Extract and ingredient manufacturers are actively investigating ways to integrate curcumin into the formulation of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbals, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market segment consists of consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options featuring turmeric rather than cooking with it themselves. Despite its popularity, turmeric has faced challenges, including associations with lead contamination and several product recalls. This situation often results from insufficient oversight, which could be improved if U.S. manufacturers grew and processed turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously applied.
Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to natural methods for enhancing their health, as reflected in the “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods represent a relatively new focus area for manufacturers, with major announcements primarily coming from companies like Nestlé and Hormel. As the global population ages, the incidence of medical complications is set to rise, leading many consumers to use food as a means of managing their health issues. This emerging demographic is crucial for the industry to comprehend; while being health-conscious is one aspect, perceiving food as a treatment for chronic illnesses is another. This trend empowers manufacturers to influence not only dietary choices but also medical treatments, presenting both significant opportunities and challenges for companies aiming to tap into this rapidly expanding market, which is projected to be worth $15 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Nestlé has committed a $500 million budget to support medical foods research through 2021, which includes investing $1 million in machinery for human DNA analysis at a facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. The goal is to develop personalized health programs for patients. In recent years, Nestlé has also acquired and partnered with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives. For instance, the acquisition of Pamlab in 2013 has allowed them to create products intended for use under medical supervision, focusing on brain and metabolic health.
Moreover, the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods has teamed up with Nestlé to launch a line of coffee creamers that incorporate medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company asserts that its products can enhance focus and energy, providing a beneficial start to the day.
With the increasing variety of functional foods and beverages available, it is conceivable that individuals might one day receive “prescriptions” for turmeric and related products to address mild memory or mood issues. This scenario is akin to the “food pharmacies” emerging in the Bay Area, which supply fresh produce to those dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other dietary-related conditions. In this evolving landscape, products like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 120 Tablets could also play an essential role, serving as a complement to dietary strategies aimed at improving overall health and wellness. As the industry navigates these trends, the integration of turmeric and other beneficial ingredients will be pivotal in meeting consumer demands in the health and wellness sector.