February 28, 2022
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Booth #3683 Startup brand Aprico is a breakaway company from its elite mother Quicksilver Scientific, which is renowned for its nano particles that provide quick and penetrating effects. Here, the broad-spectrum, THC-free hemp extract is combined with chillax ingredients L-theanine, GABA and skullcap for instant and effective stress relief. The brand is looking to be a fit with high-end, almost luxe, retailers—the likes of which populate the Austins, NYCs, Boulders and Cali markets.
Booth #3684 Riding all the trends, Fx Chocolate has delicious, sugar-free chocolate pieces that use the natural polyol allulose to add a hint of sweetness. Each morsel contains a therapeutic dose of 100 milligrams of L-theanine, which is the amino acid from green tea that makes one relaxed but not drowsy. Another functional additive is 100 milligrams of GABA, a neurotransmitter that cuts stress and psychological fatigue.
Booth #4139 Gaia Herbs consistently produces genius formulations thanks to in-house clinical herbalist Mary Bove, N.D. Nootropic Focus features saffron (which we’re wild about), ginkgo to increase blood supply and thus oxygen to the brain, lemon balm for calm and sleep, and spearmint for working memory.
Booths #3925, #2926 There are lots of ways supplement marketers present adaptogens like ashwagandha, but “joy” has not yet been one of them. In addition to the king adaptogen, the product also contains holy basil, which is sometimes called “walking meditation in a bottle.” There’s also bacopa for cognitive health, amla for healthy digestion and immune function, and Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy extract, which is used in Ayurveda for anxiety and sleeplessness. Put ’em all together and what do you get? For the support of mood and emotional wellness, let’s call it joy!
Booth #4313 Brain hacking’s bull’s-eye is dopamine—released by neurotransmitters in the brain during pleasurable events to bring about a feeling of euphoria. Two amino acids, L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, have been shown to enhance cognition and increase alertness and arousal. Vitamin C plus B vitamins, including the preferred methylcobalamin form of B12, round out the formulation.
Booth #2442 Each daily pack holds six capsules containing whole-herb Ayurvedic formulas to relieve stress from both mind and body. The formulation supports mental relaxation and emotional wellness with tulsi and shankhpushpi for stress relief, bacopa and gotu kola for nervous system support, and ashwagandha for energy and adrenal function.
Booth #3717 This is a B complex—with benefits. The Bs are derived from organic quinoa sprouts. The adaptogen rhodiola source is from the branded Rhodiolife, at 200 milligrams, standardized to contain 3% rosavins (6 milligrams) and 1% salidrosides (2 milligrams). Studies show it reduces fatigue, improves memory, improves anxiety and depression, and is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory—benefits for both cognitive health as well as sports performance and recovery.
Booth #815 Ashwagandha and beet root power this salty, spicy formulation that has a kick thanks to just enough cayenne pepper. It’s also non-GMO, caffeine-free, with no added sugar. Give it a good shake before opening. Kind of tastes a bit like a bloody Mary shot—AdaptoMary, anyone?
Booth #2621 Ashwagandha sales were up 50% this past year. The best forms are the leading branded ingredients KSM-66 (from roots, the traditional use) and Sensoril (from roots and leaves). The Youtheory brand uses KSM-66 and at the clinically validated dose, 300 milligrams twice daily. Studies show it helps maintain normal levels of cortisol, the stress hormone; promotes calm and clarity during the day; boosts mental and physical performance; and promotes restful sleep at night.
Booth #2621 Ashwagandha sales were up 50% this past year. The best forms are the leading branded ingredients KSM-66 (from roots, the traditional use) and Sensoril (from roots and leaves). The Youtheory brand uses KSM-66 and at the clinically validated dose, 300 milligrams twice daily. Studies show it helps maintain normal levels of cortisol, the stress hormone; promotes calm and clarity during the day; boosts mental and physical performance; and promotes restful sleep at night.
Natural products retailers have the good fortune of having a wide range of consumer-acknowledged ingredients that meet this moment when so many are clamoring for solutions to mood and well-being.
Almost a decade ago, adaptogenic herbs came to the fore, led by ashwagandha, rhodiola, schisandra and perhaps a dozen others that qualify.
Then came hemp CBD, its primary use for pain relief, but also used to great effect for stress, anxiety and sleep.
Although the boom is perhaps off the hemp plant, savvy supplements formulators are today expertly blending in CBD with other supplement-style ingredients to make targeted, power-packed supplements that address this burgeoning societal need.
It’s as if the two leading categories of health supplements of the last decade have combined forces to meet today’s COVID-addled moment.
Here are nine leading brands and SKUs that will be exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, March 8-12.
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