Want the inside scoop on the newest health science and wellness trends? Dive into our first expert health briefing where Swanson experts VP of Science & Innovation Amy Sunderman, MS, RD and Lindsey Toth, MS, RD, cover cutting-edge research and explore hot new wellness products for a healthy body and mind. Watch the presentation below, and read on about the latest in research and the top trends that our experts are watching.
Research Updates
Explore the latest science-backed health news and learn how to select products to optimize your wellness routine.
Plant-Based Protein Benefits Aging Muscles1
Research indicates that low dietary protein and low vegetable protein intakes are associated with lower muscle mass in older adults.
A study published in Nutrients examined total protein intake and low muscle mass among community-dwelling older adults in Northern Taiwan. Participants with lower total protein and lower vegetable protein intakes were at a higher risk for low muscle mass.
Swanson Recommends: Real Food Plant-Based Protein, Vanilla Flavor
Protein Benefits Physical Performance in Older Adults2
A systematic review of observational studies indicated an association between higher protein intakes and better lower limb performance in older adults.
The research, published in Nutrients, was based on study selections by two independent researchers and revealed that both high and very high protein intakes among older adults were associated with better lower limb physical function and walking speed performance compared to those with low protein intakes.
Swanson Recommends: Real Food Whey Protein, Chocolate Ice Cream
Antioxidant Robuvit® May Enhance Sleep Quality3
A clinical trial published by Minerva Medica examined a group of 40 participants to evaluate effects of Robuvit®, an antioxidant extract from French oak wood, on sleep issues, fatigue, mood fluctuations, and oxidative stress.
After 8 weeks, participants that took 300mg of Robuvit® daily improved in all test categories vs. the control group--with a 22% improvement in sleep quality, 43% reduction of daytime sleepiness, 41% reduction of exercise fatigue, and improved oxidative stress levels by 16%.
Ashwagandha May Support Memory and Cognitive Function4
Research suggests that ashwagandha, an herb used in the Ayuvredic health tradition, may help support memory and improve cognition.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 50 participants who either took 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily or a placebo for 8 weeks. Study results suggest the herb may support healthy memory, executive function, attention and information processing.
Swanson Recommends: Swanson Premium Ashwagandha
Turkey Tail Mushrooms may Have Prebiotic Benefits5
Clinical research shows that a bioactive component known as polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) may have prebiotic benefits for gut health.
In the randomized study, 24 healthy volunteers were divided into groups to either supplement with turkey tail mushroom, an antibiotic, or to take neither (control group). Study results showed that turkey tail mushroom acts as a prebiotic to help modulate the intestinal microbiome.
Swanson Recommends: Swanson Superior Herbs Turkey Tail Mushroom
Meriva® Turmeric Phytosome™️ may Support Bone Health6
A recent study suggests that a patented form of highly-absorbable turmeric called Meriva® may be beneficial to bone health.
The study examined 57 otherwise health subjects with low bone density, testing bone densities of the heel, small finger and upper jaw before beginning, the again at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Participants that took Meriva® Turmeric Phytosome™️ demonstrated significant increases in bone density vs. the control group.
Swanson Recommends: Turmeric Phytosome™️ with Meriva®
Trending in Wellness
Learn more about emerging trends in wellness and where you can find them at Swanson.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
Full spectrum hemp extract is an ingredient that's quickly gaining popularity! The rising trend of hemp can be largely linked to the emerging understanding of the newly discovered endocannabinoid system, a bodily system may be impacted by compounds in full-spectrum hemp extract, including cannabidiol. Available in a variety of formats at Swanson including liquids, topical products, capsules, and self-care items like bath bombs, this extract is sourced from industrial hemp. Learn more about full spectrum hemp extract here.
Swanson Recommends: Extra Strength Ideal CBD Hemp Oil
Drinkable Nutrients
Functional foods are gaining in popularity, as consumers look to work essential nutrients into their diets without adding another pill. Mellow Mag, an easy-mixing magnesium beverage, provides 330 mg of magnesium, or 79% of your daily value, in a delicious, convenient powder.
Swanson Recommends: Mellow Mag, Raspberry Lemonade
Label Transparency
For Swanson, label transparency means that what you see is what you get--no proprietary blends or hidden ingredients.
Swanson Recommends: Pure Science Herbals
Sources
1 The Association between Total Protein and Vegetable Protein Intake and Low Muscle Mass among the Community-Dwelling Elderly Population in Northern Taiwan. Nutrients 2016, 8, 373. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/6/373
2 Relative Protein Intake and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1330. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/9/1330
3 Improvement in mood, oxidative stress, fatigue, and insomnia following supplementary management with Robuvit®. J Neurosurg Sci 2018;62:423-7. https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/neurosurgical-sciences/article.php?cod=R38Y2018N04A0423#modal_3
4 Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions, Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14:6, 599-612. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
5 Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes Versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers, Gut Microbes. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.4161/gmic.29558
6 Effects of a curcumin-based supplementation in asymptomatic subjects with low bone density: a preliminary 24-week supplement study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/1684-1689-Curcumin-based-supplementation-in-osteopenia.pdf
