Revolutionizing women’s health through functional foods

By Lois Mo, APAC Marketing Director, Health & Wellness, ADM

Throughout much of history, women’s health – particularly transitions from menstruation to menopause and post-menopause – has remained a private topic, with many managing symptoms of hormonal shifts, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings, on their own. However, growing advocacy and increased openness around the topic are fuelling advancements in women’s health solutions.

This shift comes at a critical time, as the world faces a rapidly aging population. By 2050, the proportion of people over 65 is expected to increase from 10% in 2022 to 16% - and at least half of these individuals will be women^[1].

Women’s wellness: A growing priority

Women today are embracing a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing, with 77% in APAC adopting a long-term view that spans all life stages – from adolescence to post-menopause^[2]. Whether prioritizing skin, gut or immune health, or managing weight and hormone balance, they are taking charge of their wellness journey through nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

As demand for women's health solutions grows, functional foods are gaining momentum for their ability to deliver benefits beyond basic nutrition. The Asia-Pacific market for functional food ingredients is projected to reach USD8.5 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2023 to 2033^[3].

A key area of focus in women’s health is menopause, a pivotal life stage for many. Valued at USD16.93 billion in 2023, the global menopause market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.37% from 2024 to 2030^[4]. However, a significant gap remains in the availability of solutions that cater to the unique health needs of women. In APAC, one in three women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause report a lack of accessible, non-prescription products to help manage their symptoms. At the same time, 61% of these women find the concept of natural nutritional supplements to address their symptoms appealing.^[2]

This gap presents an exciting opportunity for brands to capitalize on the growing interest in functional foods. By leveraging science-backed ingredients, manufacturers can create products that empower women to manage menopause and its symptoms with confidence, while meeting their expectations for effective, natural health solutions.

Innovation in women’s wellness solutions

Leading the charge in women’s wellness innovation, ADM harnesses prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and other natural ingredients to develop cutting-edge formulations. A standout example of ADM’s expertise is its use of soy isoflavones, a key bioactive component of soybeans with estrogen-like effects shown to reduce the severity of hot flashes, improve bone health, prevent osteoporosis, and naturally relieve menopausal symptoms^[5]. ADM’s Novasoy® Isoflavone Concentrate can bring these benefits to convenient formats like supplements, snack bars, and beverages, supporting women in taking control of their wellness journeys.

In addition, scientific studies are increasingly highlighting the critical link between gut health and overall wellbeing, particularly during menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during this phase can disrupt the gut microbiota, potentially leading to disturbances that affect various aspects of daily life^[6], such as digestion and mood.

Recognizing this connection, ADM is at the forefront of microbiome innovation with its proprietary Bifidobacterium longum ES1^[7] probiotic and postbiotic. Pre-clinical and human clinical trials have demonstrated the digestive health and microbiome-modulating effects of the Bifidobacterium longum ES1 strain^[8],[9].  It has been shown to support positive microbiome modulation, increase butyric acid producing bacteria and growth of beneficial bacteria, while displacing unwanted bacteria^,[8],[10]..

Gut health disruptions can also impact metabolic health, a major concern for women during the menopausal transition. This stage is often associated with weight gain^[11], which in turn elevates the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure^[12]. ADM supports brands in addressing these concerns through its award-winning BPL1™ strain^[13]. Emerging evidence suggests when combined with diet and exercise, BPL1™ probiotic and postbiotic may support weight management, a healthy body mass index (BMI), and various metabolic health pathways^[14]. The heat-treated postbiotic version of BPL1™ is especially resilient, allowing it to withstand challenging formulation environments and be incorporated into various functional foods and beverages. 

To further support metabolic and digestive health, brands can also leverage ADM’s Fibersol®, a premier line of soluble prebiotic fibres^[15]. Proven to be well tolerated at higher levels, Fibersol® delivers the benefits of dietary fibre with low gastrointestinal discomfort^[15], fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and maintaining a healthy intestinal tract environment.

As conversations around women’s health continue to gain momentum, so too does the demand for innovative, science-backed nutrition solutions. ADM remains committed to empowering manufacturers with its comprehensive range of solutions designed to meet women’s health needs across every life stage. By championing future-forward nutrition, ADM is paving the way for a healthier, more empowered future for women worldwide.