Probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

IN PICTURES: The NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019

11-Jun-2019 By NutraIngredients-USA

We announced the winners of the NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019 last week - here are the best photos from our evening in New Orleans.

NIU’s Global Round-up: Probiotic taxonomy changes, DSM’s nutrition CEO on sustainability, and more

10-Jun-2019 By Stephen Daniells

What's happened this week around the Nutra-Verse? Stay on top of things with our weekly round-up of key news from across the globe.

Two new papers in prestigious journals validate DayTwo's algorithm, president says

Israeli microbiome company DayTwo goes down B2B route for US expansion

10-Jun-2019 By Adi Menayang

In its home base of Israel, microbiome company DayTwo targets consumers in its marketing efforts. For the US, the company is marketing primarily to clinicians and other healthcare providers. It has two new papers validating its methods, published in prestigious...

DuPont partners startup to create swallowable microbiome sampler

07-Jun-2019 By Nikki Cutler

DuPont has partnered an early stage startup to help create a smart swallowable capsule which will offer routine access to 'unchartered territories' in the gut microbiota.

Consolidation of omega-3s market puts pressure on suppliers' capabilities

05-Jun-2019 By Hank Schultz

Having a plethora of processing capabilities will help omega-3s companies hold their own in an increasingly competitive market that is showing signs of maturity, a prominent executive says.

Labeling of US probiotic supplements ‘should be improved’: Study

05-Jun-2019 By Stephen Daniells

More than 60% of probiotic supplements in the US may lack sufficient information on their labels to allow consumers to make informed decisions, according to a new study led by Dr Dan Merenstein from Georgetown University Medical Center.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019: And the WINNERS are…

04-Jun-2019 By The NutraIngredients-USA team

NutraIngredients-USA is pleased to announce the winners for its NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019... Finalists and winners celebrated at an event in New Orleans yesterday.

From the Editor's Desk

Can DSHEA 2.0 fix the 'education' question?

31-May-2019 By Hank Schultz

Advocates are unanimous in saying that natural products could always benefit from more research. But what about when that research looks at disease endpoints?

No progress made in push for FDA to drop requirement of labeling probiotics by weight in metric units

31-May-2019 By Adi Menayang

Frustration filled the air at the Dietary Supplements Regulatory Summit earlier this month when it became apparent that no progress has been made in the industry’s push for FDA to drop weight requirements on probiotic product labels.

Pharmaceutical firm partners psychobiotic startup for first foray into microbiome modulation

31-May-2019 By Nikki Cutler

Neuraxpharm Group, a pharmaceutical firm focused on the central nervous system (CNS), has announced its first foray in the probiotics category after signing a European distribution deal with startup firm Bened Biomedical Co.

Mental health and the microbiome: Mixed findings over probiotics' anxiety impact — Review

29-May-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Probiotics may not be as effective as non-probiotic methods of intestinal microbiota regulation when it comes to relieving anxiety symptoms, according to a Chinese systematic review.

BASF and Glycosyn partnership to capitalise on HMO and gut health interest

24-May-2019 By Will Chu

BASF are to enter an agreement with biotechnology firm Glycosyn to develop and commercialise human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for use in dietary supplements, functional nutrition and medical food.

Gut bacteria regulation a target for easing anxiety, suggests review

23-May-2019 By Will Chu

Probiotic and non-probiotic food and supplements that regulate gut microorganisms may ease a number of anxiety symptoms, suggests a review of studies.

UBiome suspends founders, sales of microbiome tests in wake of FBI raid

22-May-2019 By Hank Schultz

Testing company uBiome has suspended its co founders in the wake of an FBI raid on its San Francisco offices.

Probiotic quality: Expert review encourages industry adoption of third-party certification

22-May-2019 By Will Chu

The time is now for industry to voluntarily improve the transparency of probiotic product quality, even in the absence of regulatory requirements, says a recent review.

NDIs under the microscope at FDA public meeting

15 highlights from the FDA’s public meeting on responsible innovation in dietary supplements

20-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

It was a who’s who of the dietary supplement world in College Park for the FDA public meeting on responsible innovation in dietary supplements. Here are some of the key comments:

Study suggests corrections in ‘middle age’ could be key to healthy ageing

Could the gut-brain axis be key to fighting age-related cognitive decline?

16-May-2019 By Nathan Gray

Modifying our microbiome with prebiotic fibres could help lower levels of brain inflammation and boost brain function during ageing, according to new research in mice.

New products in infant nutrition sift through limited number of ingredients

15-May-2019 By Hank Schultz

The infant nutrition market is characterized by few new ingredients, but lots of new players, according to information shared at a recent event hosted by ingredient supplier DSM.

From buns to bacteria: 'First-of-its-kind' probiotic facility opens in Australia following Chinese investment

15-May-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Biosciences firm Probiotics Australia has opened the country's first cGMP- and TGA-certified facility dedicated to probiotic API manufacturing, with an eye on expanding the use of probiotics in food for Chinese consumers.

Probiotics in the first 1,000 days: Fertility is an under-explored area, says expert

13-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The first 1,000 days after conception are vital to the long-term health of an infant, and we’re gaining a deeper understanding of the vital role of the developing microbiome in this. But an area that needs more understanding is around how the microbiota...

Compound found in blueberries linked to increased physical activity in mouse study

13-May-2019 By Adi Menayang

Researchers at Laval University in Quebec studied the impact of polyphenols on metabolic disorders in obese mice, and unexpectedly observed an increase in physical activity in a group of mice supplemented with the compound proanthocyanidins.

From the Editor's Desk

The US military and dietary supplements: The opportunities and challenges

10-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Increasing attention is being paid to dietary supplements use among US military personnel, with survey data showing that consumption levels are high, but brand loyalty may be low. So where’s the white space for industry?

FDA has no objections over BLIS M18 Probiotic GRAS status

09-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The US Food and Drug Administration has no objections around the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status of BLIS M18, a probiotic strain for oral health.

Danone opens access to collection of 1,800 strains

08-May-2019 By Jim Cornall

A hundred years after creating its first yogurt, Danone has announced it will open its collection of 1,800 strains for research purposes.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019: And the finalists are…

08-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients-USA is pleased to announce the finalists for the NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2019... the winners will be announced at our awards evening in New Orleans on June 3rd.

DuPont to manufacture novel probiotic strain for clinical trial on sepsis in Bangladeshi infants

06-May-2019 By Cheryl Tay

DuPont is manufacturing a new probiotic strain for use in an upcoming large-scale clinical study in Bangladesh, which will test the effects of probiotics on gut microbiome of infants with sepsis.

‘Really exciting’: RCT shows probiotic may help reduce stress and anxiety

03-May-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety is stressed adults, and boost cognitive and memory functions, according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

‘Designer prebiotics’ are the future of food and microbiome modulation, says expert

02-May-2019 By Nikki Cutler

‘Designer prebiotics’ have greater potential than probiotics to be able to modify our microbiomes and improve our long-term health, according to the founder and CEO of a trailblazing life science firm.

One day to go! Deadline fast approaching for scientific abstracts for IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2019

We want to hear from you for our Scientific Frontiers sessions & for Probiota Pioneers!

29-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Are you interested in presenting your latest state-of-the-art developments related to prebiotic, probiotic and microbiome science relevant to human health, well-being, consumers and industry? If so, we would like to hear from you!

Study backs prebiotic chicory fibre to maintain children's good bacteria, even after antibiotic use

29-Apr-2019 By Nikki Cutler

Daily consumption of chicory root fibre in children may keep levels of Bifidobacteria in the gut higher and more stable, even during antibiotic treatment, says new research commissioned by Beneo.

Arabinoxylan prebiotic from food waste set to debut in North American markets

25-Apr-2019 By Hank Schultz

Canadian company Comet Bio has earned recognition for its method of up cycling agricultural waste into functional ingredients, including a new prebiotic and a low calorie sweetener.

Probiotic strain makes use of gut-brain axis to aid stress management, study finds

25-Apr-2019 By Will Chu

A probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium longum appears to improve the ability to respond and cope with stress as research provides more proof of the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain.

Indian innovations in probiotics and functional food shine as incubator drives production and commercialisation

24-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Indian entrepreneur incubation hub Biovalley Incubation Council has announced the five start-up products it will fund in the nutrition and biotechnology sectors, among them a high-protein chilli and a novel probiotic technology that speeds up fermentation.

Mexican study suggests potential prebiotic activity of mango peel

22-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Mango peel may selectively boost the growth of beneficial bacteria, and open up opportunities to use the waste material as a prebiotic ingredient, suggests a new study from Mexico.

NIU’s Global Round-up: Blackmore’s ‘not fantastic’ Q3, Vitamin Angels in Central America, and more

22-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

It’s a global industry and there’s a lot happening. We know it’s not always easy keeping up with everything that’s happening around the world that could impact the US dietary supplements industry. The answer? Our weekly round-up of key news from across...

Unilever gives supplements another chance with Olly acquisition

19-Apr-2019 By Adi Menayang

The US arm of global consumer products giant Unilever will acquire San Francisco-based supplement brand Olly. With functional foods and gummy supplements ranging from multivitamins to beauty-from-within, Olly fits in the cross section of Unilever’s two...

Heinz reels from latest probiotic health claim rejection by EFSA

18-Apr-2019 By Will Chu

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected a health claim related to a probiotic that claims to boost the immune system against pathogens in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.

Guest article: CRN's Steve Mister on DSHEA at 25

DSHEA Was Not Carved in Stone

16-Apr-2019 By Steve Mister, President & CEO, Council for Responsible Nutrition

Want to spark controversy? Just suggest to some audiences that it’s time to amend DSHEA.

Prebiotics, probiotics to be 'fastest-growing' segment in functional foods between 2019-2025

15-Apr-2019 By Kacey Culliney

Probiotic and prebiotic products will be the fastest-growing functional foods in Latin America over the next seven years, fueled by consumer desire for general health and wellbeing benefits, says Grand View Research.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW

DSHEA at 25: In conversation with Scott Bass and Loren Israelsen

15-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

The brilliant strategy of Sen. Orrin Hatch, the upswell of grassroots consumer pressure, and the ‘highly unusual’ personal intervention of an FDA Commissioner: The development and passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act is a fascinating...

Dragon fruit oligosaccharide powder exhibited digestive health benefits in new mice study

15-Apr-2019 By Adi Menayang

Researchers in Thailand fed mice with oligosaccharides extracted from pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit. They found potential digestive health benefits, including a laxative effect.

Calling all Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Microbiome start-ups!

Put your start-up center stage with our new Probiota Pioneers session

12-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients-USA is on the hunt for entrepreneurial consumer-facing, science- or technology-based start-ups to join our Probiota Pioneers session and present their company in Vancouver.

Editor's Spotlight: Video Diary

WATCH: Sports nutrition brands reveal the top trends and their innovations

10-Apr-2019 By Nikki Cutler

The mass market is showing a strong interest in sports nutrition that offers soft textured and lower calorie protein bars, indulgent-tasting treats, BCAA’s, high fibre and new formats made for baking.

April new product launches: Synbiotic supplement for skin, chewable multis, and more

05-Apr-2019 By Adi Menayang

This time of year tends to get a plethora of product launches as brands time their announcements around the Natural Products Expo West show. This year we saw plenty of CBD, beauty-positioning, and as always, protein. Here’s a short list of product launches...

Probiotics regulations under review in China as regulator SAMR 'plays catch-up'

03-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is calling for public feedback regarding regulations for health food products containing probiotics.

Phage cocktail shows gut microbiota benefits: Deerland RCT data

02-Apr-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing a combination of bacteriophages may produce minimal but beneficial changes to the gut microbiota, suggesting a shift towards a "healthier gut environment", according to a newly published paper.

Human study suggests holistic psychological benefits of multi-strain probiotic

02-Apr-2019 By Nikki Cutler

A daily dose of a multi-strain probiotic can provide a significant improvement in mood, with a reduction in depressive, anger, and fatigue, and an improvement in sleep quality, according to a new study in Italy.

Probiotics can evolve to be harmful? Experts slam reporting of new mouse study...but note opportunity in the science

02-Apr-2019 By Nathan Gray

Multiple experts have questioned news reports claiming probiotics can evolve to do more harm than good – warning that news reports have vastly over-simplified and sensationalised the findings.

Dr Gregor Reid: ‘Too much misinformation has stemmed from misuse of the probiotic term’

29-Mar-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Sensationalized studies on probiotics coupled with marketing misuse of the term are fanning the flames of global skepticism, and industry must do better to strictly comply to the scientific definition of the term “probiotic” to help advance this important...

News in brief

DuPont completes construction of ‘world’s largest’ probiotics fermentation unit

28-Mar-2019 By Stephen Daniells

DuPont has announced it is on track to increase probiotic capacity by 70% with the completion of construction on a new, state-of-the-art probiotics fermentation unit at its Rochester, NY facility.