Ahrensburg, March 2022 – The fact that nutrition has a decisive influence on mood and the psyche was confirmed by the discovery of tryptophane in chocolate, if not before. It has been scientifically proven that many micronutrients support mental well-being, cognitive performance and brain health. An inadequate supply of these micronutrients can lead to serious illness, including but not limited to depression. Nutrient deficiency is widespread among the elderly in particular. It is estimated that 35 percent of people over 50 years old in Europe, the US and Canada have a demonstrable deficiency of one or more micronutrients. Highly stressed people also have a heightened need for certain vitamins and minerals. SternVitamin has therefore developed new micronutrient premix concepts that support cognitive performance and mental well-being. They relieve stress and improve brain function, while also reducing the negative effects of stress.

The power of functional ingredients

Foods and drinks with selected vitamins and minerals that support brain functions and performance are seeing strong growth around the world. The number of new product launches in this segment rose by around 55 percent just from April 2020 to March 2021.

In addition to micronutrients, further ingredients support mental health. Among the functional ingredients that positively affect mental well-being is L-theanine, which is involved in the synthesis of the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, and also contributes to protecting the nervous system. As components of cell membranes in the brain, omega-3 fatty acids keep cells elastic and flexible, and affect the viscosity and permeability of membranes. “Other functional ingredients that can mitigate stress and improve resistance to stress are the adaptogens,” reports Dr. Christina Mesch, Product Manager SternVitamin. “These bioactive plant substances help the body adapt to heightened physical and emotional stress situations.” Adaptogens include ginseng, Rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha. The latter is also called ‘sleep berry’ and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for better sleep onset, inner peace and as a mood enhancer. There are also well-known healing plants like valerian, hops, passionflower, lavender, chamomile and lemon balm, which have been thoroughly and scientifically studied.

To support cognitive performance, SternVitamin uses nootropics. “These substances can improve brain function, among other effects. Examples include Ginkgo biloba, guarana, yerba mate and Bacopa monnieri, also known as ‘memory plant’,” notes Dr. Mesch. Bacopa monnieri aids in memory and boosts brain functioning. A combination of L- theanine and caffeine as well as green tea are also part of the company’s line.

New concepts with high market potential

Vitamin-mineral supplements with mental health claims grew 23 percent annually from 2017 to 2021. The strongest markets are Europe, North America and Asia. For fortified products with health claims on better brain performance, the annual growth during the same period was 38 percent. With SternVitamin’s new concepts, manufacturers of food supplements, foods and beverages can profit from this value-add potential. SternMind, SternDe-Stress & Relax, SternFocus and PureVITalizer promote mental well-being and cognitive performance.

“With B-vitamins and L-theanine, SternMind helps reduce the symptoms of mental stress, fear and tension, and soothes nervousness. It also improves clear thinking, mental endurance and concentration in situations of limited performance,” explains Dr. Mesch. SternFocus also supports mental and cognitive performance with the help of selected micronutrients, L-tyrosine and Bacopa monnieri. It strengthens stress resistance and supports the nervous system with the aid of B-vitamins and the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea. The blueberry extract it contains counteracts the stress-induced production of reactive oxygen species. With B-vitamins, vitamin C, iodine and green tea extract, PureVITalizer likewise supports mental energy and improves cognitive functions, while the Panax ginseng and natural caffeine it contains reduce stress and mental fatigue.

SternDe-Stress & Relax helps with relaxation and a strong nervous system. Its B-vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, selenium and lemon balm have a relaxing effect, and its ashwagandha improves resistance to stress. This healing plant also works against stress- induced changes in the immune system. Professionals, students, parents and especially stressed people can benefit from this premix.

Healthy sleep for a good mood

“Sufficient healthy sleep is elementary for overall well-being, so we added two concepts to our new line of premixes for mental well-being. These products focus on sleep onset and duration,” says Dr. Mesch. The rise in food supplements for sleep aid shows how widespread sleeplessness is, with annual growth of 34.1 percent between 2019 and 2021. Hot and cold drinks and even sports nutrition are fortified with sleep-promoting ingredients.

With SternSomnia Quality, SternVitamin has developed a premix that aids in healthy sleep. It contains magnesium, zinc, L-theanine, ashwagandha and vitamin B1, and supports sleep quality and onset, reduces waking in the night, and thus helps provide for relaxed sleep. This premix is equally suitable for athletes, stressed people, seniors, students, professionals and parents.

SternSomnia Duration is designed to help people sleep through the night. The premix contains magnesium, zinc, calcium and selenium. It also contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to relaxation – two important factors for healthy sleep. The valerian, hops and passionflower it contains reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and likewise improve sleep duration, while the lavender also found in the premix gives a restful night. With these new concepts, health product vendors can implement individual product ideas, and profit from the ongoing ‘holistic well-being’ trend.

About SternVitamin:
SternVitamin GmbH & Co. KG in Ahrensburg near Hamburg offers full service in micronutrient premixes. Working to customer requirements, the company develops individual vitamin and mineral mixes that also include functional ingredients like amino acids and plant extracts. These micronutrient mixes are suitable for enriching foods, beverages and nutritional supplements. As a subsidiary of the independent, owner- operated Stern-Wywiol Gruppe, SternVitamin always has access to the concentrated expertise and modern applications technology of its sister companies. These are Mühlenchemie for flour improvers, DeutscheBack for baking ingredients, Hydrosol for stabilising systems, HERZA Schokolade for functional chocolate pieces and bar production, OlbrichtArom for flavourings, SternEnzym for enzymes (baked goods and confections, alcohol and beer production) and Sternchemie for food lipids (including lecithin, MCT oil, red palm oil and spray-dried coconut milk). Sister company SternMaid works in the contract manufacture of powdered foods and nutritional supplements.

For more information:	Press contacts:
Marcel Heemels	teamhansen / Manfred Hansen
Stern Vitamin Marketing	Mecklenburger Landstr. 28 / D-23570 Lübeck, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 40 / 28 39-74	Tel: +49 (0) 40 / 78 88 5-21
[email protected]	[email protected]

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