Functional ingredients for health foods are evolving constantly. Here are some recently noted materials.
In shortRecently noted functional ingredients include NMN (a NAD+ precursor), ellagic acid (a polyphenol), and postbiotics or fermented materials. For trending ingredients it is important to evaluate specification/purity, eligibility for Foods with Function Claims, and stable supply together.
Noted Functional Ingredients
- NMN — a material of high interest in the aging-care field
- Ellagic acid & polyphenols — plant-derived functional components
- Fermented ingredients (GABA, N-acetylglucosamine) — materials leveraging fermentation technology
Related: Functional Ingredients
FAQ
What kind of ingredient is NMN?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a NAD+ precursor that has drawn attention as a functional ingredient. When formulating, confirming purity, specification, and stable supply is important.
What should I watch for when adopting trending ingredients?
Beyond the hype, evaluate specification/purity and the COA, eligibility for Foods with Function Claims, and origin/supply stability.
What are the advantages of fermented / postbiotic materials?
They are easy to position as plant-based/non-animal-derived, and research on functions such as gut health is advancing. Confirming the spec of the cells/metabolites is the key selection point.