Global Prebiotic Association Adds Members

Three new companies have joined the Global Prebiotic Association (GPA):

The global trade association, which is dedicated exclusively to advancing prebiotic science, education, and industry standards, announced the addition of the new companies as representatives of leadership across ingredient innovation, applied research, and emerging brand development within the prebiotic ecosystem. The organization is made up of prebiotic ingredient manufacturers, brand holders, retailers, and service companies—all committed to evidence-based prebiotic innovation. Its growth in membership numbers represents the continued expansion of scientifically credible prebiotic innovation and responsible category development.

"This new group of members represents the growth and diversity of the category. GPA is able to fulfill its global mandate, adds another prebiotic brand, and with Futureceuticals, adds a supplier committed to the science and strategy under-pinning this category," shared Len Monheit, Executive Director, Global Prebiotic Association.

Vital Proteins Sets Up "Vital Diner" Pop-Up Events

A limited-time collagen-powered pop-up is taking place at New York City's iconic Empire Diner. A collaboration project between Vital Proteins and well-known makeup artist, Patrick Ta, the complimentary sit-down experience celebrates the hard working individuals who power Fashion Week (from February 11-16) behind-the-scenes and will feature a menu full of diner-inspired favorites, all infused with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Guests will be able to enjoy familiar comfort foods and drinks, all featuring Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, including collagen-boosted coffee and matcha to glow-forward smoothies and elevated diner staples.

“Behind every runway look is a team working nonstop – often unseen, but truly vital, just like collagen peptides that support the body from within,” said Brian Groves, President, Vital Proteins. “The Vital Diner is our way of celebrating the behind-the-scenes teams and giving them a place to recharge and feel supported during one of the industry’s most demanding weeks – so they can feel as vibrant as the work they create. Partnering with Patrick Ta brings an added creative dimension to the experience and helps spotlight the talent that truly drives Fashion Week.”

OmegaQuant Exhibiting at Integrative Healthcare Symposium 2026

Fatty acid testing and personalized omega-3 assessment company, OmegaQuant, will be exhibiting at booth #1205 in the Americas Hall of the Hilton NYC Midtown Convention Hall during this year's Integrative Healthcare Symposium in New York City. Taking place from February 19-21, OmegaQuant and its sister company, Parasol Nutrition, will be sharing details on a new Personalized Omega-3 Program that was created to help integrative and functional medicine practices deliver data-driven, patient-specific omega-3 recommendations. The company will also be presenting new researching linking omega-3 status, which is measured by the Omega-3 Index, to key areas of clinical interest, including atrial fibrillation, Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety. “The Integrative Healthcare Symposium is an ideal venue to showcase how testing, formulation, and clinical science come together to support personalized omega-3 care,” said Jason Polreis, CEO, OmegaQuant. “By collaborating with Parasol Nutrition and GC Rieber/VivoMega, we’re demonstrating how practitioners can confidently deliver omega-3 solutions backed by biomarkers, solid science, and high-quality oils.” 

On Thursday, February 19th at 11am, guests can stop by the Nassau Conference Room to hear William S. Harris, Ph.D., co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index and founder of OmegaQuant and the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), discuss The Missing Metric in Longevity Medicine: The Omega-3 Index. For more on the event, visit ihsymposium.com.

Sabinsa Readies Showcase for Natural Products Expo West 

From March 4th through the 6th, the collective eyes of the natural products industry will be on the 2026 Natural Products Expo West tradeshow, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Multi-national health science company, Sabinsa, will be at this year's event displaying their full line-up of researched ingredients including:

  • BioPerine, patented black pepper extract for enhanced nutrient bioavailability
  • Curcumin C3 Complex, the most researched curcumin product, obtained from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and standardized for a minimum of 95% Curcuminoids
  • Curcumin C3 Reduct, a super antioxidant for maintaining organ health, is a bioactive metabolite of curcumin showing cumulatively stronger activity compared to parent curcuminoids
  • DigeZyme, a versatile, multi-enzyme digestive support blend for nutrient optimization and management of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
  • LactoSpore, Heyndrickxia coagulans (formerly Bacillus Coagulans) MTCC 5856, the popular clinically studied, GRAS, shelf-stable probiotic
  • LivLonga, a unique, synergistic formulation combining three scientifically validated ingredients for liver support: Curcumin C3 Complex, Livinol, and the bioavailability enhancer, BioPerine
  • Nigellin, a standardized Nigella sativa extract positioned for balanced immune and inflammatory support
  • Saberry, a clinically studied amla extract recognized for its antioxidant activity and support of healthy sugar and lipid balance, and featured in the book Amla: Super-Fruit with Superior Science
  • Sabroxy, patented Oroxylum indicum bark extract bio-standardized for Oroxylin-A, baicalein, and chrysin to support healthy cognitive function
  • Shagandha , USP grade ashwagandha root extract (2.5%) for stress and anxiety management

Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about Sabinsa Wellness, the company's consumer products division, and products from America's Finest, Inc. (AFI), Nature's Formulary, and Sanutra Wellness. Stop by booth #3305 and #4113 to learn more about Sabinsa's offerings, and stay tuned for more pre- and post-show coverage.

Affron saffron Receives Individual License Approval

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has granted individual license approval to Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U flagship extract, Affron saffron. The announcement comes after more than two years of the commencement of the approval process, which was conducted in collaboration with Hyundai Bioland Co., Ltd., Cheongju-si, Seoul. Backed by 12 human trials, Affron is now the first saffron ingredient to be approved for a stress relief claim by the South Korean food regulation authority. With its individual license, Korean brands will now be able to use Affron to label their products with stress management claims. 

“This designation marks a major regulatory victory for Pharmactive, as the MFDS is noted to be among the world’s most rigorous authorities when it comes to bioactive product approvals,” shared María Muñoz, Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at Pharmactive. “To earn this endorsement, companies must demonstrate that their products meet the highest standards of quality, efficacy, and safety through a uniquely demanding and lengthy screening process.”

Thrive Market Introduces "Alpha-Gal Free"

Shoppers of healthy online grocery store, Thrive Market, shared their thoughts and the company listened by creating the Alpha-Gal Free filter, a tool to help individuals with Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) easily identify the products that meet their dietary needs. A food allergy triggered by tick bites, Alpha-Gal Syndrome causes reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products. With an estimated 450,000 Americans believed to have AGS, Thrive Market created the filter to remove the guesswork from shopping for everyday items by clearly distinguishing the more than 3,000 products available at Thrive Market that adhere to the Alpha-Gal Free standards.

"This filter comes as a result of member feedback and a response to a condition that's rising nationwide," explained April Lane, Chief Merchandising Officer at Thrive Market. "Nearly 100 members asked us to make Alpha-Gal free shopping easier, and research from the Virginia Commonwealth University shows a 100-fold increase in cases between 2013 and 2024. Our members tell us what they need to keep their families healthy, and we build for that as environments change."

CoreFX Continues Advancing Technology Platform

CoreFX Ingredients LLC is continuing to invest in the optimization of nutrient and bioactive dispersion, taste, and bioavailability by further developing its CoreNhanced BioTransport technology platform. By focusing on its performance-driven systems, brands are able to formulate with more efficiency, stability, and concentrate on the consumer experience across a range of applications. In addition to its technology, CoreFX is actively developing several new solutions including advanced omega Powders, Berberine, CoQ10, Vitamin C, and creatine Powders. Meant to address common formulation issues (stability, dispersion, and palatability) often present in beverages, gummies, chews, powders, and functional foods formulation, the new offerings will help brands scale innovation without sacrificing performance.

“Format innovation is accelerating across our industry, and it is exciting to help brands deliver high-dose, multi-functional, consumer-friendly," explained Denis Neville, CEO at CoreFX. “CoreNhanced BioTransport was built to address these formulation challenges by protecting sensitive nutrients/bioactives to enable great taste and functionality while optimizing bioavailability via controlled release”.

Subscribe to In The Know newsletters to stay informed. Don't miss the latest:

Main News

Grocery News

Research News

Supplier News

Green News... and more!