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Promotional banner for Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona, May 5–7, 2026, featuring booth 3K104 details and two people smiling beside Novonesis logo.
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dsm-firmenich unveils science-backed longevity innovations at Vitafoods Europe 2026

As demand for healthy aging solutions continues to grow, dsm-firmenich will showcase new longevity solutions and science at next week’s Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show in Barcelona, Spain. The company says it will present “landmark science” supporting healthy longevity, health expectancy solutions in premix and market-ready formats. Nutrition Insight meets with Anneleen Spooren, SVP Innovation, R&D & Regulatory, Health, Nutrition & Care, at dsm-firmenich, to explore the company’s longevity focus at Vitafoods Europe 2026. 
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Next-gen hydration: Functional beverages tap into holistic health
Hydration has evolved from simply drinking to quench thirst to a holistic health approach. Functional beverages formulated to optimize cognitive health, sports performance, and beauty are emerging as convenient on-the-go health solutions. Nutrition Insight speaks with experts from dsm-firmenich and Sirio to dive deeper into what consumers expect from functional beverages, must-knows for formulators, and the most sought-after vitamins and minerals filling different health purposes.
outdoor farmers market
How Indigenous agroecology can unlock diverse diets and food security in a monocrop world
The new book “Green Thinking” calls for a renewed food system by pointing out the need to unlearn or “compost” damaging and outdated ideas by replacing them with Indigenous methods that prioritize food diversity. It critiques that global food security is threatened by a lack of diversity in food sources, as it relies mainly on three crops — wheat, rice, and maize. 
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MenaQ7® — The Natural, Clinically Proven Vitamin K2, Backed by Nearly Two Decades of Clinical Evidence
Access the comprehensive scientific whitepaper on MenaQ7®, the world's most clinically proven natural Vitamin K2. From established benefits in bone and cardiovascular health to emerging research areas — all the evidence designed for R&D, product development teams, scientific affairs, purchasing departments, and brand owners who require evidence-graded data to support formulation decisions.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Gnosis by Lesaffre.
Gnosis by Lesaffre Webinar
Innovating Skin Supplements: New Folate Evidence for Beauty from Within
Whether you're developing new concepts or improving existing skin health portfolios, this webinar will offer the scientific rationale and strategic insights necessary to innovate confidently. While topical solutions are most common, new research highlights a powerful complementary approach: skin health from within.   This webinar explores how active folate is emerging as a revolutionary ingredient in next-generation skin supplements designed to combat photoaging at the cellular level.

Attendees will learn about the latest study results revealing the biological roles of folate in DNA synthesis and repair, methylation processes, and antioxidant defenses, all of which are directly linked to skin resilience and longevity. We will also highlight market trends and opportunities for differentiation in the rapidly growing nutricosmetics industry.
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Vitafoods Europe 2026 preview: Nutraceuticals, functional food & targeted wellness
At the Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show (May 5–7), the nutraceutical industry will showcase its ingredients, functional foods, and new product applications for increasingly health-conscious consumers. In Barcelona, Spain, suppliers will gather to present the latest innovations in gut health, longevity, women’s health, beauty-from-within, sports nutrition, pet care, and metabolic health. Exhibitors are set to highlight proteins, postbiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, botanicals, enzymes, and flavors. We preview some of the standout companies and innovations.

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Pharmactive Biotech highlights saffron extract’s clinical efficacy in boosting...
Saffron flowers
Pharmactive Biotech Products’ latest nutraceutical solution, AffroEye, is pegged as a next-generation eye health ingredient made from saffron. Standardized to contain a potent 3.1–5% crocuvisalides, this “totum” complex of active molecules combines crocins for high antioxidant power and kaempferol glycosides to support a healthy inflammatory response. Nutrition Insight speaks to Ava Ghobadpour, business development manager at Pharmactive Biotech Products, about the ingredient’s provenance and clinical efficacy.
FuturHealth expands digital health platform to boost convenience for oral GLP-1...
person taking oral GLP-1 supplement
Clinical guidance health platform FuturHealth has expanded its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist options with orforglipron — branded Foundayo by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. The move comes as consumers seek more non-injectable treatment options. Foundayo has demonstrated glycemic control and weight loss in diverse patient populations in prior clinical trials, driving interest. Obese participants lost on average 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks when taking the highest dose, and experienced improved blood sugar control.
Chinese scientists delve into gut microbiome health impacts on psychiatric...
Miniature models of a gut and brain
Chinese researchers are investigating how interactions between the brain and gut microbiome contribute to psychiatric disorders. Comprising scientists from the Guangzhou Medical University and the South China University of Technology, the team has initiated the Brain-Gut Health Initiative (BIGHI), an ongoing long-term clinical study to fill this knowledge gap. Research in the initiative has revealed brain-gut physiological alterations in psychiatric disorders; systematic relationships among brain function, peripheral physiological markers, and gut microbiome; and brain-gut network patterns with marked interindividual heterogeneity.
Vitafoods Europe 2026 explores beauty supplements amid nutricosmetics boom
Vitafoods Europe 2025
For the first time, this year’s Vitafoods Europe trade show will include a dedicated nutricosmetics spotlight, reflecting the rapidly accelerating beauty-from-within market. The event organizers note that innovation in this space is expanding beyond traditional supplements into functional foods, beverages, and longevity-focused nutrition as consumers link appearance with overall well-being. Ahead of the event on May 5–7, Nutrition Insight speaks with Francesca Berry, head of Content Programming for Vitafoods Europe, about what visitors can expect in Barcelona, Spain. 
CSPI criticizes Trump administration for misleading MAHA nutrition claims
the white house
The US Center for Public Interest (CSPI) has deemed the Trump administration’s attempt to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) to be misleading, claiming it is not based on science for a healthy diet, but may be rather harmful for consumers and increases the risk of diet-related chronic disease. A statement from the organization contends that MAHA uses “misguided” and “downright cruel” policies. CSPI points to the federal initiative’s recommendations of consuming full-fat dairy, red meat, and beef tallow, which disregard science-backed nutrition recommendations.
April in review: UN FAO food security warning, Coffee leaders merge, Cultivated...
April 2026 F&B industry highlights.

Food Ingredients First

In April 2026, the UN FAO’s chief economist warned that a prolonged Strait of Hormuz crisis could result in a “global agri-food catastrophe,” urging anticipatory policy actions to mitigate a supply crunch for key agri-food inputs like fertilizer. PepsiCo boosted its revenue through consumer price cuts and healthier snack sales. Fonterra sold its global consumer business to global dairy leader Lactalis. Keurig Dr Pepper acquired JDE Peet’s to form an expanded coffee giant.
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Key interview
Expert calls for tailored nutrition as GLP-1 muscle loss...
Menopause brings various health changes driven by shifts in hormones, metabolism, and body composition. It is a life stage where many women gain weight, and as a result, turn to GLP-1 drugs. However, these drugs make users lose more than body fat. They have been shown to decrease muscle mass, which is essential for blood sugar regulation, bone density, and strength, and especially important for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Nutrition Insight sits down with Cindi Stickle, a functional nutrition practitioner and certified menopause specialist, to discuss the emerging concerns about GLP-1 use for perimenopausal and menopausal women.
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Nutrition & Health News
Cargill showcases nutrition concepts to support active...
At the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show (May 5–7), Cargill will highlight how active nutrition is expanding beyond sports performance to address broader health trends, such as gut health, reduced sugar, and GLP-1-driven dietary changes. In Barcelona, Spain, the company will display a 30% reduced-sugar isotonic hydration drink, sugar-free gummies with the EpiCor postbiotic, a performance bar combining plant and dairy proteins, a high-protein nutrition shake, and bite-sized formats designed for portion flexibility. 
Young woman making choice, donut or apple
Nutrition & Health News
Industry urges nutrition focus to curb ultra-processed...
Scientists are calling out health-harming corporate tactics amid the global rise in chronic disease. They mainly target the manufacturing and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) linked to cancer, diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, and infertility. The literature review in the New England Journal of Medicine specifies five commercial products linked to 31% of annual deaths. UPFs contribute to 2.3 million deaths annually, trailing fossil fuels, tobacco, toxic chemicals, and alcohol. The review’s lead author calls for countering health harms by taking lessons from research on the tobacco industry.

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Performance protein trendsApr2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers are increasingly taking protein to improve their physical health. Protein bars and snacks, as well as powders and shakes, are the most popular form...

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Eye wellness support Apr 2026

According to Innova Market Insights, 16% of consumers globally have actively tried to improve their eye health over the past 12 months. Among these, one in three say that they choose supplements as part of their approach, highlighting a growing reliance on functional nutrition solutions to support vision and long-term eye health.

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Future of pet nutritionApr 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 26% compound annual growth rate in global pet food launches between 2021 and 2025. According to their Top Global Trends 2026 in Pet Food, wellness is a key focus, and product attributes are driven by pet owners’ interest in clean label, health ingredients, and more.

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Promotional banner for Tirlán at Vitafoods Europe featuring a female boxer training, with event details including stand number 3J240 and dates 5th–7th May 2026.
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Meet the Tirlán team at Vitafoods this May

Meet Tirlán at Vitafoods this May on stand 3J240 to discover high quality dairy proteins and plant based ingredients. From performance nutrition to everyday wellness, our portfolio supports taste, texture, and nutrition, helping brands develop great-tasting, functional solutions that meet...

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Morinaga Nutritional Foods: Unlocking the science behind probiotic strains
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Innovating Skin Supplements: New Folate Evidence for Beauty from Within
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R&D program manager explores AI’s role in accelerating nutraceutical innovation
Vertical Novonesis banner promoting bio-solutions for women’s longevity, with event info and close-up of smiling woman.
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