SternVitamin, a global supplier of micronutrient premixes, introduces its new premix solution, SternWoman Cycle Support. This premix was developed to support women throughout all phases of their cycle. It contains micronutrients that are important for a wide range of metabolic pathways but are often below the recommended intake levels for women. With the new premix and its campaign on reproductive health and general well-being, the company is continuing to focus on women’s health. SternVitamin’s micronutrient experts support producers of fortified foods and beverages, as well as nutritional supplements, to develop innovative products tailored to specific target groups.
Cycle Health – More than just a trend
Worldwide, it is estimated that two-thirds of women of childbearing age are affected by a deficiency in at least one essential micronutrient.1 These micronutrients perform key tasks in numerous physiological processes, including the female hormone cycle, where they help regulate endocrine functions. Since the menstrual cycle is controlled by complex hormonal regulatory circuits, cycle complaints, mood swings, skin problems, or low energy levels can be related to hormonal imbalance. Such an imbalance can also affect women’s general health. Therefore, a balanced hormone level is increasingly understood as the key to holistic well-being. For this reason, 36 % of women already take health supplements with vitamins and minerals that are tailored to the natural hormone cycle.2
SternWoman Cycle Support supports well-being throughout the menstrual cycle
The new Premix SternWoman Cycle Support provides women with micronutrients that perform important functions during the menstrual cycle. The B vitamins contained in the Premix solution contribute to hormone regulation and energy supply. Vitamin B6 in particular plays an important role in hormone regulation through its involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis and estrogen metabolism. Other micronutrients, such as folic acid, zinc, and iron, support physiological processes that are important for the functions of the reproductive system. Certain micronutrients, especially antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, help reduce oxidative stress and influence pro-inflammatory mechanisms in the body. Research suggests that they can therefore have a supportive effect and contribute to general well-being during menstruation – for example, in the case of typical complaints such as cramps, bloating, or headaches.
Greater awareness of well-being
Food, beverages, and dietary supplements designed specifically for women recorded global year-on-year growth of 18 % in June 2024.3 Products designed for women’s reproductive health showed average annual growth of 19 % worldwide between 2020 and 2025. This means they are growing faster than the overall market for dietary supplements, which saw a growth rate of 5 % over the same period.4
“Today’s generation of women has an open mindset – they are actively looking for ways to support their health and well-being,” says Anna Schäfer, Product Manager at SternVitamin. “SternVitamin’s service includes working with customers to develop new, creative product ideas that contain micronutrients as well as other components such as plant extracts.”
1Stevens, G. A. et al.: Micronutrient deficiencies among preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age worldwide: a pooled analysis of individual-level data from population-representative surveys, Lancet Glob. Health, 2022.
2Innova Market Insights: Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2025, 2025.
3Innova Market Insights: Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends 2025, 2025.
4Innova Market Insights: Database Global July 2020 – June 2025.
At Vitafoods Europe from May 20 to 22, 2025 in Barcelona, SternVitamin (Booth 3G122) will be focusing on the topic of women’s health. Under the theme “Micronutrients for a healthy life”, the company will be presenting innovative premixes that are specially tailored to the needs of women at different stages of their lives. As a global manufacturer of micronutrient premixes, SternVitamin is a customer-oriented partner for producers of fortified foods and beverages as well as food supplements, worldwide. At the trade fair SternVitamin will highlight its expertise in the production of science-based, trend-oriented premix solutions, and will present a vegan protein shake containing important micronutrients for physically active women.
Targeted support for women at every stage of life
Certain health issues are particularly relevant for women. Studies show that micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, folic acid or iodine are particularly common in women. For example, hormonal changes at different stages of life – such as during pregnancy, menopause or the menstrual cycle – lead to changes in micronutrient requirements. During these phases, it is therefore particularly important to ensure an adequate supply of micronutrients.
SternVitamin premixes are specifically developed for women and cover a broad portfolio of relevant micronutrients, supporting women’s health at every stage of life. The newly developed SternWoman Cycle Support premix supports women’s wellbeing throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition to selected micronutrients, the premix contains chamomile extract, a herbal component with a calming effect. The premixes SternPregnancy 1 and SternPregnancy 2 provide support during pregnancy and address the different micronutrient requirements in the various phases of pregnancy. SternWoman 45+ – a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals and green tea and blackcurrant extract – was developed for women during perimenopause.
Trade fair innovation: Vegan clear protein shake – with micronutrients for physically active women
As an innovative highlight SternVitamin is presenting a vegan clear protein shake based on pea protein hydrolysate in cooperation with its sister company SternLife, a provider of modern functional nutrition, specialising in protein bars and powder-based supplements. The SternActive premix, specially developed by SternVitamin, addresses the most common micronutrient deficiencies in women and contains electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and sodium, for regeneration after physical activity. In addition, vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and iron support energy metabolism and contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
This fruity, clear protein shake with tropical flavour in combination with the SternActivepremix is especially appealing to active and health-conscious women.
At this year’s Food Ingredients Europe, SternVitamin will show how manufacturers of foods, drinks and food supplements can generate new value-adding potential with special product concepts. At the exhibition in Frankfurt, the specialist in tailor-made vitamin and mineral premixes will present individualized micronutrient premixes for different target groups and to meet different requirements. The health and lifestyle concepts range from bone health through strengthening of the body’s defences and the cardiovascular system to beauty support.
One example of the company’s wide range of products and services is the new premix for “healthy bones and a healthy heart”, that visitors to the exhibition can try out on the spot. The micronutrient mix takes up one of the top trends in the beverage market: fortified products based on water. The growth potential in this drink category is the highest worldwide, greater even than in other beverage categories. The vegan premix contains the vitamins B1 and B12 and vitamin C, vitamin K2 and vitamin D3. Organic powdered agave juice concentrate lends the product mild sweetness, while natural flavouring gives the drink a taste of “dark berry fruits”. In addition, SternVitamin will show how the health claims authorized by the EU can be used effectively for marketing purposes on the retail packs of the finished drink.
The new micronutrient premix for drinks is one example of the greatly differing target group concepts geared to the individual phases of consumers’ lives – from the wish for a child, through schooldays, university and working life to old age. Besides trend drinks, the tailor-made micronutrient premixes enable teas, snacks, dairy products, baked goods and sweets to offer additional benefits. SternVitamin has also developed special premixes for fortifying vegan foods.
