Science-backed biotics unlock gut health, immunity, and longevity

The gut is the springboard to various health solutions, and precise biotics are ever-increasing to target consumers’ health needs.

Nutrition Insight speaks with Beneo to discuss how a specific fiber can boost beneficial gut bacteria growth. We also talk to dsm-firmenich about its postbiotics for better immunity and digestive health, while Kaneka Probiotics shows how its probiotic supports healthy aging. 

Chicory root fiber for Bifidobacteria growth

Dr. Stephan Theis, head of Nutrition Science and Communication at Beneo, discusses the strongest results for chicory root fiber’s prebiotic effect, published in 2022. “Systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarizing data from several different randomized controlled trials lead to the strongest available evidence.”

“The research demonstrates how chicory root fiber intake (starting at 3 g/day) promotes the significant growth of Bifidobacteria in the gut microbiome in all age groups and improves overall bowel function.”

He highlights strengthening scientific evidence around inulin and oligofructose from chicory roots, while other potential prebiotic candidates are still lacking research backing. 

“Chicory root fibers (inulin, oligofructose) support a healthy gut microbiota and selectively promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, such as Bifidobacteria, in the gut,” says Theis.

“Chicory root fibers are the preferred food for those good microorganisms and thus help them to grow and multiply. Due to the increased bacterial metabolism in the large intestine, regularity is improved.”

Consuming 3 g of chicory root fiber daily encourages significant Bifidobacteria growth.He cites a 2023 study by Jackson et al. showing that prebiotic chicory root fibers promote Bifidobacteria growth in the human gut, regardless of food application and matrix. “The results were consistent across two different study methods used within the research.”

“Thanks to these findings, product developers can have even more science-based trust in the functional benefits of Beneo’s chicory root fibers,” says Theis. “Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose ingredients enable manufacturers to add natural prebiotic fibers that will improve taste and texture, while also allowing for fat and sugar reduction in products across key applications such as dairy, cereals, bakery, and confectionery.”

He adds that both ingredients can be used to partially replace sugar in formulations. Orafti Inulin can also be used to reduce fat and improve texture, while Orafti Oligofructose can be used when high solubility levels are required.

Postbiotics and precision combinations

Sonja Kleinke, associate director, Global Marketing, Dietary Supplements at dsm-firmenich sees postbiotics as the new leaders of gut health innovations.

“Unlike live probiotics that face significant stability challenges and often require refrigeration, postbiotics remain stable under diverse manufacturing and storage conditions without compromising efficacy.” 

“This stability revolution offers similar health benefits with significantly improved formulation flexibility, opening doors to previously challenging product formats like gummies and drinkable solutions that appeal to both manufacturers and consumers,” she explains.

Postbiotics remain stable under diverse manufacturing and storage conditions without compromising efficacy.Additionally, Kleinke points out that postbiotics are not just convenient and stable but are effective in boosting immune function, metabolic balance, skin health, and appetite regulation.

“Leading this innovation is Humiome Post LB, a pioneering postbiotic combining two proprietary Lactobacillus strains with comprehensive clinical validation addressing digestive and immune health benefits.” 

She adds that combined biotics and synbiotics showed strong market results in gastrointestinal health sales last year. “When microbiome balance is disrupted, it becomes difficult to restore through single biotic solutions alone, making multi-ingredient approaches increasingly essential.”

“The future clearly belongs to postbiotics and precision combinations that deliver reliable benefits without the formulation headaches of live cultures.”

Supporting consumer healthspan

Jordi Riera, chief business officer at Kaneka Probiotics, says the company is especially interested in the intersection between gut health and healthy aging.

“The metabolic and physiological processes that drive digestion slow down as we age, meaning many older people experience altered bowel function, including constipation. This can have negative impacts on quality of life, and many available remedies (such as laxatives and fiber supplements) provide inconsistent relief.”

Kaneka Probiotics’ L. plantarum KABP-031 and L. plantarum KABP-032 boost systemic immunity in the elderly.“Recent clinical evidence suggests that probiotics have the potential to offer an effective alternative. A trial using our blend of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP-031 and L. plantarum KABP-032, found that supplementation with the probiotic can alleviate occasional constipation in otherwise healthy older adults and may offer additional benefits such as stress relief,” he details.  

Riera adds that the probiotic blend has also been shown to boost systemic immunity in the elderly. The finding reveals the potential of probiotics to support aging consumers’ quality of life and support their healthspan.

Gut health in focus

In the previous installment in this series on gut health, Nutrition Insight spoke 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.

We also explored what makes an ingredient a “gut health champion,” backed by gold-standard trials, and how these champions target multifaceted areas of health.

In a separate Special Report, we sat down with experts from Gnosis by Lesaffre, Novonesis, and ADM to discuss their latest innovations and how biotics can enhance health and well-being along the many gut axes.