Menu
Women’s health journey evolves through distinct stages—each with unique nutritional needs. See how brands can create tailored products for every life stage.
Solaray stands as a shining example of a brand winning loyal consumers by addressing every phase of women’s health journey. Solaray’s her life STAGES line, developed with input from a renowned doctor/former NIH researcher, includes supplement products for menstrual, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause support.
As women move to the next phase, Solaray has a product ready for them. With the tagline “For Every Woman at Every Age,” her life STAGES is being actively promoted by the company through partnerships with podcasters, who can spread the word far and wide.
Nutrition brands exploring the potential of innovating in women’s nutrition products should be sure to focus on the key nutrient needs associated with each stage of women’s health journey.
| Adolescence | calcium, iron, and vitamins |
| Reproductive Years | folic acid and omega-3s |
| Menopause and Beyond | calcium and vitamin D |
In adolescence, females experience a growth spurt characterized by increased height, weight, and bone mass. Hormonal changes lead to the development of secondary sex characteristics, skin changes (which may include acne), and the onset of menstruation.
Developing products for adolescent females can include calcium to support growing bones, iron to replenish what is lost through menstruation, and essential vitamins for overall health, growth, and development. Among supplement formats, gummies are particularly appealing to younger consumers.
The next stage in women’s health journey is the reproductive years, which includes the continued management of menstruation’s physical and mental impacts, as well as prenatal and maternal health and nutrition concerns.
Folic acid is a critical prenatal nutrient for a baby’s brain and spine development, while DHA omega-3 is essential for brain and eye development (with continued benefits during breastfeeding). Some brands include ingredients that help balance hormones for improved mood and sleep, with comforting formats like snacks and teas becoming increasingly popular.
| Ranking | Ages 18-45 | Ages 46-75 |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mental health | Physical health |
| #2 | Managing stress | Heart health |
| #3 | Weight | Weight |
The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, brings new concerns. This several year process typically begins in the mid- to late 40s. Hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen levels, occur at this stage, with impacts ranging from hot flashes to weight gain to loss of bone density.
Perimenopause culminates in menopause, which is marked by 12 consecutive months without menstruation. Brands are taking a variety of innovative approaches to formulate relevant products, including using calcium and vitamin D for bone health, phytoestrogens to ease symptoms, and functional ingredients to support energy and sleep.
After menopause, heart health, weight management, and bone density become major health concerns for women. Fortunately, many of the top health risks at this stage of life can be mitigated through a combination of exercise and nutrition.
Besides calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise supported by sufficient protein helps keep bones strong. It also helps maintain muscle mass and strength, staving off sarcopenia. Supplement trends for this demographic show brands using joint health ingredients (such as curcumin and collagen), in addition, for even more comprehensive active aging support.
From iron, calcium, and vitamins for growing adolescents to essential prenatal and maternal nutrients during the reproductive years, as well as functional and nutritional solutions for menopause and beyond, Glanbia Nutritionals has the ingredients you need to formulate products for women at every life stage.
Contact us to learn more about how our solutions and insights can help you formulate your next product for women’s health journey.