As Vitafoods is around the corner, companies are gearing up for launches ranging from immunity to probiotics and sports nutrition, while showcasing developments in cannabidiol (CBD) and the infant nutrition arena.

DSM is set to introduce ampli-D, currently pending approval from the European Commission, as a novel food and source of vitamin D targeting immunity. The health and nutrition giant is also highlighting its customized premix and market-ready CBD solutions, designed to enable customers to enter the market with speed and confidence as soon as the ingredient is authorized in the EU.

“CBD is set to shake up the dietary supplements category, powered by rising consumer interest in its potential benefits across a number of areas related to brain health, including stress, mood and sleep,” the company notes.

Tapping into increasing consumer stress levels, Ingredia is revealing the latest consumer study on its Lactium product as a solution for stress relief and natural product demands. Lactium is made using natural milk protein hydrolysate, which contains a bioactive peptide with relaxing properties, alpha-casozepine. 

The company’s latest consumer study enables new claims on packaging or ad prints and will complete the previously obtained seven US Food and Drug Administration structure-function claims and two South Korean claims. 

Vitafoods Europe 2022 is set to take place at the Palexpo, Geneva, between May 10 to 12, and online between May 2 to 13.

Companies are becoming increasingly attentive to consumer demands for mood solutions.Milestones, debuts and launches
 Described as a milestone for Bioberica, the company will be entering into two new health areas – digestive health and skin and beauty. The life sciences producer is set to unveil a range of new functional food applications for its Collavant n2 native (undenatured) type II collagen ingredient for joint health. 

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be working in the health and nutrition industry. Growing consumer health-consciousness is catapulting innovative ingredients and new product formats into the spotlight while trends and consumer needs continue to evolve at high speed. For manufacturers, there’s a lot to keep up with,” says Jaume Reguant, healthcare director at Bioiberica.

Meanwhile, Rousselot will reintroduce its all-in-one collagen matrix designed to provide joint care solutions for a wide range of consumer demographics. In addition, the company will spotlight the benefits of porcine collagen ingredients and its SiMoGel gelatin solution for innovative nutraceutical gummies.

Functional ingredient expert Taiyo is launching reformulated protein shake concepts in three flavors. The company is set to present new concepts which address current consumer trends, such as healthy aging, sports nutrition and clean label products. 

Taiyo will showcase new additions to its Sunfiber portfolio – an all-natural, 100% soluble dietary fiber – as well as its new Sunfiber Water Concept, an optimum hydration offering with health-boosting properties. Other highlights at the Taiyo stand include functional ingredients such as concentrated moringa seed extract and new Vegemeat concepts.

Tapping into omega 3
Presenting solutions eyeing health-conscious consumers, DSM will showcase its market-ready life’s Omega, a concentrated algal-derived omega 3 in its natural triglyceride form. The item delivers the health benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in one source. 

In the same vein, AstaReal will also be tapping into omega 3 space but with a plant-based and personalized twist, showcasing its AstaGummy Boost. Derived from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin is both a natural carotenoid, sustainable nutrient and antioxidant that aligns with emerging, plant-based product trends. Almost at the bottom of the marine food chain, this microalga variety supplies fish and krill with astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids.

“Stable immune health, plant-based or personalized nutrition are all topics that are driving consumers and thus our customers. People are more willing than ever to look closely at ingredients that help them achieve their holistic health goals,” Peter Ahlm, marketing and sales manager at AstaReal, comments.

Solabia-Algatech Nutrition will showcase its microalgae-based branded ingredients with concentrated active compounds. The AstaPure line includes astaxanthin in the forms of oleoresins and whole alga powder. AstaPure Max is designed to reduce post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue. It is based on a whole-algae complex of natural astaxanthin combined with magnesium glycerophosphate and vitamin B6.The pandemic sparked an uptick in immunity products and innovation across the space, which continues today. 

Flutter around biotics
Also tapping into holistic health is Chr. Hansen, presenting how probiotics for infants can benefit the entire family. “Two recent studies, with findings relevant for all infants, showed that the probiotic strain BB-12 from Chr. Hansen reduced the number and duration of infants’ daily crying episodes.” 

At the same time, Sensus will be spotlighting its prebiotic chicory root fiber and its application in supplements. Germany-based probiotics company SYNFormulas will present its product range in a bid to further expand the distribution and licensing of its products and patented bacterial strains with new business partners.

One of the four product concepts NZMP will be showcasing is its Probiotics LactoB 001 and BifidoB 0019 in capsule format. The remaining three surround the company’s innovation around single serve lactoferrin supplement sachets, high protein strawberry and banana smoothie; vitamin and mineral fortified high-protein mango drink.

Gnosis by Lesaffre is set to carry out a speaking session on its Lynside Immunity Prebiotic as well as the role of vitamin K2 as a healthy aging ingredient. It will also spotlight its Quatrefolic Fine Powder and SAM-e Advanced.

More of the exhibitors’ showcases are detailed in NutritionInsight’s Vitafoods Preview.