Science-based nutrition for Asia’s evolving health needs

As Asia-Pacific consumers become increasingly proactive about healthy aging, cognitive health, women’s health and everyday wellness, the region is creating new opportunities for science-backed nutrition solutions. Many of the leading ingredients and solutions to address these are featured in Vitafoods Asia.

This year, Balchem showcased its ingredients, research and formulation concepts aimed at APAC’s evolving needs. The company headquartered in New Jersey, United States, operates across Human Nutrition & Health, Animal Nutrition & Health and Specialty Products, with a strong focus on science, innovation and product development.  Within Human Nutrition & Health, Balchem has established expertise in essential nutrients such as choline and vitamin K2, chelated minerals and microencapsulation technologies.

FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal spoke with Mr. Oliver Riemann, Senior Manager Marketing and Business Development – Albion Minerals, Human Nutrition & Health, about the company’s latest developments, emerging nutrition trends and the opportunities he sees across the Asia-Pacific market.

Mr. Oliver Riemann, Senior Manager Marketing and Business Development – Albion Minerals, Human Nutrition & Health

What key products and innovations did Balchem showcase at Vitafoods Asia 2026, and why are they relevant to today’s Asian market?

At Vitafoods Asia 2026, Balchem highlighted VitaCholine®, Albion® Minerals, including Ferrochel® and Meta Mag®, and OptiMSM®, reflecting growing interest in healthy aging, women’s health, cognitive performance and beauty-from-within.

A key highlight is new research on VitaCholine® and brain network efficiency in post-menopausal women. We are also showcasing OptiMSM®, following its recent approval in Thailand, alongside our mineral portfolio. These ingredients reflect the growing demand in Asia for well-researched solutions with good efficacy and tolerability.

Consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that support healthy aging and active lifestyles. How is Balchem responding to this trend?

Healthy aging is increasingly about maintaining an active, mentally sharp and independent life, rather than simply living longer. We see this shift accelerating across Asia-Pacific as consumers become more proactive about preventive health.

Our portfolio addresses several aspects of this trend. VitaCholine® supports cognitive health and cellular function, Albion® Minerals address bone, muscle and energy metabolism, while OptiMSM® has applications in joint health and beauty-from-within. The focus is on combining these solutions with scientific evidence that can support meaningful product development.

What makes Albion® Minerals stand out in the market, particularly for Asian consumers and supplement manufacturers?

Albion® Minerals has more than 70 years of experience in amino acid chelation and has played a pioneering role in chelated mineral nutrition. Today, the portfolio remains among the most clinically researched in the category.

The key difference is its fully reacted mineral chelate structure, which is designed to support absorption and gastrointestinal tolerability compared with conventional mineral salts. For manufacturers, this provides an opportunity to develop mineral products that combine established science with a better consumer experience.

What new opportunities do you see for choline in the Asia-Pacific market?

We believe the potential for choline in Asia-Pacific extends well beyond its traditional association with infant nutrition. Growing interest in cognitive health, healthy aging, women’s health, prenatal nutrition and active lifestyles is creating new opportunities for the ingredient.

The recent research on post-menopausal women is particularly interesting, while greater awareness of brain health is also supporting demand. We see potential across convenient formats such as beverages, gummies, powders and jellies. At the show, we are presenting a VitaCholine® and Meta Mag® jelly concept developed with our local partner, Rama Production.

Formulation is often a challenge when developing effective and consumer-friendly supplements. How can your customers overcome these challenges?

Our focus is to help customers translate ingredient science into practical formats that fit consumers’ everyday routines. This includes considering not only efficacy, but also taste, convenience and ease of use.

At Vitafoods Asia, we demonstrated this through several formats, including Ferrochel® in powder and liquid forms, VitaCholine® in a beverage and combined with Meta Mag® in a jelly. We are also showcasing chewable tablets and an OptiMSM® collagen drink, illustrating how the same ingredient portfolio can support different consumer preferences.

Which nutrition and health categories do you see as the biggest growth opportunities for Balchem in Asia-Pacific?

Women’s health, healthy aging and cognitive health are three areas we see continuing to develop across Asia-Pacific. Women’s health is expanding across life stages, from fertility and pregnancy to menopause and beauty-from-within, while healthy aging is driving interest in cognition, mobility, bone and muscle health.

Cognitive performance is another emerging opportunity as consumers become more aware of nutrition’s role in focus, memory and long-term brain health. We also see growing interest in magnesium, particularly for sleep support. These trends create opportunities for science-based nutrition solutions that can fit into everyday life.