NutriLeads study flags immune and gut health properties for BeniCaros ingredient

15 Dec 2021 --- Upcycled carrot ingredient BeniCaros has prebiotic properties aiding gut and immune health, a NutriLeads study has revealed. The soluble fiber product has been researched for years, as the company prepares to launch the item in Europe.

The ingredient is derived from rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I), a complex pectin-derived polysaccharide purified from carrot pomace. Researchers used an in vitro dynamic model of the human gut called SHIME (Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) to compare the effect of BeniCaros in the fecal microbiota of four donors.

“The results of the SHIME study are fundamental to our ongoing research into BeniCaros and the underlying mechanisms that drive its powerful immune health benefits. Our data shows that BeniCaros can help product manufacturers to deliver a more well-rounded immune health solution to consumers,” says Dr. Ruud Albers, chief strategy officer of NutriLeads.

Dual-mode of action
The research spanned 35 days, where two weeks were a control period and three weeks were the treatment period. During the treatment period, cRG-I was added at 7.14 g/L to the SHIME model.

Despite inherent inter-individual variability between subjects, there was an observed increase in levels of various metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids after consistent use of cRG-I. These exert a beneficial effect on gut and immune health, note the researchers.

“This study confirms the potential of cRG-I to beneficially modulate the human gut,” the researchers note.NutriLeads won the Food Ingredients Europe Innovation Award in the Health Innovation category. 

The results of the study, published in Microorganisms, highlight that BeniCaros has a dual mode of action, both on the gut and immune health, NutriLeads notes.

This is not the company’s first research into the effects of BeniCaros on immunity. This year, the company announced it was experimenting with new food ingredients made with immunity-supporting plant compounds. A peer-reviewed study published in March highlighted how the item supports immune-modulating properties. 

Upcycling forward
In October, the company announced the launch of BeniCaros in the US, after six years in development. NutriLeads previously told NutritionInsight it was working on bringing BeniCaros to Europe, targeting healthy adults looking for year-round immunity benefits.

BeniCaros is a tasteless and odorless powder marketed as a label-friendly ingredient as it does not use artificial additives. It can be formulated into most functional food, beverage and supplement formats.

The latest study highlighting the product’s claimed benefits to gut health comes as consumers have spotlighted gut health for holistic health.

Companies have noted that immunity and gut health are interconnected, as prebiotics can stimulate the production of beneficial probiotics in the gut, which in turn contributes to overall health and immunity against viral infections.

Edited by Andria Kades