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Webinar preview: dsm-firmenich on ARA and DHA balance in infant formula

While breastfeeding is the gold standard for babies’ development, companies continue to bring infant formula closer to the composition of human milk’s nutrients and bioactives. Among breast milk’s many components, dsm-firmenich highlights the importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for infant health and development, focusing on the right balance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). The scientific literature shows the importance of adding both lipids to infant formula, as babies cannot produce sufficient levels of ARA and DHA to meet physiological needs. Infants fed formula without preformed DHA and ARA exhibit lower tissue and circulating levels of these compounds than breastfed babies. 
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R&D on health span targets aging pathways and solutions for lifelong vitality
The consumer need for ageless vitality, or health span, is driving several transformations in the industry, from shifting the language and mindset about aging to evolving R&D priorities and approaches in this sector. Nutrition Insight speaks with Gnosis by Lesaffre, Valio, Lactalis Ingredients, Sirio, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health, and Akay Bioactives to uncover more. “For decades, the discussion centered on the promise of turning back the clock. Now, a more nuanced and responsible paradigm is emerging — lifelong vitality. Rather than focusing on how long we live, the emphasis is shifting toward how well we live at every stage of life,” explains Silvia Pisoni, global operational marketing director at Gnosis by Lesaffre.
Mushroom supplement capsules
Hifas da Terra strengthens mushroom supplements through clinical research
With mushroom supplements growingly available and recognized by consumers for broad immunity and brain health claims, Hifas da Terra emphasizes the growing focus on clinically backed claims and traceable ingredients for health and wellness. The European biotech company recently launched its medicinal mushroom supplements on the US market. The company’s solutions are based on over 25 years of research and clinical development and include products with mushrooms’ fruiting bodies and full mushrooms, including their mycelium or root network.
The Many Problems of One Heart
The Many Problems of One Heart
  • Uncover oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction driving heart risks, worsened by modern lifestyles.
  • Explore targeted nutraceuticals for comprehensive cardiac protection.
"The Many Problems of One Heart" whitepaper details these factors with scientific evidence and formulator strategies.

Download now to elevate your cardiovascular approach.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd
Balchem Human Nutrition & Health video thumbnail: Portrait of a middle-aged man in a circular frame over a background of colorful assorted pills and supplements
Balchem: Emerging and underestimated forces shaping nutrition industry over the next decade

Dominik Mattern, VP of Science, Business Development, and Marketing at Balchem, discusses major trends shaping the nutrition industry. Overseeing the Human Nutrition & Health division, he highlights metabolic health amid the rise of weight management and active nutrition and demands for nutrient-dense and clean label formulations. Consumers are also seeking mental health solutions, while social media influencers drive trends in the supplement industry. Mattern reflects on “underestimated forces” shaping the industry and Balchem’s future directions.

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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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GLP-1 drugs set to impact 2030 European food demand, ING predicts
Overweight woman shopping for vegetables
Although an estimated 12% of US adults use GLP-1s, ING estimates that only 2% of European and UK adults use these medications. The Dutch bank expects this number to grow, resulting in a gradual demand shift in the region’s food market, giving manufacturers time to respond with reformulations and investments in markets with lower GLP-1 use. ING proposes four scenarios of GLP-1 impact on the food and beverage industry in 2030. These consider the duration of the drugs’ effect on weight and calorie intake — if there is a long-term effect, the analysis team expects governments to be more inclined to expand coverage. 
Beyond GLP-1: Metabolites in snake blood show weight loss potential
a ball pythons and Burmese python
Research has discovered an appetite-suppressing compound in python blood, allowing them to consume large meals while remaining metabolically healthy for long periods without needing to consume more. They believe that para-tyramine-O-sulfate (pTOS) could inspire chemically synthesized analogs to inspire weight loss and sarcopenia therapies.
High meat consumption linked to decreased dementia risk, study reveals
couple buying meat in grocery store
A study has linked high unprocessed meat consumption to a decreased risk of dementia among people with apolipoprotein E (APOE) 3/4 and 4/4 genotypes — a genetic increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. When consuming high amounts of meat, the population did not experience cognitive decline or dementia risk. Conversely, those with a low consumption had more than twice the risk of developing dementia.
PLT Health Solutions launches joint mobility complex for cartilage health
Elderly man exercising
PLT Health Solutions has released a new clinically backed ingredient, Kinexa Joint Longevity Complex, designed for lasting, foundational joint strength support. The ingredient is backed by a clinical study demonstrating how it improves the health of multiple joint structures. Kinexa is a patented combination of standardized extracts of haritaki (Terminalia chebula), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata).
Sweet Victory’s Ayurvedic chewing gum may reduce sweet cravings in diabetics
Woman chewing gum
Clinical research has found that Sweet Victory’s functional chewing gum — formulated with the powdered leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre plant — may help patients with type 1 diabetes reduce consumption of sweet snacks by more than half. The formulation is designed to temporarily modulate sweet taste perception. As an ancient Indian botanical ingredient prized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, G. sylvestre leaf powder has been studied for its positive effect on metabolic balance and the body’s ability to naturally counteract the appetite for sweets.
Global Ingredient Trends 2026: Navigating consumer demand for health-driven...
Supermarket.

Food Ingredients First

Consumers are increasingly treating ingredients as tools for managing their own health, with 60% globally saying they always check ingredient lists before buying F&B products, according to new data from Innova Market Insights. The findings, presented ahead of the company’s Global Ingredient Trends 2026 webinar on March 26, identify three overarching consumer strategies — adding functional nutrients, demanding naturalness, and cutting perceived risk ingredients — that are reshaping formulation priorities across the F&B industry. 
Highlighted features
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Danone expands functional nutrition portfolio with Huel...
Danone has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Huel, an international company offering complete, nutritionally balanced meal solutions. The French F&B company says the acquisition is in line with its Renew Danone strategy and will enhance its presence in functional nutrition. Acquiring Huel will enable Danone to extend its portfolio into the Complete Nutrition space, with Huel’s range of food forms, such as ready-to-drink beverages and powders. 
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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.

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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.

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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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Balchem Human Nutrition & Health video thumbnail: Portrait of a middle-aged man in a circular frame over a background of colorful assorted pills and supplements
Video17:50
Balchem: Emerging and underestimated forces shaping nutrition industry over the next decade

Dominik Mattern, VP of Science, Business Development, and Marketing at Balchem, discusses major trends shaping the nutrition industry. Overseeing the Human Nutrition & Health division, he highlights metabolic health amid the rise of weight management and active nutrition and demands for...

Kyoko Saito, Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Expo West 2026, Natural Products Expo West, Probiotics, Postbiotics, Gut Brain Axis, Microbiome, Functional Ingredients, LAC Living, Digestive Health, Mental W
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Expo West 2026: Morinaga Nutritional Foods’ probiotics and postbiotics target the gut-brain axis
Maggie McNamara, Saanroo
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Expo West 2026: Saanroo showcases delivery technology to improve ingredient bioavailability 
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
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Gelita spotlights collagen peptides for mobility and healthy aging at Expo West 2026
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