Sirio forecasts mood-boosting supplement surge as COVID-19 lockdowns intensify

15 Dec 2020 --- Mood-enhancing supplementation demand will surge during winter COVID-19 lockdowns, according to Ayanda company Sirio Europe and the European nutraceutical and pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). 

“The majority of European countries are in national lockdowns or have ongoing restrictions on meeting people, with the expectations this will extend well into the New Year. Unfortunately, these lockdowns happen to coincide with the beginning of winter, a season typically associated with lower moods,” says Dr. Dominique Baum, managing director at Sirio Europe.

“We anticipate a huge surge in demand for products that offer new mood-enhancing formulations, but those that really stand apart will be marketed with additional wellness benefits.”

Nutraceutical customers are, therefore, looking for contract manufacturers that have knowledge both in the ingredients, but also a pedigree in the rapid development of complex formulations. 

Sirio anticipates a surge in demand for products that offer new mood-enhancing formulations.

Baum anticipates that these “body and mind” nutraceuticals will see significant growth in the first half of 2021. ”It is potentially a big trend we expect to proliferate even after the pandemic is over,” she adds.

Mood-boosting supplements and functional foods are trending as consumers look to improve their health in a holistic way. Recognizing this need, Innova Market Insights has pegged “Mood: The Next Occasion” as one of its top ten trends for 2021.

A holistic approach to wellness
Rather than purchase stand-alone products, consumers are looking for nutraceuticals that also provide physical health benefits – including enhanced immunity, heart function or metabolism, the company explains.

Brands are increasingly differentiating by marketing products with health benefits for “body and mind” with ingredients that combine holistic wellness as well as mood-enhancing properties, says Sirio.

“For example, combination products containing plant-based extracts may increase the body’s ability to resist the damaging effects of stress. They can also promote normal physiological functioning in combination with omega 3 oils and vitamins.”

One product class increasingly promoted as offering “dual benefits” is probiotic formulations, according to Sirio – often in combination with omega 3 and or another ingredient. This is as research has established a strong relationship between mood and the gut-brain axis, in addition to its traditional dietary tract benefits. 

Adaptogens for the mood
Another group of ingredients experiencing a renaissance are adaptogens. A growing body of evidence has shown that turmeric, which is widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties, can also positively enhance mood. 

Ginseng is seeing rising attention in Western countries for its traditional use to fight mental fatigue and exhaustion, Sirio supports.

Adaptogens such as turmeric and ginseng are also trending as they can positively enhance mood. The company identified saffron as one “trendy” ingredient that is attracting a lot of interest due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its two extracts, crocin and safranal. 

“Recent studies pointed to improvements in mood and depression, even in a comparative trial versus a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Additionally, saffron efficacy is now being explored for preventing age-related ocular diseases,” Sirio explains.

Usually, these plant extracts are offered as powders. However, by suspending these adaptogens in essential oils, brands can develop complex formulations that cover a larger range of ‘body and mind’ benefits. 

For example, omega 3 is known for its health-promoting effects on the heart, eyes and brain function, the company says.

Meeting the demand
Recently, Sirio Pharma, the China-based arm of the company, finalized a “smart factory,” touted as the world’s first nutraceutical manufacturing site run on automated processes and powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) technology.

Sirio says its adoption of the technology, installed at its site in Ma’anshan, China, allows for unprecedented levels of reporting, manufacturing control, production efficiency and automation.

Previously speaking to NutritionInsight, Baum expanded on the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain, rising ingredient trends and building customer trust.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou 

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