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World Pulses Day 2026: How animal agriculture and meat consumption hinder nutrition security

World Pulses Day 2026: How animal agriculture and meat consumption hinder nutrition security

On World Pulses Day 2026, we examine the nutritional, policy, and food-systems case for this plant-based protein source as animal-source food consumption continues to exceed healthy diet benchmarks. Francesca Gallelli, Food System policy officer at the World Federation for Animals, tells Nutrition Insight about protein diversification, gaps in dietary guidance, and the barriers holding pulses back from wider adoption.
Bioavailability and healthy aging drive innovations in vitality vitamins
Bioavailability and healthy aging drive innovations in vitality vitamins
“Vitality” in vitamins is being redefined from a focus on energy to longevity, cognition, and cellular health. Nutrition industry experts highlight opportunities in synergistic ingredient combinations, enhanced bioavailability, and delivery innovations as consumers increasingly seek multilayered support for healthy aging. Innova Market Insights data indicate that 86% of global consumers pay attention to vitamins, with 62% saying they include more of them in their diet. 
Vitamin K2 and active folate may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, says Gnosis by Lesaffre
Vitamin K2 and active folate may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, says Gnosis by Lesaffre
Nutrient-depleted diets cause people globally to be deficient in vitamin K and folate, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Amid American Heart Month 2026, Gnosis by Lesaffre points to evolving science, suggesting that diets are no longer enough, but supplementation may address both deficiencies and their health impacts.Globally, 73% of women of reproductive age are deficient in folate, and 54% of the world’s population does not consume a sufficient amount through food.
Turning the page on Cardiovascular Health
Turning the page on Cardiovascular Health
Step beyond the uncertainty of traditional options like red yeast rice and discover Tri-Low—a next-generation, clinically-proven Amla extract. This gentle yet powerful natural solution supports healthy cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid balance, all while being safe, standardized, and free from statin-like side effects. Uncover the full story and redefine your heart health journey—download the whitepaper now.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Arjuna Natural.
PCRM: Calls for balanced industry involvement for science-based US dietary guidelines
PCRM: Calls for balanced industry involvement for science-based US dietary guidelines

Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), calls for balanced industry involvement when creating dietary guidelines. In a recent JAMA publication, he petitioned that the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans be withdrawn and reissued due to the involvement of meat- and dairy-industry-funded authors. Barnard highlights the essential amino acids plants provide and notes the new food pyramid lacks consumer testing.

Nutrition industry 2025 in review: Most read stories
Nutrition industry 2025 in review: Most read stories
This year, scientific and technological advances, along with growing scrutiny of health claims and regulations, shaped the nutrition industry. Research on the gut microbiome, growing interest in healthy aging, and increasing popularity of GLP-1 medications have driven innovations in targeted solutions, spanning biotics, collagen, botanicals, and protein ingredients. Meanwhile, policy shifts, climate impacts, and geopolitical pressures influenced nutrition security and access to healthy diets. Let’s review this year’s industry-shaping highlights.

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EU sets first provisional safety limit for CBD under novel food regulation
EU sets first provisional safety limit for CBD under novel food regulation
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a significant update to its risk assessment of cannabidiol (CBD) under EU novel food regulation. For the first time, it has established a provisional safe intake level for the non-intoxicating cannabis extract on its own or when incorporated as an ingredient in products like tinctures, beverages, and gummies, which are typically marketed for relaxation and stress relief. In a newly published statement, scientists from EFSA’s Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens set the limit at 0.0275 mg/kg of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, this equates to a maximum daily intake of approximately 2 mg.
Obesity linked to higher hospitalization and death risk from infections
Obesity linked to higher hospitalization and death risk from infections
Researchers estimate that, globally, over one in 10 deaths from various infectious diseases may be attributed to obesity. Their study suggests that people with obesity face a 70% higher risk of hospitalization or death from infection than individuals with a healthy weight. An analysis of data from over 540,000 people in the UK and Finland found associations with higher body mass index (BMI) and increased risk for diseases ranging from the flu and stomach bugs to urinary tract infections and COVID-19. 
New landmark UK study will combine wearable tech and biomarkers to improve...
New landmark UK study will combine wearable tech and biomarkers to improve nutrition research
In an effort to establish more reliable ways of recording people’s diet on a daily basis, scientists are recruiting adults from all parts of the UK to participate in a new trial. They aim to pave the way for better public health strategies to tackle diseases linked to poor diets, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The team is recruiting 133 adults to take part in the five-week program. It will involve a combination of innovative tools, including wearable cameras, blood-monitoring devices, and metabolomic analysis of urine samples, combined with apps for self-reporting.
Keto diet linked to short-term symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression
Keto diet linked to short-term symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression
A study has found that the ketogenic diet — high fat and low carbohydrates — may help with treatment-resistant depression. Participants in the study showed symptom improvement during the six-week trial, although after another six-week follow-up, symptoms diminished, suggesting the diet may only be effective in the short run.Treatment-resistant depression occurs when symptoms do not improve after trying at least two different trial medications, usually between six and eight weeks each.
South Korea MFDS approves Pharmactive Biotech’s saffron extract stress relief...
South Korea MFDS approves Pharmactive Biotech’s saffron extract stress relief health claim
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has officially granted Pharmactive Biotech Products individual license approval for its flagship saffron extract, Affron. The endorsement greenlights the ingredient’s scientifically backed stress relief claim, making it the sole holder of this recognition in the country. The complex and lengthy process was facilitated in collaboration with Hyundai Bioland, a key player in K-beauty and functional foods based in Cheongju-si, Seoul. Affron’s safety was demonstrated through a combination of high-dose animal studies, mechanistic liver safety data, and extensive human clinical experience.
Europe’s untapped protein opportunity could rival wine sector by 2040
Europe’s untapped protein opportunity could rival wine sector by 2040

Food Ingredients First

New analysis into the wider economic benefits of alternative proteins across the EU finds they have the potential to bolster the bloc’s economy by €111 billion (US$131 billion) within 15 years. But the potential will only be reached by 2040 if alternative proteins are treated as a strategic priority, which requires much more investment, if technical bottlenecks are to be overcome.
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Nutrition & Health News
January in review: GLP-1, protein, and fiber drive 2026...
January’s highlights include growing momentum for protein and fiber as key nutrients for 2026 product innovations to meet the needs of a growing GLP-1 consumer base. Also, research has advanced in personalized nutrition, gut health, cognition, and healthy aging. In our January review, Nutrition Insight examines how these themes are reshaping the industry. The new US dietary guidelines sparked debate over protein, plant-based sources, and saturated fat, while in the UK, companies countered the country’s stricter limits on sugar and salt. 
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Nutrition & Health News
“Where are the beans?” Experts weigh plant quality amid US...
The hype around protein is booming, especially with the US 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans explicitly encouraging greater protein intake. The US health administration has placed meat and dairy high on the food pyramid, leaving questions about the role of plant protein, the quality-versus-quantity debate, and the industry influence underlying the guidelines.Nutrition Insight speaks with plant-based meal kit provider Purple Carrot and Soy Nutrition Institute Global to explore why plant-based proteins should be central to healthy diets and whether they are being sidelined by the food industry. 
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Nutrition & Health News
New product launches: Personalized options for GLP-1 weight...
In new US product launches this week, nutraceuticals are undergoing a strategic shift as brands move beyond “one-size-fits-all” formulations to address highly specific biological and lifestyle cohorts. Nutrition Insight explores the latest advances, headlined by a pivot toward GLP-1 users by a new enzyme formula designed to address the side effects of rapid weight loss.

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Botanical and herbal supplements are essential to gut health innovationsJan2026

Innova Market Insights’ data indicates a 2% compound annual growth in supplement launches with digestive health claims between October 2020 and September 2025. Europe and US/Canada lead these launches...

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Vitamin vitality gains global boost Feb 2026

According to Innova Market Insights data, consumers are especially interested in including vitamins in their diet, with 86% globally saying they pay attention to the vitamins they consume and 62% saying they include more vitamins in their diet. New vitamin product launches show focus on mixing various multivitamins for a overall health boost.

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GLP-1 weight management trendsFeb 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that global GLP-1 consumers take these medications for appetite control and satiety. Overall, supplements with GLP-1 claims are surging with a large increase in launches in the last five years, led by North America. These supplements contain natural extracts to support GLP-1 activity. 

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PCRM: Calls for balanced industry involvement for science-based US dietary guidelines

Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), calls for balanced industry involvement when creating dietary guidelines. In a recent JAMA...

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IFBA: Incentivizing healthy consumer choices amid ultra-processed food debate
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Neuroepigenetics: Exploring the role of B vitamins and SAMe in cognition and DNA methylation
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FiE 2025: FrieslandCampina Ingredients taps into yogurt’s health halo 
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