OptiBiotix funds gut-brain axis research for “next generation” of mood supplements
11 Feb 2021 --- UK-based life sciences company OptiBiotix is funding research into how microbiome modulation technologies could affect sleep, stress and anxiety.
Also funded by Italian research institute Fondazione Edmund Mach Centro Ricerca e Innovazione (FEM) and the University of Southampton, UK, the study will examine in depth how prebiotics and probiotics could impact and aid periods of stress-induced insomnia.
The announcement comes following a surge in interest into the gut microbiome and a plethora of NPD in probiotics and prebiotics.
Previous research has suggested there may be dietary and microbial links to depression and anxiety.
Given advancements in consumer demand and technology, OptiBiotix now says it is ready to begin clinical investigations in the hopes of unearthing information that could lead to new treatment methods.
Steven Riley, director of marketing and consumer sales at OptiBiotix, tells NutritionInsight: “With health front of mind for consumers, there is already substantial scientific interest on the effects of sleep, stress and anxiety on the human body.”
“We believe prebiotic and probiotic ingredients are only growing in interest in this area and expect there to be rapid development for natural supplements that help to manage and remediate the long-term effects on individuals.”
Preclinical research is suggesting gut health is important in managing mental well-being.Prebiotic research contenders
O’Hara points to several of OptiBiotix’s ingredients as potential contenders for the study, saying they show promising signs for improving mood health.
“The industry-recognized ingredients SlimBiome and LPLDL, alongside our newly launched prebiotic blend, WellBiome, are superb candidates for this research project based on their previous demonstrative efficacy in human studies.”
Wellbiome is a blend of functional fibers and minerals, including prebiotic oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and trace amounts of chromium.
SlimBiome is OptiBiotix’s weight management ingredient composed of minerals and prebiotics.
LPLDL is a Lactobacillus Plantarum strain, which targets the metabolism of bile acids.
O’Hara describes the study as a “fundamental step” in developing the next generation of OptiBiotix’s products.
“Backed by our better science, better health ethos, this project will provide our global partners with the potential to drive new products in the health and well-being sector, opening up new commercial opportunities for SlimBiome, WellBiome and our probiotic, LPLDL.
Mood health on the rise
Interest in mental well-being has been soaring in recent years, and industry is answering consumer calls for products that can aid issues like depression and anxiety.
Innova Market Insights listed “Mood: The Next Occasion” as a top trend for 2021 and found a 21 percent average annual growth rate in products carrying a brain mood health claim between 2015 and 2019.
The two most popular subcategories of supplements carrying brain mood health were vitamins and minerals, constituting 34 percent of product launches in 2019, and botanical or herbal supplements, constituting 29 percent.
Edited
By Louis Gore-Langton
