April in review: GLP-1 nutrition trends, agroecology for food security & acquisition growth

GLP-1 therapies, demand for affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and new supplement formats spurred nutrition innovations in April. Agroecology and micronutrient supplementation emerged as solutions for nutrition security, while debates on regulating processed foods continued. Meanwhile, ongoing industry consolidation signaled a shift to strategic investments in health-focused brands. 

In our April review, Nutrition Insight dives into some of the month’s biggest stories, such as an update on developments in nutritional strategies around GLP-1 use and expert-led calls for tailored programs for menopausal women to prevent muscle loss. 

On Earth Day 2026, we explored how agroecology and micronutrient supplements can deliver better nutrition outcomes than current commodity agriculture. We also examined ongoing mergers and acquisitions in the nutrition and wellness industry, while previewing innovations to be displayed at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show. 

In news around policy-driven, healthier eating, industry and academic experts debated applying tobacco regulations on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), while animal research suggested sweeteners may impact future generations’ metabolic health. 

We also spoke with industry experts about the ongoing consumer scrutiny over collagen and how companies can build better trust in products and brands. As consumers increasingly seek new delivery formats for convenience, we also looked at Infusd Nutrition’s emulsion technology that transforms insoluble ingredients into water-soluble forms.

Pharma meets nutrition: How GLP-1s revolutionize healthier eating patterns 
GLP-1 therapies for weight loss and diabetes management are becoming more accessible and affordable in the US and around the world, driving consumer demand for healthier, nutrient-dense foods. Experts at Fonterra, Ingredion, Carbery, and UC Davis told us how these pharmaceuticals are reshaping food trends to create innovations that cater to new consumer groups beyond GLP-1 users. Meanwhile, a Korean study found that a probiotic strain could enhance the GLP-1 dulaglutide in obesity treatment. We also explored a study revealing underreported side effects of these medications on social media and reformulations from food brands and restaurants to respond to users’ increased purchases for protein-rich and fresh foods.We spoke with Palak Uppal, R&D program manager, about AI’s role in accelerating nutraceutical innovation.

Expert calls for tailored nutrition as GLP-1 muscle loss hits menopausal women harder
As menopause brings health changes driven by hormone shifts, many women turn to GLP-1 medications. However, these drugs can accelerate lean muscle loss — a serious concern for perimenopausal and menopausal women already losing muscle faster than at any other life stage. Muscle mass is essential for blood sugar regulation, bone density, and strength. We caught up with functional nutrition practitioner Cindy Stickle, who explained why standard GLP-1 programs fall short for this group and discussed the emerging concerns about the use of medication for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Stickle has developed a program tailored for this GLP-1 user group, using a “metabolism-first” approach with tailored nutrition focusing on preserving muscle, energy, and long-term metabolic health.

Earth Day 2026: Agroecology and micronutrient supplements power food sovereignty
On Earth Day 2026, we explored how agroecological practices and food sovereignty can deliver better nutrition outcomes than commodity-focused industrial agriculture. From intercropping and seed bulking to orphan crop revival, World Neighbors told us why local knowledge and diverse diets are key. We spoke with a research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, highlighting its new study showing how micronutrient supplements can fill critical gaps in child nutrition during agriculture programs. Author of a new book, Natalie Bennett, called for a renewed food system that replaces monocropping with Indigenous methods that prioritize food diversity. On World Health Day, we explored the impact of global trade and disruptions on nutrition security opportunities.

Key trends shaping health and wellness acquisitions & growth in nutrition industry
The nutrition industry is experiencing significant consolidations, driven by strong consumer demand for health and wellness solutions. H&H Group, an international health and nutrition company, told us these products are remarkably resilient in today’s uncertain economic landscape. In response, companies are increasingly acquiring science-backed brands to diversify their portfolios. We explored the ongoing consolidation with Jason Wang, CFO and COO at the company, who said there is a strong appetite for acquisitions and investments into the health and wellness market, specifically in nutrition, expecting fewer but higher-quality deals in 2026. This month, we also spoke with S2G Investments about investment opportunities in Food as Health, using nutrition to prevent disease, reduce costs, and integrate it into clinical care.Biostrips’ CEO and founder, Joanna Bacchus, introduced the company’s oral dissolving strips to counter pill fatigue in supplements.

Cargill showcases nutrition concepts to support active lifestyles at Vitafoods Europe 2026
Ahead of Vitafoods Europe 2026 (May 5–7), we explored innovations on display in Barcelona, Spain. Cargill told us it will highlight how active nutrition is expanding beyond sports performance to address broader health trends, including gut health, reduced sugar, and GLP-1-driven dietary changes. We spoke with Aysegul Ozcan, Enhanced Nutrition commercial marketing director at Cargill, about translating nutrition science into integrated, market-ready solutions. We also caught up with HTBA, which will unveil a GLP-1 support ingredient for muscle health and energy at the show, while dsm-firmenich will feature its longevity solutions. The head of content programming at the event told us this year’s edition will focus more strongly on nutricosmetics, as this sector shifts from niche to mainstream.

Sweeteners may impact metabolic health of future generations, mouse study suggests
Amid debates on the long-term health impacts of non-nutritive sweeteners, research in mice suggested that sucralose and stevia may negatively affect the gut microbiome and gene expression. This could compromise metabolic health, which scientists say can be transmitted between generations. The study found that microbiome changes caused by artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners can occur in mice’s offspring that don’t directly consume the sweeteners. However, experts not involved in the study debated the relevance of these findings in human health. For example, they said mice consume feces, which provides an efficient way for the microbiome to spread from parent to child at the start of life.

CSPI criticizes Trump administration for misleading MAHA nutrition claims
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) took aim at the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, arguing its dietary guidance contradicts established nutrition science. We caught up with Anupama Joshi, vice president of Programs at CSPI, to discuss MAHA guideline improvement points, as some aspects may be harmful to health. She outlined concerns over cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, saturated fat recommendations, and vaccine misinformation. CSPI called for evidence-based nutrition policies, improved food safety regulation, and stronger action against misinformation to better protect public health.Dominique Ostrander from Morinaga Nutritional Foods discussed the science behind the company’s probiotic strains.

Industry urges nutrition focus to curb ultra-processed foods’ mortality risk, scientists push tobacco tactics
In a review, scientists called out health-harming corporate tactics around processed food amid the global rise in chronic disease. They mainly targeted the manufacturing and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) linked to cancer, diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, and infertility. We spoke with Rocco Renaldi, secretary-general at the International Food and Beverage Alliance, and Dr. Nicholas Chartres, the review’s lead author, about applying lessons from tobacco to UPFs. Renaldi said that comparing UPFs with tobacco is misleading, as many of these foods play an important role in nutrition, safety, and affordability. However, Chartres explained that the analogy referred to taxes, marketing limits, and restrictions on the industry’s influence on research and policy. At the same time, at least 17 US states created new UPF definitions amid federal delay.

Why collagen faces scrutiny and how suppliers build consumer trust
Collagen innovation is evolving rapidly, along with consumer questions about the efficacy of these products. With various collagen types and peptides on labels, consumers need to navigate a complex field of ingredients that may raise distrust. We spoke with BioCell Technology, Bioiberica, Gelita, and Lonza Capsugel to discuss the reasons behind consumer scrutiny of collagen supplements and how they ensure their products meet expectations and high regulatory standards. Bioiberica and BioCell Technology emphasized circularity and upcycling of animal by-products, while Gelita explored net-zero goals and non-animal collagen alternatives. Lonza Capsugel advised brands to help consumers understand the 20 different types of collagen. 

Infusd Nutrition’s emulsion tech enables functional food formats with non-soluble ingredients
Amid ongoing consumer “pill fatigue,” the nutrition industry is exploring new formats to meet demands for fun and convenient formats, such as gummies and functional beverages. However, it is challenging to include efficacious doses of non-soluble health ingredients in formats beyond traditional pills and capsules. To address this issue, Infusd Nutrition developed a technology that transforms fat-soluble and insoluble nutrients into water-soluble solutions that enhance stability, bioavailability, and performance. We spoke to the company’s co-founder, Jack MacDonald, to find out how the technology enables brands to include difficult-to-formulate ingredients into new formats. We also sat down with Prinova to discuss hydration trends and how functional beverages tap into GLP-1 solutions.