Where are we headed in 2009?

Diabesity — nutrition for blood-sugar management

Melamine-free — certification almost certain

No-junk promises

Vitamin D — sunny days ahead

Hot or not — consumer habits are changing

Sustainability — word as good as gold

Product combinations — matches made in heaven?

Cosmeceuticals — ageing, schmageing

Omega-3s — the Swiss Army Knife of ingredients

Synbiotics — probiotics and fibre

Vitamin K2 — untapped markets

Condition-specific — health claims rule the future

Gluten-free — sales soar

Resveratrol — synergy is the new byword

GMPs — ready or not

Whole-food connectivity — keep it simple

Superfruits — hop on the cart

Lesser evil — bigger profits

Stevia — from raids to riches

Algae — one man's pond scum …

Technology — micro for macro benefits

Sports nutrition — winners and losers

The economy — survival of the fittest

One in eight American children has one or more risks for heart disease, the incidence of high blood pressure has tripled in a decade and 10 per cent of teens have high cholesterol. Preventing diseases later in life for their children is a top-three concern for moms. Products to reduce these risks are welcome. Although 44 per cent of women in the US are post-menopausal, there are virtually no products directed at this life stage. Heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, depression/anxiety, periodontal disease, insomnia, reduced metabolism/weight gain, dry eye, dry mouth and UTIs are among the long list of concerns. Products that aid in circulation, improve artery elasticity and health, help prevent platelet aggregation, and reduce LDLs and inflammation will be a must for ageing boomers, especially African Americans and Hispanics. With one third of the population over age 55 and another 31 million turning age 65 over the next 10 years, conditions will move center stage — look into products that address sarcopenia (muscle wasting), periodontal disease, dynapenia (loss of strength), diverticular disease, and irritable bowel. Satiety and appetite suppression is a new tool in the war on weight. Hold-me-over foods have found a stronghold in the afternoon and early-evening snack categories, including snacks that address satiation, sustained energy and blood-sugar control. As Gen-Yers enter the parenting age, the number of households with children under the age of six will explode. Products such as specially formulated follow-on milks, calorie-controlled meals, and snacks that support brain and vision development are very ripe for development. Those 50+ are the fastest-growing exercisers. While they may scoff at highly caffeinated energy drinks, they are interested in foods and beverages that help with energy and vitality, without the extreme buzz. America's Gen-Yers are the heaviest users of functional foods and are the most likely to try a new healthy food or beverage, especially if it contains vitamins and minerals, and helps provide energy.