Healthy brains mean healthy cognition, stress and sleep. But how to develop a supplement that works? Here’s your road map for formulating the next great innovative supplement to help consumers age gracefully.

When discussing neurological health, three primary areas apply to aging: Cognition, emotional (stress) and sleep. All three of these areas are interconnected:

• People may have issues with sleep, yet stress is why they are having trouble sleeping.

• A person may be stressed due to a lack of sleep.

• A person may struggle with cognitive function, not realizing that worry (stress) or sleep problems are causing them not to remember something.

Poor mental wellness isn’t just bad for mental health, as it can influence all aspects of aging, such as cardiovascular health, immune health, weight control, elevated blood sugar and pain management.

Cognition

Cognitive health has been one of the hottest areas in the natural health field for the past few decades. The thought (no pun intended) of declining abilities to think clearly, remember and learn is a scary proposition. This fear drives most to seek natural solutions to slow the process or improve their cognitive health. Some of the clinically studied ingredients are:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, as Cereboost from Naturex) was tied to enhancing acetylcholine levels while providing neuroprotective benefits.

Bacopa (Bacopa monniera, as BacoMind from Natural Remedies) has multiple mechanisms of action that support neurotransmitters involved in cognition. Of these, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin are on the list. Bacopa is often looked at for its neuroprotective benefits, too.

Wild Canadian blueberry/French grape (Vaccinium angustifolium A./Vitis vinifera L., as Memophenol from Activ’Inside) extract studies showed to positively affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels impacted by stress. It also provides benefits in neuronal signaling. Research also showed berry fruits to be neuroprotective.

Green oat (Avena sativa, as Cognitaven from Anklam Extrakt GmbH) research indicated it positively impacts PDE (phosphodiesterase)-4 and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). PDE-4 supports both norepinephrine and serotonin, while MAO-B supports dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and serotonin.

Red grape (Vitis vinifera, as Cognigrape from BIONAP) was shown to improve cognitive functions such as attention, language, and immediate and delayed memory.

Sage (Salvia, as Cognivia from Nexira) studies demonstrated its impact on acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down this neurotransmitter. The research also pointed to its high content of polyphenols and their neuroprotective benefits.

Stress

People exposed to chronic stress age rapidly. The telomeres in their cells of all types shorten faster. Inflammation is another important feature of stress that, along with aging, accounts for the phenomenon of inflammaging.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is well-known and recognized as the “king of adaptogens.” Adaptogens help the body adapt to physical or emotional stress. One study with ashwagandha demonstrated its ability to help reduce stress and anxiety and positively affect the stress hormone cortisol.

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum, as Holixer from Natural Remedies) is also known as an adaptogen. A study completed with Holixer showed improvements in hair cortisol levels (chronic stress indicator), perceived stress and acute stress.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), in studying its mechanism of action in rodents, involves the neurotransmitters influencing stress by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Healthy adult studies with affron (from Pharmactive Biotech) showed it increases mood, reduces anxiety and manages stress.

Sleep

More evidence suggests that habitually short or disturbed sleep may significantly affect long-term health and longevity. Short sleep duration (e.g., sleeping five or fewer hours per night) is associated with increased risk for the premature development and progression of age-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease).

GABA (as PharmaGABA from Pharma Foods International) targets GABA receptors, thereby increasing REM (rapid eye movement, also known as the deepest level of sleep) by 99.6% and NREM (non-REM, but still a positive part of the sleep process) by 20.6%.

L-theanine (as Suntheanine from Taiyo International) studies confirmed improvements in the time it takes to fall asleep (stage 1) and stage 4 of the sleep cycle.

PEA (as Levagen+) research showed improvements in sleep latency, number of awakenings and time to feel awake. Throw in the fact that it also helps with pain (a contributing factor for poor sleep) and no wonder it’s a good option for slumbering.

Saffron (as affron) studies supported its impact on occasional sleeplessness, as well as improved sleep quality and restorative sleep.

Valerian is known to increase stages 3 and 4 of the sleep cycle while decreasing stage 1 (the time to fall asleep).

A recent report from Fact.MR shows that the global oral hygiene product market will reach $ 24.2 billiona in 2024 and grow through 2034 at a compound annual rate of 4.2%, totaling $36.4 billion. Among drivers of the market are a rise in the use of dental picks, tongue scrapers and fluoride rinses, which generally have improved consumers’ oral health. But the category’s importance in consumers’ lives is far more holistic. Here’s what brand leaders, marketers and product development teams need to know.

“The landscape of oral care is undergoing a significant transformation as it moves beyond hygiene and becomes an integral part of consumers’ well-being routines,” says Michelle Chavez, vice president of innovation, Accupac/Cobalt Labs. “We are learning that oral health has a huge impact on overall health, as the mouth is literally the gateway into the body. And studies have shown stark connections between oral health and heart health, metabolic health and even brain health, reiterating that oral care is more than just about hygiene.”

Oral Care’s Top Growth Markets

The Fact.MR report outlines the key regional growth centers for oral care.

While North America will hold a 27% share of the global oral care market by 2034, the United States will account for 84.1% of that share.

Meanwhile, in Asia, the East Asian oral care sector will expand at a compound annual rate of 5.4% through 2034, dominated by China, which will ultimately hold a 57% share of the region’s market.

South Korea is projected to grow more slowly, at 4.2%, while Japan’s market will be shaped by an aging population that will require geriatric dental solutions.

Understanding the Shifting Oral Care Sector

“Consumers are increasingly turning to medical professionals for guidance, placing their trust in clinically tested and proven formulations, with dentists becoming the newest type of influencer,” says Chavez.

She adds, “Emerging formulations are leveraging known actives, as well as new biomimetic ingredients, to meet consumer demands for safe, effective and sustainable products with clinical, efficacious claims. Additionally, the mainstream adoption of lab-engineered and lab-grown ingredients is driving innovation in oral care, with products designed to adapt to individual needs and provide advanced protection and targeted treatments.”

Skin Care Inspires Oral Health

“Formats and textures will take on a more well-being-type positioning and we will see more and more trickle down from skin care, with influence on ingredients, aesthetics and lengthier, differentiated day and night routines,” says Chavez.

Indeed, skin care and skin health have been a significant inspiration space for oral care.

A perfect example of this trend in motion is the 2023 launch of Moon’s Luminous Shine Teeth Serum, featuring hydrating hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial aloe vera, and whitening hydrogen and urea peroxides. The serum formula is designed to be used with a doe-foot applicator, yet another nod to skin care.

Peptides are also making their mark.

A 2023 paper published in the journal Bioengineering noted, “The in vitro and in vivo studies included in this review suggested that peptides may have beneficial effects for treating early carious lesions, promoting cell adhesion, enhancing the adhesion strength of dental implants, and in tissue engineering as healthy promoters of the periodontium and antimicrobial agents.”

Profound Products’s OralTidePro brand, for instance, comprises mouthwash and intensive repair gel designed to counteract tooth decay resulting from loss of protective enamel and periodontal disease-related gum recession. Both contain a trio of peptides:

• a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) compound, which reportedly remineralizes enamel
• an anti-gingival degeneration peptide (AGDP)
• and the dental remineralization peptide (DRP) amorphous calcium phosphate, which also addresses gingival regeneration

The peptide are reportedly produced via hydrolysis and “purified using membrane ultrafiltration,” per the company.

In addition to its peptides, the repair gel also features the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory sweetener xylitol as well as bicarbonate of soda and coconut oil.

The remineralization claim is on-trend. Chavez notes, “Focused on oral care as health care, Accupac’s development department, Cobalt Labs, has formulated a new Remineralization Toothpaste that uses hydroxyapatite, which has been shown to not only repair enamel and dentin, but also proactively prevent and inhibit demineralization.”

The biomimetic ingredient has been the focus of recent research. Per a 2022 paperc published in the journal Odontology, “In vitro and in situ studies are demonstrating promising results of HAP [hydroxyapatite] toothpastes on the remineralization of enamel lesions and preventing/reducing demineralization. Specifically, research appears to demonstrate either its superiority or equivalency to fluoride toothpaste as anti-caries agents.”

Probiotics are also a key area of innovation.

For instance Lallemand’s 6 sulfated EPS, derived from marine microorganism metabolites, was developed to prevent the formation of pathogen biofilms on skin and in oral care applications.

Biofilm prevention is critical, as pointed out in a 2024 review article in the open-access journal Biofilms and Microbiomesd: “Dental caries [are] commonly mediated by biofilm. A crucial property of probiotics is the ability to inhibit or eliminate the growth of biofilms and pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity.”

Among the probiotic oral care launches on the market is Riven’s Probiotic Mouthwash, a pH-balancing formulation designed to balance users’ oral ecosystems.

The formulation comprises “antioxidants, minerals and botanicals that supports [the] saliva’s natural defenses,” per the brand. Key ingredients also include probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri, probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei and prebiotic inulin chickory root.

As these examples show, oral care and skin care brands alike have the opportunity to tap into skin care trends to expand into new claims, formats and, perhaps, categories.

A healthy diet is key to living a long and healthy life, but proper nutrition becomes even more important during pregnancy. After all, you’re growing a whole new human being inside of you.

During pregnancy, your body needs an immense amount of energy in order to support the physiological changes and demands your body must endure. In fact, pregnancy requires approximately 50,000 calories over nine months, according to a recent study.

However, rather than simply counting calories to meet your caloric needs, it’s important for pregnant women to focus on consuming healthy, nutrient-dense foods. This way, it’ll help ensure they’re getting enough of the specific vitamins and minerals needed to support their and the baby’s health.

Importance of Proper Nutrition for Pregnancy

Prenatal nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and development of the baby.

“One of the most important things about prenatal nutrition is that it doesn’t really start when you become pregnant. It starts even before you’re pregnant,” says Dr. Sara Jacobs, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Their nutrition before pregnancy is just as – if not more – important as their nutrition during pregnancy.”

Ideally, women should be in a healthy body mass index range and following a healthy diet before they become pregnant to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications related to obesity, including Miscarriage, Preeclampsia, Gestational diabetes, Hypertension, Venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins), Wound infections, Induced labor, C-section, Fetal development issues, Stillbirth, Neonatal death.

Top 11 Nutrients for Pregnancy

A healthy baby starts with a healthy diet from their mother.

While they’re in the womb, babies draw nutrients directly from their mother. When you eat, your stomach digests the foods and breaks them down into nutrients that travel through your bloodstream to the placenta. The umbilical cord, which connects the placenta to the baby, delivers glucose, fats, vitamins, minerals and protein to help the baby grow.

“In pregnancy, the fetus is going to take what it needs from the mom,” Jacobs explains. “If mom is not getting adequate nutrition for herself, the baby is going to take what nutrition she has, which is going to result in nutrition deficiencies for her own health.”

The most important nutrients for pregnant women are Folate and folic acid, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, Iodine, Choline.

Prenatal Vitamins

Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements is important for filling any nutritional gaps that are common among pregnant women – such as iron, choline, calcium and folic acid. Experts recommend that low-risk women take prenatal vitamins at least one month before pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Just remember: Prenatal vitamins are dietary supplements that should not be a replacement for healthy eating.

“Supplements supplement a healthy diet. They don’t replace it,” Mok says. “Our bodies prefer obtaining nutrients from food first because nutrients from food are more readily absorbed by our body.”

Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant

So, what exactly are the best foods to eat while pregnant, according to experts?

Here are the most important foods you should eat during pregnancy to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Whole grains
3. Eggs
4. Beans and legumes
5. Dairy or dairy alternative products
6. Fish
7. Seaweed

—
Sara Jacobs, MD
Jacobs is a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Jamie Mok, MS, RD, RYT
Mok is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in maternal and prenatal nutrition and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also the owner of a nutrition, yoga and wellness consulting practice in Los Angeles.

The U.S. organic industry has shown healthy growth over the past few years. Its sales are outpacing those of comparable conventionally produced food and nonfood items, according to an industry survey. Driven by consumer choice, between 2020 and 2021, the organic food sector surpassed $57.5 billion in total value.

What qualifies as an organic product?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are several standards products must meet in order to receive an “organic” label. Animal-based food products can be classified as organic if the animals they came from were not raised with antibiotics or growth hormones.

Other foods can be classified as organic if they were produced without conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, sewage byproducts or ionizing radiation. A USDA-certified agent must also sign off on the production of any organic foods. Conventional foods, on the other hand, aren’t held to these standards.

Value of organic food sales

Overall sales in the organic industry reached more than $63 billion between 2020 and 2021, according to findings from an Organic Trade Association (OTA) survey. The organic food and beverage sector made up more than 90% of these sales. The survey found that organic food sales grew by 2% ($1.4 billion) during this period. The organic nonfood sector reached $6 billion in total sales.

Why organic sales are increasing

An empirical study published in the open-source scientific journal PLoS One in 2021 analyzes consumers’ motivation for buying organic foods. The study attributes the growth of organic sales to consumers becoming more conscious about their health. Many people believe organic foods contribute to a healthier diet than conventional foods.

Consumers have also become more concerned with the environmental effects of food production processes. Chemical fertilizers and synthetic substances can be harmful to the environment and, in turn, to consumers’ health. As a result, many consumers are more willing to purchase environmentally sustainable and organic products.

Many companies are embracing green trends and creating marketing strategies that further encourage shoppers to purchase organic products. As a result, more people are taking the time to learn about the potential benefits of consuming organic foods and using organic products.

Who is most likely to buy organic products?

In the PLoS One study, the researchers analyzed the responses of the 279 participants who said they use organic products. They then considered demographic data such as each consumer’s age, gender, and income and education levels. The results show that consumers between the ages of 41 and 50 years of age are most likely to purchase organic products.

People with higher education and income levels are also more likely to buy organic foods. The results, however, do not suggest that a consumer’s gender affects their decision to purchase organic foods.

Growth of organic food sales outpaces conventional food sales

Research from BlueWeave Consulting predicts the organic food market will grow at an annual rate of 8.7%. At this rate, the market will be worth more than $95 billion by 2027. By comparison, the overall food industry is expected to grow by 3.8% annually through 2027.

As sales in the organic food sector continue to increase, the industry’s sales growth is, in some cases, outpacing that of some conventional food categories. For example, the Organic Produce Network’s annual produce report shows that the value of organic produce sales rose by 5.5% in 2021. The number of sales in this food category also increased by more than 2%. The value of conventional produce sales, on the other hand, increased by only 1.9% during this time. The sales volume of these foods decreased by 2.1%.

The growth of organic grains sales has also exceeded conventional grains sales. Organic flour sales, for example, rose by 51% from 2019 to 2020, while overall flour sales increased by 33%. To tap into these increasing profits, more crop farmers are moving away from conventional practices and are adhering to organic farming standards.

Sales trends among organic food categories

The OTA survey found that organic fruit and vegetable sales totaled more than $21 billion in 2021. This amount was 4.5% higher than that of 2020. Organic dairy and egg sales increased by nearly 11% from 2019 to 2021. Organic meat sales reached nearly $2 billion in 2021, with poultry leading the category with more than $1 billion in sales.

Many customers are moving toward consuming more fresh foods instead of pantry items, causing a decline in preprepared and -packaged organic food sales. These sales fell by about 5% in 2021.

Near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many customers rushed to stock up on products such as canned soup, pasta sauce and nut butters. However, these sales decreased the most of all items within this organic food category in 2021. Organic snacks and baby food were the two products in this category whose sales had a healthy increase. They rose by 11% and 6%, respectively, in 2021.

Organic beverage sales increased in 2021 by 8%. With more people now working from home, organic coffee sales reached more than $2 billion that year. And as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, many Americans were less reliant on baking to keep them busy. As a result, organic bread and grain sales plateaued around $6.2 billion.

Going organic means going forward

Only in one place is organic food growth set to potentially decline. The OTA predicts that international effects from the war in Ukraine could prevent organic grain sales from growing considerably in the near future. However, in virtually all other organic sales categories, great small business ideas abound. Acting on them could be a great way to build a thriving operation.

Melatonin – an over-the-counter supplement to help people sleep – may decrease the risks of age-related eyesight loss, a US study showed.

The “sleep hormone” and common supplement melatonin could be linked to a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a progressive eye condition affecting the macula, a small area near the centre of the retina, and can blur your central vision.

There is no definitive cure for AMD but several treatments can help manage the condition and slow its progression.

A team of researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Cole Eye Institute both based in the US looked at the health data of over 200,000 people, some at an early stage of the disease and some without age-related eyesight issues.

They compared people who used melatonin supplements with those who didn’t in a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Opthalmology.

The researchers found that melatonin was associated with a reduced risk of age-related eyesight deterioration in individuals without any decline.

It was also linked to a lower risk of further loss of eyesight in those already experiencing it at an early stage.

Several interesting protective properties

AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment in Europe with approximately 67 million people in the EU being currently affected, according to a 2019 study.

Due to an ageing population, this number is expected to increase by 15 per cent by 2050 as AMD affects people over 50.

The disease occurs when the physiological mechanisms that regulate the proper functioning of the macula are disrupted by either abnormal blood vessel growth or the progressive loss of some retinal cells.

Melatonin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-protective properties with mitochondria being an essential part of cells.

These properties may counteract the processes that cause AMD, according to the researchers.

Previous studies conducted in vitro and on mice showed promising results. Another study conducted in China also demonstrated that patients treated with melatonin showed less eyesight decline.

Researchers noted that further research is needed to validate the results as other factors could also play a part in the disease such as smoking or access to healthcare.

By Catherine Isabedra, Editor-in-Chief, Asia Food Journal
Updated: Apr. 3rd, 2024

Image Source: DC Studio on Freepik

The health food industry is at a pivotal juncture, driven by consumers’ deepening commitment to wellness, sustainability, and personalized nutrition.

The market’s pulse beats strongly around wellness drinks, gut health, and plant-based innovations, underscoring a shift towards functional and sustainable food choices that cater to individual needs.

China has decided to expand its 15-day visa-free travel policy to six additional European countries on a trial basis, during the period between March 14 and November 30, 2024. 

On March 7, 2024, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China will expand its 15-day visa-free entry policy to six additional European countries. These countries include Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Between March 14 and November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the mentioned countries can enter China without a visa for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

This move aligns with China’s commitment to facilitating procedures for foreigners to come to China for work, study, and travel, as stated in the 2024 Government Work Report. It is designed to further promote personnel exchanges between China and other countries.

“We hope more countries will also offer Chinese citizens visa facilitation and work with us to build fast-track networks for cross-border travels and encourage speedy resumption of international passenger flights,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a press conference on the sidelines of the Two Sessions.

Earlier in January 2024, in a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Swiss President Viola Amherd, China promised to grant unilateral visa-free access for Swiss citizens and the initiation of an FTA upgrade to strengthen diplomatic ties and economic collaboration between the two nations.

Countries with 15-day visa-free travel to China

In the past, citizens with a valid ordinary passport from Japan, Brunei, and Singapore have been permitted to travel to China for a period of up to 15 days without applying for a visa for tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting to a third country. This policy was suspended when COVID-19 restrictions were strictly implemented in China.

On July 26, 2023, the 15-day visa-free travel to China policy was resumed for citizens of Brunei and Singapore, the latter of which has been upgraded to a 30-day visa-free travel since February 2024.

On November 24, 2023, China announced that its 15-day visa-free travel policy was expanded to five European countries and Malaysia. During the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days.

Then on March 7, 2024, China announced that it will expand its 15-day visa-free entry policy to another six European countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. During the period from March 14 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passports holders from the above countries can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days.

To note, citizens from these countries would previously also have had to apply for a visa in advance if they:
– Expect to stay in China for more than 15 days;
– Intend to study, work, settle down, or attend an interview in China.

At the time of writing, it’s still not clear when this policy will be resumed for citizens of Japan. This means citizens from Japan still need to apply for a Chinese tourist, business, or another type of visa to enter China at this time.