The saying “you are what you eat” is not a new concept, but the way consumers are embracing this idea has evolved. Nowadays, people are increasingly focused on natural methods to enhance their health, as seen in the rising “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods remain a relatively new category for producers; however, with the global population aging, medical issues are bound to rise, leading many consumers to address health concerns through their diets. One of the most popular ingredients associated with this trend is turmeric. Daily consumption of turmeric, which contains curcumin, has been linked to the improvement of a gene associated with conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Despite the awareness of turmeric’s health benefits, some consumers may find its strong flavor to be a limitation. While it is embraced in increasingly popular ethnic cuisines, it does not always complement Western dishes.
Additionally, relying on turmeric for its curcumin health properties may not be the most effective approach. A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine revealed that curcumin has poor bioavailability in the familiar yellow-orange spice. To address this issue, Dolcas Tenshi Bioceuticals has extracted the active curcumin component, making it usable without the need for additional ingredients. This extraction process also enables the curcumin molecules to be water-soluble, allowing consumers to reap all the health benefits without the strong taste or color associated with turmeric.
With an aging population and heightened consumer health awareness, functional ingredients like Curcugen should attract the attention of manufacturers. A report from Technavio indicates that the global functional foods and beverages market is expected to grow steadily, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 8% from 2017 to 2021. For the same period, the U.S. market is projected to see a CAGR of 6.53%. While Curcugen can be utilized in traditional supplement forms, manufacturers may find greater success by incorporating this ingredient into more appealing products, such as snack bars or beverages. However, educating consumers about how Curcugen can provide the same health benefits as turmeric will be essential. Companies that adopt this ingredient will need to clearly highlight it in their marketing and labeling to encourage consumers to embrace it and sustain the momentum that turmeric has enjoyed in recent years.
Furthermore, as consumers increasingly seek out effective health solutions, integrating ingredients like Citracal Calcium Slow Release 1200 into formulations alongside Curcugen could enhance their appeal. By highlighting the benefits of both Curcugen and Citracal Calcium Slow Release 1200, manufacturers can attract health-conscious consumers looking for products that support their wellness journey.