Tag: heatlth

Obesity is Killing Us

Posted on by Mike Miller

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 2.8 million individuals die every year as a result of obesity.1 Shockingly, a study presented at the Society of General Internal Medicine reported that obesity has caused 47% more life-years lost than tobacco.2 In addition to loss of life, over 115 million individuals are suffering from obesity-related diseases, such as: hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, low quality of life, body pain, depression, anxiety and mental illness.3 Obesity is killing us!

Because of increasing obesity rates in developing countries, the weight-loss and weight management industry continues to be growing. Research studies support an efficacious weight-loss system that includes gut health, proteins, and metabolic enhancement will produce better results than diet and exercise alone. A healthy combination of nutrition, fitness enhancement, and digestive health is more effective at producing long-term results and improved health. Providing a healthy system may be a way to capture the growing weight-loss supplement segment, which is projected to grow at 22.5% CAGR to 2028. 

Plant Science continues to advance product development for efficacious health and well-being. Studies are demonstrating weight loss and management are fundamental to health. Our scientists are ready to develop custom formulations for your consumers.

Consumer Convenience Sells More

Posted on by Mike Miller

Convenience retailers, including on-line sales have increased 33% in 2023.1 According to a study in the UK over 73% of interviewed consumers chose a product based on packaging.2 Packaging convenience has significant implications for product sales and company growth. 

The demand for convenience packaging is growing rapidly with no sign of slowing down.3 According to a survey by the Flexible Packaging Association, 60% of respondents said they would pay more for convenience packaging.4 The consumer’s desire for packaging that meets their lifestyle and the willingness to pay more for it, is valuable information for growing product sales.

Convenience packaging is really about packaging that meets the needs of the consumer. The most significant needs include:

1. Single serving containers. This is desirable for consumers for two reasons: a) provides portion control and b) reduces food waste by sealing freshness until they are ready to consume the product, thus extending shelf life.5

2. On-the-go packaging. Consumers want a product that they can easily pack into a bag or purse. Packing a tub of powder or a bottle of capsules is bulky and messy and often results in spills and wasting product.

3. Maintaining a healthy diet regimen. Centering the supplement packaging around the consumer’s lifestyle allows the consumer to maintain their supplement regimen while traveling or during busy schedules. Because consumption is significantly based on habit, convenience packaging enables the consumer to maintain his or her “habit” with a busy lifestyle and extends customer loyalty.

4. Sharing. Consumers, especially when they see and feel results when consuming healthy supplements, enjoy sharing their new products with friends and family. This is especially valuable for direct sales companies. Convenience packaging makes it simple and easy for consumers to share their new product and experience. They advertise for you!

Even though convenience is growing, a recent survey reported 48% of consumers identified nutrition as a focused issue for their lifestyle.6 Understanding both the consumer’s desire for nutrition and convenience will be critical for future growth. Today’s consumer is demanding more for their spending dollar. 

Joint Health Innovation May Grow Market Share

Posted on by Mike Miller

Demand for joint health supplementation continues to grow with projections of 8.5% CAGR by 2027, reaching a U.S Market value of 17.6 billion.1  This growth is largely attributed to the aging populations and the increase in disposable income. Because of this growing health demand, research continues to support nutrition as a key component of joint health, thus fueling the demand for innovative and efficacious supplements.

A recent clinical study demonstrated cucumber extract improved joint function and mobility significantly better than a placebo.2 In a double-blind clinical trial of 122 patients consuming an extract of cucumber (CSE) reported significant reduction in knee pain. Pain reduction continued through the study and by day 180, CSE patients reported over 70% decrease in pain compared to 32% reduction of the glucosamine-chondrotin (GC) group.3

Plant Science continues to research the value of cucumber extract and collagen in formulations. Pairing a combination of cucumber extract drink with collagen provides a broad and efficacious benefit for consumers. This research is an asset in developing custom supplements that can be quickly released to the consumer and grow market share.

Digestive Health an Important Trend

Posted on by Mike Miller

Canada revealed about 13,322 deaths in 2020 were attributed to digestive disease.1 Digestive health is no longer a trend, it has become a mainstream health concern.2 New scientific research and studies have increased consumer awareness of the role of digestive health in their overall health and wellbeing. 

The global digestive health market is projected to grow 8.2% CAGR by 2032 to reach over 104 billion USD.3 North America holds the highest market share for digestive supplements at 34%. However, with global government initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, the fastest growing markets are projected to be Japan, India and China.4

A recent survey reported that 85% of global consumers have taken steps to improve their digestive health.5  These changes include improving their diets with 43% identifying the addition of a daily probiotic. Most consumers are using a capsule; however more than 50% prefer a food or drink format.6 

Science supports utilizing pre, pro, and post biotics for improving overall health. By introducing a convenient and efficacious biotic system to consumers is a way to increase market share in this growing segment. Understanding the consumer demand and preferences Plant Science continues to research and develop efficacious supplements that support digestive health.  

Plant Science has an experienced R&D team ready to develop custom formulations for your company. The Plant Science proprietary system that combines research and development with manufacturing is designed to reduce time-to-market.  This process makes delivery available for new and custom products in as little as six weeks. 

D-Serine May Reduce the Effects of Aging

Posted on by Mike Miller

Aging and cognitive decline is growing in the U.S., with projections of 89 million people suffering from age-associated dementias by 2050.1

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that D-serine supplementation helped mitigate some of the age-related changes associated with a decline of the hypothalamic hormone Menin in mouse models. The study’s authors suggest that the decline of Menin expression in the hypothalamus with age may be one of the driving factors of aging, and D-serine is a potentially promising therapeutic for cognitive decline.2 

The need for natural health supplements that support reduction in age-related dementia are growing. One natural amino acid that is gaining traction in studies, is D-Serine. D-Serine is found naturally in nuts, especially peanuts, almonds, and walnuts and also found in eggs, chickpeas, lentils, and especially shellfish.3 D-Serine is localized in the forebrain and hippocampus and is considered to be important in maintaining healthy brain transmission and plasticity.4 

As research continues to grow with D-Serine, early studies demonstrate its effectiveness in relieving symptoms of schizophrenia.5 The use of D-Serine has been effective in improving motor and behavioral symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. Studies also support its benefit in relieving depression.6

Our most recent product development, “Anti-aging Pink Drink,” includes D-Serine in the formulations. Plant Science continues to research trends and studies to develop efficacious natural supplements that will aid in natural health and well-being.

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The Value of Brain Health

Posted on by Mike Miller

Mental health issues, which broadly includes the lack of focus and attention, anxiety, depression, and loss of memory are generating the need for efficacious supplements in the global market.  According to estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 280 million people suffering from depression.1 Anxiety disorder is reported to affect over 19% of the U.S. population.2  These health issues are projected to grow the mental health supplement market to 13.3% CAGR to 2030.3  

The demand is rising for supplements that boost memory and focus, resist anxiety and depression and improve mental well being.  These issues are increasing across all market demographics including students, professionals, and older populations. The need for mental-health aids is driving research activities in the supplement industry.  

Plant Science is committed to the research and development of efficacious supplements that support mental wellness.  Working with the highest quality natural ingredients that are supported by scientific research, Plant Science has an advanced R&D team that will formulate custom products specifically designed for your company’s demographic needs. The Plant Science proprietary system that combines research and development with manufacturing is designed to reduce time-to-market.  This process makes delivery available for new product launches in as little as six weeks.