Targeting brain health: DSM invests in innovation for cognitive performance products in APAC

12 Jun 2019 --- Royal DSM is to collaborate with SLS Nutraceuticals, a subsidiary of Senescence Life Sciences Pte Ltd. to deliver supplementation solutions that aim to help maintain cognitive performance of an individual living under the stressful modern lifestyle well into advanced age. The collaboration will grant DSM Nutritional Products the exclusive distribution rights of SLS Nutraceuticals’ products; Edge and Revive and the proprietary ingredient complex, NeuroShield. The companies will also collaborate on further clinical trials focused on brain health and cognitive performance. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is a key focus area, with subsequent expansion beyond.

“DSM recognizes that with the changes in demographics, especially in Asia Pacific, there is a demand for solutions and innovation that can help to maintain cognitive performance,” Carmel Power, Director, Personalized Nutrition, DSM Nutritional Products Asia Pacific, tells NutritionInsight.

The products have been formulated with the aim of bringing together western neuroscience with eastern traditional medicines. The products provide consumers with a sustained approach towards optimizing adult brain performance and supporting healthy brain aging. DSM will provide an end-to-end solution to customers in the supplement and food and beverage space, with broad and fast market access for consumers. 

“APAC is one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world and, within this area, health-conscious consumers are looking for the latest innovations to keep fit and healthy. SLS Nutraceuticals partners with DSM to tackle the fastest-growing category in this region and in nutrition at large – brain health,” says Dr. Shawn Watson, CEO and Founder of Senescence Life Sciences Pte Ltd.

A recent DSM Global Health Concerns survey showed that brain health and cognition are amongst the main concerns of consumers in APAC. Amid dramatic demographic shifts in the region, consumers are growing older and living longer meaning that a large portion of a population is collectively and rapidly experiencing aging. This, in turn, has significant social and economic implications. It is estimated that by 2030, medical costs associated with an aged society will reach US$20 trillion.

The DSM Global Health Concerns study 2019 sought to quantify awareness and attitudes towards dietary supplement usage. Data shows that there is a significant increase in usage in the EMEA region compared to previous research (37 percent in 2019 vs. 28 percent in 2017), with products primarily taken to boost overall health (56 percent), improve immunity (46 percent) and increase energy levels (41 percent).  

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that implementing nutritional intervention strategies as part of a long-term, preventative approach could help to address the health challenges of today’s Asian society.