June in review: GLP-1s drive demand, gut-brain axis & EU vitamin limits warning

Metabolic health, mental well-being, EU vitamin limits, and protein differentiation were key topics driving product development in the nutrition industry in June. Meanwhile, policies aiming to drive healthier food choices and scientific research advances also shaped industry conversations. 

In our June review, Nutrition Insight explores some of the month’s biggest stories, such as weight loss needs driving the industry’s shift to support consumers on GLP-1s and when transitioning off them, alongside clinical research linking probiotics to reductions in geriatric depression. 

In the EU, FoodChain ID warned that proposed legislation to harmonize maximum vitamin and mineral levels in fortified foods and supplements could force product reformulations. 

In longevity news, Real Mushrooms highlighted how it positions its lion’s mane mycelium supplements for healthy brain aging due to its standardized concentration of erinacine A. Additionally, ADM backed postbiotics to drive innovations in functional foods. 

Amid rising whey protein prices, Angel Yeast detailed how its yeast-based protein can boost whey performance, as research found that whey protein isolate byproducts show underexplored value for human nutrition. 

An update in US cholesterol guidelines prioritized plant-forward diets amid ongoing meat myths in the country. Research linked Chile’s comprehensive food policy package to lower childhood obesity risk, while scientists debated whether ultra-processed foods’ nutritional profile or processing levels are the main drivers of their link to obesity and other diseases.

GLP-1 companion supplements and post-medication nutrition tap metabolic health demand
Rising GLP-1 adoption is driving a shift in the food, beverage, and supplement industries to support consumers on these therapies and when they transition off them. Industry experts highlighted how these drugs are boosting demand for holistic metabolic wellness and how companies can respond with solutions to enhance GLP-1 efficacy. We spoke with Gnosis by Lesaffre, Kerry, Saanroo, and ADM to explore opportunities for food innovations — from biotics and fiber to vitamin K and protein — to support holistic metabolic wellness. Additionally, we met with Rousselot to discuss how its collagen peptides support consumers by complementing GLP-1s or as natural boosters of metabolic health.Lubrizol Nutraceuticals highlighted how microencapsulation enhances ingredient bioavailability, taste, and formulation flexibility. 

Early clinical evidence shows probiotics ease geriatric depression symptoms
A pilot clinical trial has found that administering probiotics to older adults with moderate depression, receiving standard care, had modest yet meaningful reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to a placebo. We spoke with the senior authors about the study’s findings, which provided participants with Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum (~6 billion CFU daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks among 58 participants. The study found elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels for people using the probiotics, which they said suggests these may support brain health by activating the gut-brain axis. Larger trials are needed before drawing firm conclusions. 

FoodChain ID warns EU vitamin and mineral limits could trigger supplement reformulation
The European Commission has confirmed a timeline to harmonize maximum vitamin and mineral levels in fortified foods and supplements, calculating a “residual amount” for each vitamin and mineral, based on what consumers obtain through diet. These levels could then be applied to fortified foods and supplements. FoodChain ID’s Jerome Le Bloch warned it could slash maximum nutrient doses in vitamin and mineral food supplements and could force reformulation, relabeling, and re-notification of affected EU supplements. Consultation is expected in Q3 2026 and adoption in Q1 2028.

Erinacine A leads lion’s mane category shift from nootropic to healthy brain aging
Real Mushrooms is positioning erinacine A as a long-term ingredient for healthy brain aging and cognitive resilience, rather than a traditional brain booster. This bioactive compound, sourced exclusively from lion’s mane mycelium, requires standardization in finished products to support its science-backed benefits in nervous system health. The company’s CEO and co-founder, Skye Chilton, detailed what research has shown about erinacine A and aging adults’ cognition and biohackers. He also highlighted how the compound differs from other mycelium constituents and how this translates into finished supplement applications. In other brain health news, Kyowa Hakko’s Cognizin Citicoline showed acute cognitive benefits in a proof-of-concept study.DolCas Biotech’s CEO explored the company’s R&D strategy, which focuses on delivery format developments.

Whey protein isolate byproducts show unexplored value for human nutrition
Dairy byproducts, commonly used for low-value animal feedstock, have been shown to have nutritional value for humans. A study suggested these offer opportunities for manufacturers to create ingredients for functional human foods while taking environmental sustainability into account. When whey protein isolate is produced, it also produces an almost equal amount of whey protein phospholipid concentrate as a byproduct. A study author said the underused coproduct could become a functional dairy ingredient for older adults, postmenopausal women, and infant nutrition. Meanwhile, Lactalis acquired the UK active nutrition brand Protein Works, which offers a range of protein-based products across Europe. Additionally, a separate review linked cow’s milk to better bone health and nutrition than plant-based alternatives.

Ingredient synergies: Angel Yeast finds yeast-based protein boosts whey performance
New science by Angel Yeast revealed that blending whey protein — widely considered the gold standard for rapid absorption — with AngeoPro Yeast Protein creates a synergistic effect that surpasses either protein source used in isolation. The company told us that these blends have an improved amino acid score, contain additional micronutrients, are more sustainable, and are hypoallergenic. Compared to whey protein, AngeoPro features higher levels of arginine (60 mg/g) and lysine (93.1 mg/g). The ingredient also delivers two to three times more phenylalanine and tyrosine than whey. Meanwhile, Rousselot highlighted the cost and health benefits of combining whey protein with its collagen peptides in response to rising whey costs. 

New cholesterol guidelines push plant-forward diets, but US meat myths persist
Cardiovascular health is drawing increased attention as it faces multiple challenges. Amid this backdrop, we spoke with the American College of Cardiology, which co-updated guidelines on managing dyslipidemia — high lipids or lipoproteins — focusing on lifestyle interventions and earlier detection. Meanwhile, a survey from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that one in five US adults does not know that diet affects cholesterol, and a poll found that 53% of men link carnivore diets with masculinity. The committee highlighted research findings that plant-based protein beats animal sources in lowering LDL cholesterol, boosting fiber consumption, and lowering grocery costs. In other heart health news, a two-year trial found that Gnosis by Lesaffre’s vitamin K2 ingredient slowed coronary calcification by a third compared to a placebo.BGG told us how apple polyphenols can support weight management as the compounds are studied for weight loss and metabolic health.

ADM backs postbiotics to drive healthy aging innovations in functional food
ADM underscores that longevity is becoming a holistic priority, with consumers aiming to maintain their physical capability and mental resilience over time. The company’s Healthy Aging Report 2026 suggested that brands that combine functional benefits with accessible formats and clear ingredients will be “best positioned to meet growing healthy aging demands.” The company advised manufacturers to ground products in science-backed ingredients with benefits in sleep, stress, digestive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. ADM’s Vaughn DuBow highlighted postbiotics as the next wave in healthy aging, combining science with consumer-friendly formats. We also explored which biological pathways are the most actionable for healthy aging and where the strongest human evidence lies.

From Chile to the world: Food policy package linked to lower childhood obesity risk
An observational study linked coordinated food policies targeting products high in fat, salt, and sugar in Chile to a 2% reduction in childhood excess weight risk. The country implemented the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, combining policies such as front-of-package warning labels, marketing restrictions, and school food regulations. The study’s first author highlighted why a combined policy approach is more effective, what this might mean for other countries planning similar rules, and what the pushback from industry has been. He said the legislation’s effects were evident after six months, with excess weight reduced in young children. Additionally, a separate review of 73 studies linked poor early-life diets to lower intelligence and cognitive outcomes in adolescence.

Report compares UPF nutritional profile and processing as health drivers
A commentary report from Perspectives interpreted multiple randomized clinical trials on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their link to obesity and other diseases. The authors of the report noted that UPFs are commonly characterized by their high calorie density and high amounts of salt and sugar, while being low in protein and fiber, which are unhealthy characteristics of food independent of processing level. The trials showed that UPF-rich diets often increase calorie intake and weight gain, while non-UPF diets designed for nutritional quality improved outcomes. However, researchers not part of the review article cautioned that the evidence is inconclusive whether these effects are driven by processing levels alone or rather UPFs’ nutritional profiles.