Linked banner for FIC 2026 in Shanghai, Mar 17–19, featuring grandfather and child with “Better lifelong health starts here” by Novonesis
woman tracking menstrual cycle

The Cycle Syncing Method’s creator explains how nutrition optimizes women’s hormonal health

Treating PMS symptoms with nutrition rather than pharmaceutical interventions is gaining traction, addressing the root cause with a safe and healthy approach instead of conventional synthetic treatments, such as oral contraceptives that disrupt the menstrual cycle rather than support it. Nutrition Insight sits down with Alisa Vitti, the creator of the Cycle Syncing Method, to discuss how menstrual health can be optimized through nutrition. She delves into what nutrients and diet plans are suitable for each phase, the role of omegas in menstrual cramps, and the health benefits of prioritizing overall nutrition over pharmaceuticals to balance women’s infradian rhythms.
Researcher with botanicals
Next-gen botanical wellness: From traditional remedies to science-backed solutions
Botanical ingredients are evolving beyond their roots in traditional remedies to standardized, science-supported solutions that meet the natural wellness demand for targeted health benefits in women’s, metabolic, mental, and gut health. Nutrition Insight meets with leading suppliers Akay Bioactives, Greenvit, Ingredients by Nature, Phynova, Layn Natural Ingredients, and MartinBauer Nutraceuticals to discuss trending health areas and ingredients, research advances, and challenges in the growing botanical wellness space. 
Factory worker cutting up protein bars
ADM predicts postbiotics will drive next wave of gut microbiome innovation
A healthy gut microbiome is a key focus for health-conscious consumers, as research links it to immunity, mental wellness, and cognition. However, as probiotics, a staple for gut health support, need to survive processing and a product’s shelf life, their product applications are limited. Conversely, postbiotics can overcome these limitations. To shine a light on postbiotic innovations, Nutrition Insight speaks with Brad Schwan, VP of Global Category Marketing at ADM. 
SantEnergyNu Mibelle
Energize to maximize
The demand for clean, natural ingredients for sports supplements is on the rise. Discover SantEnergy™ Nu, a science-backed, natural and caffeine-free proven energizer derived from Herba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum). Download our technical paper to learn more.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Mibelle Group Biochemistry.
NPEW 2026 Gelita video thumbnail: Trade show booth for GELITA collagen featuring a fitness poster promoting active beauty, active aging, and nutrition, with a smiling woman displayed in a circular ins
Gelita spotlights collagen peptides for mobility and healthy aging at Expo West 2026

At the recent Natural Products Expo West 2026, Angie Rimel, marketing communication manager for North America at Gelita, told us how consumer demand for science-backed, multi-benefit wellness solutions is shaping innovation in collagen. She said collagen peptides have moved beyond beauty benefits to broader applications for mobility, connective tissue health, muscle recovery, and healthy aging. Rimel also highlighted emerging growth areas in sports nutrition and injury prevention. 

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Expo West 2026 review: Functional nutrition for GLP-1 support, gut health & women’s wellness
At the Natural Products Expo West 2026 trade show (Mar 3–6), the nutrition, food, and beverage industries showcased innovations in functional, tasty wellness products in consumer-friendly formats. In Anaheim, California, US, solutions supporting women’s health, gut microbiome, GLP-1 use, and weight management took center stage. Exhibitors spotlighted nutrient-dense products focusing on protein, postbiotics, probiotics, fiber, natural colors, and clean label solutions. We look back at some of the key innovations and companies at Expo West this year.

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Gut-heart axis: Scientists link bacterial metabolites to coronary disease risk
Gut bacteria
A new large-scale study involving participants from the US and China reveals eight specific metabolites — byproducts produced by gut bacteria — that are statistically associated with the risk of coronary heart disease. While the identified metabolites appear to be universal markers for heart disease across different ages and ethnicities, researchers noted that the baseline levels of these substances — and the intensity of their impact — can vary between US and Asian populations.
Symrise launches division connecting beauty, gut microbiome & holistic wellness
zoomed image of small bubbles over plant
Symrise has introduced a new Care & Wellness Division to meet the global demand for products under the umbrella of well-being and beauty. Launched under the Scent & Care segment, the division brings together expertise across cosmetic and health ingredients and actives, including biotics. 
Vitamin D shows potential to prevent long COVID symptoms postinfection
woman sitting on the couch being sick in long covid
A study has found that taking vitamin D supplements reduces the risk of developing long COVID symptoms weeks after infection. Although the supplement did not decrease the severity of COVID-19 infections or reduced the number of hospital visits, it may have a connection to long COVID outcomes. Vitamin D is often linked to immune health, and its role in COVID-19 has shown mixed results in previous studies. This study investigated whether a high dose of vitamin D3 supplementation (a more potent form than vitamin D2) could influence the outcomes for people previously diagnosed with COVID-19.
Tate & Lyle’s soluble corn fiber improved focus in healthy adults, study finds
Illustration of human brain
New research, partly funded by ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle, reveals that daily soluble corn fiber significantly improves cognition and focus in healthy middle-aged and older adults, while also boosting gut bacteria that may support brain function. Tate & Lyle’s Promitor Soluble Fiber was used in the randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial.
AstaReal AB launches high-bioavailability magnesium supplement for energy...
Person taking magnesium supplement from bottle
Amid growing innovations in magnesium bioavailability, AstaReal AB has launched a new supplement, Magnesium Total by Astaxin. The product contains a mix of magnesium forms in a vegetable capsule and complements AstaReal AB’s Astaxin products with astaxanthin. The company notes that magnesium plays a vital role in energy metabolism and normal physiological function. As an essential mineral, it must be obtained through diet. 
Unilever weighs major separation of food assets in bold FMCG strategy shift
Unilever.

Food Ingredients First

Unilever is reportedly in the early stages of considering a full separation of its food assets, a move that could be worth tens of billions of dollars and mark a dramatic acceleration of the consumer goods giant’s retreat from food and beverages.The company is already speaking with advisers about potential options, including spinning off most or all of its food business, according to Bloomberg, which cites people familiar with the matter. Unilever could also opt to retain some marquee brands while offloading the rest — though a deal is unlikely before 2027, and the company may ultimately decide to keep things as they are. 
Highlighted features
Indian man standing at grocery shop looking into freezer
Nutrition & Health News
LabelBlind: India’s packaged foods hit by nutrition label...
LabelBlind Solutions has found several instances of claims noncompliant with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations across staple and new food categories in India. The nation’s first AI-led digital food labeling service flags the trend, which increases the risk of consumer confusion about what is truly nutritious and healthy, especially regarding products made for children. Nutrition Insight speaks with LabelBlind’s founder, who urges stricter governance, especially amid India’s long battle against undernutrition, while obesity, non-communicable diseases, and metabolic disorders are rising.
Bragg Metabolism Support Supplement
Key interview
Can supplements mimic GLP-1? Bragg’s metabolic support...
As rapid weight-loss GLP-1 medications gain more mainstream attention, consumers are increasingly asking whether supplements can “do the same thing,” highlights Bragg. The wellness brand has recently launched a Metabolism Support Supplement that blends its apple cider vinegar with a hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower extract and a lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) leaf extract. Nutrition Insight speaks to Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, professor emeritus at Tufts University, US, and the scientist behind Bragg’s Metabolism Support Supplement, who details the nuances between pharmacological and nutritional solutions for weight loss.
Expo West 2026 trade show floor
Nutrition & Health News
Expo West 2026: Gut health and weight management...
Weight management, gut and women’s health, alongside nutrient-dense formulations dominated innovation at Natural Products Expo West 2026 (Mar 3–6) in Anaheim, California, US. Companies showcased new protein-forward concepts, combinations of probiotics and postbiotics, and clinically-backed ingredients. At the trade show, Nutrition Insight caught up with Saanroo, Kerry, Aker BioMarine, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, and ADM to discuss multifunctional ingredients, delivery technology to improve bioavailability, and new supplement formats. 

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Ageless vitality solutionsMar2026

Innova Market Insights data shows the rising influence of healthy aging solutions as consumers globally boost their protein intake to support longevity and well-being. This trend has driven innovation...

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Lactalis Ingredients

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Botanical wellness boosts Mar 2026

Innova Market Insights’ data indicates that botanical/herbal supplements accounted for 20% of global supplement launches in 2025. More than a third of these launches featured a brain-mood health claim, while a whey-free claim witnessed a 100% CAGR (2021–2025). Ashwagandha ranked highest among herbal ingredients, and lion’s mane mushroom extract showed the fastest growth.

Trend analysis

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Omega-3 supplement market trendsMar 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers are actively including omega-3 in their diets. It remains a steady performer in supplement innovation, but new product development is accelerating as sustainable, eco-friendly, and vegan omega-3 options begin making waves in the market. Most often, omega-3 supplements come in soft gel format, but there has been an increase in omega-3 capsule supplement launches.

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NPEW 2026 Gelita video thumbnail: Trade show booth for GELITA collagen featuring a fitness poster promoting active beauty, active aging, and nutrition, with a smiling woman displayed in a circular ins
Video05:00
Gelita spotlights collagen peptides for mobility and healthy aging at Expo West 2026

At the recent Natural Products Expo West 2026, Angie Rimel, marketing communication manager for North America at Gelita, told us how consumer demand for science-backed, multi-benefit wellness solutions is shaping innovation in collagen. She said collagen peptides have moved beyond beauty...

Mathieu & Haelim, Kerry
Video07:24
Kerry: Consumer mindset shifts and GLP-1s drive gut health support innovations
Dr. Justin Green, Cargill
Video14:53
Expo West 2026: Cargill showcases Epicor postbiotic for new immune health applications
Expo West 2026: ADM on innovating around next wave of GLP-1 and postbiotics
Video04:43
Expo West 2026: ADM on innovating around next wave of GLP-1 and postbiotics
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