Extract and ingredient manufacturers are investigating ways to integrate curcumin into the formulation of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal products, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market consists of consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options containing this ingredient instead of cooking with turmeric. Despite its potential, turmeric has faced challenges such as lead contamination issues and several product recalls, largely due to insufficient oversight. Increasing domestic production and processing of turmeric in the U.S., where food safety regulations are more rigorously enforced, could alleviate these issues.
Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to natural methods for improving their health, a trend highlighted by the “food as medicine” movement. Medical foods remain a relatively new focus area for manufacturers, with major initiatives primarily announced by companies like Nestle and Hormel. As the global population ages and medical complications rise, many consumers are turning to food as a means to manage their health conditions. Understanding this critical consumer segment is essential for the industry. While being health-conscious is one aspect, viewing food as a treatment for chronic diseases represents a significant shift. This trend empowers manufacturers to influence not only dietary choices but also medical interventions. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, this burgeoning market is estimated to be worth $15 billion, presenting both opportunities and challenges for companies seeking to capitalize on it.
Nestle has committed a $500 million budget to advance research in medical foods through 2021, which includes investing $1 million in machinery for analyzing human DNA at their laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland. The goal is to create personalized dietary programs for patients. In recent years, Nestle has also pursued acquisitions and partnerships with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives. For example, the acquisition of Pamlab in 2013 allowed Nestle to offer products designed for use under medical supervision, particularly targeting brain and metabolic health.
A recent collaboration involves the Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods and Nestle, focused on a line of coffee creamers that contain medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company asserts that its products can enhance focus and energy, helping people start their day effectively.
With the increasing prevalence of functional foods and beverages, it is not far-fetched to envision a future where individuals might be “prescribed” turmeric and turmeric-based products for mild memory or mood issues. This concept mirrors the emergence of “food pharmacies” in the Bay Area, which provide fresh produce to individuals managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diet-related conditions. Additionally, the uses of ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops serve as another example of how innovative dietary solutions are being explored to enhance health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of understanding their roles in nutrition and wellness. Ultimately, the integration of ingredients like curcumin, alongside ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops uses, highlights the ongoing evolution in how food and health intersect in today’s society.