ANS preview: Unlocking the power of mind and body

Day two of the event​ (Oct.15) is a must-attend for anyone in the sports and active nutrition space who wants to stay up to date and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. 

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how nutritional ingredients can support mental performance, resilience to stress and overall cognitive health—all while learning how to cater to consumer demands through innovation.

Body and mind ​

The connection between mind and body is becoming more important, and consumers are increasingly aware of how cognitive health affects physical performance, emphasizing the role of nutrition in enhancing both mental and physical well-being. 

Ingredients like mushrooms, botanicals, biotics and CBD are gaining popularity for their ability to improve focus, reduce stress and enhance sleep. 

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts now recognize that optimal performance requires physical and mental health working together. 

What to expect ​ ​

The event  will cover emerging trends in cognitive health, with a focus on supplements, the gut-brain connection and functional fungi.

Grégory Dubourg, CEO of Nutrikeo, will present an overview of the cognitive and mental health supplement market, sharing up-to-date market statistics, highlighting key ingredients, suppliers and brands. He will also examine consumer trends, including the top health concerns driving demand, and marketing strategies used to promote these products.

Senior lecturer at University College Cork Dr. Siobhain O'Mahony will explore the connection between the gut microbiome and mental health, focusing on how modulating the microbiome can support well-being. She will discuss the latest research on the gut-brain axis, with a special focus on how athletes and active individuals can improve their mental health through targeted microbiome interventions.

And Dr. Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela, ​founder of ​Hifas da Terra​, ​will dive into the cognitive health benefits of various mushroom species—presenting the latest efficacy studies, the varieties with the strongest scientific backing and sales data reflecting consumer trends in popular mushroom supplements.

An expert panel will follow with a discussion of the connection between cognitive and mental health and sports performance, focusing on the role of the gut-brain axis and adaptogenic mushrooms. Panelists include Robin Gurney of Natural Chaga, Ed Tooley of Performance Nutritionist and Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas of Cardiff University.

Growing market​ ​

The European brain health supplements market, valued at $2.21 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a 12.5% CAGR through 2030, according to Grand View Research data​. 

The surge in brain health supplement usage is closely tied to the rising stress of modern lifestyles and the demand for natural, herbal and multi-functional products. The trend is especially pronounced in sectors like sports, where cognitive focus, mental endurance and recovery are critical for optimal performance. 

Products like memory enhancers, energy boosters and supplements for focus are increasingly popular among athletes seeking to improve attention and reduce stress during training and competitions. 

According to the report, mental health awareness is a key driver for the industry, as brain health supplements are being adopted to enhance mental resilience when stress and mental fatigue become more prevalent. 

Additionally, supplements targeting memory, focus, and recovery are proving critical for athletes aiming to improve their productivity and longevity in competitive environments.

The report notes that growing investment in R&D is opening opportunities for sports nutrition brands to diversify into cognitive health products. Germany leads in market share, while Spain shows the fastest growth rate, largely due to its aging population and increasing demand for preventive healthcare.