Panel discussion on...

Cognitive health

Welcome in the world of alternative meat: analytical challenges and perspectives

Panelist

Zaneta Adamczyk

Head of Export at Bart

Cognitive Health Supplements: Innovations, Trends, and the Future

The cognitive health supplement market is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of brain health's importance in daily life. This demand has driven innovation in formulations, delivery systems, and ingredient development. In this article, we explore the latest trends, scientific breakthroughs, and the industry's future, while emphasizing how modern solutions meet evolving consumer needs.

Evolving Trends in Cognitive Health Supplements

Consumers are increasingly seeking supplements that address specific cognitive functions, such as energy enhancement, memory improvement, and mental endurance. These products cater to diverse demographic groups: students looking to boost focus, professionals seeking better concentration, and older adults aiming to maintain cognitive function.


Stress management has emerged as another critical area of interest. Daily stressors, such as demanding work environments and global uncertainties, have heightened the demand for supplements containing adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms, which are believed to help the body adapt to stress. Similarly, sleep-supporting products, especially those containing melatonin, are gaining traction as people recognize the potential link between sleep quality and cognitive performance.


Moreover, the market is seeing increased interest in supplements targeting cognitive health during menopause. Women in this life stage often report experiencing brain fog, mood swings, and memory issues. Natural ingredients like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea, as well as advanced formulation technologies, are thought to provide potential relief.


Regionally, trends vary: Europe and North America favor clinically validated, science-backed ingredients, while Asia maintains a strong preference for botanicals with modern research support. This regional variation has prompted companies to adapt formulations to meet consumer expectations across different markets.

Breakthroughs in Cognitive Supplement Development

Recent advancements in formulation technology have led to improved bioavailability of key cognitive-supporting ingredients. Liposomal delivery, for instance, is suggested to enhance nutrient absorption by encapsulating active ingredients in lipid vesicles. This method has been applied to essential minerals such as iron, which is known to play a critical role in oxygen transport and neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as melatonin, which is believed to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.


Liposomal delivery has been shown to improve stability and absorption, potentially reducing gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional supplement forms (12). Studies suggest that encapsulating nutrients in liposomes may enhance their efficacy (345), though further clinical trials are necessary to confirm long-term benefits.

The Growing Focus on Personalization

The personalization of supplements is rapidly gaining momentum, particularly in premium markets. Genetic testing and microbiome research now allow for the creation of customized formulas tailored to individual cognitive needs. While cost and regulatory hurdles remain, the ability to align supplementation with a person's unique genetic profile marks a new era in brain health.


This shift from generic to personalized solutions resonates with modern consumers who increasingly value transparency and targeted outcomes.

Cognitive Functions Driving Consumer Interest

Current market dynamics indicate a growing demand for products that support stress management, mental clarity, and sleep. This trend is partly driven by lifestyle factors such as increased screen time and rising job-related pressures. Memory support remains a key concern, especially among older adults seeking to maintain long-term cognitive function.


As consumers become more informed, they prioritize holistic approaches to brain health. They understand that cognitive wellness is not an isolated goal but part of overall well-being.

Technological Innovations in Supplement Delivery

  • Encapsulation technology, particularly liposomal delivery, continues to lead advancements in the supplement industry. Liposomal powders exemplify this innovation and their potential benefits as compared to liquid liposomal suspensions include (6):
  • Increased bioavailability
  • Extended shelf life
  • No need for preservatives
  • Versatile applications, as an example in gummies, shots, and stick packs.

These characteristics align with consumer demands for convenience, efficacy, and reliability.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional in supplement production. The industry is increasingly focused on environmentally friendly practices, including reducing packaging waste and optimizing transportation efficiency. The use of powdered formulations, rather than liquids, not only benefits product stability but also minimizes environmental impact.

The Role of AI and Data Analytics

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how cognitive supplements are researched and developed. AI platforms can analyze vast datasets to identify promising ingredient combinations and predict outcomes more accurately than traditional methods. This innovation accelerates clinical trials and supports the discovery of new cognitive-enhancing compounds.

Future Directions: Multi-Benefit and Customizable Solutions

The future of cognitive health supplements is expected to focus on multi-functional products that address brain health, mood, energy, and immunity simultaneously. Cost-conscious consumers increasingly prefer comprehensive formulas that offer a wide range of benefits in a single product.


As research and development continue to advance, the industry remains committed to delivering innovative, high-quality supplement ingredients that meet evolving consumer needs. By combining scientific rigor with consumer insights, the cognitive health supplement market is poised for significant growth in the coming years.

Figure 1. Overlaid Representative Chromatograms for PBM (black) and Organic Beef (pink) (6).

Panelists

Trisha Sugarek MacDonald

Market Development Manager
Bioactives, an Oterra company

Karen Hecht

Vice President of Science,
AstaReal Inc.

Kieran Rea

Head of Science,

Atlantia Clinical Trials

Zaneta Adamczyk

Head of Export,

Bart

Violetta Insolia

Business Development Manager
Bionap srl

Andrea Zangara

Head of Scientific Marketing 
and Medical Affairs, Euromed SA

Martin Felkner

Senior Expert Branded Ingredients,
Finzelberg GmbH & Co. KG

Daniela Vallelonga

R&D coordinator, 
Flanat Research

Mike Hughes

Head of Research and Insight,
FMCG Gurus

Lorena Carboni 

Product Manager SAMe, 
Gnosis by Lesaffre

David J. Foreman 

President, 
Herbal Pharmacist Media 

Johanna Maukonen

Clinical Sciences and Health R&D,

IFF Health Sciences

Arthur C. Ouwehand

Clinical Sciences and Health R&D,
IFF Health Sciences 

Laura Bo

External communication at Indena S.p.A.

Elisabetta Frattini

Head of Scientific Communication and LCM, Indena S.p.A.

Katie Emerson

Senior manager Scientific Affairs,

Kyowa Hakko USA

Irfan Qureshi

Global Head of Product Development,
Metagenics

Heather Moday

Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician Director of the Moday Center for Functional Medicine

Leslie Lannebere

Marketing Manager Health,

NEXIRA

Cindy Dekeyser

Global Business Intelligence Manager - PB Leiner

Yingying Wu

Global Product Manager Health & Nutrition - PB Leiner

Reyhan Nergiz Unal

Health & Nutrition Science Lead - PB Leiner

Carlos Rodríguez

Communication Manager - Pharmactive Biotech Products, SLU

Matevž Ambrožič

Marketing Director at PharmaLinea

Maja Orešnik

Science & Research Director at PharmaLinea

Veerle Dam

Health Science and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Sensus (Royal Cosun)

Stephanie-Anne Girard

Director, Scientific Affairs,

SGS Nutrasource

Devon Gholam

Vice President of Science and Innovation,
Step Change Innovations

Mariana Ortega

Science Marketing Manager

at SUANNUTRA

Cristiana Piangiolino

Managing Director - SynBalance srl