get regulatory approvals in key Asia markets for Antrodia cinnamomea, after the so-called 'miracle mushroom' was found to improve the liver function of regular drinkers and chronic Hep B patients in trials...
Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts can improve sleep – pilot study
Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts improved sleep quality of participants without adverse side effects in a study trial.
Curcumin can help combat inflammatory chronic metabolic diseases – meta-analysis
Curcumin can fight chronic diseases by reducing key inflammatory markers, offering a promising natural intervention for conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new research.
India’s food and drug authorities in talks over which body controls vitamins and minerals above RDA
There is an ongoing discussion between India’s food and drug regulators, as well as industry, on whether vitamins and minerals above one recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and upper limits should be regulated by the drug regulator instead.
HNC / HEALTHPLEX EXPO 2024
MEBO Group to set up Safeway’s first China branch in Shanghai next year
Multinational firm MEBO Group is looking to set up US supermarket chain Safeway’s first China store in Shanghai next year, paving the way for more US nutrition, food and beverage brands to enter China.
Multi-nutrient supplementation of astaxanthin, vitamin E and grape juice improves episodic memory, cognitive performance – RCT
A study has found that 12 weeks of multi-nutrient supplementation, comprising astaxanthin, vitamin E and grape juice extract, resulted in improved episodic memory and several biomarkers associated with cognitive health.
Prebiotic intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding benefits infant health – latest study
Prebiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has positive effects on the gut microbiome of mothers and their offspring, indicating that it is possible to intervene and modify the development of an infant’s health by regulating the gut...
China approved nearly 600 infant formulas in 2023 – new national standards data
China approved nearly 600 infant formulas based on the new GuoBiao (GB) or national standards last year.
Immune function support: Korean red ginseng can help improve immunity – RCT
Korean red ginseng could help improve immunity according to a new RCT undertaken in China and funded by Korean Society of Ginseng.
‘No side effects’: Revolutionary approach to treating dyspepsia hinges on volatile oils in curcumin, say researchers
Curcumin offers a holistic alternative to omeprazole for treating dyspepsia due to the presence of volatile oils, say researchers from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University.
'Good prospect': Probiotics can benefit patients on statins for high cholesterol – RCT
Probiotics can help better regulate cholesterol levels by optimising the gut microbiome among people taking statins, according to latest research from a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Inulin could help correct metabolic issues and promote muscle growth among obese children
Inulin supplementation has been found to boost muscle health in obese children, likely because the Bifidobacterium that digest inulin could produce anti-inflammatory metabolites.
Antioxidants shown to aid treatment for kidney disease caused by aflatoxins – new study
Antioxidant supplementation has been found to benefit the treatment of kidney disease caused by aflatoxins, a new study reports.
Probiotics found to promote hair growth and control dandruff – meta-analysis
Researchers have found evidence supporting the potential benefits of probiotics in improving hair health, specifically in terms of dandruff control and hair growth.
Soybean paste fermented with kōji mould and probiotic shows superior effect in alleviating menopause symptoms – Korea study
Soybean paste fermented with kōji mould and “good bacteria” like Bacillus subtilis may be a better option over commercially available soybean paste for improving menopausal symptoms, say Korean researchers.
Fibre from resistant starch may aid weight loss via gut microbiota modulation – RCT
Resistant starch intake has been shown to aid weight loss among obese individuals via modulation of the gut microbiota, a new trial has reported.
Supplements for good vision: Antioxidant formulations provide different benefits for the eyes – meta-analysis
Different combinations of antioxidants can have distinct benefits for eye health, signalling the possibility for a more tailored and informed approach in eye supplementation.
Maternal zinc deficiency: High rate of maternal hypozincaemia among Indian women
The widespread nature of zinc deficiency among India women has been underlined by a new study that found high rates of maternal hypozincaemia despite daily zinc supplementation.
High caffeine intake associated with risk of anxiety - meta-analysis findings
High caffeine intake has been associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in healthy individuals and could interfere with treatments for patients with medical or psychological conditions, according to a new meta-analysis.
Throat relief: Botanical lozenges ‘good alternatives' to antibiotics for treating pharyngitis - RCT
Botanical lozenges are effective in treating chronic pharyngitis, making it a good alternative to antibiotic treatment, which can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, hypertension and weight gain, according to a new trial.