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Industry urges nutrition focus to curb ultra-processed foods’ mortality risk, scientists push tobacco tactics

Scientists are calling out health-harming corporate tactics amid the global rise in chronic disease. They mainly target the manufacturing and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) linked to cancer, diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, and infertility. The literature review in the New England Journal of Medicine specifies five commercial products linked to 31% of annual deaths. UPFs contribute to 2.3 million deaths annually, trailing fossil fuels, tobacco, toxic chemicals, and alcohol. The review’s lead author calls for countering health harms by taking lessons from research on the tobacco industry.
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The future of pet nutrition: Focus on gut health, science and sustainability
As pet owners increasingly prioritize long-term wellness for their furry friends, the pet nutrition market is expanding into targeted solutions in gut health, cognition, and mobility. Evidence-backed ingredients and sustainability are also shaping the sector, while research and market gaps in species-specific innovations remain. Nutrition Insight meets with experts from AstaReal AB, dsm-firmenich, ADM, and Beneo to uncover the future of pet nutrition. 
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Food-microbe pairings may unlock personalized nutrition, experts reveal
Research has found that certain foods and diets shape the gut microbiome and might inspire future personalized nutrition interventions. The study examined 10,068 individuals from the Human Phenotype Project, dubbed “the world’s deepest phenotype multi-omic study.” The researchers note that the ways specific foods and dietary patterns shape microbial composition, diversity, and function are not fully understood. In the study, they were able to unveil some of these mysteries by looking at distinct food-microbe links, such as coffee with Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, yogurt with Streptococcus thermophilus, and milk with Bifidobacterium species.
Brain Health-Innovative Microbial Solutions for Cognitive and Emotional Wellness
Brain Health-Innovative Microbial Solutions for Cognitive and Emotional Wellness
Brain health has become a global priority as cognitive decline, stress, and emotional imbalance rise across all ages. This white paper explores the science of the gut–brain axis and highlights innovative probiotic and postbiotic solutions that support cognitive performance and emotional well‑being through evidence‑based microbiome research.

This Technical Paper is brought to you Morinaga Milk.
Promotional webinar graphic for April 7 featuring scalp health and skin radiance, with Elissara and Nutroxsun 365 branding.
Where Structure Drives Beauty: From Scalp Health to Skin Radiance
Join us for this engaging webinar as we explore an exciting new chapter in beauty-from-within, one that celebrates the biological foundations of visible results.  

Scalp and skin are dynamic, living tissues. When supported from within, they can express strength, balance and radiance in powerful ways. In this session, we will introduce Elissara™, designed to support scalp vitality and the environment that nurtures healthy-looking hair, alongside Nutroxsun365™, clinically studied to help maintain collagen and elastin structure for smoother, firmer and more radiant-looking skin.

Discover how targeted botanical innovation can help reinforce structural integrity, promote resilience and elevate visible beauty outcomes over time. We will share insights into the science behind scalp support and structural glow, highlighting how clinically backed ingredients can open new possibilities in product development and positioning.

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Balchem R&D expert explores AI’s role in accelerating nutraceutical innovation
Palak Uppal, R&D project manager at Balchem, discusses the evolving role of AI in nutraceutical innovation. She explains how AI can accelerate early-stage ideation, literature research, and navigating patent landscapes to ensure new products’ novelty and protectability. Uppal also says AI-driven insights can align innovations with market trends and real-world needs, helping companies understand consumer preferences. Highlighting the importance of project managers in translating scientific discovery into commercial products, she emphasizes that AI supports, but does not replace, human decision-making in R&D.

Uppal highlights her own ideas, views, and opinions that do not represent those of her employer.

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Scientists discover key muscle-forming protein responding to exercise and...
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Researchers have discovered a new function of a protein that responds to exercise and intermittent fasting. This phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein (Picalm) is found in skeletal muscle and is essential for forming new muscle fibers.
TopGum to unveil new women’s health gummies at Vitafoods Europe 2026
Woman with red gummy
TopGum Industries has launched a new line of women’s health gummy infusions with seven formulations that cater to consumers’ needs throughout “every phase of life,” from teens to women in menopause. The company is presenting the supplements at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show (May 5–7). The core product in the new range is a cherry-flavored SRI-81 shatavari (Asparagus racemocas) gummy with vitamin D. Each gummy contains 150 mg of SRI-81 root extract and 5 mcg vitamin D. 
Choline can improve postmenopause brain function, Balchem study finds
Menopausal woman
Choline can influence brain network efficiency in post-menopausal women, according to  functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research. The research used Balchem’s VitaCholine supplement, and it is the first to demonstrate these results, according to the company.The supplier stresses that women are historically underrepresented in nutrition science. It adds that the new findings represent a significant advancement for nutraceutical manufacturers, creating more personalized solutions that support women’s health across every stage of life.
3H Labs’ steamed ginger extract brings weight loss and metabolic health benefits
Ginger root and ginger powder in the bowl
A new controlled clinical study has found that steamed ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract could help support weight loss. It used 3H Labs’ formulation, Zinoact, which other studies have shown also benefits joints, metabolic wellness, and gastric health.
GLP-1 users reveal underreported side effects on social media
person posting on Reddit
A study has revealed GLP-1 medication side effects from real-world data that are not fully captured in clinical trials or on regulatory documents. The research team investigated over 400,000 posts on the social media platform Reddit from more than 67,000 users and found symptoms relating to the reproductive system, such as menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints. “Some of the side effects we found, like nausea, are well known, and that shows that the method is picking up a real signal,” says the study’s senior author, Sharath Chandra Guntuku, research associate professor in Computer and Information Science (CIS) at Penn Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, US.
Djazagro 2026: What’s driving innovation in North Africa’s F&B industry?
african woman reading food label in supermarket

Food Ingredients First

North Africa’s F&B industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising consumer demand for affordable products that blend taste with a healthier, more natural profile. This shift is propelling innovation in sugar reduction, natural colors and flavors, shelf life extension, and local adaptation.
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Nutrition & Health News
Pharma meets nutrition: How GLP-1s revolutionize healthier...
GLP-1 therapies for weight loss and diabetes management are becoming more accessible and affordable in the US and around the world, driving consumer demand for healthier, nutrient-dense foods. Nutrition experts at Fonterra, Ingredion, Carbery, and the University of California (UC) Davis, US, tell Nutrition Insight how these pharmaceuticals are reshaping food trends to create innovations that cater to new consumer groups beyond GLP-1 users. 
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Business News
Food as Health: Nutrition investment opportunities for...
Amid growing US health care costs and diet-driven non-communicable diseases, S2G Investments calls for a convergence of food and health care systems: Food as Health. The US-based investor argues this would enable entrepreneurs to build investable businesses that leverage nutrition to drive measurable health outcomes. However, adoption remains limited when considering the magnitude of the problem. Nutrition Insight meets with Dan Ripma, principal at S2G Investments, to discuss Food as Health investment opportunities. 
March in Review Nutrition Insight
Nutrition & Health News
March in review: Gut microbiome advances, weight loss...
March saw developments in AI-driven microbiome testing, postbiotic developments, and nutraceutical solutions for GLP-1 nutrient gaps. Meanwhile, industry challenges in supply chain disruptions, growing labeling scrutiny, and a demand for transparency accelerated innovations in nutrient-dense formulations, from supplements to functional foods and ready meals. In our March review, Nutrition Insight dives into some of the month’s biggest stories, including our live coverage at the Natural Products Expo West 2026 trade show and how nutrition and supplements can solve nutritional gaps linked to GLP-1 use and rapid weight loss. 

Nutrition focus

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Performance protein trendsApr2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers are increasingly taking protein to improve their physical health. Protein bars and snacks, as well as powders and shakes, are the most popular form...

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Eye wellness support Apr 2026

According to Innova Market Insights, 16% of consumers globally have actively tried to improve their eye health over the past 12 months. Among these, one in three say that they choose supplements as part of their approach, highlighting a growing reliance on functional nutrition solutions to support vision and long-term eye health.

Trend analysis

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Future of pet nutritionApr 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 26% compound annual growth rate in global pet food launches between 2021 and 2025. According to their Top Global Trends 2026 in Pet Food, wellness is a key focus, and product attributes are driven by pet owners’ interest in clean label, health ingredients, and more.

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Balchem R&D expert explores AI’s role in accelerating nutraceutical innovation

Palak Uppal, R&D project manager at Balchem, discusses the evolving role of AI in nutraceutical innovation. She explains how AI can accelerate early-stage ideation, literature research, and navigating patent landscapes to ensure new products’ novelty and protectability. Uppal also says...

Promotional webinar graphic for April 7 featuring scalp health and skin radiance, with Elissara and Nutroxsun 365 branding.
Webinars42:11
Where Structure Drives Beauty: From Scalp Health to Skin Radiance
Cassondra Saande, Novonesis, Biofresh, Oral Microbiome, Breath Freshener, Enzymatic Technology, Green Coffee Extract, Oral Health, Bad Breath Solution, Halitosis, Scientific Advisor Americas, Suppleme
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Novonesis targets oral microbiome health with Biofresh, neutralizing odor in five minutes
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Expo West 2026: Biostrips presents oral dissolving strips to counter pill fatigue in supplements
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