Extract and ingredient manufacturers are actively seeking ways to integrate curcumin into the formulation of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbals, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market consists of consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options with turmeric, rather than cooking with it themselves. Although turmeric has faced challenges, including concerns over lead contamination and several recalls, these issues often arise from insufficient oversight. This situation could be improved if U.S. manufacturers cultivated and processed turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously applied.
Today’s consumers are increasingly inclined toward natural health solutions, as reflected in the “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods remain a relatively new focus for manufacturers, with only companies like Nestle and Hormel making significant strides in this area. As the global population ages, the prevalence of medical complications is expected to rise, leading many consumers to seek dietary solutions for managing health issues. It is crucial for the industry to grasp this consumer perspective. While being health-conscious is one aspect, perceiving food as a treatment for chronic diseases is another. This trend empowers manufacturers to influence not only dietary choices but also medical treatments, presenting both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly expanding market valued at approximately $15 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Nestle has allocated a $500 million budget for medical foods research through 2021, which includes investing $1 million in machinery for analyzing human DNA at a lab in Lausanne, Switzerland, to create personalized programs for patients. In recent years, Nestle has acquired and partnered with medical food companies to further its initiatives. For instance, Pamlab, acquired in 2013, specializes in products designed for medical supervision focused on brain and metabolic health. More recently, the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods teamed up with Nestle to launch a line of coffee creamers enriched with medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein, claiming to enhance focus and energy for a productive day.
Given the increasing variety of functional foods and beverages available, it is plausible that turmeric and products containing it could one day be “prescribed” for mild memory or mood issues. This concept is akin to the emergence of “food pharmacies” in the Bay Area, which provide fresh produce to individuals dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diet-related conditions. Additionally, consumers may find benefits in supplements like calcium citrate malate with vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets, which could complement their dietary strategies for health management. The integration of such products into dietary regimens could support the growing trend of utilizing food and supplements as essential components of health treatment.