Digestive Health

From flavors to formats, here are some of the trends driving discussion in the probiotic beverages space.

A representative from probiotics supplier Chr. Hansen told Nutritional Outlook that while probiotics are known for their gut-health benefits, this is the first time the company has investigated probiotics’ effects on NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage.

Health Canada’s letter of no objection means that Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics’ DE111 strain is no longer a Novel Food and can now be sold as a food ingredient without the need for premarket notification.

The claims, “Promotes gastrointestinal health in physically active adults” and “Helps reduce the incidence of cold-like symptoms in adults with exercise-induced stress,” have been approved for Lallemand Health Solutions’ Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 strain for active adults.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far.

Researchers are digging into the possible prebiotic potential of polyphenols, including those from cranberry.

In the study, Herbagut was shown to improve gastrointestinal symptoms and overall quality of life in subjects with “unsatisfactory bowel habits.”

Results from recent clinical studies suggest that Euromed’s pomegranate extract, Pomanox, possesses a variety of health benefits related to healthy aging.

New study results support the development of a new bone-health probiotic category for the company, Probi says.

Cereal grasses are more popular with consumers than ever. Here are five market trends to keep your eye on, including new product formats, flavors, and more.

Emergen-C Probiotics+, which comprises Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 probiotic strains, provides immune support by feeding good bacteria to the gut microbiome, a company representative says.

UAS said that this acquisition will enable the company to provide its global partners with Nebraska Cultures’ well-known DDS-1 Lactobacillus acidophilus and ProDura spore-forming strains, and will further position it as an “industry leader in probiotics.”

Following a recent report predicting 6.9% CAGR for global digestive enzyme supplements through 2025, Nutritional Outlook spoke to enzymes supplier Deerland Enzymes about what’s driving that growth.

A company representative from AIDP told Nutritional Outlook that consumer interest in gut health is growing as the research community begins to unravel the complex connections between gut health and everything from healthy skin to cognitive function.

Research highlights turmeric’s benefits for blood sugar support.

Results from a recently published study show that supplementation with Beneo’s oligofructose chicory root fiber ingredient, Orafti P95, may help to improve bowel regularity in subjects with low dietary fiber intake, as well as help “bridge the fiber gap” in many North Americans’ diets.

As demand for ginger in the digestive-health category grows, companies like OmniActive and Naturex say that the ingredient could see the same kind of sales growth as fellow trending botanical turmeric.

Most recently, DuPont Nutrition & Health announced it is partnering with the Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies to explore new processes for producing “next generation” probiotics.

The sports drinks market is continuing to diversify, with consumers driving demand for healthier sports drinks products. This demand for healthy drinks-coupled with growing niches that have very specific functional needs-is likely to open up new opportunities for brands that fine-tune their formulations and marketing in response.

Nutritional Outlook interviewed representatives from the International Probiotics Association and the Global Prebiotic Association about whether there is growing collaboration between the probiotic and prebiotic industries.

Cranberry-ingredients supplier Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals (Villeroy, QC, Canada) is presenting innovative new delivery formats for its nutraceutical-grade cranberry ingredients, which the company says are standardized for their high content of proanthocyanidins (PACs). The new delivery formats include beverages as well as “popping” crystals that burst on the tongue once consumed.

Results from Probi's largest clinical trial affirmed the immune-improving effects of its branded probiotic immune concept, Probi Defendum, while suggesting a mechanism of action that might underlie the product’s benefits.

A new, preclinical study suggests that Wellmune may protect intestinal barrier function even in adults faced with stress, while also adding to our understanding of how the ingredient works with the body and its immune system.

Results from two studies suggest that elderberry, with its constituent antioxidant flavonoids, may help strengthen prebiotic and probiotic formulations. 

Curcumin-no longer merely a culinary spice or folk medicine, but an ingredient with a track record of research-backed health benefits-is set for another big year in 2018.