According to natural-astaxanthin suppliers at SupplySide West, the industry’s struggles to meet rising demand with supply are long past. Suppliers are now looking forward with a focus on new research, new applications, and even new algae strains. Supply Is Back First of , companies reassure that the days when natural-astaxanthin suppliers couldn’t meet skyrocketing demand (back in around 2010–2011) are far behind. “T e supply gap was short-lived. It’s almost ancient history,” said Joe Kuncewitch, national sales manager, AstaReal (Burlington, NJ). “Since then, folks like AstaReal have taken the care to do the right thing, and that is ramp up supply.” In 2014, AstaReal opened a facility in Mos

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and other sources are fats with a uniquely diverse range of health fats-particularly eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)--through diet and supplementation can support the body in multiple ways. For instance:aging results in lower neural concentration of omega-3 fatty acids,leading to neuronal loss and a decline in cognitive function; however, recent studies show that omega-3 fats can enhance neuron signaling and synaptic plasticity,while preserving gray and white matter in the brain. Another example:inflammation is increasingly linked to chronic disease, but research shows that omega-3 fats play important roles in reducing inflammation by lo

Re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may offer significant improvements to several symptoms of dry eyes, according to new study results published in Cornea. Researchers found that 12-week supplementation with PRN Dry Eye Omega Benefits, a commercial supplement containing 1680 mg EPA and 560 mg DHA from Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals (Plymouth Meeting, PA), resulted in significant improvements to tear osmolarity, tear break-up time, and the ocular surface disease index. Several past studies have found omega-3s to be effective at alleviating symptoms of dry eyes—often caused by dysfunction of the meibomian glands—but researchers in this study looked specifically at the effects

Zinc often plays second fiddle to better-known minerals like calcium and magnesium, but in terms of its importance to the human body, it is second to none. Just consider what zinc does. Zinc catalyzes more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It also plays a significant structural role by supporting the integrity of the genome. In fact, estimates suggest that over 2,500 transcription factors, or nearly 8% of the human genome, require zinc for their structural integrity. Additionally, zinc is a significant regulator, influencing the expression of thousands of genes while taking part in numerous cell-signaling pathways.1 Because zinc is such an important part of human biochemistry, any de

Digestive enzyme sales are on a firmly upward trajectory. According to Euromonitor, the retail value of the digestive enzymes category in the United States rose from $77.2 million in 2011 to $86.8 million in 2016; by 2021, the market could grow to $96.5 million. Chris Penet, vice president of enzymes supplier Bio-Cat (Troy, VA), says growth “is being driven by consumers looking for natural alternatives, and also by increasing awareness and education of the consumer” about these ingredients. One point in enzyme supplements’ favor is that they enjoy a uniquely widespread appeal, says Melony Fuller, director of marketing at National Enzyme Co. (Forsyth, MO). Enzymes aren’t just popular among th

The omega-3 market has had its share of obstacles in recent years: sales slumps, some negative publicity, and reliance on variable fish stocks. But industry pushes on. Sales are finally starting to grow again, albeit not yet to the levels seen during the ingredient's heyday. The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED; Salt Lake City) even went so far, as of this June, to predict 5% global growth-and even double digit growth in Asia-through 2017. Total growth will likely come from a combination of industry innovation and regulatory changes, both of which are ongoing around the world. Luckily, there's exciting news in just about every corner of the omega-3 market, and there's certa