Stephen Daniells

Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.

Recent advances in microbiome science reveal that gut modulation extends beyond digestive health, offering emerging opportunities in athletic performance, healthy aging, weight management, and bioremediation. Studies indicate that modulating the microbiome with targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can support endurance, immunity, cognitive function, healthspan, and metabolic health, with elite athletes and centenarians serving as sources for novel probiotic strains. Research also shows that specific microbiome interventions can aid in obesity management and help detoxify environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics, though human trials are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety. As evidence grows, microbiota-targeted strategies are being explored as promising tools for preventative and adjunctive health interventions.

Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in India found that daily supplementation with 300 mg of standardized Shatavari root extract (SRI-81) for eight weeks significantly improved menopausal symptom severity, hot-flash scores, perceived stress, fatigue, and vigor in perimenopausal women compared to placebo. The extract, rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and standardized for key phytoactives, showed a 42.6% reduction in Menopause Rating Scale scores and no reported adverse events.

The Nutra Healthspan Summit 2026, held in the City of London on November 10-11, brings together top scientists, brands, and innovators in nutrition and supplements to share actionable insights on extending healthspan and advancing longevity. Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive program covering market trends, regulatory issues, scientific advancements, and investment opportunities, with sessions led by leading experts and prominent industry figures. The summit emphasizes deep content, high-level networking, and collaboration, continuing the successful track record of NutraIngredients in building industry communities. The event also offers networking with start-ups and features positive feedback from previous attendees for its relevant content and high-profile participation.

Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.

A small placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study found that palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplementation helped stabilize or increase levels of bioactive lipid mediators in skeletal muscle after intense exercise, compared to placebo, which showed a decline. While PEA did not affect muscle strength, explosivity, pain, or muscle damage markers, it was associated with increased or stabilized levels of compounds involved in tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory responses. The findings suggest PEA may have limited acute effects but could be valuable in conditions involving chronic or prolonged muscle inflammation. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and potential impacts on performance.

Healthspan Innovators is inviting innovative start-ups focused on longevity, healthy aging, biotech, or nutrition to apply for a chance to present at the Nutra Healthspan Summit 2026 in London. Eligible companies must be less than 10 years old, employ fewer than 20 people, and be at Series A funding stage or earlier. Selected winners receive a delegate pass, a speaking slot, brand visibility, and industry exposure. The application deadline is October 1, 2026, and winners must attend the summit in person on November 10–11.

A randomized controlled trial from China found that daily supplementation with pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila, in combination with standard oral contraceptive therapy, improved metabolic and hormone measures in women with obesity-associated polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). In the 12-week study, the postbiotic group saw greater weight loss, reduced hyperandrogenism symptoms, and improvements in glucose–insulin homeostasis, dyslipidemia, and testosterone levels compared to placebo. Akkermansia supplementation also led to favorable changes in gut microbiota diversity and abundance. These results suggest that adjunctive postbiotic therapy may offer a promising approach for managing PMOS in clinical settings.

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger introduced the Dietary Supplement Innovation Act to reform the FDA’s drug preclusion provision, aiming to provide greater transparency and regulatory certainty for dietary supplement manufacturers. The bill seeks to narrow the FDA’s authority to exclude ingredients based on prior drug research, create clearer eligibility criteria for supplement ingredients, and establish legal avenues to challenge FDA decisions. While trade associations welcomed the bill as a balanced update supporting innovation and consumer access, some experts argue it fails to address key sections of the original DSHEA law that also hinder supplement innovation.