Olivia Haslam

Dr Megan Rossi explains that increasing dietary fibre feeds gut bacteria and promotes short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate, which support gut, metabolic and immune health. Thomas Gurry of Myota adds that rapidly increasing fermentable or prebiotic fibre can increase microbial activity and gas production, potentially causing bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort while the gut microbiome adapts.

A mixed-methods study of 202 competitive athletes in China found that sustainable sport nutrition choices, including meal planning, consistent hydration, diverse protein sources and lower intake of ultra-processed foods, were associated with better recovery, mental resilience, focus and perceived athletic performance. Researchers said sustainable nutrition could support athletic performance, psychological readiness and wellbeing, but stressed that the findings show associations rather than causation and that barriers such as cost, time and access to suitable foods remain.

Speaking to NutraIngredients at Vitafoods Asia in Bangkok, FoodChain ID’s Jerome Le Bloch, PhD, highlighted the importance of considering EU regulatory requirements early in product development, as differences in manufacturing processes, extraction solvents, specifications and supporting data can otherwise lead to additional studies, reformulation and costly changes for Asian suppliers entering the European market. He also noted strong Asian capabilities in probiotics and microorganisms, growing interest in specific health benefits linked to longevity such as cognitive health and metabolism, and comparatively less focus on GLP-1, while emphasizing that EFSA approval, safety and regulatory compliance can strengthen credibility and market opportunities globally.

A personalised nutrition study found that adjusting meal timing and macronutrient intake may improve cholesterol responses and reduce inflammation in night shift workers. The findings highlight the potential benefits of chrono-nutrition for cardiometabolic health, lipid metabolism and inflammation management among shift workers.

Nearly one-third of infants lack detectable levels of beneficial gut bacteria Bifidobacterium despite breastfeeding, raising questions about mother-to-infant microbial transmission, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the role of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in infant nutrition. New research highlights how the presence of specific bacterial strains may influence gut microbiome development, immune function and responses to nutritional interventions, strengthening the case for more personalised infant nutrition and strain-specific approaches to supporting early-life gut health.

Nourished says rising consumer demand for effective sleep support highlights a gap in the UK market, prompting the development of science-backed nutritional solutions targeting sleep quality, deep sleep and overnight recovery. Its new Sleep Pro gummy features 250mg of PeptiSleep, a plant-derived peptide identified using Nuritas’ AI-powered discovery platform, alongside complementary nutrients designed to support sleep quality and natural relaxation.

A study published in Nutrients found that despite high awareness of folic acid, only 25.8% of pregnant women in Calabria, Italy, began folic acid supplementation at least four weeks before conception, highlighting low adherence to preconception folic acid recommendations. Researchers call for improved healthcare professional counselling and population-level interventions to bridge the gap between folic acid awareness and action, helping prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) and improve maternal and fetal health.

The EU has reclassified S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) disulfate tosylate as non-novel, allowing its use in food supplements without Novel Food authorisation, following an Article 4 consultation assessed by Lithuania, explained Jerome Le Bloch of FoodChain ID. Luca Bucchini of Hylobates Consulting highlighted wider concerns about inconsistencies in Novel Food classifications, warning that a lack of transparency can create regulatory uncertainty and distort competition between ingredient suppliers.

A randomised controlled trial published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushroom blend reduced anxiety scores more than Lion’s Mane alone in Gen Z women after four weeks, suggesting potential benefits for mental health, mood and well-being. However, improvements also occurred in the placebo group, and researchers say further studies must confirm the effects and investigate the mechanisms behind functional mushrooms, anxiety reduction and stress management.

PepsiCo-affiliated researchers found significant individual differences in sweat rates, sodium losses and carbohydrate intake among 36 elite male soccer players training in cool conditions, with some experiencing dehydration and inadequate carbohydrate consumption. The findings highlight the need for personalised hydration strategies, electrolyte replacement and sports nutrition recommendations to support fluid balance and athletic performance.