The fact that nutrition has a decisive influence on mood and psyche was confirmed by the discovery of tryptophan in chocolate, if not before. Many micronutrients have been scientifically proven to support mental well-being, cognitive performance and brain health. An inadequate supply of these micronutrients can lead to serious illnesses, including but not limited to depression.
Nutrient deficiency is widespread among the elderly in particular. It is estimated that 35 percent of people over the age of 50 in Europe, the US and Canada have a demonstrable deficiency in one or more micronutrients. Highly stressed people also have a higher need for certain vitamins and minerals. Therefore, SternVitamin has developed new concepts of micronutrient premixes that support cognitive performance and mental well-being. They relieve stress and improve brain function,
The power of functional ingredients
Foods and beverages with select vitamins and minerals that support brain function and performance are experiencing strong growth around the world. The number of new product launches in this segment increased by around 55 percent from April 2020 to March 2021 alone.
In addition to micronutrients, other ingredients support mental health. Among the functional ingredients that positively affect mental well-being is L-theanine, which is involved in the synthesis of the “happiness hormone” serotonin, and also helps protect the nervous system. As components of cell membranes in the brain, omega-3 fatty acids keep cells elastic and flexible and affect the viscosity and permeability of membranes. “Other functional ingredients that can mitigate stress and improve stress resistance are adaptogens,” reports Dr. Christina Mesch, Product Manager for SternVitamin. “These bioactive plant substances help the body adapt to situations of greater physical and emotional stress.”
Adaptogens include ginseng, Rhodiola rose, and ashwagandha. The latter is also called ‘sleep berry’ and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for better onset of sleep, inner peace and as a mood enhancer. There are also well-known healing plants such as valerian, hops, passionflower, lavender, chamomile and lemon balm, which have been thoroughly and scientifically studied.
To support cognitive performance, SternVitamin uses nootropics. “These substances can improve brain function, among other effects. Examples include Ginkgo biloba, guarana, yerba mate, and Bacopa monnieri, also known as the ‘memory plant,’” notes Dr. Mesch. Bacopa monnieri aids in memory and increases brain function. A combination of L-theanine and caffeine, as well as green tea, are also part of the company’s line.
New concepts with high market potential
Vitamin and mineral supplements with mental health claims grew 23 percent annually between 2017 and 2021. The strongest markets are Europe, North America, and Asia. For fortified products with health claims regarding improved brain performance, annual growth over the same period was 38 percent. With the new concepts from SternVitamin, manufacturers of food supplements, foods and beverages can benefit from this added value potential. SternMind, SternDe-Stress & Relax, SternFocus and PureVITalizer promote mental well-being and cognitive performance.
“With B vitamins and L-theanine, SternMind helps reduce symptoms of mental stress, fear and tension, and relieves nervousness. It also improves clear thinking, mental toughness, and concentration in performance-limited situations,” explains Dr. Mesch. SternFocus also supports mental and cognitive performance with the help of select micronutrients, L-Tyrosine and Bacopa monnieri. Strengthens resistance to stress and supports the nervous system with the help of B vitamins and the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea. The cranberry extract it contains counteracts the production of reactive oxygen species induced by stress.. With B vitamins, vitamin C, iodine and green tea extract, PureVITalizer also supports mental energy and improves cognitive functions, while Panax Ginseng and the natural caffeine it contains reduce stress and mental fatigue.
SternDe-Stress & Relax helps with relaxation and a strong nervous system. Its B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, selenium and lemon balm have a relaxing effect, and its ashwagandha improves resistance to stress. This healing plant also works once morest stress-induced changes in the immune system. Professionals, students, parents and especially stressed people can benefit from this premix.
Healthy sleep for a good mood
“Sufficient healthy sleep is critical to overall wellness, which is why we added two concepts to our new line of mental wellness premixes. These products target sleep onset and duration,” says Dr. Mesch. The rise of food supplements to help sleep shows just how widespread insomnia is, with annual growth of 34.1% between 2019 and 2021. Hot and cold beverages and even sports nutrition are fortified with sleep-promoting ingredients.
With SternSomnia Quality, SternVitamin has developed a premix that supports healthy sleep. Contains magnesium, zinc, L-theanine, ashwagandha and vitamin B1, and supports the quality and onset of sleep, reduces waking at night and thus helps provide restful sleep. This premix is equally suitable for athletes, stressed people, seniors, students, professionals and parents.
SternSomnia Duration is designed to help people sleep through the night. The premix contains magnesium, zinc, calcium and selenium. It also contributes to normal nervous system function and relaxation, two important factors for healthy sleep. The valerian, hops and passionflower it contains reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the duration of sleep, while the lavender also present in the premix provides a restful night. With these new concepts, health product vendors can implement individual product ideas and benefit from the current trend of ‘holistic wellness’.
