Weekly Trade Information-189

Carob Extract DCI Emerges as the Next Super Ingredient for Ovarian Health

Driven by policy support, industrial upgrading and shifting consumer preferences, ingredient innovation in the women’s health sector has gained a more practical focus.

In recent years, plant extracts have become highly sought-after in the health industry for their natural and traceable properties. Among them, DCI (D-chiro-inositol), an active ingredient derived from carob, has moved from professional nutrition journals to public attention, appearing frequently in the ingredient lists of various women’s wellness foods.

As the signature component of carob extract, DCI acts as a key signaling molecule in insulin signal transduction within the human body.It is therefore also referred to as an insulin sensitizer or a second messenger of insulin.

(Source: Foodaily Research Institute)
 

A New Blue Ocean in the Hundred-Billion Pet Market: Emotional Care Rises, Human Nutrition Ingredients Usher in Cross-Border Opportunities

As pets are increasingly regarded as family members, emotional health has become a new concern for pet owners, highlighting huge potential in the pet emotional nutrition market.

Current product formulas are dominated by casein hydrolysate and L-tryptophan, with herbal ingredients widely used.Human nutrition components such as GABA, L-theanine, probiotics and prebiotics are set to bring new opportunities to the industry.

(Source: Herbridge Bridge)
 

Approval of New Food Ingredients (NHC "Three Categories of New Food")

Officially approved in Q1 2026 (Announcement No. 1 of 2026):

· Gardenia oil (new food ingredient)
· Fragrant yu peony flower (edible flower, antioxidant, rich in polyphenols)
· Alginate oligosaccharides (marine-derived, supports intestinal health & immunity)
· Fusarium venenatum protein (novel microbial protein)

Expanded application scopes approved for functional ingredients:

· γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)
· Phosphatidylserine (PS)

(Source: Official website of the National Health Commission)
 

Vitamin Market Quotes Continue to Rise

The vitamin sector saw mild fluctuations, with prices of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) keeping rising.

According to the latest market updates, starting April 8, a major domestic manufacturer began offering prices and accepting orders for VE and VA:

· Feed-grade VE quoted at 150 RMB/kg
· Feed-grade VA quoted at 180 RMB/kg

The manufacturer is shipping under a policy of “limited new orders + bundled with existing contracts”.For standalone orders, VA and VE are uniformly priced at 130 RMB/kg.

(Source: Weigao Daily)
 

CRN Launches 2026 Lobby Day to Advance Dietary Supplement Policy Reforms

According to industry publication SupplySide Supplement Journal, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) will hold its 2026 annual Lobby Day on June 10 in Washington, D.C.

Industry representatives will meet with legislators to advance three key legislative priorities:

· The Dietary Supplement Listing Act (S.3677), which would establish a mandatory FDA product registration system.
· The Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act (H.R.7366), designating the FDA as the sole national regulatory authority for dietary supplements.
·  Expanding eligibility for dietary supplements to be covered under Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

(Source: SupplySide Supplement Journal)