Insights, Research and Trends
Ayurvedic herbs and EFA supplements set for growth
The global Ayurvedic herbs market size is poised to register 10.1% growth between now and 2032, presenting significant growth prospects for companies operating in the industry.
Analysts VPA Research (marketresearch.com) made this prediction for Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha), Frankincense (Boswellia), Indian Gooseberry (Triphala), Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi), Turmeric, Cumin and Bitter Melon among others.
They took into account their use by form (raw, capsules/tablets, extracts), by indication (cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases, auto-immune diseases, skin diseases etc.) and by distribution channel (B2B and B2C) to make their prediction.
They point to increasing consumer interest in natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness, as well as rising demand for Ayurvedic herbs and traditional medicinal plants known for their therapeutic properties.
Market growth is driven by factors such as growing awareness of traditional medicine as well as rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the shift towards preventive healthcare.
The expanding applications of Ayurvedic herbs in dietary supplements, herbal medicines and personal care products, as well as the growing adoption of organic and sustainable farming practices, contribute to market expansion.
"Further, the emphasis on product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, along with the integration of Ayurvedic principles into mainstream healthcare, is expected to further accelerate market growth in the coming years," says VPA.
Essential Fatty Acids
VPA also sees a rosy future for the global Fatty Acid Supplements market which is poised to register 6.83% growth (CAGR) over the next six years.
Marine, algae and flaxseed oils as dietary supplements, functional food and beverages, infant formulas and pharmaceutical products were analysed.
For fatty acid supplements, key trends revolve around consumer awareness, product innovation and the growing recognition of the health benefits of omega-3s.
"With increasing concerns about cardiovascular health, cognitive function and overall wellbeing, there is a rising demand for high-quality, bioavailable fatty acid supplements derived from sources such as fish oil, algae oil and flaxseed oil," VPA concludes.
"Moreover, the integration of advanced formulation techniques, including microencapsulation and nano-emulsification, is enhancing bioavailability and efficacy [and] catering to diverse consumer preferences and nutritional needs."
Running on blackcurrants
Doing the little things right at the right time is what gives athletes the edge. Adding just 3% extra speed over a distance separates the winners from the losers.
A study purports to show that blackcurrant extract from New Zealand is one such little thing.
On average, runners participating in the double-blind randomised cross-over design study ran 3% faster with 900mg (three capsules) of CurraNZ berry extract, an exciting development for recreational athletes looking to blitz their next parkrun.
The University of Chester study researched trained male runners and triathletes, testing the effect of three capsules taken two hours before the 5km treadmill test.
Findings showed faster completion times in 88% of respondents and average improvements of 3% (38 seconds), compared to placebo.
Study shows ubiquinol helps in menopause
CoQ10’s role in cognitive health, heart health and anti-ageing is well documented.
The nutrient is also recommended for those on statins which are known to deplete CoQ10 levels.
And in 2008, a study in BioFactors reported that HRT also depletes CoQ10 serum concentrations, indicating a role in menopausal health.
New data by French research institute Expansion Consulteam in collaboration with two lifestyle influencers shows how the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 could alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Two hundred women aged between 45 and 55 with poor skin, sleep disturbance and anxiety were recruited to take 200mg a day of Kaneka Ubiquinol for two months.
Of these, 80% reported an improvement in mood and emotional stability and 70% reported better sleep quality, less muscular pain and improved wellbeing.
Source: NutraIngredients.com
AI to put kelp on the health menu?
Kelp seaweed is one of the next big sustainable ingredients to watch out for in Europe, according to the latest Mintel research.
Data from Mintel’s new Ingredientscape AI tool reveals that kelp's prevalence in new food and drink product launches across Europe steadily increased between 2005 and 2023.
The analyst is confident that there will be a growing number of food and drink launches in Europe that include kelp in the coming year.
Mintel launched Ingredientscape AI as a predictive tool to help food and drink manufacturers instantly understand the ingredients landscape to reveal emerging and winning ingredients within a category and country of interest.
Emma Schofield, Associate Director for Global Food Science at Mintel, says: "Interest in algae such as kelp seaweed is growing in Europe due to its health and sustainability benefits.
"Seaweed has already gained popularity in western cuisine as chefs and food manufacturers explore its unique flavours and nutritional value. Food and drink brands have the potential to explore greater options with kelp, for example in the snack category, creating seaweed-infused crispy seaweed chips or mixing seaweed into already popular items such as crackers or popcorn.
"Manufacturers can make seaweed more approachable for consumers and enhance its adoption by presenting it in familiar formats. Incorporating environmentally friendly seaweed into food and drink products can also enhance the nutrition profile of foods, such as by increasing its fibre content.”
While the majority of seaweed is currently farmed in Asia, Mintel thinks that producers should consider European-grown algae ingredients, tapping into consumer interest in the economic, environmental and social benefits of locally grown food.