Innovative synbiotics: dsm-firmenich explores opportunities for chronic fatigue-relieving blend

Amid a growing demand for biotics, nutrition companies are exploring the holistic health benefits of synbiotics. These ingredients mix pre-, pro-, or postbiotics in a blend or combine biotics with other ingredients, such as botanicals or human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), for complementary or synergistic effects.

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 6% year-over-year pre-, pro-, and postbiotics growth in product launches from October 2022 to September 2024. A substantial share of these product launches covered digestive or liver health or immunity. 

Recently, a clinical trial found that a dsm-firmenich synbiotic blend could reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in post-COVID-19 patients. Nutrition Insight meets with Health, Nutrition, and Care principal scientist at dsm-firmenich, Dr. Robert Steinert, to examine opportunities based on the study’s findings.

“These new findings offer a compelling springboard for innovation in the growing fatigue support space,” says Steinert. “We’re working closely with our formulation teams to translate this science into viable market-ready concepts.” 

“Importantly, we are already engaging with customers to fine-tune these solutions to align with their specific needs — whether that’s format, dosing, or positioning. The dialogue is underway, and we’re encouraging more partners to join the discussion as we accelerate development.” 

Chronic fatigue syndrome

The clinical trial concluded that daily three-month supplementation with dsm-firmenich’s synbiotic blend could help manage key clinical features of post-COVID-19 CFS. 

This neurological condition is characterized by severe fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, irregularities in brain metabolism, and an inability to recover from exercise. Although the exact causes of CFS are unclear, it can manifest after a viral infection, such as COVID-19, with up to 45% of survivors reporting similar symptoms. 

The blend combines Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 32550, Humiome Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34532, Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269, B. longum DSM 32946, FOS (2.5 g), and zinc (5 mg). 

Steinert comments: “We see exciting opportunities to go beyond this initial combination and explore the potential of other synergistic blends using our broader gut health portfolio — this includes pre-, pro-, and postbiotics from our Humiome range; Humiome B2; Glycare HMOs; and Tolerase enzymes.” 

In the trial, people receiving daily synbiotics showed higher levels of key brain metabolites creatine and choline in particular brain regions.Last year, dsm-firmenich partnered with Lallemand Health Solutions to launch early-life synbiotics that combine HMOs with probiotics for synergistic benefits that support infant health and development. 

“By tapping into the complementary mechanisms of these ingredients, we aim to develop the next generation of microbiome-modulating solutions,” says Steinert. “This approach unlocks enhanced health benefits and offers a powerful path for differentiation in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Microbiome-modulating solutions

Last month, Steinert told us that biotics, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, can confer multiple health benefits by improving gut microbiota balance. 

For example, the company’s Humiome B2 ingredient delivers targeted nutrition through dsm-firmenich’s Microbiome Targeted Technology, nourishing beneficial bacteria for gut barrier integrity, immunity, mental well-being, and metabolic health. 

Meanwhile, research on a dsm-firmenich synbiotic blend finds that it reduces gastrointestinal discomfort, irritability, and anxiety symptoms in autistic children when combined with “gut-directed” hypnotherapy. 

Steinert comments: “This study adds another important piece of evidence demonstrating the benefits of combining different biotics — specifically prebiotics and probiotics — with essential micronutrients like zinc to support microbiome health. Such combinations may help overcome some limitations of single-biotic approaches, such as high inter-individual variability or the need for high dosages.” 

He adds that the work reinforces dsm-firmenich’s commitment to a “holistic gut ecosystem strategy,” which brings together the power of multiple biotics, targeted nutrients, and science to deliver more consistent and meaningful health outcomes. “This is a key differentiator for us in the health from the gut space.”

“We’re actively building out a new science hub to spotlight the latest research coming out of dsm-firmenich — including this study and others currently underway,” concludes Steinert. “It’s part of our long-term vision to make cutting-edge science accessible and actionable for our partners.”