How to support metabolic health with beneficial bacteria

A probiotic and postbiotic are shown to support factors related to metabolic health that improve general overall wellbeing and quality of life.

The desire for millions to get into shape is no longer focused on losing weight -- more and more people are seeking to achieve weight wellness.​

According to the World Health Organization’s “Obesity and overweight” Fact Sheet on www.who.int, approximately 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these more than 650 million are obese.

Metabolic health is assessed by five distinct markers -- blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, blood pressure and waist circumference. These numbers provide a more accurate and comprehensive profile of one’s health status. And millions of people are in need of metabolic support as fewer than 8% of adults in the US have optimal metabolic health.¹​ Supporting the markers that comprise metabolic fitness plays a significant role in attaining elevated quality of life because poor metabolic function can lead to impaired or sub-par general health and well-being.

Research suggests that metabolic wellness may be more attainable by focusing on balancing the gut microbiome. Recent research and innovations have provided considerable insight into the role of the gut microbiome in metabolic function and its impact on weight loss and maintenance.

In fact, the human gut microbiome is the subject of a rapidly growing area of research, one aspect of which is how it can positively affect metabolism and overall human wellness. From production of bioactive metabolites to modification of cell signaling pathways and many other potential functions, the microbiome is more and more the target of solutions designed to promote metabolic health.

Researchers have found that negative changes in the composition and diversity of the microorganisms, such as the growth of undesirable or even harmful bacteria can be partially responsible for adverse outcomes. The growth of positive bacteria, conversely, can provide benefits. ^{2, 3}​

Defining a postbiotic​

Postbiotics are gaining traction in the supplement market and comprise a sub-category that is new and still lesser known to many consumers, representing a fertile field for product development opportunities. According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics & Prebiotics (ISAPP), a postbiotic is “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. New postbiotic technology makes its inclusion accessible to a wide variety of nutraceutical and food and beverage applications, bringing a new level of convenience to consumers. Further, postbiotics are not subject to the same stability issues that probiotics are, making postbiotics ideal for liquids and high heat and light processes.

ISAPP also notes that “when the inactivation process is changed [from the original probiotic], this can lead to altered health benefits, and clinical studies must be repeated to ensure the desired health benefits are maintained”.⁴​ ADM uses heat treatment to manufacture its postbiotics and this process doesn’t change. “We never irradiate or freeze, which means our results remain consistent from batch to batch,” emphasized Vaughn DuBow .

There is a probiotic and postbiotic on the market that synergize to enhance the effects of balancing the microbiome, and in turn promote factors related to metabolic health.

BPL1™ Probiotic​

BPL1™ probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis ​subsp. lactis ​CECT 8145) is ADM’s proprietary probiotic strain with clinically documented results in aspects related to Metabolic Health.

Emerging and in-vitro evidence suggests the use of BPL1™ probiotic may help support:

• Weight management in combination with diet and exercise
• Metabolic health pathways
• A healthy BMI in combination with diet and exercise

BPL1™ probiotic has 12 scientific papers and one published human clinical study.

Participants taking BPL1™ saw a significant reduction in central adiposity (the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, as measured by the Conicity Index) after 12 weeks, compared to baseline, as well as a significant reduction in BMI compared to placebo.⁵​

BPL1™ Postbiotic​

ADM has tested its BPL1™ postbiotic in both pre-clinical and human clinical research, finding that it can positively affect parameters of metabolic health, including reducing visceral fat in conjunction with diet and exercise. BPL1™ postbiotic has eight scientific papers and one published clinical study.

The 12-week randomized double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial to understand BPL1™ postbiotic’s role in the support of metabolic health involved participants including women and men with waist circumferences greater than or equal to 88cm and 102cm, respectively. At the study’s end, those in the BPL1™ postbiotic group showed a significant reduction in the abdominal visceral fat area, compared to baseline.⁵​

Value-added appeal​

ADM’s BPL1™ probiotic and postbiotic are more than simply ingredients. Both are GRAS and non-GMO, as well as gluten-free, Kosher and Halal.

Both are flexible for inclusion in wide-ranging products. BLP1™ probiotic may be used in dietary supplements including oil drops, capsules, sachets and sticks, as well as dairy products such as fermented milks and other dairy options. BLP1™ postbiotic may be used in supplements, foods and beverages. Both may be targeted for sports nutrition, better-for-you snacks and beverages, women’s health, men’s health, active lifestyle formulations and weight wellness products.

In particular, some on-trend formulation concepts that consumers will find appealing include a dairy-free metabolic yogurt alternative containing 10B CFU of BPL1™ probiotic suitable for the vegan market; there is also a metabolic yogurt with 18B CFU BPL1™ probiotic that can provide a satisfying experience for breakfast, or as a post-workout snack.

For on-the-go convenience, a reduced-sugar gummy can provide the delivery format for BPL1™ postbiotic. One concept formulated by ADM is an Australian finger lime mint tri-biotic gummy with natural flavors and colors, and is suitable for vegans.

ADM is an innovator in microbiome support products and is skilled at delivering future-forward nutrition supported by in vitro and human clinical studies. The ADM team can provide a full and diverse range of solutions from prebiotics to probiotic and postbiotic strains, as well as an expansive line of health and wellness ingredients quickly, thanks to its vertically integrated supply chain.

And this represents substantial opportunities when you consider that, in the US alone, 92% of the population¹​​ can benefit from supporting their metabolic health while nourishing their microbiomes.

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References:

1. O’hearn, M; et al, (2022) J AM Coll Cardiol. 80(2): 138-151
2. Guinane, C.M. and Cotter, P.D. (2013) Therap Adv Gastroenterol. ​6(4): 295–308
3. Duranti, S.; et al (2017) Genes Nutr. ​12: 18
4. https://isappscience.org/episode-18-postbiotics/​
5. Pedret, A; et al. (2019) Int J Obes (Lond). ​43: 1863-1868

Please Note​​​: This communication is intended for B2B use and no statements are meant to be perceived as approved by regulatory authorities. Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm permissibility of ingredients and claims for each food category.​