Lallemand lands Canadian health claim for probiotic IBS support

01 Mar 2022 --- Lallemand Health Solutions can now claim its L. paracasei HA-196 probiotic strain helps support healthy bowel habits in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), following Health Canada’s approval.

“With 25% of global consumers suffering from digestive health complaints paired with the growing consumer demand for clinically proven innovative solutions, HA-196 is the right solution to help them improve their quality of life,” Romane Maillet, product manager, Lallemand Health Solutions, tells NutritionInsight.

“Research shows that almost half of consumers find products for improving digestive health appealing, and over two-thirds recognize a link between digestive and overall health,” she adds.

The claim specifies the effects can be demonstrated at a daily dose of 10 billion CFU.IBS affects up to 15% of the world population.

Boasting efficacy
The claim is a result of a study carried out by the company on 251 North American adults with different IBS subtypes.

According to the claim, L. paracasei HA-196 demonstrated efficacy in supporting quality of life with emotional well-being and social functioning. It also reduced the frequency of bowel movements in IBS-D participants, reducing 21% of spontaneous bowel movements after eight weeks. 

The probiotic also increased bowel frequency in IBS-C participants, with a 33% increase in spontaneous bowel movements. 

Asked whether it may expand the reach of the item beyond North America, Maillet highlights: “Lallemand Health Solutions always seeks to leverage the benefits of our probiotics all over the world. Stay tuned.” 

Responding to market
The probiotic is also being spotlighted for a new bowel support concept, borne from a partnership between FrieslandCampina Ingredients (FCI) and Lallemand Health Solutions. It is part of FCI’s Biotis galactooligosaccharides (GOS) prebiotic ingredient, coupled with Lallemand’s probiotics. 

The concept entails L. paracasei HA-196 carrying out complementary action with Biotis GOS. It has been spotlighted for providing anxiety relief and harnessing the gut-brain axis for stress.

“Consumer understanding of the complementary benefits of combined pro-and prebiotic solutions is also growing, and the market is responding. In 2020, 54% of probiotics also contained prebiotics in their formulation,” Maillet underscores.

“The new bowel support concept we created with the PRO-Digest Bowel Support product is a direct response to growing demand for effective and scientifically backed solutions for gut health.” 

According to a study, the probiotic space is rife with opportunities as consumers are keen to learn more about different strains.

By Andria Kades