PrefixPro, which was launched at the Supply Side West trade show last month, “only requires a 15mg dose to be effective versus typical prebiotics which are consumed at the gram level”, a company spokeswoman told NutraIngredients-USA.
While many prebiotic fibers are required in large doses to be effective, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, are sensitive to their specific environment and only work in the colon, PrefixPro is well tolerated, effective in tiny doses, works in the large and small intestine and works with a broad spectrum of probiotic species, she said.
In vivo and in vitro studies
The product is currently patent-pending, so the company is keeping its cards fairly close to its chest at the moment, added the spokeswoman: “We are only able to provide specific details on the mechanism for effectiveness upon the successful execution of a non-disclosure agreement with prospective customers who express interest.”
She added: “We have successfully completed in-vitro and in-vivo research studies, and will begin [further] clinical studies in the early part of 2013. The results from all our studies will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.”
A mouse study had shown that PrefixPro preferentially promotes the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacillus subtilis ‘good’ bacterial strains when competing with undesirable bacterial strains. The effects are achieved at small doses within hours, in both the small and large intestine.
Deerland Enzymes Vice President of Technology, Dr. John Deaton, added: “This unique prebiotic works in both the small and large intestine and is not sensitive to specific environmental conditions of the gut.
“An added benefit, the fermentation of this prebiotic does not cause flatulence as typical prebiotics have been known to do.”
PrefixPro works with a broad spectrum of probiotic organisms, making it a valuable addition to many different probiotic supplements already on the market, he added.
It will take more time for the mass consumer to fully appreciate prebiotics
While consumer research suggests the average US shopper is still struggling to get to grips with the concept of prebiotics, awareness is rising, she added.
“Much like the initial rise of probiotics, consumers who are serious and proactive about their supplementation strategy understand the overall concept of prebiotics.
“It will take more time for the mass consumer to fully appreciate prebiotics such as PrefixPro. However, the initial reaction of our traditional customer base has been so positive, we fully expect them to drive consumer awareness just as they’ve done for the enzyme based supplements we develop together.”
Feedback at Supply Side West exceeded expectations
Feedback at Supply SideWest “surpassed our expectations with many companies immediately wanting to sign an NDA in order to learn more about the active components of PrefixPro”, claimed the spokeswoman.
“PrefixPro ushers in a new era in the effectiveness of prebiotics and their positive influence on probiotics and digestive health.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a prebiotic as ‘a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health.’