The ingredient - BLIS M18 – is derived from the bacteria S. salivarius M18, a proprietary strain of micro-organism said to produce potent antibacterial molecules, Salivaricins A, 9 and X that actively target and kill pathogens.
The ingredient can be used in a range of products, said Frutarom, including lozenges and chewable tablets, chewing gums, stick packs, fast-melt tablets and powder drinks.
Oral health is being tipped to be a big area for probiotics, but mainly in gum formulations. Euromonitor stated in a recent comment article: “Probiotics are in line to become the next blockbuster functional ingredients in gum and mints”.
“BLIS M18 is a new approach for managing oral hygiene and dental health,” said Laurent Leduc, VP of health, Frutarom Americas. “We are building a brand of oral cavity probiotics that answers consumers’ health-specific conditions. BLIS M18 follows the outstanding success of BLIS K12 in the marketplace.”
“BLIS M18 has also a unique enzyme-producing abilities that help it break up dental plaque and neutralize acid that can be harmful to teeth and gums,” added Leduc. “This is a unique attribute of BLIS M18 not found in any other oral probiotics on the market today. BLIS M18 keeps the natural balance of beneficial microorganisms in the oral cavity and maintains oral health.”
Strain specifics
This is by no means the first bacterial strain with reported benefits for oral health. A study with 42 subjects with moderate gingivitis published recently in the journal Acta Odontologica Scandinavica showed benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri prodentis bacteria in a gum.
Danish researchers used BioGaia’s proprietary probiotic strain and found its interaction with the immune system could boost oral health.
More recently, a pilot study using Yakult’s probiotic milk drink found that a daily dose of probiotics may reduce inflammation and bleeding in the mouth linked to gingivitis and gum disease (periodontitis).
Results published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2009, Vol. 36, pp. 850-856) indicated that the Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota may improve oral health based on its influence of the immune system.