What's in Your Lunchbox? - Balchem Nutrition Collective Webinar

“What’s in Your Lunchbox” showcases the latest trends in functional foods and beverages designed to support cognitive development in children, and explore the powerful roles of key nutrients like iron and choline.

Snack time is much more than a mere opportunity to eat. When a student opens their lunchbox, the food choices you make for them can have a profound impact on mood and cognitive abilities that extend beyond the school day. Make a smart move by including a thoughtful combination of minerals and nutrients in your lunch.

From innovative product launches across the globe to the science behind Balchem’s Ferrochel^® and VitaCholine^® ingredients, this session is packed with valuable insights for parents, educators, and health professionals alike. Whether you’re curious about the latest in pediatric nutrition or looking for ways to support your child’s brain health, this webinar is your go-to resource.

In this engaging and research-driven webinar, Balchem Human Nutrition, in collaboration with Nutrition Insight, explores the critical role of nutrition in supporting brain development in children—from prenatal stages through early childhood and beyond. Hosted by William Bradford Nichols, Editor of Nutrition Insight, and featuring expert insights from Dr. Eric Ciappio (Nutrition Science Manager) and Oliver Riemann (Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager), the session offers a comprehensive look at how targeted nutrients can shape cognitive outcomes for future generations.

Hosted by William Bradford Nichols, Editor of Nutrition Insight, and featuring expert insights from Dr. Eric Ciappio (Nutrition Science Manager) and Oliver Riemann (Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager), the session offers a comprehensive look at how targeted nutrients can shape cognitive outcomes for future generations.

The webinar begins with a market overview presented by Laura Sudente, highlighting global trends in new product development (NPD) for children’s brain health. With a 4% annual growth in functional food and beverage launches across Europe, the U.S., and APEC regions, the data reveals a surge in products fortified with brain-supporting ingredients like iron and choline. Categories such as baby formula, flavored milk, and dairy alternatives are leading the way, reflecting growing consumer demand for cognitive support in everyday nutrition.

Introducing two of Balchem’s flagship ingredients:

• Ferrochel^® (Chelated Iron – Ferrous Bisglycinate): A highly bioavailable and gentle form of iron that is stomach friendly, making it ideal for pregnant women and children. Supported by a meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials, Ferrous bisglycinate demonstrates superior efficacy in raising hemoglobin levels and a 64% lower risk of GI discomfort compared to traditional iron salts.
• VitaCholine^® (Choline Bitartrate): An essential nutrient for brain and spinal cord development, choline plays a vital role in cell membrane integrity, neurotransmission, and gene regulation. A landmark study from Cornell University shows that children whose mothers consumed higher levels of choline during pregnancy had significantly better sustained attention scores—even seven years later—highlighting the long-term cognitive benefits of prenatal choline supplementation.

The webinar also addresses the widespread issue of nutrient inadequacy. Data from global health authorities show that iron and choline deficiencies are alarmingly common among children and pregnant women, with only a small percentage meeting recommended intake level. Our speakers emphasize the importance of fortifying everyday foods—like milk and yogurt—with these nutrients to make supplementation more accessible and appealing to families.

To illustrate practical applications, Balchem presents several product concepts:

• Cognition Milk: A fortified dairy drink delivering 10% of the RDI for iron and 20% for choline, designed to seamlessly integrate into children’s daily routines.
• Mamarama: A refreshing prenatal shake formulated with Ferrochel^® and VitaCholine^®, tested against leading brands and shown to outperform in perceived health benefits and uniqueness.
• Brain Development Capsules: A supplement tailored for pregnant women, combining Ferrochel^® and VitaCholine^® to support fetal brain development with strong structure-function claims.

Throughout the session, the speakers emphasize the dual value of these innovations: improving public health outcomes while unlocking commercial opportunities in the growing child nutrition market. With strong scientific backing, global recognition, and versatile applications, Ferrochel^® and VitaCholine^® offer a powerful toolkit for brands looking to lead in cognitive health.

Whether you’re a product developer, healthcare professional, or parent, this webinar provides actionable insights into how better nutrition can nurture brighter futures.

Watch now and give your child’s brain the best start possible.