Meiji: Protein intake trumps exercise to build muscle gains
Meiji has urged consumers to focus on protein consumption over exercise for muscle growth and maintenance, across all groups from seniors to athletes.
According to research data revealed by Japanese dairy giant Meiji, the majority of consumers today are not consuming enough protein despite looking to improve their muscle mass.
Meiji believes that adequate protein intake via one’s regular diet is not always possible and has pushed for protein beverage consumption to become a regular dietary item to supplement consumer needs.
Ajinomoto’s protein ice cream blends nutrition and indulgence
Japanese food manufacturer Ajinomoto is best-known for its work with amino acid-based products like monosodium glutamate (MSG), but the firm has expanded into the better-for-you space with its ‘conscious brand’ Atlr.72.
Ajinomoto has partnered Solein to create protein-enriched ice cream targeting consumers that value nutrition, health and sustainability in their indulgences.
Japan’s low GM food awareness slows self-sufficiency progress
New data shows under 50% of Japan consumers understand GM foods, a challenge to reaching local food self-sufficiency and production goals
Genetically modified (GM) foods have long been a point of contention in Japan, with consumers generally maintaining a cautious and wary attitude towards the entire sector. Primary concerns have been for food safety and biodiversity impacts.
The government on the other hand has been attempting to change public perception of GM foods for many years, including implementing new GM food regulations and publishing yearly reports on the safety of GM crops and cultivation sites, mainly focused on soybean and rapeseed, since 2006.
Prebiotics for sleep? Calbee to build personalized nutrition for gut and sleep
Japanese snack and cereal company Calbee believes that prebiotics could be used for a personalized approach to gut support, which studies have shown can also link to sleep quality.
The company believed that personalized nutrition would become more common in the future.
It plans to hone its existing gut microbiome testing services and leverage prebiotics as an essential part of nutrition.
Probiotics from human milk boost physical and mental health in mothers
Breast milk is known to be good for infants, but research shows probiotics in this can benefit mothers too, opening avenues for maternal-infant products.
Breast milk is widely considered the gold standard of infant nutrition due to its nutrient and antibody content, but the benefits of probiotics found in this milk, namely Human Milk Probiotics (HMPs), are less publicised.
New research from Kerry has highlighted the important role HMPs can play in improving the health and nutrition of both babies and mothers.