May in review: Vitafoods Europe 2026, GLP-1 nutrition & longevity trends

Healthy aging, women’s wellness, and GLP-1 nutrition support were key themes in the nutrition industry in May, spurring innovations in nutrient-dense foods and targeted health solutions. Scrutiny over supplement claims and new scientific research also shaped industry conversations. 

In our May review, Nutrition Insight explores some of the month’s biggest stories, such as key trends and innovations at Vitafoods Europe 2026 in longevity, cognition, women’s health, and metabolic support. 

New clinical research found that rapid weight loss is more efficient and sustainable than a gradual approach, provided that people are supported through a weight regain prevention program. Industry experts also told us how GLP-1 medications are reshaping food and supplement development.

Meanwhile, we examined scrutiny over Niagen Bioscience’s supplement claims on boosting NAD+ levels, and explored India’s ambitions to become a nutraceutical leader through Ayurvedic botanicals.

In Pakistan, stakeholders called for reforming the country’s dairy industry to address its nutrition crisis last month. Meanwhile, human milk-based fortifiers for premature infants in Japan expanded.

We also talked with Kerry about its efforts to target underserved consumer needs, and looked at research suggesting that grapes may protect the skin against UV skin damage. Lastly, research cautioned that social media may drive unhealthy eating behavior and poorer body image among youth.

Vitafoods Europe 2026: Spotlight on healthy aging, women’s wellness and new product formats
At this year’s Vitafoods Europe, industry players showcased new ingredients and consumer-centric formats to meet demand for proactive and targeted health solutions. We discussed trends in longevity, women’s health, delivery formats, the gut microbiome, and metabolic wellness with Sirio, Lallemand Health Solutions, Kerry, Rousselot, Lubrizol Nutraceuticals, and IFF Health Sciences. During the show, we also spoke with Kaneka Ubiquinol about its mitochondria-boosting supplement innovations and talked to Givaudan about its cognitive health solutions. Arla Foods Ingredients unveiled GLP-1 support nutrition for muscle maintenance, and Seppic launched a cognitive booster called Sepibright. Additionally, we discussed Morinaga Milk Industry’s new probiotics brand identity and Lactalis Nutrition Santé’s sugar-free clinical nutrition range at the show.Companies discussed trends in longevity, gut health, women’s wellness, and beauty-from-within at Vitafoods Europe 2026.

Clinical trial suggests rapid weight loss is more efficient and sustainable than a gradual approach
A clinical trial found that rapid weight loss is more effective than gradual weight loss in terms of losing weight and keeping it off. The findings contradict the common belief that rapid weight loss is unhealthy and increases the likelihood of weight regain. During a year, participants followed either a rapid or gradual weight loss program for 16 weeks, followed by a weight regain prevention program for 36 weeks. We met with the study’s lead author to discuss the results and the role of nutrition and food-based interventions in weight loss. She told us the findings are highly relevant in the GLP-1 era, and called for a shift toward nutrition programs that emphasize an effective weight-loss phase followed by comprehensive behavioral support to prevent weight regain.

GLP-1 medications fuel demand for healthier, nutrient-dense foods
The growing adoption of GLP-1 therapies is impacting food choices, with consumers focusing on nutrient-dense, high-protein, and high-fiber options to support their health. Industry experts told us that smaller, convenient options with high nutritional quality are key for these consumers. We met with Ingredion, Fonterra, and Carbery to explore innovation opportunities for the food and nutrition industry as GLP-1s are driving demand for nutrient-dense options in smaller formats. The experts told us that reduced food intake may lead to nutrient gaps, making innovative, convenient, and affordable products essential to ensure proper nutrition, with an emphasis on protein, fiber, and micronutrient balance. Meanwhile, Univar Solutions told us that advanced fibers, texturizers, and specialty ingredients are key to improving satiety, digestion, and palatability in GLP-1-aligned products.

Boosting NAD+: Tru Niagen and US advertising board clash over supplement claims
Niagen Bioscience told us it rejects the logic behind a US National Advertising Review Board (NARB) recommendation to remove or significantly modify advertising claims for its flagship nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplement, Tru Niagen. Although the company said it will comply with the board’s recommendation, it argued that the standards are too restrictive. NARB found insufficient evidence for the supplement’s claims of boosting NAD+ levels, and the board said there was insufficient scientific evidence that the product delivers real-world health and longevity benefits. In discussions with both Niagen and the NARB, we explored how this case underscores growing scrutiny over product claims and how it could impact marketing practices across the industry. In related news, the US proposed a bill that could make it cheaper to buy supplements, and the Kaneka Corporation highlighted how nutraceuticals can power cellular health.We spoke with Lonza Capsugel about its clean label plant-based capsules and joint health benefits of collagen for dogs.

Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2026: India eyes nutraceutical dominance with underrated Ayurvedic botanicals
India is hosting its second annual Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2026 (Sept 7–9) and is seeking international delegates to attend the event in New Delhi. We spoke with a government representative to discuss ambitions for the nation’s nutraceutical sector, particularly for Ayurvedic botanicals that hold global commercial potential in key markets. For example, emerging Ayurvedic botanicals like guduchi, kutki, Bacopa monnieri, and amla show global potential for immunity, liver, cognitive, and metabolic health with growing clinical validation. We also discussed the country’s advantages in advancing cost-effective innovation alongside integrating pharma with nutrition amid the GLP-1 boom, for example, in protein, fiber, and probiotics.

Stakeholders urge Pakistan dairy reform amid nutrition crisis
Despite Pakistan being one of the largest milk-consuming and producing countries in the world, it continues to suffer from food insecurity, malnutrition, and stunting. This was in focus at the Pakistan Medical Association’s stakeholder dialogue hosted in Lahore in May, titled The True Value of Dairy in Pakistan, amid the country’s increased nutrition crisis and growing economic cost. This event brought together experts from the dairy industry, regulators, and nutrition organizations. They called for an urgent transformation of the country’s dairy industry, stronger food safety systems, and expansion of school food programs. We sat down with two experts from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition to discuss how the organization aims to improve food access in the country and how the current dairy industry limits people’s access to nutrition. Ahead of the Sustainable Foods Summit 2026, the event’s organizers told us how resilient food systems can enhance nutrition. And we explored a study finding that Indigenous and rural communities are more exposed to harmful pesticides.

Grapes against UV damage? Clinical trial reveals daily consumption may protect skin
Consuming grapes for two weeks can boost skin resilience against UV irradiation by reducing the invisible internal damage caused by sun exposure, according to a small-scale clinical trial involving the results of four human participants, which was funded by the California Table Grape Commission. The trial initially involved 29 participants, but only four had high-quality, complete sets of skin tissue that were deemed suitable for further lab analysis. The researchers found that grape consumption altered gene expression to enhance skin keratinization and cornification, which strengthens the skin’s barrier against environmental harm. Moreover, the fruits led to a measurable decrease in malondialdehyde, a key marker of skin oxidative stress caused by UV exposure. In other skin health news, we explored a plant-based enzyme that boosts the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses and talked to Nature’s Bounty about the science behind their supplement with ceramides and green tea extract that targets the root causes of skin aging.At Vitafoods Europe 2026, dsm-firmenich highlighted how wellness science is shifting from life expectancy to health expectancy.

How Kerry tackles nutrition trends in women’s health, weight loss and longevity
As the nutrition industry is focusing on innovations in trending health areas of women’s wellness, healthy aging, and weight loss, Kerry told us how it uses clinical trials to address underserved needs and consumers in these segments. The team highlighted its research targeting real-world health gaps and consumer groups, such as expanding women’s health solutions beyond traditional products, conducting trials in older populations for its healthy aging products, and supporting GLP-1 users with gastrointestinal side effects. They explained how Kerry focuses on underserved areas in women’s health, including fertility and menopause, with science-backed solutions like Sensoril ashwagandha. The team also highlighted healthy aging as a key focus, where the company’s solutions support immunity and skin health. In weight management, Kerry offers solutions to address gut issues common among GLP-1 users. This month, the company also launched its Safeguard Ashwagandha platform to address safety concerns of the botanical.

Human milk-based fortifiers in Japan: From supplements to essential medicine for premature infants
Human milk-based fortifiers are increasingly seen as essential products in medical nutrition in Japan. These are added to mother’s or donor milk fed to premature babies to boost nutrients. While government subsidies are dismantling barriers to accessing these products, clinical research underscores their essential role in brain support. We spoke with the chief medical officer at Prolacta Bioscience about the latest regulatory shifts propelling the sector in Japan, including the country’s decision to classify these products as subsidized prescription medicines. She also highlighted emerging European guidelines that treat such products as a vital Substance of Human Origin. Meanwhile, we spoke with a researcher who found that improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy could be key to improving birth outcomes in low-income regions. In addition, Nestlé and Danone faced new criticism for their recalls of contaminated infant formula, which a media investigation called “silent and delayed.”

Fitspiration on social media drives unhealthy eating behavior and poorer body image among youth
A study revealed that “fitspiration,” the social media trend of motivational content around healthy diets and exercise, may bring unexpected negative impacts on the health and well-being of young adults. The paper found that even short-term exposure can have negative consequences, such as reduced self-esteem, feeling unhappy about one’s looks, reinforcing unrealistic body standards, and causing unhealthy eating behavior. In severe cases, it may also lead to clinical eating disorders. We discussed the main nutritional trends on social media with the paper’s co-author and how promoting a healthy eating and body ideal can be harmful for health. She emphasized the need for more evidence-based, balanced nutrition messaging on social media to promote long-term health rather than appearance-driven ideals.