Extract and ingredient manufacturers are actively investigating ways to integrate curcumin into the formulations of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal products, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market segment consists of consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options that include turmeric, rather than cooking with it themselves. Although turmeric has faced challenges, such as associations with lead contamination and various product recalls, much of this can be attributed to insufficient oversight. This issue could potentially be addressed if U.S. manufacturers cultivated and processed turmeric domestically, where food safety protocols are more rigorously enforced.
Today’s consumers are increasingly inclined toward natural methods to enhance their health, as demonstrated by the rising “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods remain a relatively unexplored category for manufacturers, with major announcements primarily coming from Nestle and Hormel. However, as the global population ages, the incidence of medical complications is expected to rise, prompting many consumers to manage their health issues through dietary choices. Understanding this demographic is crucial for the industry; being health-conscious is one thing, but viewing food as a means to treat chronic diseases is another. This trend empowers manufacturers to influence not only dietary habits but also medical treatment approaches. The market for such innovations is substantial, with estimates placing its worth at $15 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Nestle has allocated a budget of $500 million to advance research in medical foods through 2021, which includes an investment of $1 million in machinery for human DNA analysis at a lab in Lausanne, Switzerland. The goal is to create personalized health programs for patients. In recent years, Nestle has acquired and partnered with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives, such as the acquisition of Pamlab in 2013, which produces products intended for medical supervision focused on brain and metabolic health. More recently, the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods has collaborated with Nestle to develop a line of coffee creamers enriched with medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company claims that these products can enhance focus and energy to help consumers start their day effectively.
With the increasing variety of functional foods and beverages available, it is not far-fetched to envision a future where individuals might be “prescribed” turmeric and turmeric-containing products for mild memory or mood issues. This scenario is reminiscent of the emergence of “food pharmacies” in the Bay Area, which provide fresh produce to individuals dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other dietary-related health concerns. In this context, it’s worth noting the potential benefits of incorporating supplements like dr berg calcium citrate into such dietary regimens to support overall health and wellness.