From the December 2025 issue of Nutritional Outlook. Article by Sebastian Krawiec.
Diet has an impact on improving conditions for conception and the industry is adapting to provide women with nutrition and supplements to prepare physiologically during this time. As more women have children later than in previous decades, interest is rising for functional ingredients to support fertility.
Diet is a focus in this area, with the Mediterranean diet and other similar diets offering support for metabolic health, reduced risk of obesity, and fertility. Support through supplements for folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, CoQ10, and Omega-3s may also provide support for important cellular functions and certain health conditions.
This article features insights from Amy B Smith, PhD, medical affairs director, ProActive Health at Kerry.
November 20, 2025 news article by Erin McEvoy.
SupplySide Global 2025 showcased a focus on women’s wellbeing, as evidenced by in the industry innovations and targeted solutions featured. Women’s health has seen a recent resurgence, with renewed attention given to specific conditions, such as menstruation and menopause.
Probiotics are one example, with products from Kaneka Probiotics focusing on supports for menopause and vaginal health. Additionally, Arla Foods demonstrated research behind its whey protein isolate supporting women with gestational diabetes. Kyowa Hakko showcased the multiple benefits from its antioxidant Setria Glutathione.
This article features insights from Unilever Wellbeing, Kaneka Probiotics, Arla Food Ingredients, and Kyowa Hakko.
From the October 2025 issue of Nutritional Outlook. Article by Sebastian Krawiec.
The spectrum of women’s health needs is being addressed by the industry in multiple ways. Significant research has increased on alternative solutions for multiple conditions. For example, Gencor conducted a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing the effectiveness of Levagen+ (which contained no less than 300 mg of Palmitoylethanolamide) on menstrual pain, finding significant reduction of pain compared with placebo. Additionally, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Kerry’s Sensoril ashwagandha demonstated relief for multiple menopause symptoms including hot flashes, cognitive changes, and sleep issues. Finally, HP Ingredients examined the effects of its LJ100 Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, finding an increase in progesterone and relief for menopause symptoms.
Other studies have addressed hormone balance, chronic conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and urinary tract infection. As the category continues to grow, more research, resources, and tested products will be necessary to close the gaps in womens’s health and wellness.
This article features insights from Kerry, Gencor, HP Ingredients, Horphag Research, Kaneka Nutrients, Kaneka Probiotics, Pharmalinea, and Cochrane.
From the March 2025 issue of Nutritional Outlook. Article by Greg Cumberford and Kristina Jackson.
Not only does research on omega-3s impact women’s wellness – including fertility, pregnancy and fetal brain development, hormonal balance and menstruation, sexual health, gut-brain axis signaling, and more – but women are leading the research and nutritional recommendations as well.
Omega-3s play different roles in women’s health than in men’s, leading to different nutritional needs. Research in this area has been conducted since at least the 1920s and spans through today, increasing dramatically. This includes areas of pregnancy and childhood development as well as inflammation and hormone balance. Many brands, some of them women-founded, also offer omega-3 products for a range of life-stages.
This article features insights from Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) and nutritionist Pauline Cox.