December in review: WHO guidance on GLP-1, nutrition innovations for longevity and the global omega-3 gap

December’s highlights include FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ planned expansion of its whey protein business and North American footprint, research findings on a global omega-3 intake gap, and our discussion with Danone on patient-centric medical nutrition to improve adherence.

In our December review, Nutrition Insight highlights some of the month’s biggest stories, including innovations at the Food ingredients Europe (FiE) trade show and the WHO’s new GLP-1 guidance, while scientists called for greater cross-sector collaboration with key players that use krill for food and supplements to secure ocean stocks for the future. 

In addition, we discussed opportunities and challenges shaping the nutrition market with Univar Solutions and explored a study supporting the claims that AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ probiotic blend, AB21, speeds up recovery for children with respiratory infections.

We also met with ADM to discuss holiday-style treats that are safe for pets and explore ingredients that can help make them healthier. Additionally, we examined a meta-analysis revealing that vegetarian and vegan diets can support children’s healthy growth when supplemented appropriately.

“Reboot the system”: WHO’s new GLP-1 guidance urges universally accessible care

In a recent guidance document, the WHO warned that the current production levels of GLP-1 therapies are insufficient to equitably provide care for the billion people suffering from obesity. While advocating the long-term use of these medications, it called for health care systems to focus on person-centered care with fair access to treatments alongside intensive behavioral therapy. The WHO has approved the long-term use of GLP-1, but suggests that the medications be combined with intensive behavioral therapy, including setting exercise and diet goals, restricting energy intake, weekly counseling, and routine progress assessments.At FiE 2025, we discussed ADM’s CP2305 postbiotic, which won the show’s Health Innovation Award.

“Feeding Healthy Tomorrows”: How Univar Solutions supports wellness, longevity, and sports nutrition

In 2025, consumer interest in wellness, healthy aging, and performance nutrition continued to grow. In response, ingredient suppliers are adjusting their portfolios and development strategies to meet new demands. Addressing this, Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions is innovating around GLP-1-related dietary changes, rising expectations around protein, and increasing attention to sustainability in formulation. We met with the company’s senior business development manager for Nutraceuticals to explore challenges and opportunities shaping the market, which has driven Univar Solutions’ “Feeding Healthy Tomorrows” initiatives.

FrieslandCampina to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein and expand North American footprint

FrieslandCampina has moved to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein, a producer of whey protein isolate. Following the deal, the US-based company will integrate into FrieslandCampina Ingredients, expanding its presence in Europe and Asia into North America. The company stated that it expected to significantly increase its total global whey protein capacity to meet the rising demand for protein ingredients. FrieslandCampina Ingredients will also collaborate with Stainless Technologies, a sister company of Wisconsin Whey Protein that builds advanced process technology solutions. We discussed how these developments might affect the company’s market position with FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ global director of marketing and product strategy.

FiE 2025: Nutrition innovations for longevity, metabolic health, and mental wellness

At FiE in Paris, France, nutrition companies showcased their innovations to support healthy aging, weight management, mental well-being, metabolic health, and skin longevity. On the show floor, we met with ADM, Arla Foods Ingredients, Monteloeder by SuanNutra, and PB Leiner to explore their science-backed biotics, protein, botanicals, and collagen. We also spoke with Jungbunzlauer about its solutions for mineral-based gummy supplements. We caught up with Rousselot to discuss its collagen and gelatin solutions, such as Nextida GC collagen peptides for metabolic wellness. FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Roquette discussed the future of functional yogurt with us.Bactolife highlighted its binding protein ingredients that neutralize harmful gut metabolites and pathogens without disrupting beneficial microbes.

Three-quarters of global population is deficient in omega-3, signaling public health gap

Scientists urged consumers to increase omega-3 intake as their research concluded that 76% of the world’s population is not consuming the recommended levels. They called for more accessible and sustainable solutions, such as enriched foods and supplements. We examined the study that identified global gaps based on the available daily recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids. A collaboration between the UK-based University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton, and Holland & Barrett revealed the difference between the recommended and actual consumption of omega-3s.

“Familiar flavors”: Danone calls for patient-centric medical nutrition to improve adherence

Danone underscored the importance of personalized medical nutrition with familiar flavors to help patients adhere to their prescribed plans and support their recovery. The company’s specialized nutrition brand, Nutricia, recently launched its first savory-flavored solution in the Fortimel PlantBased range. Clinical evidence suggests that the product enhances nutritional status after four weeks of use when administered as prescribed. The company’s chief medical and scientific officer informed us that this high-protein, high-energy medical nutrition drink brings flavors and formats that “feel more connected to patients’ routines and preferences.”

Scientists push for coordinated industry partnership in sustainable krill management

Scientists urged greater cross-sector collaboration with key players that use krill for food and supplements to secure ocean stocks for the future. They encouraged viewing the industry less as an opponent and more as a partner. Biologists from the Alfred Wegener Institute explained why it is essential for industry and scientists to collaborate for optimal krill management. They warned that if krill stocks decline, this would directly harm marine species that rely solely on krill. The experts said that krill catches in Antarctic sub-areas have surged, which raises concerns about long-term stock stability and ecosystem impacts. They argued that industry vessels could serve as data platforms and proposed transparent co-management models.We discussed the scientific support for Monteloeder by SuanNutra’s Metabolaid ingredient, which promotes metabolic health.

AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ AB21 speeds up recovery for children’s respiratory infections

A clinical study supported the claims of AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ probiotic blend, AB21, for “significantly reducing” the discomfort and fever duration in children with viral upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) with pharyngitis of diverse viral origin. The companies noted that this is one of the few pediatric probiotic clinical studies that verified viruses causing URI symptoms. The blend combines Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP-033, -022, -023, and Pediococcus acidilactici KABP-021.

Plant-based diet nutrient planning aids children’s growth and cardiometabolic health

A major meta-analysis revealed that carefully planned vegetarian and vegan diets can support children’s healthy growth when supplemented appropriately. We discussed trends, misconceptions, and the politicization of these diets with the study’s lead researcher. The analysis examined data from 48,000 children and adolescents across 59 studies in 18 countries. The study found that children on a plant-based diet experience cardiometabolic benefits and higher fiber and micronutrient intake, but also consume less energy, protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium. The study’s lead author told us that a common misconception of increasingly popular vegetarian and vegan diets is that these are inherently dangerous for children.

Treats and trends: Pets join festivities with seasonal flavors and healthy delights

Pets are increasingly joining the dinner tables during the festive season. With the rising “humanization of pets” trend, we met with ADM to discuss holiday-style treats that are safe for furry friends and explore ingredients that can help make them healthier. Brands are pairing seasonal indulgence with functional benefits, including gut health, calming support, and mobility. Juliana Nogueira, ADM’s manager of Pet Nutrition North America, told us that the safest approach is to choose treats that are formulated for pets, highlighting how brands offer seasonal twists on products with festive flavors, shapes, or packaging.