Lonza tackles trends and nutraceutical innovations in digestive health

08 Sep 2023 --- Consumers are continually prioritizing digestive health. As more consumers recognize that this is an area of health they would like to address, more research is being done into how gut health can be improved. In this space, Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) is addressing the upcoming trends and breakthrough innovations in the nutraceutical space and optimizing delivery solutions for its microbiome supplements.

Pre, pro and postbiotics have gained significant popularity in the EMEA region for their potential to improve digestive health, boost immunity and enhance overall well-being.

Global health issues in the spotlight
Speaking to Nutrition Insight, Zoltan Szepesi, business development manager of DFS & Ingredients EMEA at Lonza CHI, says the digestive health issues consumers in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) are most likely to suffer from are stomach aches and bloating. 

“These problems, along with other problems consumers frequently suffer from such as gas and constipation, are not only uncomfortable for consumers but can also cause embarrassment and increase stress,” he continues. 

“These problems can result from a poor diet but may also arise due to other factors such as lack of sleep or increased stress. Many consumers recognize areas of their well-being that need to be addressed and improved upon.”

Moreover, 66% of EMEA consumers “agree” or “strongly agree” that they want more information about improving their digestive system. 

Lonza CHI has been working to overcome the traditional challenges of formulating probiotic products for the past decade.This highlights that many consumers recognize the importance of good digestive health, adds Szepesi. “When asked if they are satisfied with their current digestive health, nearly half state that they are satisfied. This suggests that consumers are addressing this area of health as part of a proactive approach to their well-being, looking to prevent symptoms before they arise.”

Challenges in the space
However, formulating and delivering them effectively to ensure maximum efficacy remains a significant challenge. Brands must innovate to create new and efficient supplements for microbiome health that stand out from the competition. 

In Lonza’s upcoming webinar, Nick Morgan will discuss the market trends in the microbiome field. 

Szepesi will also highlight the solutions the company’s Capsugel dosage forms could optimize in pre, pro and postbiotic delivery.

“With increased consumer scrutiny over product claims, creating probiotic supplements that stand out from the crowd often proves a real challenge. A stable and efficient probiotic delivery system is critical to retaining a loyal customer base and keeping one step ahead of your competitors.”

Brands face competing demands – however, there is a great opportunity to go niche to mainstream – through scientific evolution. “Products must enhance the proposition of naturalness and sustainability while creating a memorable experience,” notes Szepesi. 

A desire for commercial success
As a global leader in delivering high-quality, innovative dosage forms and solutions, Lonza CHI brings the formulation answers to its customers to achieve commercial success. 

The company has been working to overcome the traditional challenges of formulating probiotic products for the past decade. 

Areas of development include increasing strain survival and delivery efficiency, creating combination products and catering to rising demand for clean label and plant-based supplements.

Commenting on why now is a good time for microbiome-targeting supplements to be further explored, Szepesi explains that 11% of consumers in Europe have heard of the gut microbiome/microbiota in 2022. 

“Although only a small number of consumers have heard of the gut microbiome/microbiota, two-thirds are aware that bacteria exist within the digestive system. This further suggests that consumers are becoming more aware of how the digestive system works but need to be further educated by digestive health brands about the exact function of this bacteria and its role in the microbiome/microbiota,” he says. 

Nutraceutical innovation ahead
As one of Lonza’s key attributes is innovation, the company says it is constantly focusing on introducing products to create new market trends and, most importantly, to help its customers disrupt the nutraceutical market. 

“Without telling too much, in the next couple of months, you will be seeing products using a new technology which will allow us to combine actives with different structures and technical properties, but there is much more to come,” reveals Szepesi. 

In the webinar, which will be broadcast on September 12th, viewers can learn more about the latest market trends in the microbiome field and in which segments they should innovate, solutions to overcome different obstacles during the production of probiotics, dive into the fascinating world of pre, pro and postbiotics. You can register for the webinar here. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green