Deep dive on digestives II: Gut-brain axis, healthy aging and prebiotic fibers

22 Dec 2022 --- Interest in science-based and trial-tested digestives is permeating the gut health space. Numerous studies support the links between the gut, mental health, mood and various other health-related segments. Moreover, discoveries showing how digestives aid in healthy aging have also helped drive innovation in the space. 

In the second of our two-part Special Report on digestives, NutritionInsight speaks with industry experts from Sensus, Kerry and ADM about old and new digestives and their health-associated benefits and possible future advancements.

Sensus’ 2022 Consumer Survey showed that one in five respondents in the US have an increased interest in mental health improvement and 25% of all respondents believe that prebiotics could improve mood.

Chicory root provides inulin and oligofructose, which have been shown to increase Bifidobacteria in the microbiome.Dr. Veerle Dam, health science and regulatory affairs specialist at the company, explains that these consumer opinions coincide with a growing library of research linking a balanced microbiome with positive mood, cognition and sleep.

“The increased interest in mental health is a trend that we follow closely as well,” says Dam. “Dietary fiber, in particular soluble dietary fiber like chicory inulin and oligofructose, contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.”

Mental health from the gut
Experts at Kerry state that as a result of demographic changes brought on by an aging population, the increased prevalence of digestive disorders and the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers worldwide have made significant moves toward more proactive health and wellness approaches.

John Quilter, VP of global portfolio – proactive health at Kerry, discussed the results of the company’s most recent survey, which included the responses of 13,000 people from 16 countries.

“Our latest Global Consumer Survey found that almost half of respondents worldwide were aware of probiotics, compared to 42% in 2019,” says Quilter.

“Furthermore, one in four consumers had used a product containing probiotics in the previous six months, up from one in five in 2019, while 44% would consider using probiotics, compared to 40% in 2019.”

June Lin, global VP of marketing – health and wellness at ADM, further underscores the importance of the gut-brain axis and remarks upon the growing body of evidence supporting the link.

“A recent study at the University of Oxford examined changes in psychological processing and measurements of low mood using the 14-strain Bio-Kult formulation,” says Lin. “Microbiome research and supplement solutions for this axis is an emerging area of exploration, but this preliminary research points to a link between specific microorganisms – the gut and the brain.”

Focus on prebiotic fiberAcacia can help create a healthy microbiome with fewer side effects than some prebiotics.
Lin at ADM says that there cannot even be a discussion on functional digestives without talking about fiber, as dietary fiber concerns are a continuing trend among consumers and are often the main ingredient consumers are interested in for weight management, digestion and overall health.

“To address these demands, ADM/Matsutani created Fibersol,” says Lin. “Backed by over 30 years of research, Fibersol demonstrates promoting the growth of gut microbes that have been positively associated with health and, at 3.75 g per serving, a clinical study shows Fibersol may help nourish the intestinal flora and support the intestinal tract environment.”

“Studies also show that Fibersol is well-tolerated at up to 68 g per day, and because it ferments slower in the large intestine, it causes less gastric discomfort compared to dietary fibers that ferment more rapidly.”

Kerry emphasizes the importance of acacia as a sustainable prebiotic fiber with numerous health benefits, noting that it does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort like some prebiotic fibers that can cause bloating and gas production in some people.

The company states that its acacia fiber-based Emugold has been shown in clinical studies to have no uncomfortable side effects, even at doses of up to 40 g daily.

“Clinical studies carried out on Emulgold, the acacia fiber from Kerry, have shown acacia fiber promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the human digestive system leading to a significant increase in Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli,” Quilter affirms.

Additionally, he notes that acacia is a natural, consumer-friendly, clean-label and notably sustainable ingredient.

“Emulgold is produced using natural resin from the acacia tree, endemic in the Sahel region of Africa,” Quilter highlights. “Local farmers, who harvest the gum by hand every season in a sustainable manner that does not damage tree formation, often do so as a form of secondary revenue, making it a critical income generator within vulnerable communities.”

He continues: “Importantly, acacia trees benefit the environment by combating desertification, as they are regarded as nitrogen-fixing legume powerhouses that help in balancing soil nutrients and enhancing soil fertility. They also improve water filtration and lower evaporation by reducing wind speed, leading to more efficient use of water and fertilizer.”

Shaping the probiotic spaceADM states that Fibersol has been studied for over 30 years and shown to increase healthy gut microbes.
According to Dam, Sensus’ survey also shows that consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of fiber for a balanced microbiome, yet, he reveals that 86% of respondents do not actually know the recommended daily intake amounts for fiber and 52% said they do not think they get enough in their diets.

Additionally, Dam states that one in four respondents said they want to improve their digestive health and 60% make healthy food choices to address their health concerns and reiterates the importance of the increased interest in mental health.

“Sensus sells plant-based fibers from the chicory root – inulin and oligofructose – and these dietary fibers are part of a healthy, well-balanced diet and contribute to a good digestion and increased satiety,” she underscores. “Chicory inulin and oligofructose reach the human colon intact where Bifidobacteria ferment them as an energy source to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the Bifidobacteria grow in number while doing so.”

“This selective fermentation by Bifidobacteria, called the ‘bifidogenic effect,’ is key to several health benefits because SCFAs are absorbed by the body and play a role in gut health and immunity,” Dam continues. “In fact, a European Food Safety Authority health claim is approved for chicory inulin as it contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.”

Dam concludes by emphasizing the versatility of chicory inulin and oligofructose, noting that they can be used in various applications such as confectionery, dairy and bakery products to help customers meet consumer demands.

Quilter agrees, stating: “This is driving demand for functional ingredients that provide a gut-health solution, so we foresee probiotics becoming more commonly used in everyday foods – beyond the typical yogurt and yogurt-based drinks and into categories such as juices, hot beverages and breakfast and protein bars.”

Lin states that ADM will continue to build off the primary trends in the digestive space.

In Part One of our Special Report on digestives, NutritionInsight spoke with industry experts from Nutiani, Bioiberica S.A.U. and AB-Biotics about how growing consumer knowledge around digestives is spawning innovations in ingredients and applications.

By William Bradford Nichols