Nutrition 2026: Research advances neuromuscular health, infant nutrition & mobility

Leaders from the scientific community and nutraceuticals sector are convening at this year’s Nutrition 2026, an annual conference hosted by the American Society for Nutrition between July 25–28 in National Harbor, Maryland, US. 

Nutrition Insight explores the presentations hosted by Kyowa Hakko, a2 Milk Company, and PLT Health Solutions, who highlighted their advances in citicoline for neuromuscular health, cow’s milk free of A1-type beta-casein, and longevity and mobility.

“Nutrition 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity to share our latest research with the global nutrition science community while engaging with researchers, health care professionals, and industry partners,” says Dawna Salter-Farfan, Ph.D. and senior manager of Clinical Research at PLT Health Solutions.

Citicoline for neuromuscular health

At the show, Kyowa Hakko presented new preclinical research on its Cognizin citicoline ingredient in a new field of mind-body science: neuromuscular health. 

The company’s findings show that the branded ingredient can support the formation of a specialized synapse known as the neuromuscular junction. This refers to the critical connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers that signals for skeletal muscle to contract.

Kyowa Hakko considers the findings have significant implications for Cognizin’s sports nutrition and healthy aging formulations that target muscle strength, coordination, and functional movement.

Kyowa Hakko’s citicoline ingredient Cognizin supports neuromuscular junction formation, strengthening the vital link between motor neurons and muscle contraction. The supplier underscores that the age-related deterioration of the neuromuscular junction is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to muscle weakness and decline in physical performance.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Health Sciences at Kirin Holdings Company, Kyowa Hakko’s parent company, used an established in vitro neuromuscular cell model to evaluate Cognizin’s effects on neuromuscular junction formation.

Using gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence imaging, researchers studied key markers involved in neuromuscular junction development, including acetylcholine receptor clustering, a critical step in forming the functional of the synapse.

“Awareness of the mind-body connection has grown rapidly in recent years, and these results further highlight its importance — and Cognizin’s role in it,” says Karen Todd, VP of global brand marketing, Kyowa Hakko USA.

“Our ongoing investment in clinical and preclinical science gives formulators the validated evidence they need to build products consumers can trust — and it opens doors to exciting new application areas we’re only beginning to explore.”

A2 milk in infant nutrition

The a2 Milk Company showcased its latest results from a randomized, double-blind, controlled study evaluating an infant milk formula made with cow’s milk that is free of A1-type beta-casein protein — referred to as A1PF formula. The study compared this product to an infant milk formula made with regular cow’s milk.

Beta-casein is one of the primary proteins found in cow’s milk and can be classified as either A1- or A2-type beta-casein. Most conventional cow’s milk contains a combination of both protein types.

The a2 Milk Company notes that A1- and A2-type beta-casein differ by a single amino acid, which affects how the proteins are broken down during digestion. Its A1PF formula is made with milk containing only A2-type beta-casein.

Researchers found that over 16 weeks, infants fed A1PF formula had a mean daily weight gain of 31.94 g, compared with 30.15 g among infants fed conventional formula.

New research shows an A1-free infant formula from the a2 Milk Company supports healthy growth while improving antioxidant status, gut barrier function, and markers of inflammation.

They stress that there were also no significant differences between groups for adverse events.

A separate preclinical study conducted by The a2 Milk Company with Product Safety Labs (Dayton, NJ) examined the protein component of infant formula made with a2 Milk™ and found a higher adjusted protein efficiency ratio compared with casein controls, while offering an elevated antioxidant status and reduced gastrointestinal inflammatory markers.

Researchers at both Purdue University and Nova Southeastern University are both examining the role of A1- and A2-type beta-casein in digestion and other potential health outcomes, further contributing to the growing body of scientific evidence on milk protein biology.

“Understanding these biological pathways helps advance our knowledge of the relationship between nutrition, inflammation, and cognitive function,” says Richard Deth, Ph.D., professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. 

PLT Health’s mobility advances

Members of PLT Health Solutions’ science team showcased new studies at Nutrition 2026, featuring new research on mobility, joint health, longevity, and gut barrier integrity.

The company highlighted new clinical research about its recently launched joint longevity ingredient, Kinexa Joint Longevity Complex. This randomized, placebo-controlled human study demonstrated significant improvements in joint strength, comfort, physical function, and mobility. 

Advanced MRI analysis also revealed improvements in cartilage composition, cartilage thickness, and overall knee structural integrity, suggesting that the ingredient may positively influence both symptoms and underlying joint structure.

Additionally, the company showcased science evaluating its Dynagenix Joint+Muscle Formula, a standardized water-soluble Boswellia serrata extract. This clinical trial demonstrated reductions in pain and stiffness within five days of supplementation, with continued improvements in range of motion, walking ability, functional mobility, and inflammatory biomarkers over 30 days.

“It’s an exciting time for PLT as we continue to invest in high-quality research supporting our portfolio of branded ingredients,” says Steve Fink, VP of Marketing for PLT Health Solutions.

“Research like this is central to PLT’s mission of providing our customers and the health and wellness community with meaningful scientific evidence that helps drive innovation and inspires consumer confidence in clinically supported ingredients.”