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IFT First 2025: Spotlight on nutraceutical innovations and “better-for-you” solutions

IFT First 2025: Spotlight on nutraceutical innovations and “better-for-you” solutions

At the recent IFT First 2025 trade show in Chicago, Illinois, US, clean label and health-forward natural ingredients took center stage. Food and nutrition companies presented their “better-for-you” solutions in functional beverages, protein bars, nutraceuticals, and gummy supplements with gut health, weight management, and sports performance benefits. On the showroom floor, Nutrition Insight discussed product innovations with Ayana Bio, Nexira, Gelita, and Jungbunzlauer. 
Prenatal nutrition innovation: Pregnancy snacks, trending formats and new ingredients
Prenatal nutrition innovation: Pregnancy snacks, trending formats and new ingredients
Transformations in prenatal nutrition are being driven by advancements in ingredient technology, innovative product formats, and a growing understanding of the nuanced needs of expecting parents. From formulation advances around essential vitamins to specialized ingredients addressing male fertility and the demands of later-life pregnancies, the industry is recalibrating to offer more targeted and personalized support. Nutrition Insight speaks to Balchem, Gnosis by Lesaffre, PharmaLinea, and Kaneka Nutrients about these developments while exploring how the category is continuously evolving with the rise of data-driven health strategies.
Balchem spots healthy aging market opportunities for folate supplementation
Balchem spots healthy aging market opportunities for folate supplementation
Folate, or vitamin B9, is well-known for its role in prenatal health, but the science behind this vital nutrient is evolving. We explore the next wave of innovation in folate supplements with Lauren Eisen, senior marketing and business development manager at Balchem. She details the different types of folate and how its role in methylation supports key biochemical processes and promotes health at every stage of life. Eisen tells Nutrition Insight that folate plays an important role in methylation, the biological process that regulates gene expression. She says this makes the nutrient “indispensable” during periods of rapid growth, such as perinatal health. 
Decoding magnesium bioavailability measurement metrics
Decoding magnesium bioavailability measurement metrics
The rapid growth of the magnesium supplement market has given way to an influx of misleading and unverified bioavailability claims. To help manufacturers cut through the complexity and choose the most effective magnesium ingredient for their formulations, Balchem’s whitepaper evaluates different methods to measure bioavailability markers.

This technical paper is brought to you by Balchem’s Albion® Minerals.
IFT First 2025: Nexira features adaptogens and prebiotics in next-gen functional beverages
IFT First 2025: Nexira features adaptogens and prebiotics in next-gen functional beverages

At this year’s IFT First 2025, Nexira showcased its extensive portfolio tailored for the booming functional and plant-based beverage market, including an array of adaptogenic and energizing drinks. We connected with Charlotte Wallart, food product manager at Nexira, about solutions ranging from precision prebiotics and botanical extracts to natural texturizers. She also detailed the versatility of the prebiotic acacia fiber sustainably sourced from carefully selected acacia trees.

IFT First 2025 review: Health-forward natural ingredients proliferate amid regulatory change
IFT First 2025 review: Health-forward natural ingredients proliferate amid regulatory change
At IFT First 2025 in Chicago, US, global ingredient leaders showcased their latest R&D and discussed the future of the F&B industry at a time of rapid technological and regulatory change. Better-for-you solutions dominated as suppliers spotlighted natural alternatives to synthetic formulations and the latest AI advancements for supply chain security and ingredient formulation.

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“Sixth sense”: Gut microbes tell brain to stop eating
model of gut and brain connected by a line
Researchers have discovered a pathway between the gut microbes and the brain that can suppress appetite and, thereby, directly influence our behaviors. When cells in this pathway miss key receptors or if the pathway is disrupted in other aspects, microbes may not help signal the brain to stop eating, leading to a greater risk of chronic diseases like obesity. 
Fermented stevia leaf extract may unlock future pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers in a lab
Stevia leaf extract fermented with bacteria isolated from banana leaves may kill off pancreatic cancer cells without harming healthy kidney cells, according to scientists at Hiroshima University, Japan. This cancer is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The researchers note that the fermented stevia leaf extract showed “significantly enhanced” antioxidant activities and cytotoxicity — the ability to damage or kill cells — against pancreatic cancer cells in the lab. Additional testing demonstrated that the extract effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of these cancer cells. 
Bayer expands One A Day children’s multivitamins line with iron gummy supplement
One A Day Kids Multi with Iron
Multivitamin and supplement brand One A Day has launched a gummy multivitamin, One A Day Kids Multi with Iron, containing 12 mg of iron per serving. The brand claims its product contains the highest level of iron among leading children’s gummy brands and addresses common picky eating behaviors highlighted in a new consumer survey. One A Day Kids Multi with Iron provides two-thirds of the recommended daily value of iron and is one of three offerings in the new kids’ line.
Increasing global demand for animal foods threatens climate and widens nutrition gaps
three pigs in mud
Experts have predicted a 6% increase in global per capita consumption of animal-sourced foods over the next decade. With increasing urbanization, they anticipate a rise in this trend across lower- and middle-income countries by 24%. However, nutritional gaps and mounting environmental pressures paint a complex picture, reveals the Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034. 
US calls on experts to help establish authoritative definition of ultra-processed foods
FDA logo and name on plate at entrance
The US FDA and Department of Agriculture have launched a call to establish a single definition of ultra-processed foods to provide consumers better transparency about the foods they eat. Overconsumption of these foods is driving a chronic disease crisis, they warn.
Transparency triumphs at IFT First 2025: Ingredion, Comet Bio & FoodChain ID
IFT First 2025 in Chicago, US

Food Ingredients First

Global consumers are increasingly influenced by environmental and social factors when deciding between food and beverage products. At the IFT First 2025 trade show in Chicago, US, last week, supply chain transparency took center stage as exhibitors presented solutions for more responsible ingredient sourcing and holistic sustainability choices.
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Business News

Gonmisol to distribute K. Patel Phyto Extractions’ Ayurvedic botanical extracts in Europe

Nutraceutical distributor Gonmisol, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, has entered an exclusive agreement with India-based K. Patel Phyto Extractions to distribute its portfolio of science-backed Ayurvedic botanical extracts across the EU and the UK. Highlighting the growing global demand for Ayurveda-based nutrients in the US, SuanNutra has also secured North American commercialization rights to select botanical extracts from the K. Patel line.

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Nutrition & Health News

Climate change and crops: How heat stress and CO2 threaten the nutritional value of leafy greens

Hotter temperatures and increased carbon dioxide (CO2) reduce the vitamins, minerals, and overall nutritional quality and content of leafy vegetables, according to new research. The researchers warn that these climate-induced changes may accelerate obesity, type 2 diabetes, and vitamin deficiency rates, impacting the health and well-being of humans and animals. 

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Menopause innovations thrive in EuropeJul2025

Innova Market Insights data indicates that 37% of female consumers globally take vitamins/ mineral supplements to reduce the symptoms of menopause. This interest has sparked market growth, and supplem...

Product innovation

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Prenatal nutrition Jul 2025

With women’s health emerging as a top nutrition trend this year, pregnancy supplements are evolving as consumers seek more targeted, science-backed support. There’s a growing demand for multifunctional formulations that deliver meaningful benefits to prenatal nutrition, with key trends including personalization, clean label ingredients, and gut health support for mother and baby.

Trend analysis

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Bone strengthenersJul 2025

Innova Market Insights data indicate a 5% increase in supplement launches for bone health. Nearly half of these launches were from Europe. One in two NPDs for bone health also included an immune health claim. Vitamin D3 was the top ingredient in launches, while the use of zinc bisglycinate was gaining ground.  

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IFT First 2025: Nexira features adaptogens and prebiotics in next-gen functional beverages

At this year’s IFT First 2025, Nexira showcased its extensive portfolio tailored for the booming functional and plant-based beverage market, including an array of adaptogenic and energizing drinks. We connected with Charlotte Wallart, food product manager at Nexira, about solutions ranging from...

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IFT First 2025: Jungbunzlauer elevates gummy formats with new mineral tech
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IFT First: Ayana Bio’s plant cell tech offers sustainable solution to nutritional challenges
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IFT First 2025: Comet Bio unveils Arrabina L for modern functional foods
NutritionInsight Global EMEA
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