The market for probiotics is growing in response to impressive consumer interest. According to Business Insights, the U.S. market grew 8.7% between 2003-2008 to $5 billion, and it is expected to grow at 5% through 2013 to a value of $6.4 billion.

Plant and herb extracts have long been used to enhance the healthfulness, color, and even taste and flavor of foods, beverages and supplements. With an often “natural” positioning, their popularity is assured.

Satiereal® is a new patent-pending, clinically proven satiety ingredient from PL Thomas derived from saffron. The satiated feeling induced by Satiereal is said to encourage weight loss, while “eliminating frustration.”

Research indicates that ß-glucans derived from oats, yeast and mushrooms play a positive role in modulating the immune system in athletes, allergy sufferers, and those who frequently contract colds and the flu. Strengthening the immune system can have significant impact on overall well-being, mood, and performance.

The steady demand for weight-loss products has spread to include a wide range of food and beverage products. Many weight-loss products have moved towards claims with a focus on satiety, appetite suppression and thermogenesis. Novel methods in weight-loss claims require companies to make sure they have proper substantiation, however.

A recent BENEO research study about functional beverages shows that consumers, no matter their nationality, expect prolonged and balanced energy, as well as mental performance enhancement from their functional beverages.

From satiety to relaxation, ingredients such as omega-3s, proteins, dietary fiber and other nutritionals create in-demand consumer products.

December 2011/NutraSolutions -- The benefits of antioxidants are vast; so, too, are the health claims being used around the globe associated with antioxidants--claims ranging all the way from heart health to skin health.

Algatechnologies, Israel, a manufacturer of natural astaxanthin, has collaborated with Novel Creation, Israel, to develop Maximum Red Alga, a unique liquid dietary supplement of natural astaxanthin using AstaPure™ 10% astaxanthin oleoresin as its main active ingredient. Maximum Red Alga liquid supplement is produced and marketed by Novel Creation and will be launched in the U.S. and Europe in 2012.

Stevia has been long cultivated as a sweetener. The extracts of the leaves, steviol glycosides, are responsible for its sweet characteristics; the main two steviol glycosides are stevioside and rebaudioside A (reb A).