In 2019, the staff of Nutrition Industry Executive (NIE) magazine, was looking for a way to highlight the most cutting-edge and advanced natural branded nutritional ingredients backed by science. As a result, the NIE New Ingredient Awards were created.

The 2025 NIE New Ingredient Awards highlights several notable ingredients launched since Oct. 1, 2023, for use in dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages in the United States.

This year featured a total of seven categories: Condition Specific, Established Ingredient—New Science, Excipients/Non-Actives, Healthy Aging, Personal Care/Cosmetics, Sports/Active Nutrition and Weight Management. NIE’s editorial staff, along with a panel of eight judges, chose a total of 13 winners.

Criteria were based on:

• Product Research/Evidence/Bioavailability

• Sustainability/Traceability/Certifications (if applicable)

• Consumer Need

• The “Impressiveness Factor”

Congratulations to the winners of the seventh annual NIE New Ingredient Awards!

The 2025 judges are:

Nicole Avena, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Gene Bruno, DBM, MS, RH(AHG), The Vitamin Professor, Chief Scientific Officer, Nutraland USA, Irvine, CA

Bill Clark, PhD, Founder & CEO, NutriSelect.ai, Clearwater, FL

Yair Steve Henig, PhD, Founder of Henig Consulting, Chief Science Officer, Caligenix, Los Angeles, CA

Jeff Hilton, Co-founder, BrandHive, Founder & CMO, BrandPath USA, Salt Lake City, UT

Jacqueline Jacques, ND, FTOS, President & Co-founder, Thrive Advisory Group, Wellness Industry Expert and Strategic Advisor, Newport Beach, CA

Cheryl Myers, Chief of Scientific Affairs and Education, EuroPharma, Green Bay, WI

Janet Poveromo, Editor-in-Chief, Nutrition Industry Executive magazine, East Brunswick, NJ

Condition Specific Category

1st Place: Bergacyn

HP Ingredients, Bradenton, FL, (877) 437-2234, www.hpingredients.com

Bergacyn is an innovative, patented combination of 50 percent Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) and 50 percent Cynara cardunculus extract. It has been shown to improve liver function in obese individuals and plays a role in counteracting dysregulation of glycol-lipidemic metabolism.

According to the company, liver health is one of the biggest support areas for supplements. Consumers are learning how their dietary and ingestible habits can affect liver function by impacting the liver’s structure. They are recognizing that supporting the level keeps them healthy and energetic.

The liver performs several vital functions to maintain overall health including detoxification, processing incoming nutrients and chemicals, producing bile (which turns fat into energy) and albumin (a blood protein that carries hormones, fatty acids and pharmaceuticals) and modulating glucose, the company said.

According to the company, Bergacyn exemplifies a “sustainable, economically mindful product” built on local stewardship in the Calabria region of Italy. HP Ingredients upcycles bergamot residues, wild-harvests Cynara, empowers farmers, minimizes raw material use and offers a clinically effective nutraceutical.

In a human clinical study, 80 participants with liver dysfunction and unstable blood sugar levels were given either a placebo, 300 mg/d of BPF, 300 mg/d of Cynara extract or 300 mg/d of Bergacyn. Serum measurements and liver ultrasounds showed Bergacyn significantly reduced various liver enzymes and showed improvement in liver biomarkers, the company said.

“This product provides the potential to improve liver structure and function in obese individuals. Interestingly, studies also found that it may lead to reduction in body weight and inflammation,” Avena said. “Since many Americans are dealing with polypharmacy, liver health should be prioritized, and Bergacyn provides a promising way for individuals to support their liver health and function.”

“Interesting combination of two extracts to provide liver support. Unfortunately, there are reports of liver damage associated with herbal and botanical consumption, a subject of great complexity and in many instances not warranted so to have a product that protects the liver is a good thing,” Henig added.

2nd Place: PhaeOptim

Microphyt, Baillargues, France, +33 434480410, https://microphyt.eu

PhaeOptim is a natural, sustainable ingredient derived from the marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum that is clinically developed to support women’s overall health and active lifestyle. It enhances cardiovascular fitness, exercise capacity and mobility, while delivering a breakthrough benefit on bone health.

In a women-only clinical study, PhaeOptim demonstrated significant and measurable benefits including a 2.5-times increase in VO2 max after six weeks, a 7-bpm reduction in resting heart rate and a 1.4 percent increase in bone mineral density in pre-menopausal women in 12 weeks.

“Nice women’s health ingredient with benefits in improving aerobic capacity, energy levels, cardiovascular parameters and bone density in pre-menopausal women,” Bruno said.

According to the company, one in two women over age 50 is at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures, so early prevention is crucial. PhaeOptim meets the demand for natural, targeted and sustainable solutions to support women’s bone health. It is designed to help during the often-overlooked pre-menopausal years while building strong bones.

Post-menopausal women are particularly vulnerable due to a drop in estrogen levels, a hormone that protects bone mass. PhaeOptim helps mitigate this decline by supporting bone density and mineral content, and reducing risk of pain, mobility and quality of life. Hip fractures, especially in older women, can be life-threatening and cause long-term disability, the company said.

“Uniquely targeted to women, sustainable and clinically proven microalgae-based solution, clinically researched with women, addresses both cardiovascular health and bone health for enhanced longevity and utilizes patented hydro-biomimetic technology,” Hilton said.

Established Ingredient—New Science Category

1st Place: Levagen+

Gencor, Austin, TX, (949) 502-5760, www.gencorpacific.com

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous substance produced in the body in response to pain, stress and inflammation. However, PEA levels decrease with age, making exogenous supplementation necessary. Levagen+ is Gencor’s branded PEA, which is powered by LipiSperse technology and is among the most bioavailable PEA in the industry.

PEA has been clinically studied for its healthy inflammation response and analgesic properties. A recent study demonstrates Levagen+’s ability to provide a safe and effective supplement for reducing the discomfort and duration of migraines, the company said.

The study aimed to examine, for the first time, the effect of PEA supplementation on pain reduction, duration and medication use during a migraine. Upon the onset of migraine symptoms, participants were given either 600 mg of Levagen+ or a placebo (maltodextrin).

“PEA for migraines. Not a well-studied area. Patented delivery tech. Safe and legal alternative to CBD,” Clark said.

Once the dose was taken, participants recorded a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain every 30 minutes for four hours until the migraine resolved. If the migraine did not resolve after two hours, participants were instructed to take a second supplement. The study showed Levagen+ resolved more headaches than the placebo after two and eight hours. Participants also had a lower VAS for pain score at 1.5 and four hours and significantly reduced rescue medication.

The company noted that migraines affect one in four households in the United States and more than 1 billion people globally. It is also reported that migraines have a higher prevalence in women. Unfortunately, migraines are still not fully understood and pharmaceutical options can cause “undesirable” side effects.

“Pain is something everyone experiences to varying degrees throughout their lifetime. For those who experience chronic pain or intense acute pain, this product provides a promising way for those individuals to address pain at all levels,” Avena said.

2nd Place: Venetron

Maypro Industries, Purchase, NY, (914) 252-0701 x144, www.maypro.com

Currently, in the dietary supplement space, sleep, stress and mood support are often formulated as separate products or with multiple ingredients. However, consumers want multi-functional products and brands desire ingredients that can address multiple health outcomes at a low dose and in flexible delivery formats.

“Oftentimes consumers have to take different supplements that target sleep, stress and mood. With this multifunctional product, all three of these areas are addressed and enhanced with one supplement, which addresses a current need among consumers as both sleep, stress and mood are common concerns amount the majority of adults,” Avena said.

Venetron is a patented extract of Apocynm venetum (rafuma leaf). It is believed to work by reducing the stress marker chromogranin A, supporting serotonin levels during the day for natural melatonin production at night, and acting as a GABA receptor agonist to promote calmness. It also has no CYP3A interactions, lowering the risk of drug interactions. It does not cause drowsiness or dependency, the company said.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over six weeks with 380 volunteers completing the study. Post-intervention analysis of health assessment surveys revealed Venetron significantly reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality compared to placebo. The study showed 78 percent of participants had meaningful reductions in perceived stress, 65 percent had meaningful improvements in sleep disturbance and 75 percent improved in anxiety symptoms.

“The new Venetron study showed great, clinically meaningful results in stress reduction, and improvements in sleep disturbance and anxiety symptoms,” Bruno said.

3rd Place: Miricell

Nutraland USA, Irvine, CA, (949) 988-7615, www.nutralandusa.com

Miricell Rice Germ Polyamines, which provide a natural source of spermidine, is uniquely positioned to address anti-aging/healthy aging, brain health and hair health in a single, science-backed nutraceutical.

Miricell is an upcycled ingredient crafted from rice germ, which is rich in polyamines (including spermidine) and one of the byproducts of modern rice milling when brown rice is processed into white rice. These byproducts are often discarded or used as animal feed, but Miricell ingeniously transforms the rice germ into an innovative ingredient with significant health benefits, the company said.

“Healthy aging spermidine ingredient. First real research into this ingredient. Has huge potential with additional research,” Clark said. In a human pilot study, a daily dose of 3.3 mg of spermidine from Miricell increased two markers of autophagy by 7.3 percent and 13.4 percent, making it the only supplemental form of spermidine clinically shown to do so.

According to the company, autophagy is the body’s process of clearing damaged cellular components to support renewal and resilience. However, this process declines with age. Preclinical research suggests dietary spermidine can promote autophagy, but no spermidine ingredient had been shown to increase markers of autophagy until now.

“Spermidine is an up-and-coming ingredient, clinically supports autophagy in the body, upcycled from rice germ and rich in polyamines, offers a plethora of anti-aging benefits including hair, skin and brain health, and targeted at rapidly growing categories,” Hilton said.

Excipients/Non-Actives Category

1st Place: Low Nitrite Methocel HPMC

Roquette, Lestrem, France, +1 (908) 670-5691, www.roquette.com

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, N-nitrosamines are classified as “probable or possible human carcinogens,” prompting pharmaceutical companies to assess and control their use in drugs.

IFF Pharma Solutions, now part of Roquette, developed Low Nitrite Methocel HPMC, a modified cellulose excipient with significantly reduced nitrite levels. Methocel is a premium plant-based family of water-soluble functional ingredients and is available in various grades for different dietary supplement developments. Methocel improves drug stability by minimizing nitrite levels, helping to extend shelf life and preserve efficacy of formulations.

“Reducing the potential for nitrosamine formation is a desirable benefit associated with this excipient,” Bruno said.

According to the company, Methocel contains no more than 200 parts per billion (ppb) of nitrites. This is achieved through ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC/MS), a highly sensitive and selective method to provide precise quantification of trace nitrite levels. The nitrite content is reported on every certificate of analysis (CoA).

“This product seems to fill a gap in the industry, while it also provides manufacturers with the opportunity to transition to an ingredient that is not categorized as a probable or possible human carcinogen,” Avena said.

This innovation supports manufacturers in mitigating nitrosamine risk while maintaining formulation performance. By minimizing a key precursor to nitrosamine formulation, Methocel enhances product safety, supports regulatory compliance and aligns with industry-wide quality standards, the company said.

Switching to Methocel is a low-barrier, high-impact solution. Unlike other mitigation strategies, such as altering synthetic routes or reformulating APIs, this excipient allows manufacturers to enhance product safety with minimal change control. It simplifies compliance and other global guidelines while saving time and reducing risk, the company said.

Healthy Aging Category

1st Place: Grantia

Zeus Hygia Life Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 04048539555, www.zeushygia.com

Grantia is a standardized, full-spectrum pomegranate extract (Punica granatum) containing triple bioactives ellagic acid, punicalagin and punicic acid. It is manufactured using a unique proprietary encapsulation technology (ADOP) to optimize efficacy and yield.

The presence of traces of natural plant vitamin C, zinc and gallic acid in Grantia helps work through diverse mechanisms to achieve and maintain, healthy, radiant skin and holistic beauty from within. This pomegranate extract helps regulate wrinkles and skin elasticity that aids in healthy aging, the company said.

Grantia may help in promoting cell regeneration and collagen production at a minimum dosage of 300 mg daily. It’s ability to improve skin hydration may help retain the elasticity and suppleness of skin, resulting in a smooth wrinkle-free complexion, the company said.

“Nice study results showing reduced crow’s feet wrinkles, tactile roughness, forehead fine lines, forehead wrinkles and improved skin radiance, pores, spots and UV pigmentation, skin tone evenness, skin moisturization, elasticity and firmness,” Bruno said.

According to the company, the focus on prioritizing health and seeking holistic well-being are making nutricosmetics incredibly popular and people are looking for natural ingredients to combat the effects of lifestyle factors. As skin ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage from both natural aging processes and external influences. This leads to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone, dryness and loss of youthful glow.

“Since this product has the potential to promote cell regeneration and collagen production, while also addressing acne breakouts, it is a product that could be widely used and accepted by individuals of all backgrounds and ages,” Avena said.

2nd Place: Lysoveta

Aker BioMarine, Lysaker, Norway, (201) 532-0312, www.akerbiomarine.com

Lysoveta is the first and only commercially available lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) ingredient on the market and is uniquely designed to deliver LPC directly to the brain via the MfsD2a transporter, the primary gateway for LPC-bound DHA and EPA to reach the blood-brain barrier.

Preclinical studies have shown that LPC-bound DHA achieves twice the brain uptake of DHA compared to free DHA and leads to a sevenfold improvement in short-term memory. Aker BioMarine’s clinical research program aims to show Lysoveta enhances cognitive performance but may also help protect against cognitive decline.

According to the company, cognitive wellness is now a central focus in the global health and nutrition market. As people live longer, the demand for effective brain health solutions continues to grow with older adults seeking to preserve mental sharpness and independence as they age. On the flipside, younger generations are looking for products that support focus, stress relief and better sleep.

LPC is derived from krill, which serves as the natural starting raw ingredient due to its rich phospholipid content. Lysoveta is produced purely from Antarctic krill and affords the same sustainability credentials as krill, the company said. The Antarctic krill fishery is one of the world’s most sustainable commercial fishing operations and has been independently verified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

“Supported by multiple pre-clinical studies, transports nutrients across the blood/brain barrier, first commercially available LPC ingredient on the market, maximizes DHA uptake to the brain, and was granted NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) status in 2023,” Hilton said.

Personal Care/Cosmetics Category

1st Place: Ovolux

Stratum Nutrition, Carthage, MO, (417) 310-2677, www.stratumnutrition.com

Ovolux is a natural supplement made from eggshell membrane—the thin layer inside an eggshell that is surprisingly similar to human skin. It is biomimetic, meaning it naturally mirrors the structure of our skin, especially the dermis, the layer that gives skin its strength and elasticity.

According to the company, Ovolux contains many of the same components found in youthful skin, such as collagen types I, V and X, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans. The body loses these as we age, leading to sagging skin, dryness and wrinkles. It uses an unprocessed (unhydrolyzed) form of eggshell membrane, which breaks down gradually, helping the body absorb and use the nutrients more effectively.

“Novel source of collagen and other compounds with demonstrated benefits for improving skin, hair and fingernail appearance,” Bruno said. In a 12-week clinical study, a small daily dose of 300 mg improved skin elasticity, firmness and moisture in as few as six weeks. People also observed stronger nails and healthier, smoother hair, the company said.

According to the company, Ovolux meets today’s beauty consumer demands by aligning with the growing “beauty from within” trend which has seen the nutricosmetics market soar to more than $50 billion. Consumers want products that improve skin firmness, hair texture and nail strength backed by clinical studies.

Ovolux is also made from eggshells that would otherwise be considered waste, diverting millions of pounds of eggshells from landfills, reducing environmental impact. The only emission from Ovolux’s manufacturing process is steam and no hazardous waste is generated. Stratum Nutrition also produces eggshell calcium from the same raw material, maximizing resource utilization.

2nd Place: Mangiophelin

Sabinsa Corporation, East Windsor, NJ, (732) 777-1111, www.sabinsa.com

Mangiophelin is a patented polyphenol composition from Mangifera indica (mango) standardized to contain a minimum 10 percent polyphenols and 1 percent mangiferin along with quercetin and isoquercetin. This comprehensive anti-aging ingredient delivers multiple skin benefits through antioxidant protection, skin brightening, anti-aging activity and anti-glycation.

According to the company, Mangiophelin also reduced skin allergic responses by inhibiting histamine release, making it suitable for sensitive skin applications. Studies demonstrate its efficacy in delivering visible results across all skin types.

The unique polyphenolic profile creates synergistic effects that outperform individual compounds alone. Its gentle and effective nature makes it suitable for daily use in premium and anti-aging formulations including lightweight serums to rich night creams, the company said.

Today’s consumers are prioritizing natural, clean label and science-backed ingredients in skincare. Mangiophelin provides clean beauty alignment, dual-application innovation, comprehensive efficacy, scientific credibility and natural origin appeal, the company said.

“Appropriate for both topical and oral formulations, addresses a wide range of skin conditions/issues, patented manufacturing process, full traceability, fair trade farmed and sustainably sourced, and offers multi-dimensional skin care regimen,” Hilton said.

Sports/Active Nutrition Category

1st Place: Maolactin FMR

Maolac, Tirat HaCarmel, Israel, +97 20523575208, www.maolac.com

Maolactin FMR is a colostrum-based ingredient developed to support muscle recovery and physical resilience in the context of exercise, exertion or aging. It builds on the well-established use of bovine colostrum in sports nutrition where it has been studied for its role in maintaining immune balance and supporting muscle performance under physical stress.

Maolactin has a selective composition of biofunctional proteins similar to those found in human milk, which were identified using an AI-based proteomic platform. The formulation also includes immunoglobulin-like proteins, glycoproteins and structural proteins such as alpha-actin and cytoplasmic actin, which are important for muscle architecture, cell signaling and repair processes, the company said.

It is delivered at a 360 mg daily dose and is designed to complement active lifestyle and post-exercise routines. It may also help support muscle recovery and reduce exercise-related inflammation, allowing for improved recovery in both athletic and aging populations, the company said.

“Nice research showing reduced markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, lactate) following intense resistance exercise in healthy adults,” Bruno said.

According to the company, all the bovine colostrum is sourced exclusively from Israeli dairy farms under direct contractual agreements, and every batch is traceable from farm to finished product. Upon collection, every colostrum shipment is logged with time, date, farm ID and transportation conditions. The entire production process is logged in hard copy and digital, ensuring data integrity.

Maolac only works with reputable farms that put the health and well-being of their animals at the forefront of their business. The company collects colostrum from the second milking onwards, ensuring the health of the calf. The calf-first approach sets the company apart, and it also repurposes surplus colostrum, a natural byproduct of the milk industry, into high-value functional ingredients, the company said.

“Focused on supporting positive training outcomes, colostrum is a good source of biofunctional proteins, ingredient is odorless, tasteless and colorless for ease of formulation, soluble and sustainably sourced through calf-first milking, and repurposing surplus bovine colostrum from reputable farms,” Hilton said.

2nd Place: Gremin

Zeus Hygia Life Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 04048539555, www.zeushygia.com

The demands on modern workouts and intense training regimens require more than protein shakes and energy drinks. Today’s athletes are looking for clean label, plant-derived alternatives that can support physical performance without the side effects of synthetic supplements.

Gremin is the first and only plant ingredient on the market that explores the synergistic benefits of well-studied turmeric extract and chlorogenic acid from green coffee extract. It targets and addresses a wide demography from adults to geriatrics, common people to regular exercisers and sports performers with one nutraceutical ingredient solution, the company said.

“A dual polyphenolic ingredient composed of green coffee bean extract and curcumin. The clinical evidence is pretty good showing improvements in pain measurements and tenderness reduction. It also enhances endurance,” Henig said.

According to the company, Gremin helps the body recover faster, build stamina and manage fatigue more efficiently. Unlike conventional solutions, Gremin supports muscle recovery, but also enhances long-term endurance, making it a gamechanger in sports and performance nutrition.

It fits into any fitness routine and whether taken as a protein powder or a supplement, it is engineered to work with the body’s natural systems to fuel recovery and reduce oxidative stress to make workouts more efficient and recovery quicker, the company said.

“Recovery is a vital component of sports training, which makes this product particularly useful for athletes of all ages. Through its natural derivatives of turmeric extract and chlorogenic acid from green coffee extract, this product works to fuel recovery and reduce oxidative stress,” Avena said.

Weight Management Category

1st Place: Trpti

Gencor, Austin, TX, (949) 502-5760, www.gencorpacific.com

Trpti is an oleoylethanolamide (OAE) ingredient designed to support healthy weight management and metabolic health. OAE is a fatty acid ethanolamide produced by the intestine in response to eating food.

OAE has been described as a “signaling molecule” involved in activating PPAR-α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha), which helps promote lipolysis, the breakdown of fat, and curb food intake, the company said. Additionally, OAE stimulates the release of GLP-1, further aiding in food intake. Trpti meets consumers’ demand by promoting natural production of GLP-1 with research showing it is a safe alternative that offers satiety and metabolic support at just 150 mg daily.

“The OAE ingredient is an interesting signaling molecule that seems to trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that help promote lipolysis and curb appetite,” Henig said.

Gencor’s Tripti is also enhanced with LipiSperse technology, which shepherds OEA through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and efficiently delivers it to the intestines where it enhances the body’s production of GLP-1, the company said. This process ensures no side effects unlike synthetic GLP-1 agonists.

In a microbiome study, Trpti was shown to successfully bind to GLP-119, promoting natural GLP-1 production. A pilot crossover study compared the effects of Trpti with food against standard OEA with food, including a washout period. The results showed a significant increase in GLP-1 levels compared to standard OEA, the company said.

“I feel more research is necessary to understand the potential benefits of supplementing OEA in terms of how it compares to GLP-1 medications long-term; however, the possible benefits of the product are exciting and demonstrate great potential,” Avena said.