“First-of-its-kind” HMO supplement supports adults’ digestive and immune health
09 Jul 2020 --- Standard Process has revealed GI Stability, a prebiotic wafer containing 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO). Targeting adults, the wholefood supplement also contains Collinsonia root, beet and okra powder, and comes at a time when HMOs are being increasingly investigated for the health of both infants and adults. The company touts its “first-of-it-kind” supplement as being able to provide an immune system boost while stimulating the growth of favorable microbial bacteria.
“HMOs are naturally found in human milk and contribute to the benefits of breast-feeding that are linked to long term development, immune protection and microbial population cultivation. These benefits are not exclusive to infants, though. GI Stability is a great source for targeted prebiotic action that contributes to a healthy microbiome and may provide immune system support,” affirms Standard Process. 
Dr. Weston Bussler, Nutrition Scientist at Standard Process, adds that 2’-FL “pairs nicely” with the beetroot and okra ingredients “as staples of a healthy diet.”
2’-FL “pairs nicely” with the beetroot and okra ingredients “as staples of a healthy diet.” Two wafers contain ten calories, 2 g of carbohydrates, 1,666 mg 2’-FL, 200 mg Collinsonia, and a proprietary blend of 440 mg organic beet and okra. Other ingredients include organic rice concentrate and calcium stearate. The company recommends a single daily serving for long-term use.
HMOs for adults: Opening up the playing field
Various gastrointestinal diseases have been associated with lower levels of bifidobacteria, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease.
“In healthy adults, supplementation of 2’-FL was found to shift the gastrointestinal microbiota and increase the abundance of bifidobacteria. This opens up a viable strategy to counteract dysbiosis related with low bifidobacteria levels,” Stefan Rüdenauer, Global Director of Human Nutrition Research and Development at BASF, shared with NutritionInsight in a previous interview.
As such, health and nutrition companies are now focusing their attention on adults as another potentially promising group of consumers. “Some estimates see a possible annual market valued at as much as US$1 billion. 2’-FL – the most abundant HMO – is the perfect ingredient for supporting the development of a healthy digestive and immune system, during early life and beyond,” Lay Kwan Goh, Head of Global Marketing, BASF Human Nutrition also shared with NutritionInsight.
The cards are in supplement companies’ favor, considering supplement use is on the rise, with more consumers seeking to boost their nutrient intake. Dietary supplements usage in the US has peaked at an “all-time high,” with 77 percent of US adults reporting they consume dietary supplements, according to a Council of Responsible Nutrition 2019 Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements.
By Anni Schleicher
