Linked banner for FIC 2026 in Shanghai, Mar 17–19, featuring grandfather and child with “Better lifelong health starts here” by Novonesis
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HTBA highlights vitamin B12 benefits for cognitive performance and active nutrition

Vitamin B12 is moving beyond deficiency management to new potentials in active nutrition and cognitive performance, according to HTBA (HealthTech BioActives). The ingredient manufacturer says the vitamin plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell formation, making it a foundational nutrient for supporting lifelong energy and brain health.
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.
Mathieu & Haelim, Kerry
Kerry: Consumer mindset shifts and GLP-1s drive gut health support innovations

Kerry representatives Mathieu Millette, Ph.D., and Haelim Choi discuss key shifts in consumer mindset from short-term to proactive long-term gut health solutions. Choi, senior global marketing manager for Digestive Health, reveals which benefits consumers most valued based on Kerry research. Millette, the scientific director at Bio-K+, discusses how the GLP-1 boom is also driving demand for gastrointestinal support and how Kerry biotics have been used to mitigate side effects in human trials.

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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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High-fat diet allows bacteria to move from gut to brain in mice via “anatomical...
Diagram of gut and brain
A high-fat diet may cause gut dysbiosis that allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain, according to a new mouse model study. The study suggests potential implications for the human gut microbiome, which is known to indirectly interact with the brain through immune pathways, neuroendocrine signaling, or secretion of metabolites. However, the mechanisms by which gut bacteria directly interact with the brain remain poorly understood.
APAC food market shifts to performance: Tetra Pak reveals innovation...
young Asian woman in sportswear is shown consuming a nutritional jelly drink
Tetra Pak’s latest research indicates that convenient products, natural ingredients, and those that fulfill emotional, aspirational, and performance needs are reshaping the food, supplement, and nutrition (FSN) market in Asia-Pacific (APAC).
Council for Responsible Nutrition says nutrition is foundational for health care
Medical nutritionist giving advice
There is a growing scientific consensus that nutrition should be recognized as a foundational component of health care — alongside medications, procedures, and diagnostics — which is underscored in a new report by the Council for Responsible Nutrition-International (CRN-I).The authors of the report underline that combining healthy diets, evidence-based supplementation, and supportive public health policies is critical to improving healthspan and addressing the growing global burden of chronic disease.
David Protein responds to calorie labeling lawsuit over its protein bars
protein bars on wooden table
US-based David Protein is facing a lawsuit over the nutritional labels on its protein bars, as independent testing clinics found they do not align with the bars’ actual contents. The company has responded to the lawsuit, maintaining that its content contains the advertised amount of fat and calories while claiming that the testing methods are outdated. The bars’ labels say each serving contains 28 g of protein, 150 calories, and 2.5 g of fat. However, the US FDA-accredited Anresco Laboratories, which conducted the testing, found it contains 78–83% more calories and 400% more fat than stated on the labels.
Lallemand launches Re-Vaya ingredient to boost metabolic health beyond weight...
woman doing sports in the gym
Lallemand Bio-Ingredients has launched Re-Vaya, an ingredient addressing the growing demand for metabolic health, supporting balance through a health-optimization approach. The science-backed ingredient is launched at a time when demand for a typical weight loss narrative is shifting, reshaping the metabolic health landscape beyond single-target weight management. Nutrition Insight sits down with Lallemand Bio-Ingredients’ Annie Tremblay, scientific affairs manager, and Marcia da Silva Pinto, category manager, to discuss the ingredient’s potential for metabolic health amid the GLP-1 era.
Iran’s Hormuz blockade leaves fertilizer stranded as food price inflation nears
Shipping.

Food Ingredients First

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — now entering its third week following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the Islamic Republic’s retaliation across the Gulf — is inflicting significant damage on the global fertilizer supply chains that underpin food ingredient production. Prices for urea, a nitrogen-rich compound that is the world’s most widely used solid fertilizer and a critical input for staple crops, including corn, wheat, and rice, have surged more than 30% since the war began.  
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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.

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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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Mathieu & Haelim, Kerry
Video07:24
Kerry: Consumer mindset shifts and GLP-1s drive gut health support innovations

Kerry representatives Mathieu Millette, Ph.D., and Haelim Choi discuss key shifts in consumer mindset from short-term to proactive long-term gut health solutions. Choi, senior global marketing manager for Digestive Health, reveals which benefits consumers most valued based on Kerry research....

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
Amir Vanderfox, BioCell Technology
Video05:00
Expo West 2026 live: BioCell Technology’s clinically-backed collagen targets skin and joint health
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