NutriLeads nutrition and health expert discusses BeniCaros’ “competitive fermentation process”

09 Apr 2024 --- NutriLeads’ precision prebiotic BeniCaros was shown in a recent study to boost beneficial gut bacteria despite the varying microbiomes of different individuals. Nutrition Insight sits down with Sue McKay, NutriLeads nutrition and health manager, to discuss the study findings and what they mean about the product.

The in vitro study made use of a SHIME platform and was conducted by ProDigest in Belgium finds that NutriLeads’ fermentation process and the probiotic fiber structure might be the reason behind the unique gut benefits of BeniCaros.

“The key to consistent and predictable gut health benefits lies in the structure of the prebiotic fibers. Many prebiotics have relatively simple molecular structures and can be fermented by a wide range of microorganisms, leading to a competitive fermentation process,” explains McKay.

“The outcomes of this competition are strongly influenced by the existing composition of the gut microbiota, causing the potential health benefits of these simple prebiotics to vary significantly from person to person.”

Mechanisms of action
McKay points out that each person’s gut has a unique mix of trillions of microorganisms crucial for maintaining a healthy body. “This means a prebiotic that has beneficial effects for one person might have different effects in another.” 

She asserts that BeniCaros’ complex molecular structure facilitates its consistent positive effects on gut health across different individuals. “The structure that enables selective stimulation of select groups of collaborating (cross-feeding) microorganisms present in the gut of most people, enabling it to consistently increase beneficial gut bacteria and overcome differences in individual gut microbiota composition.”

Repeated consumption of high-specificity prebiotic fibers can promote consistent beneficial effects on gut health over time.“Consequently, BeniCaros delivers robust, consistent and predictable gut health benefits. In simple terms, prebiotics with a simple structure are like fast food that feed many microbes while Benicaros is fine dining for good gut microorganisms,” she outlines.

The study suggests that the rapid fermentation of BeniCaros in the proximal colon compartment contributes to its effectiveness in promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut.

“This is important for several reasons,” McKay argues. “First, it is a crucial habitat for beneficial bacteria, including bifidobacteria, which play significant roles in gut health.”

“It’s also a site for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through microbial fermentation. BeniCaros increases the production of SCFAs propionate, acetate and butyrate, all of which have been linked to health benefits, including immunity.” 

Product appeal
The new study findings might influence consumer perceptions and understanding of the product, suggests McKay. “The best way for food, beverage and supplement manufacturers to build consumer loyalty is through products that deliver consistent, predictable benefits for everyone.”

“Whereas some conventional prebiotics may have limited effects because of individual differences in microbiota composition, this study underpins that Benicaros has the unique ability to realize robust, consistent benefits in every type of gut microbiome environment,” she outlines.

“The study suggests that repeated consumption of high specificity prebiotic fibers like Benicaros can promote consistent beneficial effects on gut health over time, despite initial variations in individual gut microbiota compositions.” She further argues that the study results provide evidence that fiber structure is key to delivering these benefits. 

“BeniCaros is a low-dose prebiotic fiber that has favorable formulation properties, like high solubility and little to no impact on taste, texture or odor. This makes BeniCaros a formulation-friendly ingredient,” McKay concludes. 

By Milana Nikolova