Anlit brings shelf-stable probiotic bites to market

16 Oct 2019 --- Supplement developer and manufacturer Anlit has added long-life probiotic (LLP) bites to its family-oriented portfolio. The company’s LLP technology stabilizes a range of probiotic strains to preserve live bacteria in ambient conditions, which has been a major industry challenge. Three of these strains have now been incorporated into chewable bites that are touted as being fun and flavorful. The strains have been adapted to new formulations that target gut health, women’s health and immune function.

“LLP technology is already available in Asia Pacific as we work with a leading pharma company in Korea, Eastern Europe and the US. Our plans for the next stage are to expand our partners in the US and Western Europe,” David Gabbay, Marketing Manager and VP of Sales for Anlit, tells NutritionInsight.

The technology overcomes the common challenges of maintaining stability and extending the shelf-life of inherently sensitive probiotic microorganisms, which only survive under specific conditions. LLP offers a solution for keeping probiotics at their full performance capabilities for up to 24 months at room temperature. “Our R&D team identified and isolated the potential barriers to probiotic stability, then deployed precise temperature and humidity controls to overcome those barriers,” continues Gabbay.

The proprietary technology also promotes the strain’s optimum dispersion in an anhydrous, oil-based matrix. This mechanism allows the probiotics to be delivered in a food format in concentrated supplemental dosages. 

“LLP technology in Vita Bites dosage form was developed over a number of years and was launched early this year. The technology combines unique products in the manufacturing process and its packaging together with high tasting and clean-labeled products,” he adds. 

The company highlights that the bites meet the rapidly growing consumer demand for alternatives to the standard capsules, tablets and softgel applications. “As the use of dietary supplements increases globally, especially regular use of several nutritional supplements per day, customers are looking for more convenient and accessible forms of use than tablets. This ‘pill fatigue’ characterizes the entire population and especially children, pregnant women and older population,” details Gabbay. 

Available in the bites, Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the main colonizers of the human intestinal microbiome throughout the life span and has a key role in boosting immunity. Meanwhile, bites containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus-GG could help promote better gut function and relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. 

Differentiation of components and doses is required when it comes to providing some supplements for men and women.A variety is also available with Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is associated with women’s gynecological health and preventing infections. “Anlit has developed a unique probiotic combination for fungal and microbial intimate health conditions. The probiotic strains are adapted to the vaginal health conditions,” explains Gabbay.

Additionally, differentiation of components and doses is required when it comes to providing some supplements for men and women. “Until recently, there has been a tendency to tailor nutritionals more generically with a lesser focus on gender differences,” Gabbay said last month.

The bites are available in flavors including chocolate, vanilla and fruit. They are available in both dairy and vegan (coconut-based) formats and are produced using natural colors and flavors. They are certified kosher and halal. Added prebiotic support comes from being merged with natural inulin fiber from native chicory. 

Gabbay highlights that there are very few solutions currently for chewy probiotics that also maintain the stability of the bacteria for extended periods. “We believe the LLP products, such as capsules and sachets, will be one of the new dosage forms for probiotic strains,” he adds. Anlit has also developed a similar product for omega 3 supplementation. 

In light of ongoing research, the company plans to develop more probiotic condition-specific products. The company has three more on the way, including Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei. These strains are in response to growing demands for new application forms with high stability conditions.

“These flavorful probiotic bites are just the beginning,” concludes Gabbay. “Anlit will be expanding the usage of LLP to a range of probiotic strains and formulations consisting of one or multiple strains. They will also be used in synergistic combinations with other food supplement ingredients.”

Earlier this year, the company also launched its Feminine Probiotic chewable supplement, which contains cranberry extract and six different strains of beneficial live probiotic bacteria that work synergistically to support genitourinary tract health. 

By Katherine Durrell