TrendSense

With all the talk about gut health, it’s surprising that the nutraceutical industry has not given more attention to America’s #1 complaint—digestive regularity and constipation.    According to the National Ins…  Read More »

Dark chocolate/cocoa is perceived as a food rich in antioxidants. The cocoa bean is a powerhouse of health benefits loaded with polyphenols such as flavonoids.   Read More »

The next wave in mineral-mania appears to be magnesium. Magnesium was the fastest-growing mineral supplement in the $2.3 billion mineral category over the past three years, posting sales of $340 million in 2009, according to Nutrition Business Journal. SymphonyIRI reported that magnesium supplement sales were up nearly 25% in 2010 in mass channels excluding Walmart.  Read More »

Two first-time ever campaigns by the world’s leading diabetes associations have put efforts to prevent, curtail and cope with diabetes on the front burner, creating a bevy of new supplement and functional food/beverage opportunities.   Read More »

Consumer interest in protein is on fire! According to the “2010 Gallup Study of Nutrient Knowledge and Consumption,” four in 10 consumers are making a strong effort to consume more protein; 55% of those trying to lose weight.   Read More »

Fish oil/omega 3s are among the most sought after nutritional ingredients. In 2010, omega 3s became America’s third most popular dietary supplement, behind multi-vitamins and calcium  Read More »

Childhood obesity is one of the fastest growing, most elusive and virtually untapped health and nutrition opportunities in recent history.  Read More »

While low carb may have been one of the hottest diet fads of all time, it’s high protein that’s long been the winner in the war on weight.  Read More »

Cholesterol-lowering remains one of the most sought after nutraceutical solutions. Ninety-Eight million (44%) of U.S. adults over age 20 have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL; more than 33 million with levels higher than 240 mg/dL (AHA, 2011).  Read More »

With one in three adults already afflicted with high blood pressure (HBP)—and the incidence of stroke increasing in those under age 65 and in children—there will be unprecedented demand for products that help lower/manage blood pressure, improve artery health/circulation, prevent platelet aggregation and help cope with the various “side effects” of HBP (e.g., erectile dysfunction).  Read More »

The 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Committee report, mandatory menu labeling for restaurants, and a new American Stroke Association at the American Heart Association are among the new forces fueling the lower sodium movement.   Read More »

Saturated fat is the new leader in the fat avoidance market. Two-thirds (67%) of Boomers, 66% of Gen Xers and 46% of Gen Yers are reducing/avoiding saturated fats, vs. 63%, 61% and 49%, respectively, for trans fats, according to the Hartman Group’s 2010 “Reimagining Health and Wellness” report.  Read More »

With safety issues and consumer skepticism looming over weight loss pills and metabolism-boosting thermogenic agents—and many waist-watchers, especially Boomers, re-focusing on food-based solutions—super-satiating foods, drinks and natural ingredients have tremendous potential to quickly corner the weight loss market.   Read More »

Blood sugar management has finally become a very hot market. But, while many marketers mistakenly think that interest in blood sugar control is primarily being driven by the growing diabetic population, for the most part, it’s all about weight.  Read More »

Immunity is one of the fastest growing—and most elusive—nutraceutical markets. The fear of losing one’s job if they become ill, global mega viruses, e.g., H1N1, an unprecedented intolerance among schools to allow children with even minor ailments to stay in class, and the return of serious infectious diseases, e.g., whooping cough, have heated up the immunity market, way beyond its upcoming seasonal boost.   Read More »