In the dynamic world of nutraceuticals, innovation and leadership are inseparable, and increasingly, women are at the forefront. This inaugural column introduces Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), a global nonprofit initiative advancing female leadership in science, business, and investment. From peer-reviewed research to strategic industry engagement, WIN is reshaping the future of health and wellness through inclusion, collaboration, and evidence-based impact.In the dynamic world of nutraceuticals, innovation and leadership are inseparable, and increasingly, women are at the forefront. This inaugural column introduces Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), a global nonprofit initiative advancing female leadership in science, business, and investment. From peer-reviewed research to strategic industry engagement, WIN is reshaping the future of health and wellness through inclusion, collaboration, and evidence-based impact.

WIN: Empowering Women, Transforming the Industry

Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) is more than a network, it’s a movement. Founded to elevate women across the nutraceutical value chain, WIN fosters leadership, visibility, and innovation through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and global outreach. By championing diverse perspectives, WIN is proving that gender equity is not just a moral imperative, it’s a driver of scientific progress and commercial success.

Community: A Global Network with Local Roots

Founded in the US, Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) is now the fastest-growing movement in the industry, with over 750 members across 22 countries and 140 active volunteers. Its structure reflects a commitment to both global coordination and regional relevance. The WIN Board of Directors, led by president Heather Granato, sets strategic direction for the global organization. Focused on expansion outside of North America, the WIN International Committee (IC) directs initiatives to carry out the board's strategy across a wide variety of international regions. Regional co-chairs in Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) help tailor initiatives to local markets. From there, national sub-committees in Italy, the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Spain are working to bring WIN’s mission to life on the ground.

WIN’s regional committees are more than administrative units, they’re cultural bridges. From Berlin to Barcelona, Sydney to Mumbai, WIN adapts its programs to local languages, policy landscapes, and market dynamics. This “think global, act local” approach by our Board Liaison Dr. Sybille ensures relevance, sustainability, and impact.

International Committee Leadership

• President: Heather Granato
• Executive Director, Global: Rebecca Takemoto
• Board Liaison, International Expansion Committee: Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner
• International Co-Chairs: Silvi Siddhu & Laetitia d’Ursel
• EU Co-Chairs: Kenn Israel & Julia Wiebe
• APAC Co-Chairs: Rajat Mittal Shah & Gillian Fish

Spotlight: WIN Europe

Kenn Israel and Julia Wiebe lead WIN Europe with complementary strengths, execution and visibility.

Kenn Israel, Practice Leader at BeyondBrands, focuses on strategic delivery and measurable outcomes:

• Translating global strategy into actionable regional initiatives
• Creating value for sponsors and members through lead generation, brand visibility, and private networks
• Scaling communications with data-driven metrics
• Amplifying WIN’s global impact through external engagement

Julia Wiebe, Managing Director at Red otc development,brings a vision for sustainable growth and cultural resonance:

• Elevating WIN’s presence through storytelling and media
• Building mentoring programs tailored to European languages and leadership styles
• Strengthening structural foundations that respect regulatory and market diversity
• Fostering cross-border collaboration to unify Europe’s voice in nutraceuticals

Together, Kenn and Julia humanize WIN’s mission and embody its ethos: strategic, inclusive, and deeply human, blending strategic execution with visible, inspiring leadership. Their work demonstrates that WIN is not just an organization, it’s a living, global community where women in nutraceuticals are empowered, seen, and heard.

Research: Science with Purpose

WIN’s credibility is rooted in a commitment to closing the gender gap in scientific leadership and evidence-based science. Recent studies in mental health, sleep, and stress management by WIN members Juliane, Cynthia, and Karen showcase the power of natural ingredients and the value of women-led science:

1. Calming Effects in Children with Subclinical ADHD – Cynthia G. Suárez (WIN Member in Germany)
   • Authors: Jackson PA, Smith EF, Forster J, Greener J, Small A, Kennedy DO, Suarez CG, Blainski A, Pischel I.
   • Publication: Daily supplementation with lemon verbena extract decreases subjective energy and parental reports of hyperactivity in children displaying sub-clinical attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-type behaviours: A randomised controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2025 Aug;39(8):825-835.
   • Design: 56-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with lemon verbena extract.
   • Outcome: Reduced hyperactive/impulsive behavior, lower depression/anxiety scores, no cognitive impairment.
   • Implication: A safe natural option for mood and behavior regulation in children.
   • Access full paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12287557/
     
     
2. Sleep & Cognitive Benefits in Adults with Sleep Disturbances – Juliane Hellhammer (WIN Member in Germany)
   • Authors: Schmitt F, Weishaupt R, Katumba PKM, Vogt D, Meyer N, Feld M, Hellhammer J.
   • Publication: Improving Sleep and Daytime Function with Tryptophan, Magnesium, Melissa and Lactuca Formulation: An Exploratory Study in Adults with Sleep Disturbances. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. 2025;17:75-85
   • Design: 14-day multi-ingredient monocentric, single-arm, open-label exploratory supplement study (tryptophan, magnesium, lemon balm, lettuce extract).
   • Outcome: 14% improvement in sleep quality overall; 37% in highly anxious individuals; deeper sleep and enhanced cognitive performance.
   • Implication: Supports mental well-being and executive function, particularly for anxious adults.
   • Access full paper: https://www.dovepress.com/improving-sleep-and-daytime-function-with-tryptophan-magnesium-melissa-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDS

3. Stress and Sleep Support in Adolescents – Karin Hermoni (WIN Member in Spain)
   • Authors: Navarro, P.; García, A.; Villa, R.; Nobile, V.; Parisi, O.I.; Lirangi, C.; Amone, F.; D’Ambrosio, E.; Caturla, N.; Jones, J.
   • Publication: Lippia citrodora (Lemon Verbena) Extract Helps Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep Quality in Adolescents in a Double-Blind Randomized Intervention Study. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 5856.
   • Design: Three-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center intervention study on 42 adolescents using lemon verbena extract.
   • Outcome: Improved sleep quality, reduced stress, cortisol decrease, with strongest effects in teenage girls.
   • Implication: Demonstrates natural, safe solutions for adolescent well-being, with a gender-sensitive approach.
   • Access full paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/5856

These studies highlight WIN’s unique intersection of science, business, and community, proving that advancing women in nutraceuticals strengthens both innovation and commercial impact.

Events: Connecting, Inspiring, Growing

WIN continues to grow its global footprint through high-impact events that blend inspiration, science, and strategic networking. These gatherings serve as vital platforms for showcasing women-led innovation, attracting new members, and amplifying WIN’s mission across regions.

Recent Engagements in Europe

WIN has been actively present at key industry events in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to visibility and collaboration. These gatherings amplify women’s voices, strengthen professional networks, and showcase the commercial relevance of women-led innovation:

• Spain: Vitafoods Europe 2025 May 5-7, WIN member Julia Wiebe led a panel on The ROI of Gender Equity in the Nutraceutical Market, showcasing how women are advancing innovation and leadership at one of the industry’s premier global events.
• France: Nutriform Business Days (NFBD) 2025 June 18–20, this three-day summit focused on dietary supplements and innovation. WIN’s presentation by Veronique Sanceau and Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner highlighted the role of women in shaping the future of functional ingredients and market trends.
• Greece: IPC Probiotic Conference 2025 June 24–26 in Athens, WIN members Ioanna Naka and Ewa Hudson engaged with the 2025 iteration of the International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health, the Europe’s premier event on microbiome science.

Meet Us at Upcoming EU Events:

This fall, WIN will be actively engaging across Europe, bringing our mission of visibility, leadership, and collaboration to the industry’s most important gatherings.

• NutraHealthSpan – November 11, London: WIN UK is hosting a special event the day before NHS begins, sponsored by Hartmann Young. International members and friends of WIN are warmly invited to join us for sessions on ESG, mentorship, research, and more. [Register here]
• In Vitality – November 19–20, Milano: WIN Italy Co-Chairs Francesca Mercandelli and Claudia Valla will spotlight WIN’s latest initiatives and research. Thanks to the sponsor Deimos, you’ll also find a dedicated WIN networking space at booth D19. [Register here]
• Food Ingredients Europe – December 2–4, Paris: WIN UK Co-Chair Emily Austin will present a panel discussion on Gender equality as a ROI driver. Come join the conversation. [Register here]
• Natexpo – November 30–December 2, Paris: Join WIN at this major organic products’ trade show for conversations and connections that highlight women’s leadership in nutraceuticals. [Register here]

These appearances reflect WIN’s commitment to regional relevance, scientific credibility, and meaningful community building, while creating new partnerships and strengthening member engagement across Europe.

Join the Movement, Shape the Future

This column marks the beginning of a new tradition, spotlighting the women who are shaping the future of nutraceuticals through science, leadership, and community. WIN is not just advocating for change; it’s building it. From research breakthroughs to mentorship networks and global events, WIN is ensuring that women in our industry are seen, heard, and funded.

The future of nutraceuticals is inclusive, evidence-driven, and collaborative. WIN is leading the way, and we invite you to be part of it. Join us at Women in Nutraceuticals and help shape tomorrow, together.