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Which ingredients are most effective to improve sleep?

Stress and anxiety are increasingly impacting people’s sleep quality, which is creating opportunities for new product development. From gingko biloba to vitamin B, Ingredients Network looks at which science-backed nutrients and botanicals are most likely to appeal.

By Angelique Cachia

When it comes to addressing stress, anxiety and sleep difficulties, consumers can choose from a number of promising ingredients and formats. In this innovation space though, natural ingredients are likely to dominate. Mike Hughes, head of research and insights at market research company FMCG Gurus believes there is scope here for further innovation and product development.

Botanicals top the trend charts

Botanical adaptogens like panax ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra, ginkgo biloba, echinacea, tulsi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and astralagus have all been linked to cognition benefits, including stress reduction. Other ingredients touted to be cognitive-enhancing – such as ashwagandha, lavender, hops, and l-theanine – have also been identified in food and drink trend forecasts.

In Belgium, Herbal Gem has launched GinkgoGem GC08, an organic concentration food supplement in drop format. The product contains ginkgo biloba, which the company says contributes to maintaining good-working cognitive functions, in addition to other benefits.

Natural ingredients associated with improving mood and sleep include saffron, ashwagandha, St John’s wort, magnesium, and curcumin, just to name a few. Common sleep-promoting supplements include valerian, chamomile, and melatonin but other science-backed options that food manufacturers may wish to explore include glycine, tart cherry juice, and holy basil.

Product development using some of these ingredients is growing. In the functional food space, Rollagranola introduced a range of cognitive health focussed granola, with nootropic lines including ‘Calm’, ‘Energise’, ‘Body and soul’, and ‘Completely Vegan’. The ‘Calm’ granola contains ashwagandha and lysine. An example of a ‘back-to-basics’ product would be an adaptogen-focused nootropic like lion’s mane mushroom from the brand, Superfoods Australia.

Which cognitive health ingredients have approved EU health claims?

Some nutrients in the brain health space do possess authorised claims around “neurological and psychological functions”. In the EU, for instance, this includes many members of the B vitamins family as well as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

In the UK, Holland & Barrett launched cherry flavour Energy & Focus B Vitamins and Iron Effervescent Tablets. Effervescent tablets are an appealing delivery system – especially for the teen target audience – and the product claims to reduce tiredness and fatigue while improving cognitive function and immune resistance.

Emerging ingredients need more research to go mainstream

More research however is needed before several emerging cognitive ingredients can go mainstream. Mintel for example suggests that scientific understanding is especially important for potential new ingredients like psilocybin, a psychedelic compound identified in mushrooms.

Recent research does suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), one of the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, may have antipsychotic and anti-anxiolytic properties, and thus may be a promising new agent in the treatment of psychotic and anxiety disorders. However, Hughes sees issues with incorporating CBD into consumer cognitive health products.

“Many consumers don’t want to feel that they are taking chemicals or stimulants to relax,” he says. “Energy drinks are seen as a necessary evil for stimulation, but for relaxation, this doesn’t make as much sense.”