FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis SleepWell improves sleep quality, study finds

29 Jul 2021 --- FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis SleepWell concept – a formula of dairy protein-derived amino acids tryptophan and cysteine, vitamins and Biotis GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) – reduced stress and provided a better night’s sleep in a new study of healthy adults.

“The study is a first of its kind and supports the industry in finding solutions for global consumer issues. For example, 53 percent of consumers indicate they suffer from disrupted sleeping patterns globally, and 40 percent find it difficult to get to sleep once in bed,” Linda Peek, senior marketing manager of Biotis at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, tells NutritionInsight.

“We also know sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive performance, and a lack of sleep is associated with serious health problems.”

After taking Biotis SleepWell for 21 days, the participants showed a reduction in morning cortisol levels, the fight or flight hormone associated with stress. Biotis SleepWell also stimulated Bifidobacterium production, which is related to improvements in stress and sleep quality.Psychobiotics such as Biotis SleepWell may help to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality.

The ingredient is the latest in the functional ingredients supplier’s Biotis line, which also tackles areas of immunity and stress.

Biotis SleepWell in focus
The randomized study had two intervention periods of three weeks each. During the intervention periods, 70 adults aged between 30 to 50 years suffering from moderate sleep disturbances received a daily dose of Biotis SleepWell one hour before sleeping.

The participants then completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire to measure sleep quality. Cortisol levels were measured through five saliva samples. In addition, microbiota analysis was carried out in the first intervention period and after three weeks of intervention.

The study was carried out in close collaboration from the research organization NIZO.

Sleep quality and gut-brain axis
The role of the microbiome on overall health is interesting, notes Peek.

“We see an untapped potential in the gut, which is linked to all kinds of other health benefits. The most interesting finding to us is the possible link between the gut microbiota composition and sleep quality. This potentially tells us something about the gut-brain axis or the sleep-gut axis.”

Pandemic drives functional F&B
Consumers are more interested than ever in the role of food and its impact on their overall health. Well-being is generally recognized as a critical component of overall health, Peek comments.Microbiota analysis showed that participants taking Biotis SleepWell had improved gut health, which has been linked to improved sleep quality.

“Functional food and drinks will continue to be increasingly important in people’s overall well-being, and more research needs to be done to truly substantiate the claims made.”

“We also see a trend in the increasing number of functional food and drinks available on the market.”

This is echoed by Innova Market Insights data, which reveals an increase in beverages that target immune health and the mood-related sector, focusing on calmness and alertness. Additionally, the rise of functional beverages is linked to the pandemic, with more consumers looking for ways to support their health.

Two US surveys previously found that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on consumer supplementation, stress levels, sleep quality and overall well-being.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 has put more emphasis on consumers’ mental health and well-being, reflected in a rise in brain-boosting ingredients.

By Nicole Kerr