Better sleep and reduced stress aided by SternVitamins new range
SternVitamin has developed new micronutrient premix concepts that support cognitive performance and mental well-being. They relieve stress and improve brain function, while also reducing the negative effects of stress.
The power of functional ingredients
Foods and drinks with selected vitamins and minerals that support brain functions and performance are seeing strong growth around the world. The number of new product launches in this segment rose by around 55% just from April 2020 to March 2021.
Among the functional ingredients that positively affect mental well-being is L-theanine, which is involved in the synthesis of the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, and also contributes to protecting 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 resistance to stress are the adaptogens,” reported Dr. Christina Mesch, product manager, SternVitamin. “These bioactive plant substances help the body adapt to heightened physical and emotional stress situations.” Adaptogens include ginseng, Rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha. The latter is also called ‘sleep berry’ and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for better sleep onset, inner peace and as a mood enhancer.
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 ‘memory plant’,” noted Dr. Mesch. Bacopa monnieri aids in memory and boosts brain functioning. A combination of L-theanine and caffeine as well as green tea are also part of the company’s line.
New concepts with market potential
Vitamin-mineral supplements with mental health claims grew 23% annually from 2017 to 2021. The strongest markets are Europe, North America and Asia. For fortified products with health claims on better brain performance, the annual growth during the same period was 38%. With SternVitamin’s new concepts, manufacturers of food supplements, foods and beverages can profit from this value-add potential. SternMind, SternDe-Stress & Relax, SternFocus and PureVITalizer promote mental well-being and cognitive performance, says the company.
“With B-vitamins and L-theanine, SternMind helps reduce the symptoms of mental stress, fear and tension, and soothes nervousness. It also improves clear thinking, mental endurance and concentration in situations of limited performance,” explained Dr. Mesch. SternFocus also supports mental and cognitive performance with the help of selected micronutrients, L-tyrosine and Bacopa monnieri. It strengthens stress resistance and supports the nervous system with the aid of B-vitamins and the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea. The blueberry extract it contains counteracts the stress-induced production of reactive oxygen species. With B-vitamins, vitamin C, iodine and green tea extract, PureVITalizer likewise supports mental energy and improves cognitive functions, while the Panax ginseng and 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 against stress-induced changes in the immune system.
Healthy sleep for a good mood
“Sufficient healthy sleep is elementary for overall well-being, so we added two concepts to our new line of premixes for mental well-being. These products focus on sleep onset and duration,” said Dr. Mesch. The rise in food supplements for sleep aid shows how widespread sleeplessness is, with annual growth of 34.1% between 2019 and 2021.
With SternSomnia Quality, SternVitamin has developed a premix that aids in healthy sleep. It contains magnesium, zinc, L-theanine, ashwagandha and vitamin B1, and supports sleep quality and onset, reduces waking in the night, and thus helps provide for relaxed sleep.
With these new concepts, health product vendors can implement individual product ideas, and profit from the ongoing ‘holistic well-being’ trend.
