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Researchers examining postbiotics

Harnessing postbiotics: Nutraceutical innovations for the gut microbiome

At the recent Natural Products Expo West 2026 trade show, gut microbiome support took center stage, with benefits in digestion, mood, immunity, skin health, and beyond. At the show, Nutrition Insight explored postbiotic developments and probiotic innovations with experts from Cargill, Kerry, and Morinaga Nutritional Foods. Dr. Justin Green, senior scientist at Cargill, told us that although postbiotics are lesser known among consumers, they are “catching on,” which he highlighted as a key reason why formulators look for postbiotics, in addition to their application potential. 
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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.
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Canine cognition: Spirited Paw on designing pet brain health supplements for aging dogs
Spirited Paw, a pet nutrition brand by Standard Process, has released its latest innovation, Healthy Mind — a new brain health supplement for aging dogs showing signs of cognitive and behavioral changes. The product offers support for memory health, featuring organic, nutrient-dense beets, brussels sprouts, buckwheat, and Swiss chard.
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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.
Maggie McNamara, Saanroo
Expo West 2026: Saanroo showcases delivery technology to improve ingredient bioavailability 

At Natural Products Expo West 2026, Saanroo highlighted Trpti and BioBerb solutions, designed for metabolic health and weight management. John Quilter, CEO of the company, said that Trpti, a fatty acid that supports appetite suppression and microbiome health, has received positive feedback. Maggie McNamara, VP of Global Marketing, highlighted LipiSperse, the delivery technology developed by Pharmako Biotechnology that is used in both ingredients to improve bioavailability and enable incorporation into new formats. The experts said they expect new innovations in different formats, more similar to food and beverages.

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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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FrieslandCampina Ingredients scales Dutch whey protein isolate and milk fat...
Whey protein isolate
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has completed a strategic investment in its Netherlands-based Borculo facility, doubling the production of its whey protein isolate and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredients. The upgrade supports a diverse range of global applications across the early life, performance, active, and medical nutrition markets. First announced in 2023 and now in commercial operation, the expanded site is equipped with advanced technologies to ensure the quality, functionality, and performance of both whey protein isolate and MFGM.
Coffee and tea may boost cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia,...
people drinking coffee in cafe
A study has found that moderate coffee intake — two to three cups daily — may reduce dementia risk, slow down cognitive decline, and preserve cognitive abilities. Treatments for dementia are limited, and therefore taking preventative steps is crucial, say the researchers. The study had a follow-up of up to 43 years and demonstrates that daily coffee consumption could have long-term protective benefits for the brain.
Franco-Dutch parties collaborate with Danone to advance sustainable nutrition &...
Scientists at botanical laboratory during work
France and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to support and improve collaboration in sustainable food, nutrition, and health. During the French Ambassador François Alabrune’s visit to the Netherlands this week, the Global Research & Innovation Center of Danone in Utrecht, the French Embassy, Utrecht University (the Netherlands), and Danone Research & Innovation reached an agreement. 
US med schools adopt mandatory nutrition training, experts urge science focus
medical students talking while relaxing on staircase at university.
Medical schools in the US are increasing the number of hours students study nutrition. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formed an agreement with 53 schools to jump from two hours to 40 hours of nutrition education within the duration of students’ entire education.
Food & Health Angels Network launches to accelerate metabolic health...
business men making investments
Food & Health (FH) Angels Network has launched to bridge the gap between nutrition science, demand, and innovation amid a time of record-high obesity rates and GLP-1 usage. Metabolic diseases have become “one of the defining health challenges of our time,” says the company. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to food as a solution, creating a need for nutrition science, biotechnology, and AI-enabled discovery to discover new ingredients and ways to design food and platforms for metabolic health.
China’s dairy trends: Lactalis Ingredients highlights clean label, high-protein...
Woman buying dairy products in the grocery store.

Food Ingredients First

At Food Ingredients China in Shanghai (Mar 17–19), Lactalis Ingredients is highlighting a range of dairy solutions that tap into the nation’s growing market, where demand for high-protein and functional foods continues to rise. From milk powders to proteins, including whey and dairy fats, Lactalis solutions are developed to meet the technical, nutritional, and functional requirements of its customers. Lactalis is using the trade show as a key touchpoint in China, a major growth market for dairy, sports nutrition, and infant and functional nutrition.
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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.
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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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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Maggie McNamara, Saanroo
Video08:10
Expo West 2026: Saanroo showcases delivery technology to improve ingredient bioavailability 

At Natural Products Expo West 2026, Saanroo highlighted Trpti and BioBerb solutions, designed for metabolic health and weight management. John Quilter, CEO of the company, said that Trpti, a fatty acid that supports appetite suppression and microbiome health, has received positive feedback....

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
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
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