Does the research back ashwagandha safety concerns?
A major scientific review highlights critical knowledge gaps in ashwagandha’s effects on pregnancy and fertility as the EU and UK consider safety-related restrictions.
Mind & mood
Probiotic may ease gut microbiota changes linked to stress: RCT
Consuming a probiotic yogurt before academic exams may help students protect their gut microbiota from stress-related disruptions, says a new study from KU Leuven and Danone Research & Innovation.
Is Reishi still the ‘Queen of Mushrooms’ in the eyes of the consumer?
Reishi has long held a dominant position in the medicinal mushroom market, but with younger consumers seeking immediate effects that the variety cannot offer, will it be able to continue its popular trajectory?
ASA calls out sparkling drinks brand Trip for mental health claims
The UK-based beverage brand Trip, known for its CBD content, has been flagged by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for claiming that its magnesium drink could help reduce cognitive stress. But was ruling this avoidable?
When will sleep take priority for the active consumer?
Exclusive Lumina Intelligence data presented at NutraIngredient’s Active Nutrition Summit in Vienna last week showed that global consumers rate sleep as a top priority. But according to Holland & Barrett, active consumers aren’t engaging with sleep...
Expert urges brands to consider cognitive wellness trifecta in next-gen formulations
Single-target solutions are outdated in mental wellness due to the interlinked nature of mind, mood and sleep health, according to researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Adrian Lopresti of Clinical Research.
Meet the experts behind the Active Nutrition Summit 2025
The Active Nutrition Summit 2025 will convene top industry leaders, researchers and innovators in Vienna from June 23-25 to explore the latest market trends, innovation and scientific advances shaping the active nutrition landscape.
Women’s health webinar insights: The estrobolome, cognitive stress and targeted intervention
Improving gut health education and creating interventions to strengthen the body and brain against life’s stressors offers a powerful opportunity to advance women’s health, according to insights shared during a recent NutraIngredients webinar on women’s...
Study examines acute effects of lion’s mane
An extract from lion’s mane may improve motor dexterity, but does not impact cognitive performance and mood, says a new study in healthy adults.
The FSA removes over 100 products from public CBD list
Over 100 Cannabis sativa L. (CBD) products have been removed from the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) public list as regulatory scrutiny increases, setting a precedent for stricter enforcement.
Gotu kola may improve age-related changes in cognition and anxiety
A study in mice found beneficial effects of Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) on age-related measures of anxiety and cognition and highlighted the importance of mode of administration.
Study links omega-3 to brain connectivity in young adults with depressive symptoms
Higher omega-3 levels may be associated with lower depression rating scores and altered functional brain connectivity tied to depression, according to a new study.
2025 Wellness trends: Gen Z turns to mood-boosting foods and beverages
An anxious generation turns to functional foods and beverages and alternative medicine, inspiring better-for-you innovation
Magtein secures exclusive five-year sales rights in EU market
The European Union (EU) has granted North American ingredient distributor AIDP exclusive rights to use proprietary data necessary to sell magnesium L-threonate, following the recent authorization of the ingredient as a novel food.
How social media shaped 2024’s nutrition trends
In 2024, platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube played pivotal roles in amplifying conversations around cognitive performance, stress management and accessible nutrition solutions.
The influence of prenatal iodine on infant temperament
Suboptimal prenatal iodine intake may have implications for child neurodevelopment, evident as early as infancy.
PharmExtracta’s lemon balm may reduce insomnia severity
New research reports that a lemon balm extract formulated for improved bioavailability may improve sleep quality and duration.
Untapped opportunities in cognitive health: What’s next for functional mushrooms?
An expert highlights untapped opportunities in the burgeoning functional mushroom market but warns against stagnation as the sector’s potential in cognitive health continues to soar.
Low-dose ashwagandha root and leaf extract may relieve stress and anxiety
Low daily doses of a proprietary ashwagandha root and leaf extract may reduce anxiety by almost 60% and stress by over 65%, says a new study from India.
Navigating the legal landscape of ingredients for mind health
Ayurvedic herbs, probiotics, CBD, and mushrooms are under scrutiny as the mind health boom means brands must overcome regulatory hurdles, says an industry expert.
Citrus low-methoxy pectin may reduce inflammation and anxiety
Low-methoxy (LM) pectin supplementation at 15 g daily reduces inflammatory markers and scores for depression and anxiety in healthy volunteers, according to new research.
More research needed on OTC products commonly used for anxiety
A new UK review has revealed a critical gap in research on over-the-counter (OTC) products widely used to manage anxiety, noting that few trials have examined the effects of these supplements when taken alongside antidepressants.
Global sleep aid supplement market to reach $11.8 billion by 2034
A new report from Allied Market Research reveals that lifestyle factors like rising stress levels, irregular sleep patterns and increased awareness of sleep hygiene are driving consumer demand for sleep supplements.
Chill and experiential: What’s trending in stress management supplements
Consumers continue to supplement mood to counter modern influences like ultra processed foods, lack of sleep, screentime and demanding schedules in a still stressed-out society increasingly focused on mental health as part of overall well-being.
Beauty-from-within experts join forces for upcoming webinar
CosmeticsDesign-Europe and NutraIngredients are bringing experts together in an upcoming editorial webinar that will delve into the market trends, latest science and opportunities in the nutricosmetics space.