Menstrual health, prenatal nutrition, and menopause are opportunities for product innovation

Menstrual health, prenatal nutrition, and menopause are opportunities for product innovation

The platform is built exclusively on Mintel’s proprietary research and human analysis, which allows quick exploration of extensive data and insights on consumer and market situations. When asked which are the key areas brands should focus on for women’s health, the AI platform identified menstrual health, prenatal nutrition and menopause as main areas of interest.

“Throughout life, women’s needs change. Brands can develop products exclusively for women to empower them,” said ​Michelle Teodoro, associate director of food science at Mintel. She was speaking at our Growth Asia Summit 2024, held in Singapore from 16 to 18 July.

Addressing nutritional needs for menstrual health

Studies have shown that managing menstrual health is crucial to women’s long-term health and longevity. Furthermore, relief for common symptoms such as cramps and mood swings supports overall wellbeing during menstrual cycles.

Regularity, cycle length, age at first menstruation, and age at menopause are all related to lifespan, suggesting that a longer reproductive lifespan may correlate with healthier ageing. Future products could focus on addressing menstrual health as a foundation for women’s longevity. Vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS) can help with women’s menstrual health issues, laying the groundwork for pro-longevity.

There are significant opportunities for innovation in each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle.

For instance, key products like iron-rich foods and supplements are essential during menstrual phase to address blood loss. For the follicular phase, whole foods like millet are suitable, as the body requires complex carbs for energy when estrogen levels rise. Additionally, anti-inflammatory ingredients with high antioxidant properties, like evening primrose oil and mushroom extracts, can be incorporated into products for different menstrual phases, in particular during the ovulation phase, to boost energy levels and promote a balanced mood. Functional foods and drinks tailored for the luteal phase also show potential for tailored nutritional solutions, as women tend to crave for snacks during this period.

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