Women’s health is dynamic and constantly evolving. From adolescence through to later life, women experience distinct physiological changes that shape their nutritional needs. 

Today, more than ever, women are becoming more engaged in managing their health, with 89% wanting greater control¹, and they expect solutions that are not only effective, but also grounded in science, empathy, and insight.

A key opportunity for category players lies in creating specialized solutions that cater to each stage of a woman’s life. With 30% of women agreeing that hormonal health deserves more focus in healthcare conversations², brands must step up, offering clear, trustworthy guidance on how to understand and address these transitions with products that address hormonal health across the different life stages.

The 20s

Health Challenge: Acne, skin sensitivity, and hormonal imbalance.

During adolescence, women experience active hormonal changes that can lead to increased sebum production, which clogs pores and leads to acne outbreaks. Hormonal fluctuations, combined with stress, irregular sleep patterns, and external environmental factors, often compromise skin health. The skin barrier can become weakened, resulting in dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.

Probiotics are gaining traction for their ability to influence the skin microbiome. Studies have found that probiotics improve facial acne in patients by acting on the pathological and physiological factors that cause acne³. In particular, HN301™ probiotics in particular, can help improve skin allergy symptoms⁴, support skin healing and repair for patients with atopic dermatitis, and reduce itching, dryness and redness caused by sensitive skin, keeping the skin clean and smooth.

Success story using Nutiani HN301^TM

The 30s

Health Challenge: Iron deficiency anemia, immune system support during pregnancy, and susceptibility to infections.

Pregnant women are at high risk of anemia, among which iron deficiency anemia is the most common during pregnancy, accounting for 90%-95% of anemia during pregnancy⁵. During this stage, women need nutrients that not only support pregnancy but also boost immunity and reduce fatigue.

Lactoferrin can improve the hematological indicators and iron biochemical parameters of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Compared with oral ferrous sulfate, lactoferrin is more conducive to improving hemoglobin levels and has a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events⁶. 

Studies have found that during the nine months of pregnancy, a woman’s immune system will enhance some innate immune responses while downregulating some adaptive immune responses (such as T cell levels)⁷. 
 

The 40s

Health challenges: Osteoporosis, menopausal syndrome

From age 45 onwards, hormonal shifts often lead to decreased bone density, joint pain, and fatigue. Women in this age group have a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis than men, with prevalence increasing over time⁸.

The nutritional support of milk protein and natural milk calcium can help maintain healthy muscles and bones, allowing them to stay stronger and more flexible, and take better care of themselves.
 

The 50s

Health challenges: Chronic diseases, degenerative diseases, urinary system diseases

The frailty problem of middle-aged and elderly women cannot be ignored, among which sarcopenia is one of its main manifestations. Estrogen may play a role in the occurrence and development of sarcopenia in elderly women. Ovarian hormone levels decrease after menopause, and low estrogen levels can affect muscle function. Sarcopenia and the reduction of muscle mass will seriously affect the mobility and quality of life of the elderly⁹

The nutritional solution of milk protein and milk fat globule membrane can provide protein, phosphatidylcholine and calcium at the same time, which can help improve mild cognitive decline in the elderly, and provide an innovative nutritional option for middle-aged and elderly female consumers to support cognitive health and mobility.
 

At every life stage, proper nutritional supplementation plays a vital role in enhancing women’s health and wellbeing. Backed by scientific research and clinical trials, Nutiani, Fonterra’s health and nutrition brand, offers targeted ingredient solutions to support women’s physical, mental, and inner health across their life journey. With a focus on innovation, Nutiani partners with brands to meet the evolving health needs of today’s female consumers.