Beyond the gut: Biotics market expands to holistic health and immunity boosts

01 Aug 2023 --- The world of biotics is kicking into the next gear as companies begin to venture beyond the microbiome and gut toward “synergistic effects” that enhance immunity, cognitive function and reduce stress. Nutrition Insight delves into the latest R&D and innovation in the category with industry players Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, Fonterra and AB-Biotics.

“At first glance, pre- and postbiotics seem ideal for gut health applications, but ongoing research indicates that benefits that begin in the gut may extend to other areas of the body such as the brain, liver and skin,” says Thomas Tompkins, Ph.D., health ingredients research and innovation director at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients.

Mannooligosaccharides (MOS) has been shown to increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production, which has immunomodulatory benefits. Consumption of MOS may result in improved immune strength.

“The R0187 in Gastro-AD has been shown to increase antibody production and anti-inflammatory activity. While these benefits directly affect gut health by reducing inflammation and pain, the indirect benefits may include increased peace of mind and other mental health benefits.”

According to Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, fermented grains and bioactive peptide generation using directed fermentation is the next frontier of biotics.

Galacto-oligosaccharides and immunity
The keystone product in FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ biotics portfolio is Biotis GOS, a dairy-derived galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic ingredient. FrieslandCampina has positioned its Biotis portfolio to support key consumer concerns around digestion, immunity and mental well-being.

“In 2022, we took Biotis to new heights with the launch of Biotis GOS-OP High-Purity, which has a GOS content of over 90%. This high-purity ingredient is effective in doses as low as 2 g. It can deliver the same health benefits in more compact formulations,” says Sophie Zillinger Molenaar, global marketing lead, Biotis at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.Pre, pro and postbiotics are combined to create products that support athletic performance. 

Biotis has specifically been selected to target gut, brain and immune health. The recently developed Biotis Fermentis, which targets the “gut-muscle axis,” combines whey protein, prebiotics, probiotics and ferments to offer support during athletic performance and holistic health effects.

“In addition, our formulation experts have combined unique combinations of bioactive proteins and prebiotic ingredients that target sleep, mood, immunity and more,” explains Molenaar.

Biotis GOS positively influences the gut microbiota producing beneficial effects on gut health and mental well-being. 

“It is a versatile solution that could help the 67% of consumers looking to improve their digestive and immune health. It is also a long shelf life ingredient with a neutral to slightly sweet flavor that is easy to incorporate into all kinds of formats, such as yogurts, bars, shots and waters,” notes Molenaar.

The company says its Biotis SleepWell formulation of prebiotics and proteins helps with falling asleep, sleeping through the night and waking up fresh. The immune health range unlocks the antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory benefits of bioactive proteins and prebiotic ingredients to support immunity.

Pursuing synergistic effects
Due to increasing awareness of postbiotics, Fonterra is evaluating opportunities to demonstrate the potential synergistic benefits of combining pre, pro and post-biotics. 

“Personalized nutrition and health continue to be areas of interest, and we’ve participated in exploratory projects to incorporate personalized diagnostics to better inform optimal nutrition,” says Marshall Fong, senior global marketing manager, active living at Fonterra.

The company’s biotic portfolio comprises the Nutiani HN001, HN019 and HN301 probiotic strains and Nutiani lactoferrin.

Clinical trials demonstrate that Nutiani HN001 may enhance the immune system, protect against infections, improve atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms in infants and children, protect against postpartum depression and help with gestational diabetes.

Nutiani improves gastrointestinal symptoms and helps with infants’ respiratory infections and oral health. Nutiani HN301 reduces symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis in adults.

Clinical research shows that lactoferrin may improve iron absorption and iron deficiency and the associated consequences that stem from poorly absorbed iron which makes the lower digestive tract more hospitable to pathogenic bacteria, such as infections.Functional foods in convenient formats are ideal for consumers with an active lifestyle.

“Building on dozens of clinical trials in different aspects of digestive and immune health, we are active in new clinical research in various areas of mental well-being, skin health and perinatal concerns,” explains Fong.

Strains based on phenotypes
AB-Biotics selects their strains based on its phenotypic characteristics and potential health benefits across various therapeutic areas.

It includes probiotic strains that are linked to immune function modulation – Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABPTM 033, Pediococcus acidilactici KABPTM 021, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABPTM 022 and Lactobacillus plantarum KABPTM 023.

“The strain mix has several well-identified roles, initiating a specific immune response after a viral infection or reinforcing the intestinal barrier to promote a healthy gut environment. It is a natural solution that has been shown to boost antibody levels against the SARS-CoV2 virus, clearing the lungs from inflammatory infiltrates,” says Miquel Angel Bonachera, co-founder and executive director at AB-Biotics.

The AB21 strain was created during COVID-19 to help minimize symptoms such as fever, headaches and coughs in patients suffering from the viral infection.

AB21 is validated through a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, and the insights gained in studies characterized that its “mechanism of action” can be valuable for other viral infections. 

Manipulating microbiota
The market for solutions that support mental well-being proliferates as social taboos about the issue fade away. FrieslandCampina Ingredients is tapping into this trend with biotics for sleep, mood, mental focus, clarity and agility.

“As technology advances at an astonishing rate, it will soon be able to help us unlock many more holistic health benefits of the microbiota. An example of this progress is the use of microbiome sequencing, a complex process that decodes the genetic material of the gut microbiome,” explains Molenaar.

“This cutting-edge tool has already shed light on the diversity of our gut microbiome makeup. Scientists are looking at using this sequencing technique to manipulate the gut microbiota to help improve health and patient outcomes.”

FrieslandCampina Ingredients is innovating with the “protein plus” trend – a growing consumer interest in protein products that offer multiple or combined benefits. “We have combined our formulation and technical expertise to create Biotis Fermentis, a solution supporting athletes. 

It combines traditional protein products with the added benefit of gut health ingredients and fermentation to help athletes with gastrointestinal issues and activates the gut-muscle axis,” says Molenaar. 

AB-Biotics is exploring postbiotics for weight management with their LipiGO tool, an approved medical device. It can be used in claims within the EU, such as treatment of Type I obesity and overweight, reduction of the rebound effect after a diet and the absorption of calories from dietary fat.   

“A polysaccharide-rich hydrolysate containing a completely natural extract from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BGCC), the byproduct of which can bind saturated fats, acting in the gut to reduce fat absorption and ensuring safe weight loss,” explains Bonachera.Personalized nutrition is another priority in the biotics domain.

The company conducted studies about Latilactobacillus sakei probio 65, which can reduce symptoms of dry eye disease. In the form of drops, the strain has an anti-inflammatory effect on the ocular surface by decreasing cytokine levels. 

“We are commercially marketing the strain as AB-Protears, an eye drop product responding to the demand for a novel, safe and proven alternative,” says Bonachera.  

Giving consumers the convenience they crave
In an environment where consumers seek healthy solutions that are convenient and easy to grab on the go, functional foods fulfill the need.

“We see fermented foods with clinically tested probiotics as a particularly sought-after category. This includes fermented dairy, such as yogurt,” notes Bonachera.

“Consumers want health-boosting products that can be easily incorporated into their daily diets, and are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of digestive health.”

Fermented dairy brings a myriad of beneficial bacteria to the gut, with certain strains linked to reduced gastrointestinal issues. “Functional food is a convenient way for consumers to receive their desired nutrition, and with consumers proactively looking after their health more than ever, it’s no surprise that functional foods are in the spotlight,” he says.  

“Beverages are also a category to watch,” Bonachera states. A third of consumers who participated in research conducted by the International Food Information Council said they look for probiotics in wellness drinks. 

“Consumers want on-the-go products that benefit their health. We believe that probiotic beverages could become something for manufacturers to consider as innovation to boost product convenience continues to grow,” explains Bonachera.

By Inga de Jong