With unprecedented global consumer health awareness, the nutrition and health supplement industry is experiencing a golden age of rapid growth. A vast and complex ecosystem of nutrition and health supplement products is emerging, ranging from basic vitamins and minerals to cutting-edge brain health and sports nutrition ingredients. To clarify market dynamics, leading companies in the industry have developed a comprehensive and scientific classification system for nutrition and health supplement products, aiming to provide clear guidance for product development, market insights, and consumer education.
Basic Nutrition: The Foundation of Health
The classification system shows that basic nutritional supplements still dominate the market. Vitamins, as a traditional pillar, are further subdivided into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin D3 (which contributes to bone and immune health) and the full spectrum of B vitamins that meet energy metabolism needs remain strong drivers of market growth.
Amino acids and proteins are the foundation of life. In addition to essential amino acids, which are essential fortifiers in animal feed, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and whey protein also hold a solid position in the sports nutrition sector. Meanwhile, driven by global vegetarianism and clean label trends, plant-based proteins (such as pea protein and rice protein) are growing at an astonishing rate.
Gut Health: The Core Battleground for Functional Ingredients
The concept of “gut health, overall health” has gained widespread acceptance, driving rapid growth in the prebiotic and dietary fiber categories. Not only are classic prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin widely used, but ingredients like resistant dextrin, which combine the functions of dietary fiber and prebiotics, are gaining attention for their potential role in weight management and blood sugar control, and are increasingly being added to various foods and beverages.
Functional Innovation: The Growth Engine of Niche Markets
The area that best embodies the industry’s innovative vitality is the specialty ingredients category, which targets specific health needs:
Joint Health: The classic combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine continues to serve the elderly, while type II collagen and hyaluronic acid are penetrating the premium pet nutrition market.
Brain Health: In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, cognitive function enhancement has become a new focus. Ingredients such as phosphatidylserine (PS), algal DHA, and ginkgo biloba extract are being used to develop health products aimed at improving memory, attention, and mood.
Athletic Performance: In addition to basic protein, ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, and beetroot extract (a natural source of nitrates) provide professional solutions for serious fitness enthusiasts and mid-to-high-end consumers seeking optimal athletic performance.
Brain Health: In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, improving cognitive function has become a new focus. Ingredients such as phosphatidylserine (PS), algal DHA, and ginkgo biloba extract are being used to develop health products aimed at improving memory, attention, and mood.
Athletic Performance: In addition to basic protein, ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, and beetroot extract (a natural source of nitrates) provide professional solutions for serious fitness enthusiasts and mid-to-high-end consumers seeking optimal athletic performance.
Behind the Scenes: Key Drivers of Product Innovation
It is worth noting that “behind-the-scenes heroes” such as premixes and sweeteners/carriers are also indispensable components of the product system. Customized premixes ensure the scientific validity and stability of nutritional formulations in products such as milk powder and health supplements. Meanwhile, the application of natural sweeteners (such as steviol glycosides and monk fruit extract) and functional carriers (such as resistant dextrin) is key to achieving “reduced sugar without sacrificing sweetness” and optimizing product texture.
As a core player and solutions provider in the global nutrition and health industry, AIC leverages our comprehensive product portfolio and deep technical expertise to provide global customers with a one-stop service from high-quality raw materials to customized premixes, jointly creating a healthier future.
