Elevating brain health with Fonterra’s breakthrough probiotic and phospholipid solutions

03 Apr 2024 --- The cognition-boosting health ingredients space is experiencing significant growth and Innova Markets Insights’ data suggests a 6% annual increase in related product launches from 2019 to 2023. To better understand some of the innovations driving the market expansion, we sit down with Fonterra to discuss its ingredients and innovations and how they speak to emerging consumer demands.

According to Fonterra, its cognitive support ingredients are scientifically validated. Additionally, the company states that insights from its own Nutiani research reveal that most consumers give precedence to scientifically-backed ingredients.

“Nutiani sets itself apart through our extensively studied probiotic strains, HN019 and HN001,” Peyton Rudy, Fonterra’s marketing manager for advanced nutrition, tells Nutrition Insight. “These strains have been subject to 17 trials in digestive health and 45 trials in immune health, demonstrating their efficacy and safety.”

“Moreover, they have been in the market for decades, affirming their reliability and trustworthiness. Our goal is to continue to provide clinically-researched, cost-effective solutions for mood, stress, mental resilience and sleep that can be incorporated into the most desired dietary supplement and food and beverage applications.”

Proving phospholipids’ efficacy
The company says its supplements are enhanced by natural phospholipids, sourced from premium milk and non-GMO origins. The phospholipids closely emulate the variety present in the human brain, boosting their effectiveness.

Peyton notes that Fonterra’s phospholipids have been clinically proven to help manage the effects of stress, improve abilities to stay focused and positive and aid muscle recovery and gains.

The Empower study found a statistically significant 45% reduction in mean stress scores, compared to 21% in the placebo group, proving an effective link between supplementing with broad-spectrum phospholipids from milk fat globule membranes and participants’ stress responses.

Recent research also shows phospholipid supplementation can enhance stress resilience and mood. One study found improved reaction times under stress after consuming phospholipids. Another linked phosphatidylserine with reduced stress feelings, a more relaxed mood and decreased cortisol release.

“We’re excited about new clinical evidence building behind our probiotic strains that promise benefits beyond what they are currently known to provide, in addition to the 28 clinical studies supporting the value of Nutiani HN001 in digestive and immune health,” Peyton reveals. “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. Another study of 423 women found that those taking HN001 had 1/30th the risk of developing postnatal depression than those taking a placebo and a smaller study of 33 people with prediabetes showed a significant improvement in mental wellness when supplemented with HN001, as assessed by a Short Form 12 questionnaire.”

Concept testing
Peyton points out that customers are looking for multifunctional products and the industry is responding by developing ingredients and formulas that cater to this demand. She states that Fonterra accomplishes this through initiatives like the Fonterra Athlete Incubator Project. Peyton says the company can continuously explore opportunities for performance nutrition for athletes and active lifestyles.

In October 2021, Fonterra launched the Athlete Incubator Project to explore emerging trends and opportunities in performance nutrition. The project revealed a high interest in a dual-purpose brain and body powder, combining whey protein for enhancing muscle health and strength with phospholipids to improve focus, cognition and stress management.

“One notable finding from this project was the success of our brain and body powder, which incorporates whey protein for muscle health and strength along with phospholipids for focus, cognition and stress, catering to the needs of different age groups and demographics,” Peyton explains. 

“Nutiani phospholipids — adaptable across various formats such as ready-to-drinks (RTDs), baked snacks, bars and even ice creams — serve as a neutral ingredient with two distinct specifications to accommodate diverse formulas and formats. Our consumer-tested concepts, like the phospholipid latte, demonstrate the versatility of this ingredient. Additionally, our combination of protein and evidence backed probiotics addresses over 60% of global consumers’ needs for managing muscle and digestive health in one multifunctional solution.”

Versatile probiotic strains
Peyton highlights that Fonterra’s Nutiani-branded HN001 and HN019 probiotic strains are among the most widely researched and utilized in the market, offering flexibility in how customers can incorporate the ingredients into products.

She further reveals that customers can add these strains to various dietary supplements and food and beverage items, including capsules, powders, tablets, liquid forms and a range of edible products such as yogurt, chocolate, cheese, bars, frozen treats, cereals and milks.

“Milk phospholipids can be incorporated into various RTD and ready-to-mix formulations as well as into food applications suitable for other dairy ingredients like whey protein concentrate,” says Peyton. “We do our best to formulate solutions that can be tailored to a variety of diets.”

“It is important to note that our phospholipids are dairy-derived, so they may not be suitable for all consumers. Our milk phospholipids have a clean and neutral taste and are non-GMO, halal and kosher upon request,” she concludes.

By William Bradford Nichols