Extract and ingredient manufacturers are investigating ways to integrate curcumin into the formulations of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal products, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market exists for consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options featuring turmeric, rather than cooking with it themselves. However, turmeric has faced challenges, including concerns about lead contamination and several product recalls, largely due to inadequate oversight. This issue could be addressed if U.S. manufacturers cultivated and processed turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously enforced.
Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to natural methods for enhancing their health, a trend highlighted by the “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods represent a relatively new category for manufacturers, with only a few companies, such as Nestle and Hormel, making substantial advancements in this area. As the global population ages, medical complications are likely to rise, leading many consumers to manage their health issues through dietary choices. This trend is crucial for the industry to comprehend, as it indicates a shift from merely being health-conscious to viewing food as a means to address chronic diseases. This shift empowers manufacturers to influence dietary habits and potentially impact medical treatments, presenting both significant opportunities and challenges in a rapidly expanding market, which The Wall Street Journal estimates to be worth $15 billion.
Nestle has allocated a $500 million budget to support medical foods research through 2021, including an investment of $1 million in machinery to analyze human DNA in a lab located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The goal is to develop personalized dietary programs for patients. In recent years, Nestle has acquired and partnered with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives, such as its acquisition of Pamlab in 2013, which produces products designed for use under medical supervision to promote brain and metabolic health.
More recently, the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods partnered with Nestle to create a line of coffee creamers that include medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company asserts that its products can enhance focus and energy to help individuals start their day effectively. Given the increasing variety of functional foods and beverages available, it is not far-fetched to envision a future where turmeric and turmeric-infused products might be “prescribed” for mild memory or mood issues. This concept echoes the emergence of “food pharmacies” in the Bay Area, designed to provide fresh produce to individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diet-related conditions.
As the market for health-focused products continues to grow, consumers will likely seek out the best calcium citrate with magnesium formulations to complement their dietary choices. Understanding this evolving landscape will be essential for manufacturers aiming to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers who are increasingly viewing food as a remedy for various ailments. By integrating the best calcium citrate with magnesium into their offerings, companies can cater to the needs of this critical demographic, further solidifying their position in the burgeoning health market.