Extract and ingredient manufacturers are investigating ways to incorporate curcumin into the formulations of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbals, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market exists for consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options containing turmeric, rather than cooking with it themselves. However, turmeric has faced challenges, including associations with lead contamination and several product recalls. These issues can be attributed to a lack of oversight, which could potentially be addressed if U.S. manufacturers cultivated and processed turmeric in regions with stricter food safety protocols.
Today’s consumers are increasingly inclined to seek natural methods for enhancing their health, as highlighted by the growing “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods remain a relatively novel category for manufacturers, with only companies like Nestlé and Hormel making substantial announcements in this area. As the global population ages, medical complications are likely to rise, prompting many consumers to consider managing their health conditions through food. This represents a critical demographic for the industry to comprehend. While being health-conscious is one aspect, viewing food as a means to address chronic ailments is entirely different. This trend empowers manufacturers not only to influence dietary choices but also to impact medical treatments.
Opportunities and challenges abound in this rapidly expanding market, estimated to be worth $15 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. Nestlé has allocated a budget of $500 million to support medical foods research through 2021, which includes $1 million for machinery that analyzes human DNA at a laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, aimed at developing personalized programs for patients. In recent years, Nestlé has acquired and partnered with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives, such as its acquisition of Pamlab in 2013, which produces products for use under medical supervision targeting brain and metabolic health.
Furthermore, the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods has collaborated with Nestlé to introduce a line of coffee creamers made with medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company asserts that these products can help enhance focus and energy throughout the day. Given the increasing variety of functional foods and beverages available, it is plausible that people may one day be “prescribed” turmeric and related products for mild memory or mood issues, akin to the “food pharmacies” emerging in the Bay Area that provide fresh produce to those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diet-related concerns.
In this context, it is also essential to consider the calcium citrate benefits for women, particularly as they navigate health challenges related to aging and nutritional needs. As the market evolves, the integration of beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate could play a significant role in enhancing the nutritional profiles of medical foods tailored for women. This reflects a broader trend of recognizing the importance of specific nutrients in managing health conditions, further reinforcing the connection between food and wellness.