Deerland spotlights DE111 probiotic opportunities as patent application gets published
06 Jan 2022 --- Deerland Probiots & Enzymes is eying a host of opportunities for its probiotic species Bacillus subtilis, whose patent application has just been published.
It includes Deerland’s strain DE111 and seeks its use for supplements and functional foods, beverages claiming anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that exert health benefits of gastrointestinal regularity, immune support and balancing of the microbiome.
“It is timely, as bowel irregularity is a common occurrence in up to 32.5% of the global population. Furthermore, bowel irregularity and the discomfort it causes increases with age,” Dr. John Deaton, vice president of science and technology at Deerland, tells NutritionInsight.
Last year, the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE11 attained a list of published health claims in relation to its inclusion as a food ingredient under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Code. The move made the item the first of its kind to have food-health-supported claims associated with its use in this geographic market of food products.
Consumers are increasingly concerned with their gut health.
Ample potential
Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming probiotic, which has the ability to protect itself through manufacturing and through digestion. It survives and replicates throughout the small intestine. The US-based company applied for the patent based on more than 30 studies in vitro and human clinical trials carried out on DE111.
The results demonstrated its effects on digestive and immune health in adults and children, highlighting its potential.
“As a component of the human microbiome, Bacillus subtilis may potentially have the ability to promote gastrointestinal health, including helping its host in digestion, making Bacillus subtilis a good candidate for probiotic compositions,” the application says.
The studies were carried out in a span of 30, 60 and 90 days in individuals with bowel irregularity who consumed Bacillus subtilis, all resulting in measurable improvements.
Individuals had at least one 24-hour episode per month of bowel movements measuring one or two on the Bristol Stool Scale. In the Bristol Stool Scale, out of seven types, types one and two are difficult to pass and are indicative of constipation.
Over 30 studies were carried out.
Rising demand
The patent application comes shortly after ADM completed its acquisition of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes in November 2021. The agri-food giant had set its sights on diversifying its health and wellness portfolio.
It had eyed Deerland’s spore probiotics for its offerings in enhanced stability for wider use in both food and beverage and supplement applications, ADM told NutritionInsight at the time.
In line with this, Innova Market Insights crowned “Gut Glory” as its sixth Top Trend for 2022. The market researcher notes that two in three global consumers say gut health is key to achieving holistic well-being.
Currently, demand for probiotics is driven by an increasing interest in digestive health. While its link with gut health has long dominated, industry is seeing an expansion in available opportunities beyond gut health. Last year, key suppliers in the probiotic space told NutritionInsight that functional F&B is still an “unexploited segment” for probiotics.
By Andria Kades
