Research backs probiotic gut and heart benefits

Canadian supplier Institut Rosell-Lallemand is promoting two probiotic strains that are the result of collaborations with Estonian and French researchers.

Lactobacillus farciminis CIP 103136 has been selected and documented in vivo and in vitro by the French National Institute of Agricultural Research for its potential in inflammatory and functional gut disorders. Its application, “for the prevention or treatment of digestive pathologies” is protected by US and European patents.

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has signed a licensing option with INRA for the exclusive access to this strain.

Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 has been isolated and documented by researchers at Tartu University in Estonia, where preliminary studies have indicated its abilities to reduce oxidative stress, the company said.

“Based on the work that has been done by INRA and Tartu’s teams to study and document the modes of action and unique benefits of these novel strains, we are looking forward to bring them one step further by combining our industrial and scientific expertise of probiotics with a partner having an expertise in the given therapeutic area and in clinical studies,” said Valerie Delahaye, deputy manager at Institut Rosell-Lallemand.

“Both health segments targeted, namely gastrointestinal and cardiovascular, have a great market potential.”

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has committed to forming partnerships with academia, and holds an exclusive license option for L. fermentum ME-3 from Tartu University for its use in dietary supplements.

“[Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3] has also shown the ability to positively modulate the lipoprotein as well as lipid profile in the blood (HDL level, LDL/HDL ratio, postprandial triglyceride level) and body overall oxidative stress-load, indicating an antiatherogenic potential,” the company said.