Healthy aging month: Shaklee and Kerry spotlight “optimum nutrition” for aging well

06 Sep 2022 --- As September marks Healthy Aging Month, the industry is tapping into innovation to advance this space. Healthy Aging month aims to spread awareness of the advantages of aging and wellness company Shaklee is spotlighting antioxidant products that are beneficial for aging well. Meanwhile, Kerry gives insight into trends that impact the healthy aging space.

“Concerns commonly associated with aging can become more common as we get older, but consumers in all age groups are taking increasingly preventative approaches toward them – often through changes to their diets or supplementation,” John Quilter, VP of the global portfolio – ProActive Health at Kerry, tells NutritionInsight.

“Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio offers a range of science-backed ingredients that support healthy joints and mobility, helping to promote greater quality of life, active lifestyles and healthy aging. Examples include Ayuflex, our clinically studied ingredient for joint support.”

Shaklee has science-backed patented solutions designed to support healthy living regardless of age, whether consumers seek nourishment from the inside to support optimal foundational health or have the objective to “defy aging” on the surface.

“For the past 20 years, September has been recognized as Healthy Aging Month, providing inspiration and practical ideas for all adults to improve their overall wellness,” says Roger Barnett, CEO and chairman of Shaklee Corporation.

Demand for scientifically validated products
Kerry explains that the most crucial trend in healthy aging is the growing expectation of scientific validation. Consumers of all ages are increasingly skeptical and want to know that products for wellness are backed by high-quality research.

“Three-quarters of global consumers who purchase probiotics, for example, say that science-based claims are important when choosing products,” says Quilter. “The good news is that scientific advances mean it’s increasingly easy to formulate with functional ingredients to meet this need.”

Shaklee offers a comprehensive product portfolio that focuses on anti-aging and wellness.“At Shaklee, we believe it’s never too late to take control of your health, and our products are backed by over 110 published clinical studies proving safety and efficacy,” details Barnett.

According to the company, healthy aging begins with optimal nutrition in the body. It is critical to fill any nutritional gaps in diets with safe and effective products.

Cellular aging and cognitive health
As Shaklee aims to provide optimum nutrition for consumers to optimize aging, the company highlights its range of products that promote overall wellness.

The liquid and liquid gel forms of Vivix combine the resveratrol and muscadine grape polyphenols to delay cellular aging. Shaklee highlights that when it comes to reducing a key mechanism of cellular aging, this combination is 13 times more effective than resveratrol alone.

Meanwhile, Shaklee’s Collagen-9 is pegged as the most comprehensive collagen supplement with 10 g of collagen as well as a blend of biotin and vitamin C to support healthy skin, hair, nails and joints. The MindWorks supplements are suitable for consumers experiencing cognitive decline. The supplement contains minerals and extracts to help with short-term memory and focus.

According to Kerry, as consumers enter their 40s and 50s, their focus shifts, with greater emphasis on physical and cognitive health and higher interest in solutions for heart health, cognitive support and mobility.

“Many health concerns retain the same importance throughout life. Kerry’s recent global consumer survey found that immune support was the top concern regardless of age and that demand for joint and digestive health solutions was also very high,” Quilter explains.

Vivix is a botanical blend formulated to slow aging at cellular levels (Credit: Shaklee).Shaklee previously released the Essential MultiV drink – a “convenient” peach mango flavored vitamin powder. This supplement drink mix contains essential nutrients that may fill nutritional gaps within diets.

Collagen solutions for wrinkles and skin
According to Shaklee, accelerating skin cell renewal to a more youthful rate is the key to younger-looking skin. Therefore, Shaklee is highlighting its Youth Anti-Aging skincare line that addresses aging concerns. The Youth product line is touted as vegan and free of animal testing.

The first product within the skincare line is the Luminous Gel Oil Cleanser – a three-in-one, soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser that adds radiance to the skin. Shaklee notes that it gently polishes and cleanses all skin types.

Meanwhile, the Perfecting Skin Toner is a patented combination of botanicals, polyphenols, essential vitamins and minerals that exfoliate, moisturize and nourish the skin.

For collagen synthesis support and cellular rejuvenation, the company’s Activating Serum contains vitamin A retinol and ten times as much as Shaklee’s exclusive botanical mix.

Regarding the last product in the line, the Restoring Eye Treatment – a blend of peptides – was found to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eyes in as little as seven days.

Beyond the elderly: Emerging consumer groups 
Millennials are profoundly altering the market for healthy aging and Generation Z. Echoing this shift, Kerry’s Quilter adds: “There is a tendency to take a proactive approach to well-being was the most pronounced among the youngest age group (Gen Z) and one of the oldest (Boomers).”

It was previously reported that the healthy aging category now comprises a wide range of age groups as companies diversify their ingredients, strategies and F&B offerings to appeal to a broader demographic.

Similarly, as human life expectancy rises and the elderly population grows, illnesses and disabilities become more prevalent. With NPD being considered to combat and prevent these chronic issues, the aging well space is expanding and blending with other trends.

NutritionInsight interviewed industry experts on how the aging well space incorporates various trends and extends beyond nutrition to include skin and eye health.

By Nicole Kerr