May is widely regarded as Women’s Health Month. The Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) takes it a step further with National Women’s Health Week, beginning on May 10 (Mother’s Day). Some of the focal points this year include hormonal foundations, aging and longevity.
In honor of women around the world, this edition of Supplement Shorts includes clinical trials benefitting women and new prenatal product launches, in addition to our usual important industry updates. Read on for supplement industry news that kicks off with a focus on females.
SmartyPants scientists outline nutritional opportunities in first 1,000 days of life
Researchers at supplement brand SmartyPants Vitamins, in conjunction with other nutrition experts, published a review in Nutrients discussing key nutrients for brain development, gut health and sleep during the first 1,000 days of life (a child’s life from conception until 2 years of age).
This study highlighted how multiple facets of health interconnect and impact human development.
“Parents often hear that the first 1,000 days matter, but this research helps explain why,” Devyani Chaturvedi, senior nutrition scientist at SmartyPants, said in a press release.
“This review helps explain why nutrition doesn’t just influence one aspect of development — it simultaneously affects brain growth, gut microbiome development and sleep architecture,” Chaturvedi explained. “These systems interact continuously to shape lifelong health.”
Several key insights from the study present opportunities for the dietary supplement industry:
“Understanding the science behind early development helps us better support families and healthcare providers,” Chaturvedi said. “Investing in this research allows us to contribute to a deeper understanding of maternal and early-life health, ensuring our approach remains evidence-driven and clinically relevant.”
Clinical currents and science news
A milk mineral concentrate rich in calcium (marketed as Capolac by Arla Foods Ingredients) may be as effective as calcium carbonate in maintaining bone mineral density for postmenopausal women. Researchers in Denmark compared the two in a one-year trial in which participants supplemented with 800 mg calcium or a placebo. Participants supplementing with calcium, regardless of source, experienced reductions in bone turnover markers and maintained bone mineral density.
Ginger supplementation may help with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS supplemented with 2 g of ginger or placebo for 12 weeks. The participants who received ginger experienced a significant decrease in total testosterone levels and were less likely than the placebo group to experience amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or dysmenorrhea (painful cramps during menstruation).
Oyster mushrooms may help women, but not men, with cholesterol levels. Scientists investigated the impact of beta-glucans from oyster mushrooms on cholesterol levels in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. For four weeks, adults with slightly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels supplemented with a beverage formulated with 8.4 g oyster mushroom powder (containing 3 g mushroom-derived beta-glucans) or placebo.
While the beverage did not have any significant impact on lipid levels, a post-hoc analysis revealed the female participants experienced reduced cholesterol absorption. The authors noted most women in the trial were postmenopausal and more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
FullWell launched a flavored prenatal stick pack to accompany its capsule, expanding options for pregnant women. Photo credit: FullWell
Dietary supplement finished product news
Reproductive wellness brand FullWell launched a strawberry-flavored prenatal vitamin stick pack, expanding on its established prenatal capsules and giving women more options for nutrition during pregnancy.
“With more than 20 years of clinical experience in fertility nutrition, I’ve seen firsthand how too many women aren’t getting what they actually need in their prenatal vitamins,” Ayla Barmmer, founder and CEO of FullWell, said.
“We refuse to take shortcuts in formulation but understand that some women can’t stomach capsules, which is why it was so important to create an equally nutrient-dense prenatal powder that meets our stringent quality standards, delivered in a delicious, convenient format that protects product potency and efficacy,” Barmmer said.
Dietary supplement brand Solaray launched a prenatal multivitamin capsule formulated completely with liposomal nutrients. The product was designed to deliver prenatal nutrition without digestive discomfort.
“Many prenatal formulas omit iron entirely because of the digestive discomfort it can cause,” Rachel Kilroy, director of product innovation at Solaray, said.
“Our liposomal technology changes that equation,” Kilroy explained. “By encasing nutrients in a protective lipid barrier designed for optimal absorption and gentle digestion, we were able to formulate a prenatal that includes iron alongside every other essential nutrient, without asking women to choose between complete nutrition and comfort.”
Solaray launched a prenatal dietary supplement completely formulated with liposomal nutrients. Photo credit: Solaray
Company and organization updates
The European Patent Office awarded contract manufacturer Vitux a win in its dispute with Sirio Healthcare over its proprietary Concordix chewable emulsion technology. This delivery method allows for incorporation of fish oil and unsaturated fatty acids into dietary supplements. To date, the company has conducted two in vivo studies showing improved absorption and bioavailability of omega-3s.
Ingredient supplier Seagarden announced the launch of the new Seacoll brand for its portfolio of marine collagen ingredients, including products sourced from Norwegian salmon and North Atlantic cod. “Marine collagen is a fast-growing ingredient category, and customers are increasingly looking for ingredients with clear origin, reliable quality and strong documentation,” Øivind Aasland Håkonsen, chief sales officer at Seagarden, maintained.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research at Sonoran University of Health Sciences is hosting its spring Botanical Research Innovation and Discovery Symposium on May 20. Some of the topics being presented include anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric (derived from Curcuma longa) and microgreens, botanicals for stress and anxiety, and active compounds from lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushrooms. The symposium requires registration for all attendees — whether in-person in Tempe, Arizona, or virtual — and the event is open to the public.
Launching innovative ingredients and products? Did you just publish a new clinical trial? Getting ready to announce something big? SupplySide Supplement Journal would love to know. Reach out to Devon at [email protected].