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Pet nutrition humanization drives demand for biotics, omega-3s & clinical proof

The humanization of pet nutrition is accelerating innovation, driving demand for scientifically backed, transparent, and targeted solutions similar to those found in human health products. Nutrition Insight meets with dsm-firmenich, Beneo, ADM, and AstaReal to discuss how gut health, personalized nutrition, functional ingredients, and sustainable alternatives are reshaping the industry. “The humanization of pets is one of the most powerful forces transforming the pet nutrition industry,” says Rishabh Pande, global VP of Pet Food at dsm-firmenich. 
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Psychobiotics emerge as consumers seek holistic mind and mood support
Mental health is gaining increased attention across industries, with nutrition being no exception. The industry is exploring the role of psychobiotics and the gut-brain axis connection, which ingredients are trusted among consumers, and the difference between functionality and perception of natural and synthetic ingredients. Nutrition Insight sits down with industry players from Novonesis, Balchem, Kerry, TriNutra, and BioVivo Sciences to discuss the emergence of more targeted mind and mood support and increased consumer attention to nutrition-mediated mental well-being.
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Mind Lab Pro scientific advisor urges nootropic brands to raise clinical standards
Nootropic supplement consumers are reading labels more critically, pushing brands to develop stronger and more clearly communicated scientific evidence. Supplement brand Mind Lab Pro offers guidance on how brands can respond to this need, going beyond substantiating individual ingredients with more rigorous human research on complete formulations.
Advanced delivery technologies graphic featuring LipiSperse, CPO, PlexoZome and AquaCelle from Saarno and Pharmako Biotechnologies.
Beyond the Active Ingredient
Most nutraceuticals focus on active dosage, but efficacy depends on reaching the tissues where actives work. Many bioactives fail to deliver their benefits because poor absorption limits their impact. Pharmako, partnered with Saanroo, addresses this challenge through four advanced delivery technologies, supported by human trials demonstrating increased absorption and efficacy across platforms and functions.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Saanroo.
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Vitafoods Asia 2026 recap: Preventive health and targeted nutrition drive market opportunities

Vitafoods Asia 2026 highlighted how the nutraceutical industry is evolving to meet consumer demands for preventive health to support longevity, gut microbiome, and women’s health with next-generation formats. Nutrition Insight explored market opportunities and innovations in the region with Arjuna Natural, Balchem, Novonesis, Valio, Gnosis by Lesaffre, and Morinaga Nutritional Foods.

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Vitafoods Asia 2026 review: From microbiome and longevity science to lifestyle nutrition
Longevity, women’s health, and beauty-from-within took center stage at Vitafoods Asia 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand (Sep 2–4). Evolving microbiome science drove innovations across the gut-brain, gut-skin, and gut-muscle axes, while companies spotlighted how advances in science-backed botanicals, biotics, and omega fatty acids help brands develop more targeted nutrition products. Exhibitors also presented protein 2.0 solutions for active nutrition and recovery, as next-generation delivery systems reflected growing consumer demand for fun formats for everyday health.

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Next wave of microbiome solutions pairs AI and big data, Plug and Play finds
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Plug and Play’s new research has found that investments in AI and data-led technologies have expanded in the microbiome market, where successful start-ups are creating personalized, holistic health solutions. 
Manus and UT Austin engineer self-destructing yeast to release beneficial...
Yeast under a microscope
In a research partnership, industrial biotech firm Manus and the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, US, have engineered yeast to disrupt its own cell walls at the end of fermentation — automatically releasing beneficial compounds used in supplements. The program aimed to raise the efficiency and sustainability profile of industrial yeast fermentation.
Natural Fields expands into sleep health with SleepRestore Complex launch
woman sleeping in her bed
Tech-driven nutraceutical provider Natural Fields is expanding into the growing sleep health category by introducing NF TriSolve SleepRestore Complex, which builds on its NF TriSolve branded nutraceutical solution platform. The company created this platform to translate scientific research, functional ingredients expertise, and formulation innovation into targeted wellness solutions. It will help boost Natural Field’s ability to develop nutrition solutions for specific product categories, while bringing a complete foundation for global nutrition and supplement brands.
Nestlé invests CHF157M to expand Purina pet food production in Thailand
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Nestlé is investing over CHF157 million (US$193.3 million) to expand pet food production in Thailand, meeting the growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition. The investment will boost the company’s manufacturing capabilities for the Purina brands Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One. The production site in Rayong, Thailand, will increase its production of the Purina brands, and the production will support both the local and international markets, says the company.
Balchem’s Optifolin+ boosts cellular methylation to enhance epigenetic health,...
Illustration of DNA inside a capsule
A human cell model study supports that Balchem’s choline-enriched L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) ingredient, Optifolin+, “significantly enhances” cellular methylation capacity and DNA methylation. The new peer-reviewed evidence offers mechanistic evidence of the solution’s biological activity. The findings strengthen the scientific foundation for brands developing next-generation products with healthy aging and epigenetic health applications.
EU procurement reform could unlock new markets for sustainable ingredients
Cafe with a variety of dishes.

Food Ingredients First

The European Commission’s proposed Public Procurement Act (PPA) could reshape how public institutions buy food, shifting the focus away from lowest-cost tenders toward broader considerations around quality, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The proposed PPA aims to simplify existing rules while giving public buyers more flexibility to consider factors beyond price. The legislation would replace a complex framework of directives with a single regulation and introduce a stronger emphasis on the Best-Price Quality Ratio (BPQR). This would allow criteria like sustainability and social value to play a greater role in purchasing decisions.
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Vitafoods Asia 2026
Nutrition & Health News
Vitafoods Asia 2026: Microbiome, longevity & fun formats...
Healthy longevity emerged as the key theme at Vitafoods Asia 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand (Sep 2–4), where industry experts highlighted innovations in metabolic health, the gut microbiome, muscle preservation, delivery formats, and protein for sports recovery. On the show floor, Nutrition Insight spoke with experts from Ujala Life Sciences, Novonesis, OmniActive Health Technologies, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, AceBiome, and Valio. Nutraceutical expert Silvi Siddhu, who represented Ujala Life Sciences at the show, pointed to healthy longevity as the main trend at Vitafoods Asia. She noted this includes cellular aging, metabolic health, and muscle preservation. 
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Nutrition & Health News
Research links xylitol to higher heart risk, but EUFIC...
An observational study has indicated that higher circulating xylitol levels are linked to an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular risks, such as heart attack, stroke, and death. In response to the study, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has issued a note, cautioning that the results of the study on the sweetener are observational, unpublished, and not absolute. 
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Nestlé to offload main vitamins, minerals & supplements...
Nestlé has reached an agreement to divest its mainstream Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) business —dubbed its “Holistic Health portfolio” — to Yellow Wood Partners for US$1 billion. Subject to applicable regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the first half of 2027.

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Postbiotics for immunity and moodSep2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that 59% of consumers link gut health to overall well-being, especially immune resilience and emotional balance, driving innovation in postbiotics, the next gener...

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Morinaga Milk

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New-age dairy proteins Sep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that sports nutrition and supplement launches featuring dairy protein ingredients are gaining ground, with over 20% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Whey protein and milk protein remain the leading ingredients in these launches, but other proteins are emerging, such as casein.

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Mind and mood support trendsSep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that mind and mood claims in supplement launches grew at a 5% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Europe accounted for the highest share of launches, with vitamins & minerals as the leading subcategory. Vitamin B6 was the leading ingredient, while sage was the fastest-growing ingredient.

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From boosters to companions: GLP-1 in Food, Beverages and Supplements

In the midst of the GLP-1 revolution, whether your focus is on innovating within the GLP-1 companion space or developing supplements and nutraceuticals designed to enhance natural GLP-1 release, Rousselot’s science-backed collagen solutions offer the right ingredients for your next...

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Vitafoods Asia 2026 recap: Preventive health and targeted nutrition drive market opportunities
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Vitafoods Asia 2026: Nexus Wise on botanicals for respiratory, eczema & muscle health
Vitafoods Asia 2026 Novonesis video thumbnail: Woman standing at the Novonesis exhibition booth, surrounded by branded displays promoting biosolutions and sustainability
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Vitafoods Asia 2026: Novonesis aligns gut health innovations with Asian heritage
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