The gut as route to whole-body wellness with biotics and fiber

Gut health solutions are no longer just about solving digestion issues. With the rise of microbiome science, consumer knowledge is growing, and so are demands for targeted solutions for overall well-being.

Nutrition Insight speaks to ADM, Beneo, dsm-firmenich, and Kaneka Probiotics to learn about biotics for metabolic health, fiber innovations, mood and cognition boosters, and whole-body wellness. 

Vaughn DuBow, senior director, Product Portfolio Marketing, Health & Wellness, ADM, says the gut-brain axis has brought transformative insights into signaling pathways that influence overall health.

“Specifically, the newest addition to our health and wellness portfolio, Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 postbiotic, addresses demand for stress, mood support, and sleep quality. Studies show that L. gasseri CP2305 may support emotional well-being, reduce stress, improve sleep efficiency, reduce time to fall asleep/sleep latency, promote healthy overall sleep quality, and improve total sleep duration.” 

“Exploratory research also suggests supplementing one’s diet with L. gasseri CP2305 may be associated with sleep efficiency, duration, and time to fall asleep based on validated questionnaires, while two trials supported the data using objective measures (electroencephalograph).”

Additionally, DuBow highlights a study from last year on ADM’s Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) probiotic and postbiotic, which supported digestive and gut health. For metabolic health, he highlights the BPL1 (B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145).

“Emerging and in vitro evidence also suggests that BPL1, in combination with diet and exercise, may help support weight management, a healthy body mass index (BMI), and metabolic health pathways.”

DuBow states that postbiotics, lacking live microbes, withstand harsh manufacturing conditions such as high heat. ADM’s ES1 and BPL1 probiotics can be heat-treated to become postbiotics.

Sonja Kleinke, associate director of Global Marketing in Dietary Supplements at dsm-firmenich.He adds that studies have shown that ADM’s spore-forming probiotic, DE111 (Bacillus subtilis), supports digestive health and immune function. It can survive stomach acid and germinate in the small intestine, maintaining functionality in harsh environments like postbiotics.

Entering mainstream wellness

Sonja Kleinke, associate director of Global Marketing in Dietary Supplements at dsm-firmenich says that consumers are increasingly seeking to optimize their health goals, like immunity, over addressing specific digestive problems, which mirrors the cultural shift in embracing the gut-brain axis.

“Consumers are seeking more sophisticated solutions that acknowledge the gut’s complexity and expect advanced formulations that support the entire gut ecosystem to deliver comprehensive benefits.” 

“We’re responding with innovative next-generation biotic solutions like Humiome Post LB – backed by more than 40 preclinical and clinical studies — and targeted delivery systems like Humiome B2 with Microbiome Targeted Technology (MTT), which releases 90% of vitamin B2 directly where gut microbiota can utilize it for optimal metabolic support, barrier integrity, and whole-body wellness,” shares Kleinke.

The MTT is dsm-firmenich’s patented, dual-release delivery system, enabling the release of active ingredients directly to the colon, not the small intestine.

Due to multifaceted consumer health demands, Jordi Riera, chief business officer, Kaneka Probiotics, adds that solutions that go beyond general gut health support to provide more specific health benefits are in high demand.

“To stay ahead of the curve and develop science-led solutions that meet the needs of today’s consumers, we collaborate with leading research institutions and universities around the world on cutting-edge studies and clinical trials.”

Dr. Stephan Theis, head of Nutrition Science and Communication at Beneo.“We currently have over 30 new clinical trials in the pipeline to further expand our understanding of how the gut microbiome impacts wider health,” he continues. “This allows us to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements in this space, finding the right strain for specific needs (and products) to deliver the right solution to the customer to advance consumer health and wellness, ultimately.” 

Fibers for mental wellness

Consumer expectations around gut health are evolving as they learn about the gut microbiome’s impact on overall health. Experts reveal that consumers are increasingly turning to prebiotics.

Based on Beneo’s global survey on prebiotics, 2023, Dr. Stephan Theis, head of Nutrition Science and Communication, says: “Half of consumers globally are extremely or very interested in the gut microbiome, and approximately three out of four consumers worldwide believe that digestive health influences their physical well-being, immune system, weight, and energy levels.”

“This growing understanding shapes purchasing decisions, with many consumers seeking products containing scientifically proven ingredients that promote digestive health.”

According to Theis, other research reveals that efficacy, health benefits, and scientific claims are important factors when choosing a functional food or drink with prebiotics. “That is why proven prebiotics, such as Beneo’s chicory root fibers, Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose, are so popular with consumers and producers alike.”

“When it comes to innovation in prebiotics, Beneo’s focus is on expanding the scientific research and knowledge around Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose and the link between supporting the gut microbiota and other aspects of health.” 

Vaughn DuBow, senior director, Product Portfolio Marketing, Health & Wellness, ADM.“For instance, there is a growing body of scientific research into the gut-brain axis and the gut microbiota’s possible role in memory, learning, anxiety, stress, and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders,” says Theis.

Fiber for controlling hunger

With growing consumer interest in fiber, DuBow says ADM/Matsutani offers Fibersol, based on 30 years of research, which shows that it helps gut microbes grow, thus improving health.

“Notably, a clinical study shows that at 3.75 g per serving (for 15 g per day over three weeks), Fibersol may help nourish the intestinal flora and support the intestinal tract environment.”

“Fibersol may also delay hunger and stimulate appetite-regulating hormones and may increase satiety perception. A clinical study’s results demonstrated that Fibersol may increase appetite-regulating hormone GLP-1 when consumed at 10 g with a meal in healthy individuals,” he says.

High-fiber solutions are being integrated into a range of products, such as snack packs, ready-to-drink teas, functional dairy, plant-based beverages, and fiber-fortified frozen products, DuBow highlights. The variety reflects the demand for convenience and multifunctional support. 

In the first part of our conversation with ADM, Beneo, dsm-firmenich, and Kaneka Probiotics, we explored what makes an ingredient a “gut health champion,” backed by gold-standard trials, and how they target multifaceted areas of health.