In recent years, the size of the dietary supplement market has continued to expand, with market growth rates varying according to consumer demand and health awareness in different regions. There has also been a major shift in the way the dietary supplement industry sources ingredients. As consumers become more aware of what they put into their bodies, there is a growing demand for transparency and sustainability in the sourcing of dietary supplement ingredients. Therefore, if you want to choose a good dietary supplement supplier, you must have relevant understanding.
Today, with increasing health awareness, dietary supplements have transformed from simple nutritional supplements to daily necessities for people pursuing a healthy life. CRN's 2023 survey shows that 74% of U.S. consumers are using dietary supplements. On May 13, SPINS released a report revealing the most popular dietary supplement ingredients in the market.
According to SPINS data for the 52 weeks before March 24, 2024, magnesium sales in the U.S. multi-channel and natural channels in the dietary supplement field increased by 44.5% year-on-year, totaling US$322 million. In the beverage field, sales reached US$9 million, with a year-on-year growth of 130.7%. It is worth noting that in the field of dietary supplements, magnesium sales accounted for 30% of sales in bone health and immune function health claims.
Trend 1: The sports nutrition market continues to develop
In the post-epidemic era, consumers around the world have begun to pay more attention to and realize the importance of health and fitness. According to Gallup data, half of American adults exercised at least three days a week for more than 30 minutes last year, and the number of exercise participants reached 82.7 million.
The global fitness craze has driven the growth in demand for sports nutrition products. According to SPINS data, in the 52 weeks to October 8, 2023, the sales of hydration, performance-enhancing and energy-enhancing products led the way in natural and traditional channels in the United States, year-on-year. The growth rates reached 49.1%, 27.3% and 7.2% respectively.
In addition, half of those who exercise do it to control their weight, 40% do it to enhance endurance, and one-third exercise to gain muscle. Young people often exercise to improve their mood. With the trend of diversified sports nutrition needs and market segmentation, market segments and products for different fitness purposes such as weight management, bone health, and weight loss and bodybuilding are still targeting different consumer groups such as amateur fitness experts and mass fitness groups. To be explored and developed.
Trend 2: Women’s health: innovation focused on specific needs
Women’s health issues continue to heat up. According to SPINS data, sales of specific dietary supplements for women's health increased by -1.2% year-on-year in the 52 weeks ending June 16, 2024. Despite overall market declines, dietary supplements targeting women's specific needs are showing strong growth, in areas such as oral beauty, mood support, PMS and weight loss.
Women make up nearly half of the world’s population, yet many feel their health needs are not being met. According to FMCG Gurus, 75% of women surveyed said they are taking long-term health maintenance approaches, including preventive care. In addition, data from Allied Market Research shows that the global women's health and beauty supplement market reached US$57.2809 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to US$206.8852 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4% during the forecast period.
The dietary supplement industry has huge potential to support women's health management. In addition to reformulating products to reduce sugar, salt and fat content, the industry can also add functional ingredients to provide solutions for women's specific health issues and general health challenges such as stress management, cancer prevention and treatment, cardiovascular health, etc. plan.
Trend 3: Mental/emotional health attracts more attention
Younger generations are particularly concerned about mental health, with 30% of Millennials and Generation Z consumers saying they seek a healthier lifestyle due to concerns about mental health. In the past year, 93% of consumers globally have taken a range of actions to improve their mental/emotional health, such as exercising (34%), changing their diet and nutrition (28%) and taking dietary supplements (24 %). Aspects of mental health improvement include stress and anxiety management, mood maintenance, alertness, mental acuity, and relaxation techniques.
Trend 4: Magnesium: The Powerful Mineral
Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body and is critical in regulating a variety of biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control and blood pressure regulation, and bone health. Additionally, magnesium is essential in energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis, as well as for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and glutathione.
Although magnesium plays an important role in human health, the recommended dietary intake of magnesium in adults is 310 mg, according to the Dietary Reference Intakes established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (formerly the National Academy of Sciences). ~400 mg. A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shows that U.S. consumers consume only half of the recommended amount of magnesium, which is far below the standard.
In order to meet the needs of various consumers, magnesium supplement forms have also become diversified, from capsules to gummies, all designed to provide a more convenient way of supplementation. The most common added ingredients in magnesium supplements include magnesium glycinate, magnesium L-threonate, magnesium malate, magnesium taurate, magnesium citrate, etc.
While nothing can replace getting nutrients directly from food, supplements may play a necessary role in your diet. Whether you want to get stronger, improve your immunity, or correct a deficiency.
While they may not always be medically indicated, they may be helpful in some cases. Here are some potential factors that may warrant the need for dietary supplements:
1. There are identified defects
If you're concerned about nutritional deficiencies, it's best to get a blood test first to get the data. If there is evidence of a deficiency, talk to your healthcare provider about supplements you may need to correct it.
In the United States, the most common deficiencies are vitamin B6, iron, and vitamin D.2. If your blood tests indicate a deficiency in any of these nutrients, supplementation may be needed.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in many foods. It is responsible for many important functions in the body, including protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in cognitive development, immune function, and hemoglobin formation.
2. Risk of Specific Defects
If this is the case, you may need regular blood tests to monitor your nutritional status. For example, if you have a gastrointestinal disorder such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, you are at increased risk for calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D deficiencies.
3. Follow a vegan diet
There are many nutrients that are either most readily available or only available in animal products. Vegetarians are at risk for deficiencies in these nutrients because they are not commonly found in plant-based foods.
These nutrients include calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. One study that evaluated the nutritional status of vegetarians and non-vegetarians who took supplements found that the differences between the two groups were small, which was attributed to high supplementation rates.
4. Not getting enough protein
Being vegetarian or preferring foods lower in protein may also put you at risk of not getting enough protein. Lack of adequate protein can lead to poor growth, anemia, frailty, edema, vascular dysfunction, and compromised immunity.
5. Want to gain muscle
In addition to strength training and eating enough total calories, you may need additional protein and supplements if your goal is to build muscle. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, in order to increase muscle mass, it is recommended that people who lift weights regularly consume 1.2 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Another important supplement you may need to build muscle is branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). They are a group of three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine, that cannot be produced by the human body. They must be taken through food or supplements.
6. Want to improve immunity
Good nutrition and getting enough macronutrients and micronutrients are important for a strong immune system. There are many products on the market that may claim to boost your immunity, but be wary of these claims and only use proven products.
Research shows that taking supplements of certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs may help improve your immune response and prevent disease.
7. Elderly people
Not only do the needs for certain vitamins and minerals increase as we age, but a decrease in appetite may pose a challenge for older adults to get adequate nutrition.
For example, as we age, the skin absorbs vitamin D less efficiently, and in addition, older adults may get less sunlight. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed to protect immune and bone health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines dietary supplements as:
Dietary supplements are products used to increase daily nutritional intake and also contain 'dietary ingredients', including vitamins and minerals, used to supplement the diet. Most are safe and have great health benefits, but some have health risks, especially if overused. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, microorganisms (i.e. probiotics), herbs, botanicals and animal extracts or other substances suitable for human consumption (and may have any combination of these ingredients).
Technically speaking, dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The FDA defines medical foods as follows:
Medical foods are formulated to meet specific nutritional needs that arise in chronic diseases and cannot be met by diet alone. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, the brain is unable to efficiently use glucose, or sugar, to produce energy. This deficiency cannot be met by eating regular foods or changing your diet.
Medical foods can be thought of as something between prescription drugs and dietary supplements.
The term medical food is “a food formulated for enteral consumption or administration under the supervision of a physician and intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition with unique nutritional requirements based on generally accepted scientific principles, medical evaluation.
Here are some differences between dietary supplements and medical foods:
◆Medical foods and dietary supplements have separate FDA regulatory classifications
◆Medical food requires medical supervision
◆Medical foods are suitable for specific diseases and patient groups
◆Medical claims can be made for medical foods
◆Dietary supplements have strict labeling guidelines and supplement ingredient lists, while medical foods have almost no labeling regulations.
For example: a dietary supplement and medical food contain folic acid, pyrooxyamine and cyanocobalamin.
The key difference between the two is that medical foods need to make a health claim that the product is for "hyperhomocysteine" (high homocysteine levels) and is provided under medical supervision; whereas dietary supplements It’s not that clear, it just says something like “supports healthy homocysteine levels.”
As consumers become more concerned about health and nutrition, dietary supplements are no longer limited to pills or capsules, but are increasingly being integrated into everyday beverages. New dietary supplements in the form of drinks are not only convenient to carry, but also easier to be absorbed by the body, becoming a new healthy choice in modern fast-paced life.
1. Nutritional fortified beverages
Nutritionally fortified beverages enhance the nutritional value of beverages by adding various vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other dietary supplements. These drinks are suitable for people who need additional nutritional supplements, such as pregnant women, the elderly, athletes or those who are unable to maintain a balanced diet due to busy work schedules. For example, some milk drinks on the market have added calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bone health, while fruit drinks may have added vitamins C and E to improve antioxidant capacity.
2. Functional drinks
Energy drinks often contain specific dietary supplements designed to provide energy, boost immunity, improve sleep, and other specific functions. These drinks may contain ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and ginseng, as well as B vitamins and electrolytes. Energy drinks are suitable for those who need a refreshing or extra energy supply, such as those who work, study or perform high-intensity exercise for long periods of time.
3. Plant protein drinks
Plant protein drinks, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc., increase protein content and nutritional value by adding dietary supplements such as plant protein powder. These drinks are suitable for vegetarians, those who are lactose intolerant, or those looking to increase their protein intake. Plant protein drinks not only provide rich protein, but also contain dietary fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
4. Probiotic drinks
Probiotic drinks, such as yogurt and fermented drinks, contain live probiotics that help maintain gut health and boost immunity. These drinks are suitable for people who need to improve the balance of intestinal flora and enhance digestive function. Probiotic drinks can be consumed with breakfast or as a snack to replenish probiotics.
5. Fruit and vegetable juice drinks
Fruit and vegetable juice drinks are made by adding dietary supplements such as dietary fiber and vitamins to make drinks rich in vitamins and minerals by concentrating fruit juice, vegetable juice or vegetable juice mixture. These drinks can help consumers easily consume the nutrients they need from vegetables and fruits every day, and are especially suitable for those who don’t like to eat fruits and vegetables or are too busy at work to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.
The use of dietary supplements in beverages provides consumers with more diverse health choices. Whether for nutritional enhancement, functional improvement, or specific health goals, consumers can choose the right beverage according to their needs. However, it's important to note that while these drinks can be part of a healthy diet, they are not a complete replacement for a complete, balanced diet. Proper diet, moderate exercise and good lifestyle habits remain the keys to maintaining good health. When using these beverages containing dietary supplements, it is recommended to follow product instructions and physician recommendations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
If you want to buy the best dietary supplements, here are a few basic questions to ask.
1. Independent third-party testing and certification
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA like drugs. How do you know if the dietary supplement you buy is safe to take? You can look for the independent third-party testing seal on the label.
There are a number of independent organizations that perform quality testing on dietary supplements, including:
◆ConsumerLab.com
◆NSF International
◆United States Pharmacopeia
These organizations test dietary supplements to ensure they are made correctly, contain the ingredients listed on the label, and are free of harmful elements. But it also doesn't necessarily guarantee that the supplement will be safe or effective for you. Therefore, please be sure to consult before consumption. Supplements contain active ingredients that affect the body and may interact with medications.
2. Non-GMO/Organic
When looking for dietary supplements, look for products that contain non-GMO and organic ingredients. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants and animals that contain altered DNA that would not occur naturally through mating or genetic recombination.
Although research is ongoing, questions remain about how GMOs may affect human health or the environment. Some believe that GMOs may cause allergic reactions in humans or alter the genetic characteristics of plants or organisms in an ecosystem. Sticking to dietary supplements made with non-GMO ingredients can prevent unexpected side effects.
The USDA says organic products cannot contain genetically modified organisms. Therefore, purchasing supplements that are labeled organic and non-GMO ensures that you are getting a product with the most natural ingredients possible.
3. Allergy
Like food manufacturers, dietary supplement manufacturers must clearly identify any of the following major food allergens on their labels: wheat, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, and fish.
If you have food allergies, you need to make sure your dietary supplements are allergen-free. You should also read the ingredient list and ask for advice if you have concerns about an ingredient in a food or supplement.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) says people with allergies and asthma need to pay extra attention to labels on dietary supplements. AAAI also reminds people that “natural” does not mean safe. Herbs such as chamomile tea and echinacea may trigger allergic reactions in people with seasonal allergies.
4. No unnecessary additives
Thousands of years ago, humans added salt to meat to prevent it from spoiling, making salt one of the earliest food additives. Today, salt is no longer the only additive used to extend the shelf life of foods and supplements. Currently, more than 10,000 additives are approved for use.
While helpful for shelf life, researchers have found these additives aren't as good for health, especially for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says chemicals in foods and supplements may affect hormones, growth and development.
If you have questions about an ingredient, ask a professional. Tags can be confusing, they can help you dissect the information and figure out what works for you.
5. Short list of ingredients (if possible)
Dietary supplement labels must include a list of active and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are ingredients that affect the body, while inactive ingredients are additives and fillers. While ingredient lists vary depending on the type of supplement you take, read the label and choose a supplement with a shorter ingredient list.
Sometimes, shorter lists don't always mean "better." It’s also important to pay attention to what goes into the product. For example, some multivitamins and fortified protein powders contain a long list of ingredients due to the nature of the product. When looking at the ingredient list, consider why and how you use the product.
Also, does the company manufacture the product? Dietary supplement companies are either manufacturers or distributors. If they are manufacturers, they are product makers. If it's a distributor, product development is another company.
So, as a dealer, will they tell you which company makes their product? By asking this, you can at least ensure the credibility of the manufacturer. Also, has the company passed FDA and third-party production audits?
Essentially, this means auditors conduct on-site assessments and review manufacturing processes to ensure all requirements are met.
Suzhou Myland Pharm & Nutrition Inc. has been engaged in the nutritional supplement business since 1992. It is the first company in China to develop and commercialize grape seed extract.
With 30 years of experience and driven by high technology and a highly optimized R&D strategy, the company has developed a range of competitive products and become an innovative life science supplement, custom synthesis and manufacturing services company.
In addition, Suzhou Myland Pharm & Nutrition Inc. is also an FDA-registered manufacturer. The company's R&D resources, production facilities, and analytical instruments are modern and multifunctional and can produce chemicals from milligrams to tons in scale, and comply with ISO 9001 standards and production specifications GMP.
Q: What exactly are antioxidants?
Answer: Antioxidants are special nutrients that protect the body from harmful toxins called oxidants or free radicals, which can damage cells, accelerate aging, and cause disease.
Q: What are your thoughts on nutritional supplements in food form?
A: Humans have evolved over millions of years to utilize nutrients in food, and nutritional supplements should provide nutrients as close to their natural state as possible. This is the original intention of food-based nutritional supplements - nutrients combined with food are similar to the nutrients contained in the food itself.
Question: If you take so many nutritional supplements in large doses, won’t they be excreted?
Answer: Water is the most basic nutrient for the human body. After the water has completed its mission, it will be excreted. Does this mean you shouldn’t drink water because of this? The same is true for many nutrients. For example, vitamin C supplementation increases blood levels of vitamin C for several hours before being excreted. During this period, vitamin C protects cells from damage, making it difficult for invading bacteria and viruses to survive. Nutrients come and go, doing their job in between.
Q: I’ve heard that most vitamin supplements are not absorbed unless combined with other nutrients. Is this true?
A: There are many misconceptions about the absorption of vitamins and minerals, often stemming from companies competing to claim their products are better than others. In fact, it is not difficult for vitamins to be absorbed by the human body. And minerals do need to be combined with other substances to be absorbed. These binding factors—citrates, amino acid chelates, or ascorbates—help minerals pass through the walls of the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. Most minerals in foods are combined in the same way.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be construed as any medical advice. Some of the blog post information comes from the Internet and is not professional. This website is only responsible for sorting, formatting and editing articles. The purpose of conveying more information does not mean that you agree with its views or confirm the authenticity of its content. Always consult a health care professional before using any supplements or making changes to your health care regimen.
Post time: Sep-06-2024
