The global pandemic was a source of stress for many, points out Trevor Wagner, global health category manager for IFF Health. According to Wagner, nearly 67% of US adults claimed increased stress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, of which 78% say the pandemic was a significant source of stress in their lives.10 Additionally, the increased use of smart phones and screens has been linked to rising reports of stress, anxiety and depression.11
Stress, or General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), is now more prevalent in many countries, notes Pharmako Biotechnologies’ commercial director, Eric Meppem. In the US alone, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says there are 6.8 million people affected by GAD annually.
“Rising awareness towards anxiety disorder and developments in mental health-care services are responsible for the increase in the diagnosis of GAD in many regions,” Meppem explains.
An underutilized approach to managing stress is aromatherapy. Now gaining significant traction in the dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) industries, the use of lavender oil to effectively manage stress and anxiety and improve sleep has been the subject of almost 30 clinical studies conducted in Europe. Pharmako offers a powdered lavender oil, which makes formulating easier for manufacturers.
During bouts of chronic stress, the body enters fight-or-flight mode, according to myAir co-founder and CEO Rachel Yarcony. Research suggests this can overstimulate the brain and cause the individual to have difficulty focusing, creating short-term memories.12 For de-stressing, she advocates a personalized nutrition and stress management regime like functional food bars that contain green tea extract as well as other active plant extracts.
According to Yarcony, research on adaptogens like green tea extract has shown enhanced functionality of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in memory processing.13