An exploration into the future trends in Nutraceutical industry

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An exploration into the future trends in Nutraceutical industry

Introduction

Over the last few years, there has been a new approach towards having better health, emphasising diet and nutrition.  An increase in the health-conscious population with income has caused a shift towards the purchase and consumption of dietary supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals to maintain optimum health and prevent negative health consequences.

Nutraceuticals are relatively a new concept, and the term ‘nutraceutical’ refers to nutritive supplement-like products that offer nutritional value and health benefits, like preventing cardiovascular diseases maintaining joint health and skin health. They are marketed as pharmaceutical products in the form of tablets, powders, gummies and capsules. Examples of nutraceuticals include algae capsules, fish oil capsules, hair growth gummies and moringa gummies, to name a few.

The nutraceutical market is a multi-billion-dollar industry and is expected to grow tremendously over the next few years. The rise could be attributed to increased consumer awareness about the health benefits, lifestyle choices, ageing population and better marketing strategies.

Trends shaping the nutraceutical Industry

The following types of nutraceuticals are gaining more attention recently, giving rise to the following trends:

Nutraceutical Trends

 

  • Herbal and botanical nutraceuticals

A six per cent increase in the sales of herbal and botanical nutraceuticals is expected in 2024. Herbs and botanicals account for 19% of total dietary supplement sales and can meet the growing demand for specific components. Among the various herbal ingredients, Ashwagandha and elderberry are the most trending ones. Another popular ingredient is mushroom, which has gained popularity since 2018 as a nutraceutical ingredient. Herbal and botanical nutraceuticals can support a healthy immune system and support overall health.

  • Nutraceuticals for Women’s Health

There has been an interest in gender-specific supplements, and consumers have been purchasing supplements that enhance their beauty, combat aging and contribute to better health.  In addition, nutricosmetics that address the needs of specific age groups are available in the market. While younger women want to prevent signs of ageing, baby boomers want to increase hydration, fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Sports Nutrition

Sports nutrition was the world’s fastest-growing category in dietary supplements, and sales increased by 9.7% in 2022. Newer product forms and flavours were developed, leading to an expansion in the category.  The most popular categories in sports nutrition that have become popular include hydration and replenishment supplements.

  • Blood Sugar Management

Consumers are showing an inclination towards nutraceuticals as adjuncts to manage diabetes. Berberine, a bioactive compound found in medicinal plants like European barberry, goldenseal and tree turmeric, helps in maintaining blood glucose levels and offers metabolic support

  • Nutraceuticals for Gut Health

With increasing consumer awareness about the gut contributing to overall well-being, consumers opt for nutraceuticals, contributing to better gut health.

As science reveals more about how the microbiome affects so many elements of human health, this is likely to be a developing sector in the coming years[1].

Conclusion

Nutraceuticals, a relatively new concept consisting of products offering nutritional value and health benefits, are available in various forms like tablets, powders, and capsules. The increasing multibillion-dollar nutraceutical industry is powered by increased consumer awareness, lifestyle preferences, an aging population, and sophisticated marketing methods, and it is expected to develop at an exponential rate in the future. The emergent trends in nutraceutical industry include herbal supplements, gender-specific health solutions, sports nutrition and nutraceuticals for blood sugar management and gut health.

How Food Research Lab(FRL) Global Contract R&D can help

Food Research Lab(FRL) assists dietary supplements and nutraceutical manufacturers in discovery and intelligence and nutraceutical formulation. The team comprises of experts who leverage cutting-edge technologies and help drive innovation in this field.  Our comprehensive method includes industry trends, scientific insights, and consumer preferences, offering important knowledge to guide product development plans. Moreover, we assist with regulatory and scientific labelling, ensuring that the product meets the strict regulations. This is crucial to ensure a smooth product launch and subsequent success in today’s highly competitive market.

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