Expo West 2026: Exploring natural products for longevity and energy

Ahead of the upcoming Natural Products Expo West 2026 trade show, Nutrition Insight discusses botanical ingredients and market developments with exhibitors Sabinsa, Layn Natural Ingredients, and BioVivo Science. 

At the “premier” gathering for the natural products industry in Anaheim, California, US (Mar 3–6), the companies will showcase a range of solutions for longevity, cellular health, and energy. The experts shine a light on new product launches, bioavailability, industry developments, and supply consistency. 

Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director at Sabinsa, tells us about the company’s focus on designing ingredients for healthspan optimization in response to significant changes in the nutraceutical and nutrition market.

“We’re seeing several major shifts. Demand for multi-functional ingredients that address interconnected aspects of healthy aging, increased scrutiny on supply chain integrity, growing interest in metabolic and women’s health, and growing use of the term ‘healthspan.’”

“We’re also expanding our functional food and beverage applications, meeting brands where consumer demand is shifting toward everyday wellness solutions rather than reactive supplementation. This positions our portfolio at the intersection of longevity science and practical, accessible nutrition.”

NAD for cellular function

Meanwhile, Layn Natural Ingredients will focus on innovations in cellular health, microbiome, healthy aging, stress, and cognition. James Roza, the company’s chief scientific officer, tells us that the natural ingredient supplier will introduce a new nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) ingredient at Expo West 2026.

This coenzyme plays a central role in mitochondrial function, production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and cellular repair pathways. The nutrition industry is exploring innovations in NAD and its oxidized form (NAD+). Levels of the coenzyme decline with age, which is linked to fatigue, reduced metabolic efficiency, cognitive changes, and diminished cellular resilience.

Majeed notes a growing market demand for ingredients that address the interconnected aspects of healthy aging.The introduction follows Layn’s introduction of the NAD+ booster nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Roza says these launches reflect the company’s approach to “meeting evolving wellness demands — from energy and performance to longevity and metabolic balance.”

“We will also highlight Galacan, our next-generation beta-glucan supporting gut health and immunity, as well as SteviUp M2, a Reb M solution with superior solubility and a cleaner, sugar-like taste for advanced sugar-reduction formulations.”

Roza notes that these ingredients, together with Layn’s quercetin, resveratrol, and tea extracts, support supplement development across weight management, stress resilience, cognitive health, and overall wellness. Moreover, he says they help address formulation challenges in bioavailability, solubility, taste, and clean label design.

Pillars of longevity

Majeed details Sabinsa’s ingredients, focused on supporting healthspan and longevity across multiple systems.

“Curcumin C3 Reduct, Nigellin, and Saberry directly address the pillars of longevity: cellular protection, immune balance, and metabolic health. They represent the evolution from single-benefit supplements to comprehensive healthspan solutions.”

He explains that C3 Reduct is a bioactive metabolite showing stronger activity than parent curcuminoids, making it especially relevant for healthy aging applications.

Nigellin is a standardized Nigella sativa extract positioned for balanced immune and inflammatory support, while Saberry is a clinically studied amla extract that Majeed notes is recognized for its antioxidant activity and support of healthy glucose and lipid balance.

“We’re also highlighting LactoSpore, our shelf-stable probiotic that solves formulation stability challenges, and Sabroxy, our patented cognitive health ingredient bio-standardized for specific actives. Both are crucial for maintaining quality of life as we age.”

Other ingredients on display at Sabinsa’s booth at Expo West 2026 include BioPerine, a standardized extract from black pepper that enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, and LivLonga, for comprehensive liver support. 

“Each ingredient addresses real formulation hurdles while delivering measurable efficacy that supports not just lifespan, but healthspan, or the years lived in optimal health,” highlights Majeed.

Natural caffeine

First-time exhibitor BioVivo Science will launch a US-made natural caffeine. Doris Ip, senior marketing manager at the company, tells us this ingredient is sourced exclusively from green tea (Camellia sinensis) and offers a clean label alternative to synthetic caffeine.

BioVivo Science will launch a US-made natural caffeine, sourced from green tea (Camellia sinensis), as a clean label alternative to synthetic caffeine.“Supported by naturally occurring antioxidants and polyphenols, natural caffeine delivers a more balanced energy profile aligned with growing demand for plant-based performance solutions,” she details.

“The team will also highlight its water-soluble American ginseng extract, designed to support stress resilience and mood balance while enabling greater flexibility across today’s expanding supplement formats, including powders, stick packs, gummies, and ready-to-mix applications.”

She touts that the extract’s enhanced solubility supports improved absorption and bioavailability, helping brands deliver more effective, application-ready formulations.

Ip says the company uses data analytics to identify established and emerging trends, helping refine and pivot its product development priorities. The company combines these insights with expert observations from its R&D and commercial teams to ensure innovation aligns with real market needs.

“AI tools support efficient review of existing scientific research on ingredients and their health benefits, while also helping us explore potential synergistic botanical pairings for stronger formulation concepts.”

Enhancing bioavailability and consistency

The experts underscore the importance of ensuring nutrient absorption for product efficacy.

Layn Natural Ingredients’ Roza notes that supplement formulations are shifting toward more personalized, condition-specific, and bioavailable solutions.

“Improving the solubility and bioavailability of plant extracts is of primary importance to Layn as we continue to innovate to meet those market demands. Utilizing nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability of resveratrol using mesoporous silica is one example of how Layn is focused on providing ingredients with greater value.”

Majeed adds that Sabinsa’s bioavailability enhancement technology, which it pioneered with its standardized BioPerine black pepper extract, is evolving based on new absorption data and metabolite analyses of its extracts. “We’re also using data-driven insights from our 20,000-acre cultivation program to optimize planting, harvesting, and extraction timing for maximum active compound yields.”

He notes that this enhances predictability, enabling partners to develop formulations with batch-to-batch consistency to translate clinical results into commercial products.

“We’re integrating AI and advanced data analytics across our R&D and agricultural operations to enhance precision and consistency,” Majeed adds. “Our R&D facilities in India and the US are leveraging these technologies to optimize bio-standardization processes — ensuring consistent levels of active compounds like Oroxylin-A in Sabroxy. This precision allows formulators to achieve consistent efficacy batch after batch.”

Roza highlights the importance of supply chain resilience, accelerating product innovation, and long-term strategic partnerships.He details that Sabroxy is Sabinsa’s patented Oroxylum indicum bark extract bio-standardized for Oroxylin-A, baicalein, and chrysin to support healthy cognitive function. 

What’s next?

BioVivo Science expects continued momentum in the next 12 months around US-based botanical manufacturing and vertically integrated supply models.

“Brands will also prioritize transparency and traceability across their supply chains as part of long-term risk management and brand positioning,” highlights Ip. “Condition-specific solutions for metabolic health, cognitive support, and performance will remain strong drivers of innovation.”

“At the same time, companies that can combine science-backed ingredients with formulation flexibility and strong manufacturing partnerships will be best positioned for sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, Roza from Layn Natural Ingredients highlights the importance of supply chain resilience to ensure customer satisfaction, given the 2026 tumult “with tariffs and the saber-rattling that continues to take place between the world’s major powers.”

“Other key priorities include accelerating product innovation, forming long-term strategic partnerships for raw material procurement, and further integrating technologies such as fermentation to expand our portfolio.” 

Sabinsa’s Majeed highlights three areas that warrant attention in the next year. “First, the convergence of Ayurvedic tradition with Western clinical validation. We’re investing heavily in clinical studies to support traditional botanicals like Shagandha [ashwagandha] and Nigellin.”

“Second, the expansion of ingredient applications beyond supplements into functional foods and beverages requires different formulation expertise and regulatory pathways.”

“Third, sustainable and ethical sourcing will transition from competitive advantage to table stakes,” he predicts. “Brands that can’t demonstrate full supply chain transparency will face increasing market pressure.”