# Deficiency-Fighting Smoothies Nanoparticles Added to Foods Combat Anemia or Zinc Deficiency By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-06-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-nano-smoothies References: [news.discovery](http://news.discovery.com/tech/banana-shake-nanotechnology.html) Nanotechnology has found its way to the food supply. Iron and zinc nanoparticles so small that it takes a thousand of them to approximate a paper thickness can be added to foods like [banana nano-smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naked-smoothies) to combat [anemia or zinc deficiency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fulvic-minerals). Not only can nanoparticles [fortify food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-green), they can can extend food shelf life, change food flavors, and help monitor contamination. Nanotech is being used in cosmetics, paints, biotech, and now food. Banana nano-smoothies and other nano-foods have the potential to improve health around the world. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nanoparticles in Foods:** Opportunity for food companies to create functional foods that combat nutritional deficiencies and monitor contamination using nanotechnology. - **Functional Nano-smoothies:** Potential for food and beverage companies to develop nano-smoothies that can extend shelf life and change flavors while also providing nutrient content. - **Nanotech for Health:** Emerging trend of nanotechnology being used to promote health through food fortification, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for healthcare providers and food industries alike. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for food and beverage companies to utilize nanotechnology in creating functional foods and extending the shelf life of their products. - **Healthcare:** Potential to apply nanotechnology to improve health outcomes and fight nutritional deficiencies, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for healthcare providers. - **Nanotech Manufacturing:** Nanoparticles have the potential to transform various industries, including cosmetics, paints, and biotech, with emerging opportunities for nanotech manufacturing companies to produce functional products and services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Iron-Fortified Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-ironfortified-gummies.md) - [Hidden Veggie Meal Boosters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-wins.md) - [Iron-Rich Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iron-gummies.md) - [AI Anemia Prevention Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rian-tiwari.md) - [Vitamin Deficiency-Identifying Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitaminico.md) - [Longevity-Focused Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitless-smoothie.md) - [Convenient Nutrition Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antioxidant-boost-powder.md) - [Enriching Superfood Blends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superfood-blends.md) - [Fruit-Forward Immunity Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-secret-nature-of-fruit.md)