ADM exec spotlights shifting perceptions around fiber and the gut microbiome

05 May 2020 --- Consumer understanding of the microbiome and the role of fiber, as well as pre-, pro- and postbiotics, has changed considerably in recent years. This is according to Ipek Erdogan-Trinkaus, Vice President of Global Marketing in Health & Wellness at ADM, who tells NutritionInsight why Fibersol dietary fiber ingredients address a range of consumer needs – old and new alike.

“Demographics factor into the opportunity for brands to increase the appeal of their offerings by adding dietary fiber, as intentional fiber consumption often increases with age. However, many younger consumers are also recognizing the various wellness benefits of increasing their intake of functional fiber,” explains Erdogan-Trinkaus.

Consumers today are concerned with approaching their health and wellness goals holistically, including choosing foods and beverages that deliver physical, mental and emotional benefits, states Erdogan-Trinkaus. They are also making the connection that the overall health of their gut microbiome is an essential piece of the larger health and wellness puzzle, driving a growing interest in functional ingredients like fiber, probiotics and prebiotics.

According to Innova Market Insights, there has been a 9 percent average annual growth in launches with a fiber-related claim (Global, 2015-2019). Australasia has been leading the way, with 9 percent of launches featuring a fiber-related claim, in comparison to just 5 percent in both North America and Europe respectively. Cereals and Bakery have both been steaming ahead and are now the leading categories. However, Sports Nutrition is seeing the fastest growth, followed by Confectionery and Baby & Toddlers, notes the market researcher.

There is room for improvement across F&B categories when it comes to brand positioning and consumer education around the various benefits of functional fiber.Addressing consumer confusion
Erdogan-Trinkaus states that there is room for improvement across F&B categories when it comes to brand positioning and consumer education around the various benefits of functional fiber. “While there is consumer desire to get the benefits of fiber and probiotics from real foods, ADM OutsideVoice research found that 33 percent of consumers don’t know which products to turn to for fiber.”

One major space of confusion is distinguishing fiber from prebiotics. While fiber and prebiotics both contribute to gut health, only fiber that can be metabolized by beneficial gut microbes is considered a prebiotic. “Many consumers are aware that fiber is a beneficial nutrient, but confusion around the differing attributes and benefits of pre-, pro- and postbiotics is not uncommon,” she adds.

In the case of Fibersol dietary fiber ingredients, the prebiotics can be metabolized by beneficial gut microbes, assisting in the nourishment of the intestinal flora to maintain a healthy intestinal tract environment. Erdogan-Trinkaus explains that ADM assists product developers in selecting and properly formulating with the best microbiome solution for the particular application and desired finished product positioning.

ADM’s microbiome solutions can target a range of areas including gut, skin and metabolic health, as well as cognitive function, fertility and sports performance. “The human microbiome, which refers to the entire assortment of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea and viruses, has been the focus of intense interest and research in recent years. The number of bacterial organisms hosted within the human body even outnumbers our own human cells. Many in the scientific community have been studying how these microorganisms impact various processes and functions in the body, including the immune system,” she explains.

Increasing awareness for immune health
The microbiome plays a critical role in the development of the immune system, helping to fight infections and maintaining the intestinal barrier. When the microbiome is disturbed, susceptibility to disease increases, she notes. 

There has been a great deal of interest in immunity as the rise of COVID-19 has brought the importance of this space into sharp relief. Last month, Biosearch Life launched a clinical trial examining the effect of its Hereditum Immunactiv K8 product on COVID-19. Meanwhile, businesses in the gut health space, including Probi and Lehvoss Nutrition, have seen a recent boost to their immunity-related products. 

Notably, a recent Chinese study examined probiotics’ potential in preventing secondary bacterial infection, specifically in COVID-19 patients. The researchers speculated that targeting gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic option or at least an adjuvant therapeutic choice.

Dietary fiber is an important tool that product developers can wield to reach modern consumers who are invested in supporting healthy digestion and gut health.Offering a range of solutions
Dietary fiber is an important tool that product developers can wield to reach modern consumers who are invested in supporting healthy digestion and gut health, according to Erdogan-Trinkaus. She details that Fibersol has been shown to help support or maintain intestinal regularity, help relieve occasional constipation, may support gut health and may help nourish the intestinal flora and maintain a healthy intestinal tract environment.

“One of the differentiators of Fibersol is how well it is tolerated in the gut. Many consumers want to experience the benefits of dietary fiber but also associate it with gastric discomfort. Unlike some fiber ingredients, Fibersol is well tolerated. This is because Fibersol is fermented in the colon at a slower rate compared to other soluble fibers such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides, which helps minimize gastric distress,” she explains. 

In 2019, Fibersol was recognized as a low FODMAP ingredient by Monash University, Australia. This designation is reserved for foods and ingredients that have been shown to not aggravate the gut or cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms like intestinal bloating and digestive discomfort. It has also been found to balance the flavor profile and improve acceptability of some proteins, zero-calorie sweeteners and other ingredients that possess harsh bitter notes.

Meanwhile, ADM’s BPL1 functions as a live probiotic and is also functional in a heat-treated postbiotic form. The product enables novel applications across a broad spectrum ranging from foods and beverages to dietary supplements. 

“Heat-treated BPL1 is a unique asset in ADM’s microbiome portfolio because it retains functionality even in a heat-treated state and can be used in virtually all food and beverage applications to deliver healthy weight and metabolic benefits. It is the world’s first postbiotic targeting visceral fat reduction and metabolic health,” says Erdogan-Trinkaus. 

She explains that postbiotics do not contain live microorganisms but feature many of the same added health benefits associated with probiotics and are much more tolerant to heat, making them ideal for use in baked applications as well as pasteurized beverages. “Research supports the efficacy of BPL1 in areas like skin health, metabolic health and reduction of abdominal fat,” concludes Erdogan-Trinkaus.

By Katherine Durrell