Vitafoods Europe 2024 continues to be the epicenter of innovation and trends in the nutraceuticals sector. This latest edition has highlighted several key developments that are shaping the future of the industry.
The following is a detailed analysis of the most important trends we observed during our visit.
Increasing Popularity of Gummies
The gummies continue to boom as the preferred way to consume food supplements. Their ease of use and appealing taste make them ideal for improving adherence to daily supplementation. They also offer a convenient and fun alternative to traditional pills and capsules.
The presence of apple cider vinegar in gummies caught our attention. This ingredient is valued for its benefits such as improving digestion, contributing to blood sugar regulation or helping to control weight.
The rise of Dermocosmetics
Dermo-cosmetics is gaining ground with products that combine dermatological and cosmetic benefits. These products focus on improving skin health, combating aging and promoting beauty from within.
Abyss Ingredients presented its new Dermatidyss® solution, the new natural marine active that has a unique composition of anti-stress peptides, collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans. These elements work together to prevent negative effects on the skin, accelerate the healing process and maintain deep hydration.
DHA and EPA: Omega-3 on the Front Line
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, remain critical in the formulation of supplements for brain and cardiovascular health. New sources and delivery forms are improving the absorption and efficacy of these essential nutrients.
Biotis® (part of the FrieslandCampina Ingredients group) announced the launch of its new range of Biotis® DHA Flex Powders from algae. It includes Biotis® DHA FlexP 15, which offers a constant DHA loading of 15% for vegan formulations, and a vegetarian variant, Biotis® DHA FlexP 20, which provides a DHA loading of 20%.
Vitamins and Minerals of enhanced absorption
The importance of vitamins and minerals remains strong in the marketplace. These nutrients are crucial to maintaining good health and preventing deficiencies. Multivitamin products continue to be popular with consumers seeking a comprehensive approach to wellness.
However, the effectiveness of these supplements depends largely on the body's ability to absorb them. Therefore, new technologies are being developed to improve the availability of these nutrients. One of the most innovative technologies in this field is Sucrosomial® technology, developed by Alesco (PharmaNutra). This method has proven to be highly effective in improving the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body.
This technology envelops the minerals and vitamins in a sucralose-phospholipid structure, creating a kind of protective capsule. This capsule protects the nutrients from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing better absorption in the intestine.
Alesco introduced UltraD3®, the new vitamin D3 developed with Sucrosomial® technology.
Focus on Women's Health #HealthyHer.
Nutraceutical solutions focused on women's health are taking center stage. These products address specific needs such as hormone balance, reproductive health and overall wellness. Demand for customized supplements for women is on the rise, reflecting a trend toward personalization in the healthcare industry.
Protein solutions: vegetable proteins and expansion into new categories
Protein solutions continue to be relevant in the Nutry & Healthand other alternative sources, such as vegetable proteins, are gaining momentum.
Plantaris™, also from the FrieslandCampina Ingredients group, presented its range of vegetable protein isolates: Plantaris™ Pea Isolate 85 A (pea protein-based) and Plantaris™ Faba Isolate 90 A (fava bean protein-based), solutions designed to overcome the common formulation problems associated with vegetable proteins, in particular the flavor notes of pea proteins, which consumers may find unappealing, and the solubility problems typical of this type of ingredient.
In addition to vegetable alternatives, protein solutions are expanding into other categories, such as the Bakery sector, offering new and exciting ways of consumption.
In line with this trend, Glanbia Nutritionals introduced OvenPro™, the new solution designed for protein fortification in bakery applications, offering superior texture and taste in cookies, cookies, muffins, brownies, waffles, sweet breads and more.
Also, we highlight its Crunchie™ range, extruded cereals with a protein content of >70%, ideal for inclusion in bars and to provide greater crunchiness.
In the new ingredients area, Tirlán presented its flagship Promiko™ WPI solution., a whey protein isolate purified by CFM (cross-flow microfiltration), without denaturing. It combines its high solubility, neutral taste and unique functionality to add protein in different applications.
We share the summary of our visit, see you next year in Barcelona!
