NutriLeads to present new Benicaros prebiotic fiber research on gut health and immunity at SupplySide Global 2025

NutriLeads BV announced that it will present new data on its carrot-derived prebiotic fiber Benicaros as well as well new product applications at SupplySide Global, taking place October 28–31 in Las Vegas, Nevada.¹ The company will present results from a new clinical study on the prebiotic fiber’s effects on gut health and immune response, and be present at booth #6173 at the event where Benicaros gummies will be available to sample. The newest addition to the line Benicaros products, Benicaros F&B, will also be highlighted. At 1 gm per daily serving, this version is designed for more flexibility in applications in functional foods and beverages.

“We look forward to sharing our latest research and product application examples at SupplySide Global,” stated Sue McKay, PhD, nutrition and health manager at NutriLeads, in the September 18 news release. “Benicaros continues to stand out because of its robust science demonstrating consistent benefits for all gut ecosystems and for immune health.”

Clinical trial on Benicaros prebiotic fiber and gut health

Published in Microorganisms in September 2025, the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial “Carrot Rhamnogalacturonan-I Supplementation Shapes Gut Microbiota and Immune Responses: A Randomised Trial in Healthy Adults,” demonstrates the modulating effects of Benicaros supplementation on gut microbiota, immune responses, and barrier function.² The study was funded by Eurostars.

As the study explains, a high fiber diet is associated with reductions in risks for developing colorectal cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Low fiber intake can result in less microbial diversity and a reduced presence of fermentation-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Researchers hypothesized that a relatively high dose over a short supplementation period would result in gut health benefits.

In this study, 54 healthy adult participants ages 18 -70 received either 500 mg/day of cRG carrot-derived rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I), known as Benicaros, or placebo for four weeks. Particpants completed questionnaires on effects on gut health and well-being. In vitro and in vivo models evaluated the intestinal permeability. Weekly visits were conducted to collect measurements and data.

Study results: gut microbiota and immune response

Bifidobacteria counts were assessed in both groups:

• Increases in bifidobacteria counts increased gradually in the supplement group and peaked at a 1.5-fold increase in week 3
• By week 4, bifidobacteria counts increased by 43% in the placebo group and 57% in the supplement group

For microbial metabolites, only one statistically significant change was seen:

After four weeks, isobutyric acid was higher in the supplement group

The health parameters questionnaires asked about gastro-intestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. Similar to the microbial metabolites, only one health parameter showed statistically significant changes:

• At baseline, the diarrhea score was 4.50 ± 1.94 and reduced to 3.67 ± 1.2 after the supplementation

Additionally, an inflammation-induced gut barrier disruption model demonstrated that the supplement supported epithelial barrier integrity. The supplement also showed gut barrier protection support under stress-induced conditions.

Overall, the supplement was well-tolerated and no adverse events were reported from either group. “These results support cRG-I as a safe, low-dose dietary intervention capable of beneficially modulating gut microbiota, immune responses, and barrier function in healthy adults within a short supplementation period,” the researchers concluded.

“This second clinical intervention study confirms gut and immune health benefits of Benicaros® and strengthens the evidence for its additional role in protecting the gut barrier,” added Dr. McKay.

At SupplySide Global, NutriLeads will be presenting a new white paper on gut health that includes results from this study.

References

1. NutriLeads. NutriLeads Showcases New Benicaros® Clinical data and Applications at SupplySide Global 2025. September 18, 2025. https://nutrileads.com/news_events/news/nutrileads-showcases-new-benicaros-clinical-data-and-applications-at-supplyside-global-2025/ (accessed 2025-09-19).
2. Kerezoudi, EN; McKay, S.; Kurt, S.; De Kreek, M.; De Medts, J.; Verstrepen, L.; Ghyselinck, J.; Van Meulebroek, L.; Calame, W.; Mercenier, A.; et al. Carrot Rhamnogalacturonan-I Supplementation Shapes Gut Microbiota and Immune Responses: A Randomised Trial in Healthy Adults. Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2156. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13092156