Micro-shot cap technology boosts children’s probiotic efficacy

23 Jul 2020 --- Innovia Kids is a drinkable probiotic supplement for children older than four-years-old. Launched by Sofar Americas, the US subsidiary of Italy-based Sofar, the supplement blends the LP-DG probiotic strain with essential vitamins such as D3 for healthy bone development, as well as B vitamins to support nerves and muscles. The micro-shot delivery format is touted as appealing to children, who benefit from the synergistic combination of probiotics and targeted vitamins.

“In Europe, and in other parts of the world, our patented strain has been incredibly successful and has proven time-and-again to be most effective when administered in our unique micro-shot liquid delivery system. [The system] is loved by kids because they can help ‘make’ their probiotics,” says Gregory Bonfilio, Sofar Americas’ President & CEO.

The probiotic powder in each dose is kept stable and effective – without refrigeration – in a small bottle. It uses a patented cap to protect the vulnerable probiotic bacteria. When the top of the cap is pressed firmly down, one billion live LP-DG cultures are released into liquid vitamin nutrients and natural raspberry flavors. Each shot contains about one tablespoon of liquid.

The micro-shot system
For maximum effectiveness, probiotics need to be stable and robust enough to reach the gut alive and strong enough to adhere to the intestinal lining and duplicate. The micro-shot system was specifically designed to protect sensitive probiotics in a dry, sealed cap until they are deliberately released into the liquid blend of nutrients at the moment of consumption.

The company notes that many probiotics do not stay alive during production or while sitting on the shelf, meaning that the original benefit of the strains is lost and never reaches the consumer. However, this format allows the bacteria to remain dormant but fully potent until the shot is mixed.

Appealing delivery formats are especially important for children who may be unable to swallow pills. Notably, gummies that resemble sweets may pose long-term implications. This has encouraged industry to explore other ways to provide children with additional nutrients.

Innovative cap technology has also been seen in other areas of the nutrition industry, with Karma Water using a system that releases the nutrients in the drinks moments before consumption. The company had collaborated with Aptar Food + Beverage, with the partners believing that the cap has the potential to extend beyond beverages into other industries, including medical and pharmaceutical. Packaging is also aiding nutritional delivery formats with Go Mix, which produces ready-to-drink pouches featuring a shaker ball for enhanced mixing.

Sofar Americas details that like adults, children also experience life’s daily stressors, which test their immune systems.Addressing immunity concerns
Sofar Americas details that like adults, children also experience life’s daily stressors, which test their immune systems and influence emotional wellbeing. “Innovia Kids provides children a kind of ‘superhero strain’ to fight threats to the immune system by replenishing good bacteria while multiplying and nourishing gut microflora. Compared to other powder, capsule or even drinkable probiotics on the market for children today, Innovia Kids goes the extra mile to ensure that children enjoy taking their daily probiotics,” says Bonfilio.

According to the company, children, in particular, benefit from the daily use of high-quality probiotics. Sofar’s LP-DG strain has been shown in nearly 20 human clinical studies to be safe and effective for a variety of human health conditions. As well as providing digestive support and soothing an empty stomach, the strain has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by routine activity and suboptimal nutrition and to support the uptake of certain proteins for muscle health and activity.

“Considering the health challenges we are all facing this year, Innovia has worked tirelessly to bring a specifically formulated kids formulation to US families, combining an extremely well-researched probiotic strain containing liquid vitamin nutrients with a fun, fresh and delicious way to ingest,” details Bonfilio.

All Innovia Probiotics brand supplements are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian and free of all synthetic colors and artificial flavors. Innovia Probiotics has been available in the US since 2017, with other products including Digestion and Liquid Fiber.

By Katherine Durrell

This feature is provided by Nutrition Insight’s sister website, Packaging Insights.

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