ADM’s DE111 gut health probiotic to enter Chinese market following health commission approval

24 Apr 2024 --- US-based ADM’s DE111 (Bacillus subtilis) probiotic targeting gut health has been approved by China’s National Health Commission after meeting the necessary quality and safety requirements. 

“DE111 is a spore-forming probiotic, which sets it apart from conventional probiotics due to its robustness and ability to retain functionality in tough formulation environments,” Dieter Neumann, VP of global spores, enzymes and phages at ADM and head of ADM Deerland, tells Nutrition Insight. 

He highlights that ADM works closely with its customers to share the research behind all of its science-backed solutions, including for DE111, which brands can then share with their target audiences. 

“Our consumer surveys show that over half of Chinese consumers are interested in more information about improving digestive health, making it crucial that health and wellness brands use this information to capture and hold discerning, ‘wellness-minded consumers’ attention.”

Scientific research 
Neumann asserts that several scientific studies confirm the safety and efficacy of DE111, including peer-reviewed trials published in Food and Nutrition Sciences, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Sports (Basel) and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 

“These studies demonstrate that DE111 supports various areas of well-being, including digestive health and healthy immune function, in addition to results examining off-season training of collegiate athletes showing a decrease in circulating TNF-α (an inflammatory cell-signaling molecule linked to cell death) in males and decreased body fat percentage in females,” he outlines. 

“The results point to DE111’s versatility and range for meeting consumers’ wellness goals, providing a flexible solution that manufacturers can rely on as markets, including the Chinese market, evolve and expand.”

Discussing what sets DE111 apart from other probiotics in terms of its functionality and effectiveness in supporting digestive health and immune function, Neumann points out that DE111 does not require refrigeration and can withstand high temperatures often associated with food and beverage formulations — “maintaining viability through a wide pH range.”

DE111 extends the opportunities Chinese consumers have when addressing their individual health and wellness goals.“These characteristics make DE111 an excellent solution for gummy dietary supplements while also opening doors for probiotic incorporation into additional applications, including nutrition bars, snack clusters, ready-to-drink beverages and more.”

To illustrate this, he points to a human clinical study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, which shows that DE111 can survive the stomach and germinate in the small intestine. 

With a substantial part of the immune system residing in the small intestine and nutrient absorption occurring there, this feat points to the potential for DE111 to support the development of more functional applications for immune function and digestive health.

Upcoming opportunities
The ADM VP provides further insights about the significance of DE111 being the “first and only” Bacillus subtilis food ingredient approved for the Chinese market.

“As a spore-forming probiotic strain, the availability of DE111 in the Chinese market supports even greater innovation advancements for both probiotic supplementation in dietary supplement formats, in addition to functional foods and beverages,” Neumann explains. 

“This extends the opportunities Chinese consumers have when addressing their individual health and wellness goals with formats that fit into their everyday routines and lifestyles.”

In a recent interview with us, Paula Limena, VP of health and wellness global marketing at ADM, pointed to the company’s biotic solutions as a way to tap into the well-established connection between gut health and overall well-being.

Regarding ADM’s future research or development initiatives to expand the application or efficacy of DE111, Neuman states: “We are dedicated to building upon our extensive library of science-backed gut microbiome-supporting solutions, including with opportunities to further study areas where DE111 may be able to provide support.”

“Additionally, we believe that consumers in all regions around the world should have access to the wellness support they need. We are currently working with other government authorities and approval processes to bring DE111 to more markets, such as Australia.” 

By Milana Nikolova