21 Sep 2021 --- US mushroom supplements label VidaCap has unveiled VidaCap Mushroom Sleep capsules, a new fungi-based formulation designed to help improve sleep quality.
The single daily-use capsules contain 500 mg of reishi powder extract, 3 mg of melatonin and a 4:1 blend of passion flower extract. According to the company, these ingredients are responsibly sourced and provide natural sleep-promoting qualities.
“We saw a gap in the mushroom market and decided to put our ten years’ worth of research to work,” says Jeff Yauck, co-founder at VidaCap.
“We’re trying to normalize a new approach to whole-body health and wellness. We believe fungi provide everything the body and mind need for optimized health and our singular goal is to deliver products that harness the full potential of what mushrooms have to offer.”
Scientifically known as Ganoderma linghzi, reishi is a natural fungus used for thousands of years in Eastern cultures for various health and wellness purposes. It has only been recently that reishi has become popularized in the Western market.
VidaCap Mushroom Sleep capsules include Reishi, passion flower and melatonin.
In addition to the brand’s new Sleep Aid blend, VidaCap also offers pure mushroom formulations from other fungi species, including turkey tail, lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga.
The mushroom boom
Natural mushroom extracts are growing rapidly in popularity across the US and other parts of the Western world. The VidaCap team believes the market will be ready to compete with the pharmaceutical industry in less than a decade.
Adding to this, Innova Market Insights’ data reveals the increase of recent F&B launches that include adaptogens for stress reduction, improved energy, focus and immunity. Reishi mushroom is one of the most widespread global adaptogens. Overall, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more consumers seeking out adaptogenic remedies for stress.
In April, Goldmine Adaptogen Powder was developed to alleviate stress and burnout symptoms among Millenials. The powder is a blend of five USDA-certified organic adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, cordyceps, ashwagandha and astragalus.
NPD for sleep soars
Industry players have shown increasing interest in the sleep category. Taking into account modern-day life stressors and the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ quality of sleep is lacking. Yesterday, NutritionInsight reported on a Gencor study that revealed the potential of Levagen+ as a sleep aid.
Also this month, Pharmactive’s saffron extract, Affron, was shown to elevate restorative sleep when taken one hour before sleeping. Meanwhile, FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis SleepWell concept was found to reduce stress and provide a better night’s sleep in a study of healthy adults.
Edited by Nicole Kerr
