China's national awareness of nutrition and health is gradually improving, and health products focusing on different segments of demand have ushered in a new stage of high-quality development. As one of the important product types in the health industry, various foods and beverages containing functional ingredients have attracted the attention of many participants at the Healthy Food Expo.

Functional food

At present, there is no clear definition of functional food in China, which usually refers to a class of food that emphasizes the regulation of human function and is suitable for consumption by specific groups, but is not for the purpose of disease treatment.

Bone health

Bone health refers to the health of the entire skeletal system, including bones, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments, etc. According to the results of the China Osteoporosis epidemiological survey released by the National Health Commission, more than half of Chinese women over the age of 65 suffer from osteoporosis; Nearly 50% of people over the age of 50 have low bone mass and are at high risk for osteoporosis.

It can be seen that bone health problems have seriously affected People's Daily life and work, and with the progress of China's aging population, it has gradually become a health problem threatening the whole society.

Functional food and raw materials for bone health

With the continuous aging of China's population and the continuous expansion of sports and fitness groups, people pay more and more attention to bone health. At present, the raw materials widely used for such products are mainly collagen, sodium hyaluronate, fish oil, vitamins, minerals and some plant extracts.

1. Collagen

Collagen is the main component of cartilage, which plays an important role in constructing cartilage tissue framework, supporting joint weight bearing, protecting and repairing damaged articular cartilage. Collagen makes up about one-third of bone and two-thirds of cartilage. Therefore, collagen is essential for bone health, and if not consumed enough, it can lead to osteoporosis and joint pain. In China, collagen is a common food raw material and can be used in food products such as beverages.

2. Sodium hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronic acid, referred to as HA, which is present in joint cavities and bone fluid, can be combined with proteins to form protein-sodium hyaluronate complex, which prevents cartilage degradation by lubricating and cushioning joints, ensures normal joint bending, and promotes cartilage healing and regeneration.

3. Fish oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, and related studies have found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can promote the maintenance of bone mineral density in women.

4.Vitamins

Vitamins are a general term for a series of organic compounds, which are micronutrients required by organisms. Vitamin A plays an important role in the metabolic process of bone. When the human body takes in too much, it can interfere with endochondral osteogenesis, accelerate bone metabolism, promote bone mass loss, and thus lead to the decrease of bone density and the increase of fracture risk. When the human body lacks vitamin A, it will also have an adverse effect on bone growth, and the bone will overgrow at this time, and then press on the nerve, causing nerve diseases.

5.Minerals

Bone is composed of organic and inorganic substances, the former including collagen, the latter including calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, fluorine and other minerals. Among them, calcium accounts for about 65%-70% of bone and is the main component of bone. Among them, calcium can form strong bones and teeth, effectively reduce the bone loss caused by age. Zinc, copper, manganese and other minerals together with calcium and magnesium maintain the homeostasis of bone minerals.

With the increasing attention to bone health, there will be a variety of bone health foods in addition to dietary supplements on the market. On the other hand, in view of the unmet bone and joint health needs of different groups, corresponding personalized solutions should be proposed from the perspective of segmented customer groups, combined with different demands for bone and joint nutrition supplementation of different segments of the population, which is also an important direction for the future development of functional food for bone health.

If you would like to learn more about the food industry, please visit the SIAL Shenzhen (South China) website for more information.

Source: Precision Nutrition (official account)

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