HTC News Round up

11th October 2019

A brief update of what is going on in the VMS market currently. HTC’s new VMS Market News Updates. A brief update of what is going on in the market at the current moment.

• Will Irish tax plans make supplements out of reach for people who might need them? They have been moved to the standard VAT category thus increasing the price. There have been various petitions for this action to be revoked as some people need these supplements in their everyday life. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/10/04/Taxed-supplements-out-of-reach-for-people-in-Ireland

• Many beauty brands are receiving their ‘cruelty-free’ mark, with the leaping bunny mark proving these products haven’t been tested on animals. It will be interesting to see whether many supplement brands go down similar paths. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/superdrug-cruelty-free-milestone

• The superstore giant Walmart has launched a new brand of vegan gummies. They worked with a registered nutritionist to work towards specific wellness goals and also making sure they stay in line with vegan preferences. Will Asda their UK sister be opening up their gummy vitamin trend and stocking similar products? https://vegnews.com/2019/9/walmart-launches-vegan-gummy-vitamins

• Are the vitamins you have been taking for years giving you exactly what you need? It might be worth giving some other supplements a chance and try and reap the benefits. Take a look at these new alternatives people have found helped. https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/vitamins-and-supplements-switch-508622

• Can omega-3 supplements really lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and hearts attacks? By the sounds of things, yes, they can. Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan school have carried out the various analysis and have updated findings from previous reports. They found a lower risk in those who were taking the supplements but found that this had no results on strokes. https://www.nutraingredients.com/News/Research/Omega-3-supplements-help-reduce-risk-of-heart-attack-and-other-cardiovascular-diseases-says-meta-analysis

• The NHS over the years has starting recognising vitamins and supplements as an aid to public health but in recent cuts, they will be cutting the cost and potentially cutting out prescriptions for certain vitamins, minerals and probiotics. This seems to be following a similar exercise that took place back in 2017 with Omega-3. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/09/13/UK-NHS-to-limit-probiotic-vitamin-mineral-prescriptions-in-cost-cutting-proposals

• A little bit of knowledge about expired vitamins and supplements would never hurt anybody. Although they are known as ‘food supplements’ they aren’t treated in the same way as food products. Many foods can become harmful when they perish but this isn’t always the case with supplements. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/is-it-safe-to-take-vitamins-after-the-expiration-date/ar-AAI6O2H

• The more than innovative Epax is investing 32 million over the next few years, after their interesting findings in a recent study that found their supplementation had increased neural blood flow which in turn could help with memory decline due to decreased blood flow. This investment is looking to increase its output by over 50%. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/10/03/Epax-omega-3-plans-include-32m-facility-upgrade

• The beauty vitamin trend continues to expand and get more coverage on social media, and beyond. With new brands, need states and combinations coming onto the market. Seeking glowing skin, long hair and strong nails are key common trends. See these two articles from both sides. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/10/09/Glowing-skin-and-nutrition-top-priority-for-skin-care-consumers
  https://www.yourtango.com/2019327486/20-best-collagen-gummies-youthful-looking-skin

• Italian authorities seem to have been clamping down on various vitamin and supplement companies from different angles. In recent times Life 120 have received repeat fines for using banned advertising and using false claims. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/10/07/Life120-fined-again-for-repeating-banned-supplement-promo-practices

• Holland and Barrett’s Group Innovation & Beauty Director speaks on the topic of sustainable initiatives and giving customers the confidence they need to shop this way. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/10/big-interview-hilary-leam-group-innovation-beauty-director-holland-barrett/

• Dietary supplement usage is on the rise. It is becoming more normal to take supplements rather than it be a niche. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/09/30/Dietary-supplement-use-more-popular-than-ever-CRN-study

• Polaris has had the authorisation that they are now able to sell their purified algal oil in Europe. Previously they have not been able to sell this product within the EU but now it has had authorisation. This DHA rich and the low saturated fat product are readily available. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/09/23/Polaris-DHA-rich-algal-oil-approved-for-EU-sale

• The TTC supplement survey has come in with some interesting results. Asking consumers to cite their key concerns. With mental health coming in at the top and Blood, pressure, stress, joint care and cholesterol coming in shortly behind. With other key trends being general health and productivity. The continued interest in sustainability and that brands should be covering all aspect of this. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/10/01/Supplement-survey-underscores-key-trends-need-for-consumer-education