GOS for adults: FrieslandCampina unveils sleep-boosting concept with brain health benefits

01 Oct 2020 --- Functional ingredient company FrieslandCampina Ingredients (FCI) has unveiled Biotis SleepWell, its first concept that touts brain health benefits within the company’s Biotis brand.

“We believe that different aspects of brain health including mental well-being, and aspects such as sleep, mood and stress are all linked to each other. Good sleep is vital for health, well-being, performance and recovery,” Vicky Davies, global marketing director of performance, active and medical nutrition at FCI, tells NutritionInsight.

Targeting adults
Chronic lack of sleep contributes to a whole spectrum of health concerns, such as obesity, stress, a weakened immune system and more, she notes. 

The Biotis portfolio is a new era in ingredient science, according to Davies. “We’re excited about the potential of our premium galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). This ingredient has a long-established presence in the infant nutrition space, and now it’s time for adults to experience the benefits of GOS, too,” Davies says.

The ingredient has an established presence in the infant nutrition space, and now it’s time for adults to experience the benefits of GOS, the company says.In the last couple of years, FCI discovered more how some of its ingredients traditionally used in the infant nutrition space can also have positive effects for adults, she details.

“Scientific research reveals more and more positive effects and we aim to make these available for the adult nutrition market so we can actively contribute to solving consumer pains in key areas.” 

In particular, Davies flags that the gut-brain axis is an emerging but “very interesting” field where the company can make a contribution and provide better nutrition for those who need it.

“In June, we launched Biotis Gut Health, the first in the range. Over the next few months, new Biotis health benefit solutions will reveal how GOS can be leveraged in combination with other science-backed ingredients in order to support maternal health, immune health and more,” Davies adds.

Overcoming bedtime hurdles
According to the company, falling asleep is not a simple feat in today’s fast-moving, hectic world. Up to 30 percent of consumers worldwide reporting regular sleep disturbance, an issue exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. 

According to Innova Market Insights data, global supplement launches with an insomnia positioning have seen a CAGR of 22 percent (2015 to 2019). Top subcategories include Botanical/Herbal Supplements and Melatonin, with the fastest-growing being Vitamins/Minerals with a CAGR of 62 percent, for the same period.

Consumers are increasingly demanding natural solutions, seeking to avoid potentially habit-forming pharmaceutical interventions, but often viewing herbal remedies as unreliable, according to FCI. 

This is where Biotis SleepWell can come in to help, the company says. The ingredient is designed to be taken just before bedtime and allows for convenient beverage, shot or powder applications.

Furthermore, it provides the body with the right blend of nutrients to improve sleep quality by supporting falling asleep, sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed.

Research-backed prebiotic
Biotis SleepWell is formulated with Biotis GOS at its core. This prebiotic ingredient has a strong body of research supporting it, demonstrating its ability to influence the balance of microorganisms which make up the human microbiome, the company notes. 

“A healthy gut can support better sleep quality in combination with other stress and sleep related mechanisms. Solutions like Biotis SleepWell should always be considered in combination with improving exercise, sleep hygiene and altered behavior, for example,” Davies explains.

Biotis SleepWell combines Biotis GOS with amino acids such as tryptophan and cysteine, both of which are derived from milk protein. 

Tryptophan supports the production of melatonin, which helps people fall asleep in a natural way, while cysteine works alongside magnesium and vitamin D to help the liver cleanse the body of toxins, so the body can wake up refreshed. 

As such, it offers a natural, non-addictive solution that targets sleep in a holistic way via the gut-brain axis. 

“We continue to believe in and champion the power of science,” highlights Jouke Veldman, head of FCI’s incubator team, where the ingredient was developed. 

“Biotis SleepWell has shown statistically significant improvements in sleep quality, both in several consumer trials and more recently in clinical trials, and there is even more research forthcoming,” Veldman adds. 

Sleep boosting NPD reigns
According to the US National Sleep Foundation, “millions of people” had insomnia before the COVID-19 outbreak. Pandemic-related stresses have now potentially worsened the issue for some.

In light of this, PepsiCo recently launched an enhanced water called Driftwell that uses L-Theanine and magnesium to help consumers relax, de-stress and sleep better. The FMCG giant affirms that its brand aims to drive an essential wellness conversation in North America, conscious that relaxation and dealing with stress is “a lifestyle shift”.

In the same sphere, sleep wellness brand Proper launched a family of four sleep-aid supplements and a personalized coaching app to support US consumers’ slumber. The subscription-based model taps into the growing telehealth market, which has “exploded” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Nightfood launched a line of ice creams that boast a sleep-friendly formulation. Although the products do not contain any sleep activating chemicals such as melatonin, they are touted as not interfering with sleep due to their reduced sugar, caffeine and fat content. 

Science backing sleep-boosting ingredients has also come to the fore. Nutrients such as tryptophan and melatonin consumed through food may have a positive effect on sleep metrics, according to an Australian study. 

By Kristiana Lalou