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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Prenatal nutrient gaps show 90% of pregnant US women are deficient in choline

Pregnant women are experiencing deficiencies in crucial prenatal nutrients, including choline, folate, and the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In the US, 90% of women are deficient in choline, a crucial nutrient for a baby’s development and pregnancy health. “Many pregnant women in the US face significant nutrient gaps, with over 30–90% falling short on key nutrients including iron, folate, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) from diet alone,” Devyani Chaturvedi, senior nutrition scientist at SmartyPants Vitamins, tells Nutrition Insight.
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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.
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NPEW 2026 Aker BioMarine video thumbnail: Trade show booth for Aker Biomarine with attendees carrying branded tote bags, staff assisting visitors at a counter, and a circular inset headshot of a man i
Expo West 2026: Aker BioMarine spots marine-based ingredients for brain health & wellness 

At this year’s Natural Products Expo West, Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, highlighted the company’s focus on supporting the body and mind holistically, such as through its Lysoveta solution for brain health and plant-based omega-3s. Johansen also discussed a changing demographic of supplement consumers, a growing role of AI in personalized nutrition, and Aker BioMarine’s focus on sustainability. Moreover, he spotlighted marine ingredients’ application in functional foods to improve convenience for consumers.

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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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Brightseed unveils “world-first” clinically validated AI platform for plant...
Botanical ingredients
Specializing in the AI-driven discovery of new plant bioactives, Brightseed has launched an Innovation Platform to help convey more information about these novel ingredients and their health benefits for product applications. It is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of products containing these clinically validated compounds — accelerating their pathway to market. Brightseed has dubbed its core proprietary AI-powered discovery engine, Forager, the world’s largest proprietary bioactive data bank. It spans more than 11 million natural compounds across 23 health territories.
Beyond caffeine: Magic Mind on expanding functional cognitive performance...
Woman drinking Magic Mind beverage
US wellness shot brand Magic Mind is set on building out the mental performance subcategory in functional beverages, highlighting that the category is no longer reserved solely for energy drinks. Beyond caffeine, the company engages consumers with taglines like “creative clarity” and “calm energy” — signaling that formulas are showcasing more nuance, as consumers seek mental performance ingredients for all occasions.
Study reveals “high in” nutrition label is more effective than US FDA info box
soda labels with differnt nutrition labels
Researchers have designed a nutrition label that can better help consumers identify healthier options than the US FDA’s proposed Nutrition Info Box label. The new labels carry a simplified design with “high in” printed on product packaging with excess saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar levels, suggesting health risks.
Just Björn taps into fibermaxxing trend with Marine Chitosan for metabolic...
hand holding supplement capsule
Public benefit company Just Björn has announced the launch of its Marine Chitosan fiber supplement derived from the shells of wild-caught shrimp from Iceland’s Arctic and North Atlantic waters. The formulation supports weight management and metabolic balance while binding dietary fats in the digestive system.
Qura Creatine to launch at Vitafoods Europe 2026 for next-gen sports nutrition
Woman putting creatine in water
Qura Creatine will unveil a premium creatine monohydrate at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe trade show (May 5–7) in Barcelona, Spain. The company is promising a “long overdue” alternative in this market, with high purity, solubility, and transparency. The global creatine market is growing robustly and diversifying to target benefits beyond performance, such as brain health, cognition, and women’s health. Moreover, the brand notes that consumers are seeking modern product formats. 
Danone’s €1B Huel acquisition: What does it signal for functional food?
Huel Iced Coffee in supermarket.

Food Ingredients First

Danone’s move to acquire vegan British meal replacement brand Huel in a €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) deal signals that the French F&B multinational is cementing its place in the protein movement and betting on “complete nutrition” going mainstream. Food Ingredients First explores why Huel is an attractive prospect for Danone, and how the acquisition of an omnichannel business with a strong direct-to-consumer foundation, an expanding international footprint, and a fast scaling retail business, reinforces its mission to develop health-focused, everyday nutrition.
Highlighted features
Huel product range
Business News
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. 
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.

Nutrition focus

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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

Product 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.

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 Aker BioMarine video thumbnail: Trade show booth for Aker Biomarine with attendees carrying branded tote bags, staff assisting visitors at a counter, and a circular inset headshot of a man i
Video06:10
Expo West 2026: Aker BioMarine spots marine-based ingredients for brain health & wellness 

At this year’s Natural Products Expo West, Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, highlighted the company’s focus on supporting the body and mind holistically, such as through its Lysoveta solution for brain health and plant-based omega-3s. Johansen also discussed a changing demographic of...

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
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
Video04:25
Expo West 2026: Morinaga Nutritional Foods’ probiotics and postbiotics target the gut-brain axis
Maggie McNamara, Saanroo
Video08:10
Expo West 2026: Saanroo showcases delivery technology to improve ingredient bioavailability 
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