Stanford University underscores gut health potential of Hofseth BioCare’s ProGo bioactive peptides

18 Oct 2022 --- A “trailblazing” Stanford University study has underlined the positive effects of Hofseth BioCare’s (HBC) nutraceutical ingredient ProGo for restoring and maintaining gut health.

The “first-of-its-kind” study – published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules by MDPI – was conducted through a collaboration between HBC and Stanford University School of Medicine, US. It aimed to further investigate the gastrointestinal (GI)-protective properties of the bioactive peptides contained in salmon-derived ProGo.

The preclinical study found that the soluble protein hydrolysate (SPH) powder produced by HBC’s unique enzymatic protein hydrolysis process helps restore a healthy balance within the gut immune system and improve gut health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The bioactive peptides in SPH significantly reduced colon tissue injury in the acute colitis animal model by alleviating inflammatory cell infiltrates and oxidative stress, an underlying driver of many digestive diseases. This finding points to ProGo as having a potential immunomodulatory action through the upregulation of protective, antioxidant gene pathways, including HMOX1.

Skin health and antioxidant benefits
Prior research undertaken by HBC and Stanford also demonstrated that gene systems that protect the GI tract against oxidative stress and inflammation are upregulated in human GI cells exposed to SPH.

This latest discovery bolsters ProGo’s position as a fresh, effective innovation and presents a prime opportunity for nutraceutical manufacturers looking to disrupt the gut health and immunity markets.ProGo is touted as an ideal ingredient for manufacturers looking to disrupt the gut health and immunity markets.

“The peptides that constitute ProGo are proven to not only deliver nutritional benefits, such as collagen for skin health, but also a myriad of important health benefits, including antioxidant effects to support gut health and immunity and to sustain overall health,” says Dr. Crawford Currie, head of medical R&D at HBC.

“This latest Stanford University study underpins ProGo’s reputation as a patented product possessing properties, claims and health benefits unique to the market.”

“Further clinical studies are in the pipeline to explore the efficacy of ProGo as a functional and targeted tool in IBD management and we look forward to discovering the full potential of this truly transformative innovation.” 

Mounting evidence
The study adds to the growing bank of evidence demonstrating that ProGo is a “pure and proven product.” The ingredient was recently acknowledged as a New Dietary Ingredient and secured seven new structure-function claims from the US Food and Drug Administration.

These natural collagen peptides can now also claim to help “reduce wrinkles and promote skin smoothness,” “help with dry skin,” and “support skin health and appearance.”

Furthermore, the evidence of the peptides’ bioactivity can also now claim to “act as an antioxidant,” “reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals,” promote energy and sustain overall health and wellbeing.

In September, HBC revealed companies are under pressure to deliver clean and clear labels. 

Edited by Joshua Poole