Nutrition industry review 2023: Mega-mergers, ingredient innovations, future-proofing nutrition

12 Dec 2023 --- As we look forward to ringing in the new year, Nutrition Insight revisits some of the biggest news stories of 2023. From innovative “organ-on-a-chip” advancements to reports on the alarming levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in freshwater fish, the nutrition industry witnessed several pivotal developments, innovations and challenges in 2023. The circular economy and upcycling became trend forerunners as consumer awareness and demand for clean labels and sustainable solutions increased, as did advancements in the long overlooked women’s health category. Join us as we look back to a year filled with advancements in nutraceuticals, supplements, health technologies, future-proof nutrition security and much, much more.

January

“National disgrace”: UK pediatrics fed up with distressing levels of sugar and salt in baby foods
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health raised concerns about high levels of sugar and salt in UK baby foods, calling it a “national disgrace.” The College criticized the lack of government guidance on sugar and salt in baby foods, while emphasizing the importance of good nutrition from infancy. At the same time, a study by the British Dental Association found that many baby foods contain more sugar than Coca-Cola. Experts said the situation contributed to obesity and tooth decay among children, with those in deprived areas being more affected, and urged for regulatory changes to address these issues.

Harvard University’s vagina-on-a-chip ushers in new era for women’s health
Harvard University developed a “vagina-on-a-chip” technology that replicated the vaginal microbiome in vitro, marking a significant advancement in women’s health research. This innovation provided a preclinical model for developing treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting about 30% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. The chip, designed with human vaginal epithelial cells and connective tissue, allowed for the study of microbial effects on vaginal health, offering a novel approach to understanding and treating bacterial vaginosis and other conditions affecting the vaginal microbiome.Pediatricians in the UK decried the amount of salt and sugars in baby food.

PFAS levels in one freshwater fish equivalent to one month of drinking contaminated water, experts flag
Research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that consuming one freshwater fish could expose a person to the same level of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as drinking PFOS-contaminated water for a month. This finding highlighted a significant environmental justice concern, particularly for communities reliant on freshwater fish as a primary protein and nutrition source. The EWG’s research showed freshwater fish had PFAS levels 280 times higher than commercially caught fish, raising alarms about widespread PFAS contamination and the need for stricter regulations and testing.

Infant formula crisis: Abbott Laboratories faces US DOJ investigation
Abbott Laboratories faced a US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation following infant deaths linked to contaminated formula produced at its Sturgis Plant in Michigan. This issue had led to a widespread infant formula shortage in the country, prompting a government operation to import formula. The investigation was part of broader concerns about food supply chain vulnerabilities, highlighted by similar contamination issues in other food sectors.

February

Higher doses of vitamin D linked to lower suicide attempts in US veterans, study flags
A retrospective cohort study of US veterans found that higher doses of vitamin D supplementation were associated with a 48% average reduced risk of suicide attempts and intentional self-harm. This effect was most significant in Black veterans with low blood serum levels of vitamin D. The study, considering the widespread deficiency of vitamin D in the military, suggested vitamin D as a potentially, accessible treatment for suicide prevention, particularly in the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Women’s exposure to “everywhere chemicals” may increase diabetes risk, study flags
A six-year study found that exposure to phthalates, known as “everywhere chemicals,” may increase the risk of developing diabetes in women, particularly White women. The study indicated that phthalates, found in certain vaginal and menstrual products, disrupt glucose homeostasis and are associated with insulin resistance. The research highlighted racial differences in the incidence of diabetes-related to phthalate exposure, underscoring the need for further studies to understand these disparities and the impact of phthalates on glucose metabolism across different ethnic groups.

Measuring the heart: Wearable tech boosts cardiovascular health
Wearable technology, like fitness bands and smartwatches, can enhance cardiovascular health by enabling continuous heart performance monitoring. Previously, only individuals with blood pressure issues regularly checked their heart performance at home. However, a broader consumer demographic was able to use these devices to gain insights into their cardiovascular capacities in 2023. However, there were concerns about technological intrusion into daily life.

COVID, climate change and conflicts wiped out progress made in malnutrition “over the last 15 years,” says GAIN
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) revealed that progress in combating malnutrition over the past 15 years had been wiped out due to COVID-19, climate change and conflicts. GAIN revealed its five-year strategy, which aimed to address these challenges by improving access to nutritionally enhanced staple foods for 1.5 billion people, transforming the diets of 25 million people to healthier options and supporting food system changes in 10 countries. The strategy targeted vulnerable populations living on less than US$3.20 a day, who were most affected by these global shocks.A study linked vitamin D to a reduction of suicide attempts in US veterans.

Trade in all types of Rhodiola plants to be regulated to promote “sustainable trade and proper wild management”
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) added Rhodiola — a plant used in teas, supplements, herbal medicine and cosmetics — to its list to ensure sustainable harvesting and trade. Due to growing demand and uncontrolled harvesting, wild populations of Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola crenulata declined. All species of Rhodiola now require an export permit, ensuring legal and sustainable trade. The move was made to protect the species from overharvesting while promoting sustainable trade and proper wild management.

March

“The Last of Us” series awakens curiosity for cordyceps while scientists flag that fungi threat may lurk
The popularity of the TV series “The Last of Us” increased interest in the cordyceps fungus. Although cordyceps did not pose a current threat to human health and were valued in traditional medicine for their health properties, scientists warned that climate change could lead to mutations in fungi, potentially creating new diseases. Moreover, WHO, an organization that also expressed concern about fungal infections and resistance, suggested the need for further research.

EAT-Lancet Commission’s planetary health diet lacking in micronutrients, flag experts
The EAT-Lancet Commission’s planetary health diet, focusing on plant-based foods, was found to have significant gaps in six essential micronutrients and contained high amounts of phytate, an anti-nutrient. This diet was particularly inadequate for women of reproductive age in terms of iron intake. Researchers suggested incorporating more animal-source foods and reducing high-phytate foods for better nutrient balance. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, raised concerns about micronutrient deficiencies, emphasizing the need for balanced diets that consider both human health and environmental sustainability.

World Obesity Day: A quarter of the population on track to be obese by 2035
On World Obesity Day, the World Obesity Federation predicted that by 2035, 51% of the world’s population will be overweight or obese if current trends continue. The organizations further predicted that the economic impact would reach US$4.3 trillion, equal to 3% of global GDP. The rise in obesity rates was most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. The Federation emphasizes the need for urgent action to address systemic issues contributing to obesity, particularly among children and adolescents.

Lactoferrin innovation: FrieslandCampina expands protein processing & unlocks immunity-boosting power
FrieslandCampina expanded its protein processing capabilities with a new facility in the Netherlands, significantly increasing its lactoferrin production. Lactoferrin — a protein with immune-boosting properties — is a key component of infant formula and has applications in adult nutrition and sports nutrition. The expansion aimed to meet the growing demand for health-boosting products.

April

Breastfeeding and formula may influence infant microbiome more than vaginal birth, flags study
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that an infant’s gut microbiome is more influenced by breastfeeding and formula feeding than by the mother’s vaginal microbiome during birth. The study, which analyzed over 600 women, found that the mother’s vaginal microbiome composition did not significantly predict the composition of the baby’s stool microbiome at ten days or three months after birth. However, the results showed that breast milk and environmental exposure played a much larger role in establishing gut flora than previously believed.The World Obesity Federation warned that a quarter of the world’s population could be obese by 2035.

World Health Day 2023: Prenatal supplements lacking correct dose for six key nutrients, study flags
Scientists analyzed 20,547 prenatal supplements in the US and found only one met target doses for six essential nutrients — vitamins A and D, folate, calcium, iron and omega-3. Most supplements lacked both sufficient amounts of omega-3 and iron. The study highlighted the need for prenatal vitamins to match federal dietary recommendations more closely and suggested that many existing supplements may not adequately meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women.

Webinar preview: Will psychedelics unlock the future of mental health?
Nutrition Insight conducted a webinar titled, “Psychedelics and the future of mental health: Will mushrooms go mainstream?” in 2023 and previewed it with an interview with its main speakers. We spoke with our presenters about the increased interest in the mental health benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of these substances — including their ability to alter perceptions of reality and nature — which could be powerful in treating psychiatric disorders. The webinar further highlighted ongoing research, including a study on the effects of psychedelics in athletes.

Gelita on course to detail new era healthy aging with collagen peptides at Vitafoods 2023
Gelita showcased its advancements in collagen peptides for healthy aging and beauty-from-within at the trade show and discussed the role of bioactive collagen peptides (BCPs) in combating bone and joint problems. We also spoke with the company about the use of specialized collagen peptides for targeted health benefits and highlighted innovations like Confixx for fortified gummies and Gelita EC for enteric capsules.

May

DSM-Firmenich completes nutrition mega-merger: Innovation prospects uncovered live at Vitafoods Europe
DSM and Firmenich completed a “merger of equals,” forming a new company with a focus on nutrition, health and beauty. The merged entity, with a revenue of about €12 billion (US$13.2 billion), aimed to create innovative and sustainable products. We caught up with the newly minted company’s EMEA marketing manager for nutritional products at the trade show and discussed how it will focus on reducing its environmental impact, addressing climate change and concentrating on four main business areas — taste, texture and health; health, nutrition and care; animal nutrition and health; and perfumery and beauty.

Vitafoods 2023: Kerry, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Kaneka Nutrients and Divi’s Nutraceuticals on industry future
At Vitafoods Europe 2023, we sat down with industry leaders from Kerry, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Kaneka Nutrients and Divi’s Nutraceuticals and discussed future trends in nutrition. Key topics included sustainable practices, equality in the industry and science-backed ingredients. The companies also emphasized the importance of sustainable nutrition while delivering nutritious products with minimal environmental impact and highlighted the role of science in developing effective and trusted dietary supplements.The mega-merger of dsm-firmenich was announced on the first day of Vitafoods Europe 2023 (Image Credit: dsm-firmenich).

Demystifying collagen: “We need to educate the market,” flags Bioiberica
Bioiberica emphasized the need to educate the market about collagen at the trade show and organized the first Collagen Symposium to discuss the ingredient’s role in health and wellness. They clarified misconceptions and distinguished between hydrolyzed and native type II collagen, focusing on their different uses in skin, beauty and joint health. The stated goal was to bring clarity to the collagen market and promote understanding of its various forms and applications.

Vitafoods Europe 2023 live: Balchem and Kappa Bioscience present joint nutrition portfolio
Balchem and Kappa Bioscience presented their joint nutrition portfolio at Vitafoods Europe 2023, highlighting the synergy between the companies’ products and innovation prospects. The pair showcased K2Vital — a stable vitamin K2 preparation — and OptiMSM, a methylsulfonylmethane ingredient for joint health and recovery. The combined strategy included expanding consumer awareness about nutrients globally and continuing international expansion by leveraging Balchem’s US presence and Kappa Bioscience’s European market exposure.

June

The end of animal testing? Experts discuss whether AI and emerging tech might eliminate suffering
We examined the potential of AI, big data and organ-on-a-chip technologies to reduce or eliminate the need for animal testing in scientific experiments, including nutrition studies. We spoke with several experts from the Humane Society International and other organizations to the renowned author, professor and animal rights activist, Peter Singer about the limitations of animal testing and the growing awareness of non-animal methods. The experts emphasized the need for more familiarity with modern methods and decried the slow pace of updating regulations.

Unlocking nature’s secrets? How Nuritas harnesses AI to uncover hidden health-boosting ingredients
Biotech company Nuritas accelerated the discovery of nutritional ingredients using its AI platform, Magnifier NπΦ, which boasts an 80% success rate in clinical trials. The company focused on developing ingredients with health benefits, such as PeptiStrong for muscle health and PeptiYouth for anti-aging. It detailed the process, saying it involves several stages, from discovery to clinical trials, and relies on a combination of AI and scientific rigor.

World Environment Day: Study flags drought and heat threatens global breadbaskets
A study by Tufts University showed that heat waves and droughts, now more frequent due to climate change, are threatening global wheat production. The study warned that extreme temperatures beyond wheat’s growth threshold are becoming common in major wheat-producing regions, such as the US and China. Additionally, the scientist underscored that the situation could lead to significant crop failures, causing global food price increases and increased food and nutrition insecurity.Animal rights activist and author, Peter Singer, told us that better AI could end the need for animal testing completely.

Challenges for “every health system in the world” as over one billion predicted to have diabetes by 2050
A team of researchers predicted that, by 2050, more than one billion people globally could have diabetes, posing significant challenges for health systems worldwide. The team explained that the rapid growth of diabetes was alarming, especially considering its link to heart disease and stroke. The study also highlighted type 2 diabetes as the most common, with primary risk factors including high body mass index, diet and lifestyle choices. Rising food prices and government policies were also discussed in relation to public health, obesity and diabetes.

July

Obesity drugs deemed inefficient as consumers pay higher prices for short-term solutions
According to a report by Prime Therapeutics, two-thirds of users of GLP-1a obesity drugs stopped their medication within a year due to inefficiency and high costs, with the average annual cost running about US$19,657. The drugs were marketed for long-term use, but consumers were found to often experience a rebound in weight when they stopped using them. Experts argued for a focus on diet and exercise and emphasized plant-based diets for effective weight management. The long-term impact on overall healthcare costs and health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes prevention is still under evaluation.

Sweet relief? Industry welcomes WHO’s aspartame safety reconfirmation but consumers left confused
The WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reconfirmed the safety of aspartame. It maintained the acceptable daily intake at 40 mg/kg body weight despite the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying it as “possibly carcinogenic.” The industry welcomed JECFA’s reaffirmation but expressed concerns that conflicting evaluations might confuse consumers. Both assessments acknowledged limitations in the available evidence, calling for more research and trade organizations emphasized the need for clarity, noting that the IARC’s evaluation did not consider intake levels, potentially misleading consumers. Aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener, remains a debated topic regarding its safety and health impacts.

“Severe consequences for Earth’s climate”: Scientists warn of food security impacts if AMOC collapses
Scientists warned of dire consequences for global food supply and security if the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) were to collapse. The AMOC, crucial for stabilizing global climate patterns, was found to be at risk due to climate change and experts said its collapse could significantly disrupt agricultural systems, leading to widespread food shortages. The potential impact on Earth’s climate from a weakened or collapsed AMOC would drastically affect weather patterns and further exacerbate food production challenges.An international team of researchers predicted challenges for all health systems as one billion people could have diabetes by 2050.

Foodvalley NL highlights potential “disruptive innovations” to unlock healthier foods
Foodvalley NL, a global food innovation hub based in the Netherlands, highlighted several disruptive innovations that could revolutionize healthier food production. These included technologies for upcycling side streams, creating functional ingredients and developing plant-based alternatives. The innovations aimed to address sustainability and health challenges in the food industry, with a focus on creating efficient, environmentally friendly and nutritious food solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and healthy future in food production and consumption.

August

World Breastfeeding Week: Action Against Hunger tackles nursing myths and misconceptions
During World Breastfeeding Week, Action Against Hunger addressed common myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding and emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants, countering widespread misinformation. The organization highlighted the nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits of breastfeeding and spotlighted the need to educate mothers so they can make informed decisions about infant nutrition.

Novozymes and Arla Foods Ingredients to innovate “designer-made proteins” targeting medical nutrition
Novozymes and Arla Foods Ingredients partnered to develop tailor-made proteins targeting medical nutrition. The companies stated that the collaboration could lead to innovations in protein functionality and health benefits, addressing specific nutritional needs in medical nutrition. Additionally, the companies said they would focus on creating proteins that are easy to digest and absorb — particularly beneficial for medical patients and the elderly — making it a significant step toward specialized, health-focused nutrition solutions.

Valio execs address food safety concerns with innovative infant nutrition strategies
Valio executives sat down with us to discuss innovative strategies in infant nutrition to address food safety concerns. The company emphasized the importance of high-quality, safe ingredients and advanced processing technologies. It also highlighted its approaches to developing specialized formulas for infants with allergies while ensuring its products’ safety and nutritional value.

Webinar preview: Lubrizol Life Science’s data-driven and consumer-centric approach to supplement innovation
Lubrizol Life Science spoke with us about its data-driven and consumer-centric approach to supplement innovation. The company emphasized the need for, and its process of, using real-world data to understand consumer needs and guide product development. Moreover, the company said the approach helps to create supplements that resonate with consumers’ values while addressing their specific health concerns.

September

Lonza tackles trends and nutraceutical innovations in digestive health
Lonza addressed emerging trends and innovations in nutraceuticals for digestive health by focusing on developing products that support gut health and responding to increasing consumer awareness and demand. The company detailed its approach, which included leveraging new research and technologies to create effective supplements and emphasizing the importance of gut health in overall well-being.The WHO reconfirmed the safety of Aspartame, though organizations on both sides of the debate found its procedures and results misleading.

Secrets of the Loma Linda Blue Zone diet: Centenarians’ good nutrition habits and whole foods as key
The so-called “Blue Zone Diet” grew in popularity following the Netflix documentary series, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blues Zones.” We sat down with the series’ presenter, journalist and author, Dan Buettner, and dietician Sylvia Klinger, to discuss the diets of centenarians living in Loma Linda, California. The two emphasized good nutrition and whole foods as key to longevity and placed heavy reliance on plant-based foods, minimally processed food and focused on nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables. These dietary habits were considered contributing factors to the residents’ extended lifespans and overall good health.

Evolving markets: Rousselot looks at how science is helping expand collagen’s reach
Rousselot explored the expanding applications of collagen and looked at health benefits beyond the joint and beauty-from-within categories. A study showed that Peptan collagen peptides could reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and blood endotoxin levels in active individuals, suggesting benefits for intestinal barrier function. Additionally, Peptan’s role in muscle recovery and repair was highlighted, with a study showing reduced muscle soreness and faster recovery.

Vitafoods Asia live: FrieslandCampina Ingredients elevates children’s nutrition with new innovation platform
FrieslandCampina Ingredients launched “Step Up Nutrition” at Vitafoods Asia, a platform designed for children’s nutrition beyond infancy, targeting ages 3 to 12. In an exclusive interview with Nutrition Insight, we discussed how the platform supports five core development areas in children and utilizes functional ingredients proven in infant milk formulas. The initiative was a response to changing market demands, where there was a shift toward specialized nutrition and an increased focus on children’s holistic health — including mental and emotional development. The platform was created to allow customers to leverage FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ expertise in infant nutrition to create innovative and nutritious products for the evolving children’s nutrition market.

Chr. Hansen achieves “important milestone” with Chinese production technology approval for key HMOs
Chr. Hansen received approval from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for the production technology of three key human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) — 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), lacto-N-tetraose and 3-fucosyllactose. According to the company, the approval marked a significant step in introducing HMOs to China’s market to help meet the rising demand for advanced infant nutrition solutions. The company highlighted that each HMO offers unique health benefits, such as supporting immune system development, promoting a balanced gut microbiome and contributing to neurodevelopment.

October

China’s CSFA approves dsm-firmenich’s and IFF’s HMOs for its expansive infant nutrition market
International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and dsm-firmenich received approval from the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment for their human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) ingredients in the infant nutrition market. dsm-firmenich’s GlyCare 2’-FL and GlyCare LNnT, and IFF’s 2’-FL HMO are now approved for use in China. The approvals opened new avenues for innovation and will allow Chinese infants and young children to benefit from HMOs. According to the companies, the milestone positioned the two as key HMO suppliers in the Chinese market.Dan Buettner discussed the Netflix documentary on the Blue Zone Diet with us and detailed the eating habits of healthy centenarians.

World Menopause Day: Experts spotlight science-backed women’s health ingredients
On World Menopause Day, experts from Kerry ProActive Health, IFF Health, Gencor, DSM-Firmenich and PharmaLinea sat down with us to discuss the latest innovations in science-backed ingredients for women’s health. The companies spotlighted the growing interest in products addressing menopause, noting that by 2025, up to a billion women globally will experience menopausal symptoms. The emphasis was on celebrating menopause and empowering women with hormone-free solutions and supplements that target the multitude of menopausal symptoms. We also covered the common yet underreported signs of menopause and the importance of scientifically supported ingredients in the often underrepresented category of women’s health.

SupplySide West live: Kerr by Ingredion spotlights plant-based ingredient innovation in Las Vegas
At SupplySide West 2023 in Las Vegas, Kerr by Ingredion showcased its diverse range of plant-based ingredient solutions for the food and beverage industry and presented its portfolio of juices, purees, concentrates, essences, distillates and custom formulations from both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables. We spoke with Kerr by Ingredion’s senior manager of business development on the showroom floor, about how its products are designed to cater to the trend for clean and straightforward ingredient labels and looked at its key concepts such as a sugar-reduced sports drink using stevia and allulose and a protein beverage with pea and rice isolate. The company also displayed reduced-sugar, gelatin-free gummies rich in color and taste, emphasizing its focus on reducing ingredient labels and increasing the use of fruits and vegetables in product formulations.

Gut-Brain axis: Study links Beneo’s prebiotic dietary fiber to mood improvement
A study found that consuming Beneo’s prebiotic dietary fiber oligofructose — alone or combined with the HMO 2’FL — can improve mood in adults with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. We spoke with the study’s co-author and head of nutrition science at Beneo about how the fiber, derived from chicory root, increased beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over five weeks involved 92 participants and concluded that a daily diet enriched with 8 to 10 g of prebiotics can help to improve mood.

Roquette launches three moisture-protecting ingredients for nutraceuticals at CPhI Barcelona
At CPhI in Barcelona, Spain, Roquette launched three new excipient grades for moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients. The excipients — Lycatab CT-LM, Microcel 103 SD and Microcel 113 SD — offer stabilization and moisture-protective benefits, enhancing drug effectiveness and prolonging shelf life. The launch was part of Roquette’s broader moisture protection portfolio and further solidified its position in the industry for moisture-sensitive applications.

November

Women’s health, healthy aging and novel nutraceuticals take the spotlight at SupplySide West
At SupplySide West (SSW), companies including dsm-firmenich, IFF Health and TSI Group showcased a focus on women’s health, novel nutraceuticals, healthy aging and consumer-focused approaches. Key areas of interest were menopause, healthy aging and muscle health. dsm-firmenich highlighted its Meno-Pro supplement for menopause, while TSI Group focused on muscle health as an untapped market. IFF Health emphasized ongoing investments in women’s health, particularly for perimenopause and menopause needs.We looked at the trends and innovations that took the spotlight at SupplySide West 2023.

Balchem talks strategies for meeting consumer demands and increasing ingredient awareness
At the SSW trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, we caught up with Balchem’s vice president of marketing and science. We discussed the company’s strategies to meet consumer demands amid increased consumer awareness of ingredients. The company underscored its commitments to sustainability, gender equality and the scientific backing for its products like OptiMSM, VitaCholine and vitamin K2. Additionally, the company told us it is working on building consumer healthcare literacy and brand awareness to educate consumers about the benefits of its ingredients and create a market driven by informed choices.

WFP warns more than 1.6 million children could face malnutrition as floods hit South Sudan
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that over 1.6 million children in South Sudan might face severe malnutrition in the first half of 2024 due to floods caused by climate change. We spoke with the organization’s head of communications in South Sudan about how high disease prevalence, poor access to clean water and insufficient food quality and quantity were the key factors contributing to the rise in malnutrition. The WFP explained that floods have continuously affected Rubkona county since 2021, leading to exceptionally high levels of malnutrition.

“Emptied by 2048”: Saving marine and fish resources takes center stage this World Fisheries Day
On World Fisheries Day, ProVeg South Africa shined a light on the risks of overfishing and marine ecosystem damage, warning that the world’s oceanic fisheries could be depleted by 2048. The organization advocated for plant-based diets, including seafood alternatives, to address environmental degradation and health concerns related to fish consumption. It also disputed commonly held beliefs about the health benefits of fish, pointing out the high levels of fat, cholesterol and mercury found in many fish sources.

December

“A real innovation”: Gelita’s game-changing collagen protein peptide for endurance sports nutrition
Gelita launched PeptEndure, a novel collagen protein peptide aimed at enhancing endurance in sports nutrition. This first-of-its-kind ingredient is backed by two randomized controlled trials showing notable improvements in metabolism and endurance performance. PeptEndure, neutral in taste and clear in color, is versatile for various applications like beverages, bars, and powders. The trials demonstrated increased distances in time trials and improved body composition among participants, marking a significant development in endurance and sports nutrition products.COP28 addressed how the climate crisis affects physical, nutritional, infrastructural, environmental and mental health at the events first ever Health Day.

Health Day at COP28: Experts spotlight interconnectedness of health, nutrition and climate change
For the first-ever Health Day held by the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we sat down with experts from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and the FAO to discuss the meeting, which highlighted the interconnectedness of health, nutrition and climate change. Experts highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on food availability and nutrition, and more than 120 countries endorsed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, which recognizes the link between climate change and human health. The organizations stressed the need for concrete actions to address climate-induced food and health crises and advocated for sustainable, healthy diets as essential to climate action.

A “one-stop shop”: ACI launches Green Bridge Gateway for UK and EU’s CBD market
The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) launched the Green Bridge Gateway, a comprehensive service network for the UK and EU CBD markets. We spoke with the organization’s co-founder about the collaboration, which includes the Global Regulatory Services, Advanced Development and Safety Laboratories, Shweed and Chem ID and looks to offer companies regulatory advice, toxicology data, supply chain expertise, lab testing and blockchain technology for track and trace. The coalition is focused on helping businesses comply with regulatory and licensing requirements, particularly for consumer cannabinoids and “novel foods.” ACI said the initiative aims to help companies navigate the evolving legal framework for CBD products in the UK and EU.

Roche acquires Carmot Therapeutics’ valuable obesity and diabetes R&D in US$2.7 BN deal
Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, acquired Carmot Therapeutics for US$2.7 billion. The company said the merger would enhance its research and development in obesity and diabetes treatments. Carmot’s portfolio includes promising incretins — hormones that influence insulin secretion and appetite suppression — and its leading asset, CT-388, showed significant weight loss potential in clinical trials. Roche emphasized that the acquisition allows it to explore new therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes and, potentially, other metabolic diseases.

By William Bradford Nichols