The upcoming event program emphasizes a transition towards more comprehensive, science-based solutions. Gut health is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of overall wellness, while the concept of ‘longevity’ is evolving into a focus on ‘healthspan’. Additionally, the rise of GLP-1 medications is leading to innovation in product development, as there is a growing interest in cognitive support, daily performance nutrition, and beauty-from-within solutions.
Gut Health: The Core of Wellness
Gut health is expanding beyond mere digestion, establishing itself as the central pillar of holistic wellness, as discussed during sessions at the Vitafoods Conference Theatre (5A6).
On Tuesday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m., Emma Schofield, the associate director of global food science at Mintel, will lead a session titled ‘Gut Health: From Digestion to Total Wellness’. She will emphasize how brands are linking gut functionality with immunity, cognition, and product development strategies.
Additionally, on May 6, at 1:30 p.m., a panel featuring Urbi Pathak, senior research associate at Lux Research, Kara Siedman, VP of science and partnerships at Resbiotic Nutrition, Inc., and Bruno Pot, science director at Yakult Europe, will explore new product development opportunities influenced by gut health.
A further panel discussion examining the interconnections between gut, muscle, and brain health will occur at 3:36 p.m. This session will feature experts such as Richard Siow from King’s College London, Rafael De Cid from IGTP, Lynne Corner from the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, and Jerome Feige from Nestlé Research.
From Longevity to Healthspan
The industry is making a clear shift from longevity to healthspan, emphasizing strategies for consumers to enhance their quality of life as they age. This transition underscores the necessity for scientifically-backed claims and clear consumer benefits to differentiate within the increasingly competitive longevity market.
On May 5, at 12:05 p.m., Ina Dawer, head of ingredients at Euromonitor International, will present insights on the opportunities within longevity ingredients and strategies to identify valuable trends at the Vitafoods Insights Theatre (6H2).
Moreover, Elizabeth Thundow, VP of food and nutrition at Kline + Company, will discuss the transformation of lifespan into healthspan, exploring the ingredients, benefits, and formats relevant to longevity nutrition on May 6 at 2:40 p.m. at the Vitafoods Conference Theatre (5A6).
The Impact of GLP-1 Medications
The emergence of GLP-1 medications is disrupting conventional nutritional approaches, prompting companies to create nutrient-dense, targeted solutions that fulfill essential dietary needs in smaller servings for consumers with reduced appetites.
On May 7, at 10:30 a.m., Sophia Cornelius, a specialized nutrition analyst at Mintel, will address the future of weight management and innovations in nutrition during the GLP-1 era at the Vitafoods Conference Theatre.
Furthermore, David Gray, head of healthcare brand strategy at IQVIA Consumer Health, will explore how to cater to the nutritional requirements of GLP-1 consumers when appetite diminishes on May 6, at 11:30 a.m. at the Nutraceuticals Showcase Theatre (4A2).
Cognitive Health, Sleep, and Mental Resilience
Prioritizing brain health is becoming essential throughout life, as industry leaders develop solutions that bolster cognition from childhood into older age. Addressing sleep and recovery is increasingly viewed as vital components of mental resilience, and upcoming talks at the Vitafoods Conference Theatre will shed light on this trend.
A panel discussion on the importance of sleep will feature Adrian Lopresti from Clinical Research Australia, Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, director at the Centre for Nutraceuticals, and Mark Wetherell, professor of psychobiology at Northumbria University, on May 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Additionally, Suria Darley, global head of product development, and Sophie Putnam, head of science at Holland & Barrett, will discuss the evolution of brain health across the lifespan, highlighting nutrient gaps, lifestyle factors, and next-generation cognitive ingredients on May 5 at 4:40 p.m.
Performance Nutrition Goes Mainstream
As sports nutrition moves into mainstream health, there is a growing focus on recovery, endurance, and functional performance for everyone, prompting a more favorable view of carbohydrates and increased attention to female-specific nutrition needs.
On May 5, at 1:00 p.m., a panel featuring Susan Kleiner from High Performance Nutrition LLC, Nick Morgan of Nutrition Integrated, and Alex Glover from Holland & Barrett will discuss advancements in sports nutrition, including ingredients that support performance, endurance, and recovery. Kleiner will also present on the reinstatement of carbohydrates’ importance on May 6 at 12:35 p.m.
Moreover, Linia Patel, a women’s health dietitian, will speak on ‘The Female Performance Blueprint’ and the critical harmony between muscle, bone, and brain nutrition on May 6 at 4:45 p.m.
Beauty-from-Within and Nutricosmetics
The Vitafoods Insights Theatre will feature discussions on the growing momentum of nutricosmetics, reflecting consumers’ desire for ingestible solutions that enhance skin, hair, and overall appearance.
Mike Hughes, head of research and insight at FMCG Gurus, will discuss market opportunities in nutricosmetics, focusing on how brands can maintain credibility as consumers navigate rising challenges in skin health on May 7, at 10:30 a.m.
Additionally, a panel on format innovation in nutricosmetics will include speakers such as Melissa Snover, CEO of Rem3dy Health Limited; Henrik Geertz-Hansen, chief of development at 21st.BIO; and David Hjalmarsson, managing director of The Good Pill Co. This discussion on creating innovative delivery systems for better consumer experiences will take place on May 7 at 12:05 p.m.
