Functional fusion: Microbiome support formulas merge with protein, vitamins and botanicals

27 Jun 2024 --- Functional ingredients specialists are observing an upward trajectory for microbiome support, bacteriophage tech, high protein content and a consumer pool that takes wellness into their own hands. In the first part of our expose, we speak to FrieslandCampina Ingredients, ADM, Kemin and Kappa Bioscience about these emerging consumer trends.

“We focus on functional ingredients that provide science-backed, high-quality nutrition to people of all ages, lifestyles and nutritional needs. Protein is a cornerstone of our offering,” says Vicky Davies, senior marketing director, performance, active and medical nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

“We prioritize whey, casein and plant proteins because of the high-quality nutrition they offer and their efficacy in supporting muscle recovery and performance.”

Vaughn DuBow, senior director, product portfolio marketing, health and wellness of ADM says microbiome-supporting solutions are critical to the next frontier of health and wellness due to a growing body of research investigating the interconnections between the gut microbiome and wellness. In addition, over half of consumers recognize a link between the function of bacteria in the gut to wider aspects of well-being.

“These functional ingredients, including prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, phages and enzymes, are helping pave the way not only in gut health support but also for immune function, skin health, cognitive health, women’s health and support for leading an active and healthy lifestyle,” he notes. 

Orbiting the gut-brain axis
FrieslandCampina Ingredients prioritizes the gut, brain and immune health, which the company describes as essential to a person’s well-being. “To support consumers who are increasingly looking to support their holistic well-being via the gut, our Biotis GOS range is proven to influence gut microbiota composition, producing beneficial effects on gut health and mental well-being,” says Davies. 

“We launched Biotis Fermentis to better support athletes suffering from gastrointestinal issues. To help consumers support their brain health and up their omega-3 intake — which is low globally — we expanded our portfolio with the new Biotis DHA Flex Powder range.”Functional ingredients for cognition are a burgeoning market which Kemin has invested heavily in (Credit: Kemin).

ADM is expanding its health and wellness library with scientifically vetted microbial strains. New research published in Gut Microbes observed that their probiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) and heat-treated postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (HT-ES1) may support overall gut and digestive health. 

DuBow discloses that bacteriophage technology continues to evolve, boosting the potential of functional offerings. “PreforPro, our next-generation solution created through bacteriophage technology, is a functional solution for powder blends and capsules. When combined with select b. lactic probiotic strains, studies have shown it may support a healthy GI tract.”

Tyler Holstein, global product manager at Kemin, points out that consumers place greater emphasis on ingredient lists, focusing more on natural ingredients and consciously reducing their consumption of “bad” ingredients. 

“Kemin has invested in our botanical ingredients to help meet this demand. Our portfolio of botanical solutions can help support eye, brain, skin, sleep and gut health.”

Kemin’s FloraGlo Lutein, derived from marigold flowers, is known for its beneficial eye health properties, but emerging science on the ingredient shows it supports cognitive health across all life stages. Clinical trials show that supplementation with FloraGlo improves cognitive flexibility, complex attention, reasoning and visual memory. 

Purchasing tri-factor
Lindsay Cole, sales and business development manager, North America, Kappa Bioscience, tells us that consumers prioritize convenience, quality and science when selecting functional products. 

“Individuals are looking for effortless ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, without disrupting their everyday habits or taking a multitude of pills and capsules. The nutrition industry is witnessing the proliferation of convenient formats designed to seamlessly fit into busy schedules.”Kappa Bioscience supports the combination of magnesium, vitamin D2 and vitamin K2 and is now formulating this type of supplement.

“On-the-go solutions, including gummies, ready-to-drink beverages and bars, are ideal for consumption on the way to work or training, providing hassle-free means of nourishment.” 

Brands need to remember that consumers are increasingly doing their own research, scrutinizing product labels to see whether they contain high-quality ingredients that demonstrate the health benefit claims they purport. Cole notes: “Clear and transparent labeling, featuring information about ingredient source, form, dosage and additives, are essential.” 

Prioritizing sensory properties
FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Plantaris pea and fava proteins are extracted using a gentle, chemical-free manufacturing process, which ensures dispersibility, solubility, stability and low dusting for plant-based applications. 

“We’ve created a solution (Biotis Fermentis) that not only offers the benefits of whey protein and prebiotics but enhances their benefits using fermentation. This technique unlocks gut and muscle health benefits, helping athletes feel their best while pushing their limits,” Davies explains.

The company uses GEA Filtermat technology for its Biotis DHA Flex powders, which encapsulate the plant-based DHA oils in a powder matrix with a high level of vitamin C for added immune health benefits. The process protects the DHA from oxidation. 

Convenience is an important driver for time-poor consumers, significantly influencing the use of functional ingredients. “We’re seeing growing demand for functional ingredients that can be consumed quickly as part of a daily routine, such as protein shakes and drinks.”

Neuronutritive effects on the brain
Kemin has invested heavily in cognition through ingredient development and clinical research. Its Neumentix ingredient solution, a natural spearmint extract, is sourced from plants specially grown for its high polyphenol content.

Holstein explains: “These polyphenols offer a natural nootropic for neuro nutritive benefits. These benefits include enhanced focus, attention, short-term memory and improved physical performance without disrupting sleep patterns.”

Kemin offers DailyZz, a clinically researched botanical blend for improved sleep quality and cognitive performance. This blend has demonstrated improved concentration, executive function, mental speed and visual recall. Macu-LZ is their carotenoid solution, supporting better stress responses and brain health.

“FloraGLO Lutein and Macu-LZ are available in both oil and powder forms. FloraGLO Lutein powder form combines superior bioavailability, excellent stability and very low extrusion losses, providing lower overages and smaller tablets.”

The power of protein and plant extractsKemin's product range is designed around botanicals and plant extracts (Credit: Kemin).
ADM supports the diversification of protein by expanding their plant-based ingredients pantry and systems. “Our solutions maximize protein and nutritional content and functionality, all while optimizing the sensory experience,” says DuBow.

“Our extensions to our soy and pea protein portfolios, along with our new and expanded facilities in Serbia, Germany, the Netherlands and the US, support a regional supply of highly functional, non-GMO pea and soy protein solutions,” he says.

The company’s botanical and plant extracts portfolio assists in fortifying foods, beverages and dietary supplements with in-demand vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including acerola powder.

“Our plant-derived vitamin E, Novatol, can also help the potential reduction of oxidative stress. Also supporting healthy aging and longevity is our grape seed extract, which contains high polyphenols and may support metabolic health and diastolic pressure,” DuBow notes. 

Potent ingredient trio
Cole asserts that magnesium, vitamin K2, and vitamin D stand out in the functional F&B space. “To help brands capitalize on the popularity of vitamin K2, vitamin D and magnesium, we’re investigating the potential of combining them.” 

“We’ve recently enhanced the ‘perfect pair’ of vitamin D and vitamin K2Vital Delta by including Albion Minerals’ MetaMag chelated magnesium bisglycinate,” she says.

The company created Vital Trio, a premium chelated formula with superior efficacy that offers overall well-being. The double-coated beadlets allow manufacturers to innovate products for bone, cardiovascular and immune health.

“For manufacturers looking to combine different ingredients, maintaining their absorbability, bioavailability and efficacy can be challenging. This is because the interaction of multiple nutrients and dietary components can impact ingredient absorption, preventing consumers from getting full benefits.”

The sensitive nature of vitamin K2 means environmental factors can compromise its stability in specific formulations. When it’s combined with minerals like calcium or magnesium, it breaks down. 

“We conducted analytical tests on over 267 consumer products across different formats and formulations. Only 16% of them contained at least 90% of the vitamin K2 amount claimed on the label, with many containing no vitamin K2 at all,” Cole notes.

“That’s why we developed K2Vital Delta. Thanks to its double-coated beadlets, it allows brands to create blended solutions using vitamin K2 in tandem with minerals, like magnesium, enabling new formulations that meet label claims.” 

By Inga de Jong