Balancing the two brains: Innovations and opportunities along the gut-brain axis

06 Jul 2023 --- Multifunctional and science-backed products that boost brain power, enhance cognition and support mental well-being along the gut-brain axis represent a growing trend with opportunities in format, delivery and nutrition categories that span across the lifetime. 

According to Innova Market Insights, F&B and supplement launches with gut-brain axis claims increased 2% over the last five years (2018 to 2022), with claims tracked in the baby and toddler categories growing 66% and brain health claims increasing 83% at the same time.

Additionally, Cognitive support claims in sports nutrition and supplements also increased by 2% from 2018 to 2022 and launches featuring brain-mood health claims grew 37% (CAGR) from 2017 to 2022.

Nutrition Insight sits down with experts and professionals from Roquette, Kerry, Nutiani by Fonterra and TriNutra to better understand the gut-brain axis and the emerging science, innovations, products, markets and opportunities within the space.

“At its most basic level, the gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain,” says Caroline Perreau, research manager for R&D in nutrition and health at Roquette. 

“More specifically, the term refers to the intrinsic connection between the gut microbiota and the central, autonomic and enteric nervous systems, as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) – in short, the gut sends signals to the brain and the brain sends signals to the gut.”

Dr. Mathieu Millette, scientific director of RD&A for ProActive Health at Kerry, emphasizes the gut-brain axis’ interplay between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gut’s own system – called the enteric nervous system – which he highlights has more neurons than the spinal cord.

“It controls organs and muscles and enables the gut to operate semi-independently of the brain,” he says. “The enteric nervous system is connected to the CNS via an information highway known as the vagus nerve, which conveys more information from the gut to the brain than from the brain to the gut. It’s no wonder the gut is often called the ‘second brain’ – it carries just as much information about health, mood and well being as the ‘first’ brain.”

Marshall Fong, the senior global marketing manager for active living at Fonterra, further explains the “bidirectional” communication that occurs along the gastrointestinal tract and the brain.

“It involves a complex network of biochemical signaling pathways, neural connections and the involvement of hormones, neurotransmitters and immune factors,” he elaborates. “The gut-brain axis allows constant communication and coordination between the gut and the brain, facilitating the integration of physiologic functions and behavioral responses. It plays a crucial role in regulating many aspects of human health and well-being.”

The gut-brain axis is central to several bodily functions, such as immunity, digestion, metabolism and satiety.The two brains
Morris Zelkha, the CEO of TriNutra, emphasizes that when considering the gut-brain axis’ links to the immunity and stress pathways, it becomes clear that balancing the entire system is a key to both physical and mental well-being and highlights the potential of botanicals to achieve that balance.

“There is more and more evidence linking the effects of botanical supplementation on the balance between good and bad microorganisms in our gut,” says Zelkha. “These effects on the microbiome are shown to be linked to our mental state, as well as metabolic health, including healthy mitochondrial functions, energy production and recovery of the body from injury and stress – in other words, our overall well-being.”

Perreau agrees, noting that balance along the gut-brain axis is central to several bodily functions, such as immunity, digestion, metabolism and satiety.

“It’s therefore easy to see why the gut-brain axis is critical to our health and well-being on a physiological level, but the connection is made doubly important through its emotional and psychological functions,” she says. 

“Disrupting the link between brain and gut is thought to contribute to the development of anxiety, stress, depression and other mental disorders, along with functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome,” adds Perreau.

According to Fong, the gut-brain axis is not only vital for supporting digestion, immune function or mood, but may also be important in reducing rates of inflammation and neurological conditions. Fong reveals that immune cells in the gut and communication with the brain can help maintain immune system balance and protect against pathogens, while influencing emotional and cognitive functions, including stress responses. 

Moreover, he explains that disruptions in the gut-brain axis are linked to chronic inflammation and diseases, with emerging evidence suggesting a possible role in neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Furthermore, Millette adds that imbalances in the system have been linked to heart health, weight management and even the development of diabetes. He further highlights how probiotics can help bring balance to the microbiome.

Positivity promoting probioticsProbiotic bacteria need to be alive when they reach the gut, says Millette.
Millette reveals that ongoing research is continually shedding light on the microbiota and gut-brain axis’ impact on mental health and cognitive well-being, with some evidence suggesting that certain probiotics can affect the neurotransmitter GABA, which aids in relaxation and anxiety reduction. 

Furthermore, he remarks that the gut is responsible for over 90% of serotonin production – commonly known as the “feel-good hormone” – and gut bacteria could play a role in regulating gut serotonin levels, both directly and indirectly. 

Millette further explains why Kerry’s probiotic offerings, including BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) and Sporevia (Bacillus subtilis MB40), which have undergone extensive research due to their recognized benefits for gut health, are ideal for gut-brain axis balancing formulations.

“Probiotic bacteria need to be alive when they reach the gut,” he says. “Spore-forming probiotics such as BC30 and Sporevia are naturally hardy, with a protective outer layer that enables them to survive most manufacturing processes and the high acid levels in the stomach.” 

“The beauty of these types of probiotics is that they can be incorporated into a wide range of foods and beverages, including teas and coffee, juices and smoothies, snacks, dips, spreads, baked goods, frozen foods, gummies and confectionery, making them convenient choices as part of a healthy lifestyle approach.”

Science-backed benefits
Nutiani highlights the extensive scientific research surrounding two of its probiotic offerings.

“Nutiani offers clinically-tested solutions to deliver the benefits consumers expect and also that we are expanding those benefits to cover consumers’ biggest concerns,” Fong says. “Our widely-used probiotic strains, Nutiani HN019 and Nutiani HN001, are two of the most extensively studied probiotic strains in humans, with 17 trials in digestive health and 45 trials in immune health, and entered the market decades ago.”

“In addition to the 28 clinical studies supporting the value of Nutiani HN001 in digestive and immune health, a recent, 60-day study showed that consumers who took HN001 experienced greater happiness, as assessed by the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. We are currently validating those results in a larger randomized controlled trial.”

Nutiani highlights the extensive scientific research surrounding two of its probiotic offerings.He further highlights that HN001 and HN019 can be utilized independently or in conjunction with other probiotic strains and dietary components and states that Nutiani can provide customers with advice regarding the recommended doses that have been clinically validated to provide various health advantages. Additionally, the brand assists in assessing compatibility with other ingredients in terms of manufacturing procedures and shelf stability.

Perfecting prebiotics
As part of its extensive functional ingredients portfolio, Roquette spotlights its prebiotic offering Nutriose – a soluble fiber – which preclinical and clinical evidence suggests may support the gut-brain axis. 

Perreau explains that the non-viscous prebiotic fiber derived from non-GMO wheat or corn has been shown to reach the colon at 75% of the initial intake, meaning the vast majority is able to be fermented to support a healthy gut microbiota. 

“The slow and prolonged fermentation profile exhibited by Nutriose explains its excellent digestive tolerance,” she says. “During colonic fermentation, this soluble fiber helps produce the beneficial metabolites that support gut health – and potentially the gut-brain axis – delivering a range of positive health outcomes for consumers.” 

She further reveals that in several studies, Nutriose was demonstrated to confer beneficial effects on subject satiety, blood glucose management and sustained energy release, with these physiological effects thought to be linked with its capacity for microbiota modulation.

“A recent clinical study found that Nutriose may support the gut-brain axis through the improvement of sleep quality in Type 2 diabetic women through its effect on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. Its beneficial effect on sleep quality, and subsequently, quality of life, could be due to the related improvement in blood glucose consistency and decrease of metabolic endotoxemia and inflammation also observed during the study,” she adds.

“The metabolites, cytokines and hormones produced by the microbiota during supplementation with Nutriose are thought to inhibit the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, impacting the overall gut-brain axis.”

Brain boosting botanicals
TriNutra emphasizes the role of astaxanthin and omega 3s role in the gut-brain-immune axes, noting that In multiple placebo-controlled clinical studies on ThymoQuin – a synergistic combination of the two ingredients – participants showed significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs), such as cough, sore throat and sinus congestion and reported better overall well-being with lower stress levels and increased energy.

Additionally, the product has been found to lower the stress hormone cortisol and promote microbiome diversity. 

“ThymoQuin is a full spectrum black seed oil with higher potency, purity and bioavailability than other black seed oils on the market due to its optimal growing conditions, selective breeding varieties and a proprietary cold-press extraction process,” says Zelkha. 

“These results suggest that ThymoQuin may improve immune system vigilance, reduce stress and improve overall well-being following the stress of endurance training as an example.” 

“TriNutra is currently the only black seed oil meeting USP monograph standards,” he concludes. It also received a US patent for a ThymoQuin and omega 3 composition and a European composition patent for the stability and bioavailability of its black seed oil.”

By William Bradford Nichols