Probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

‘Next gen’ probiotics: Chr. Hansen adds 100 new strain development library

12-Jun-2017 By Nathan Gray

Danish bioscience firm Chr. Hansen says 100 new strains added to its library could help development of new commercial probiotics for a range of metabolic, immune, and digestive health issues.

Prebiotic may lower body fat in obese children

09-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Consuming oligofructose-enriched inulin (OI) alters gut microbiota, reducing body fat in overweight or obese children, according to a new RCT conducted at Calgary University.

Probiotic blend to tackle infant infection deemed safe by researchers

09-Jun-2017 By Will Chu

A probiotic blend for use in infants to help prevent the reoccurrence of winter infections is safe and well tolerated, a study concludes.

B. infantis probiotic alters babies' bowel habits for the better

07-Jun-2017 By Hank Schultz

Evolve BioSystems has announced results of a study that shows its strain of B. infantis probiotic is safe to give to infants and significantly alters their microbiomes and bowel habits.

Probiotics may counter obesity effects on vascular function: Study

07-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet with probiotic Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765 may reverse the detrimental effects that obesity has on the function of blood vessels, suggests preliminary data from lab mice.

What is a probiotic? IPA releases guidance document on qualifying probiotics

05-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The definition of probiotic varies by region, and an increasing number of products potentially mislabeled as “probiotic”. In response, the International Probiotics Association has released a guidance document.

A scientific first: Study highlights potential cardiometabolic benefits of prebiotics

05-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet with inulin-type fructans may improve the function of the endothelium in blood vessels and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders-related cardiovascular diseases, says a new study.

Special Edition: Bone & Joint Health

Can bone health be improved through microbiota manipulation?

31-May-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

Bone mineral density could be altered by prebiotics and probiotics, according to a new review that links diet-induced obesity, the gut microbiota and bone health.

BC30 probiotic may help with plant protein digestion, according to new Ganeden-backed study

31-May-2017 By Adi Menayang

Plant protein, when digested with a patented probiotic strain, increased bioavailability of amino acids in the upper gastrointestinal tract, leading to a healthier colon environment, according to an in vitro study conducted at Maastricht University.

Evolve BioSystems completes series B financing to fund commercialization of products

30-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

California-based microbiome company Evolve BioSystems has completed a $20 million Series B financing to fund the commercialization of its initial products.

ABA: Fiber suppliers are stuck in a 'holding pattern'

Nutrition Facts overhaul proves double-edged sword for inulin

30-May-2017 By Elaine Watson

The arrival of the new-look Nutrition Facts panel (which will require manufacturers to list added sugar), is generating renewed interest in inulin: a widely-used ingredient from chicory root that also serves as a sugar replacer. But this enthusiasm is...

Looking ahead to IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2017

Howaru Shape: 'A new way of looking at weight management'

26-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

DuPont Nutrition & Health’s newly launched Howaru Shape is backed up by a clinical study that found that daily supplements of the probiotic may reduce body fat by 4.5%.

Jarrow challenges FDA on probiotics

25-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

Dietary supplement manufacturer Jarrow Formulas Inc. has filed a lengthy comment challenging FDA’s position on probiotics as set down in the most recent Revised Draft Guidance on New Dietary Ingredients.

Nestlé-backed study links probiotic strain and depression

25-May-2017 By Nathan Gray

Probiotics could help relieve symptoms of depression in addition to aiding gastrointestinal upsets, according to new Canadian research backed by Nestlé.

Looking ahead to the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2017

The gut-brain axis: An exploding field with popular appeal

25-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Interest in how the gut microbiota may influence brain function and vice versa is growing, and recent data indicates the beneficial bugs may also help with PTSD and protect against potentially detrimental effects of antibiotic use in early life.

Timing of probiotic consumption 'unimportant’ for colonization: Study

24-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Should probiotics be consumed on an empty stomach or with a meal? A new study from the University of Milan suggests it doesn’t matter.

NAXA head launches five new single-ingredient trade associations

18-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

The principal of a consulting firm that is the motivating force behind two single-ingredient trade organizations has launched an ‘incubator’ program that debuts with the formation of five new trade groups targeting categories such as ashwagandha, chondroitin,...

Looking ahead to the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2017

Ghosts of our African guts: What traditional hunter-gatherers can teach us about gut health

18-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Understanding how our ancestors lived and how this affected their gut microbiome may boost prebiotic and probiotic formulations, and give companies a compelling story for consumers, says an expert.

Not Just for Sports: Burt’s Bees’ launch of protein powder reflects category’s diversification

16-May-2017 By Adi Menayang

Burt’s Bees is well known for its ubiquitous line of personal care products, from lip balm to hand lotion. It has now forayed into the dietary supplement space with plant protein powder.

Probiotic proliferation: Australian and New Zealand consumers increasingly open to new health benefits

16-May-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Australian and New Zealand probiotic product launches have rocketed by 200% in the past three years, with immunity claims becoming widely accepted by consumers alongside traditional gut health benefits.

What's on the label isn't always what's in the product

Do commercial probiotics need better quality controls?

04-May-2017 By Nathan Gray

Probiotic products should have a more stringent quality control process with processes that ensure contents match what is on the label, warns a new position paper.

Strain-level specificity critical for full compliance, NSF probiotics labeling expert says

03-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

Labeling probiotics to the strain level is becoming an increasing focus in NSF’s certification process, an expert told NutraIngredinets-USA.

BC30 may enhance muscle benefits of HMB during military training: RCT

03-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The muscle and anti-inflammatory benefits of HMB may be enhanced by combining the ingredient with the BC30 probiotic, says a new study with soldiers from the Israel Defense Force.

Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics earns Non-GMO Project verification for 2 ingredients

02-May-2017

Georgia-based Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics has achieved Non-GMO Project verification for its branded probiotic, DE111, as well as the company's branded prebiotic, PreforPro.

Dispatches from Experimental Biology 2017

Anthocyanin-prebiotic blend shows gut health benefits for obese: Nu Skin study

02-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of anthocyanins and prebiotics may improve the composition of the gut microflora and reduce bloating and abdominal pain in obese adults, according to data presented at Experimental Biology 2017.

Potato-derived resistant starch shows prebiotic benefits for the elderly

02-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A resistant starch derived from potato (Solanum tuberosum) increased the abundance of several species of healthy Bifidobacteria in elderly people, showing the ingredient meets the criteria as a prebiotic, says a new study.

Pharmachem fetches $660 million in sale to major chemical firm

01-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

Privately held Pharmachem Laboratories has been sold to Ashland, a diversified chemical company, for a reported purchase price of $660 million.

The Supplement OWL product registry goes live

27-Apr-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The Supplement OWL (Online Wellness Library) has officially gone live, with 51 Brand Names and 2,576 labels already in the product label database.

‘Healthy selfie’ culture is changing the sports nutrition marketplace

24-Apr-2017 By Adi Menayang

When it comes to sports nutrition purchases, consumers may say it’s ‘gains’ they care about—but they don’t really care, according to senior director of strategy at Interbrand Health Dominic Leung.

Judge dismisses suit that questioned substantiation for Bayer's probiotic claims

24-Apr-2017 By Hank Schultz

Bayer has had what some observers called a “quick win” in the dismissal of a class action lawsuit filed in New Jersey over claims on its Phillips Colon Health probiotic supplement.

US Army exploring how stressors affect gut health in soldiers

20-Apr-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The mental and physical stresses associated with military training may be detrimentally affecting the health of the gut in US soldiers, potentially opening doors to nutritional interventions.

Probiotic may slash risk of women developing gestational diabetes

19-Apr-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may cut the risk of pregnant women developing gestational diabetes by over 40%, says a new study.

Gut bacteria control age-related inflammation: Mouse data

19-Apr-2017 By Nathan Gray

Changes to our microbiome and intestinal barrier functions directly lead to increased levels of systemic inflammation as we age, say researchers who suggest such age-related inflammation is reversible.

Healthy Skoop aims to ride plant based trend

17-Apr-2017 By Hank Schultz

Healthy Skoop, a Boulder-based nutritional product company, is capitalizing on the plant-based nutrition trend with new product launches and an expanded retail footprint.

Lifeway to 'vigorously defend' false ad lawsuit: 'Our kefir is 99% lactose free'

17-Apr-2017 By Elaine Watson

Lifeway Foods has vowed to defend itself “vigorously” against a lawsuit claiming it falsely advertised its fermented dairy products as ‘99% lactose free’ when they allegedly contained almost 4% lactose (milk sugar).

Resistant starch shows blood glucose benefits: Swine study

17-Apr-2017 By Stephen Daniells

MSPrebiotic, a prebiotic digestion-resistant starch supplement, may lower fasting glucose levels by 20% in swine fed a Western Diet, says a new study.

Nature's Sunshine celebrates longevity, boosts science backing

12-Apr-2017 By Hank Schultz

Dietary supplement manufacturer Nature’s Sunshine is ramping up the science behind the products in an effort to reinvigorate the legacy brand’s financial results. The company’s longevity was highlighted at a 45th anniversary event yesterday in Utah.

Dannon awards $50K for yogurt, probiotics & gut microbiome research

12-Apr-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The effects of probiotics during breastfeeding and how to identify unique chemical signatures to elucidate the benefits of probiotic yogurt are the two research projects on the receiving end of the Dannon Fellowship Grant.

The guts for sports success: Microbiome study highlights differences in elite athletes

12-Apr-2017 By David Anderson

Elite athletes are known for their skill, dedication and hard work, but new research suggests that crucial to their success may be down to their gut.

Evolutionary explanation? Research reveals how gut bacteria adapted to human breast milk

07-Apr-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Researchers say they have uncovered a possible evolutionary route for the mutually beneficial relationship between gut microbes and humans. 

Combined with omega-3 oil, microencapsulated probiotic has higher survival rate, says study

06-Apr-2017 By Adi Menayang

When a probiotic is co-encapsulated with omega-3-rich tuna oil, not only do the bacteria adhere better on the intestinal wall, but more chemically intact omega-3 fatty acids are released from the oil, researchers in Australia discovered from an in vitro...

Olly’s takeover of the gummy category starts with cuteness

05-Apr-2017 By Adi Menayang

Olly is relatively new in the dietary supplement space, launching only in 2015. But today its gummies can be found in 25,000 stores across the nation, from niche ones like GNC to mainstream ones like Target, where the brand started distribution.

Researchers confirm chicory inulin benefits on blood sugar

03-Apr-2017 By David Anderson

Inulin fibre from chicory root's beneficial effects on metabolic risks – including managing blood sugar levels – has been confirmed by new research.

Probiotics and memory: When conclusions can go too far

31-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A recent rodent study indicated that a combination of probiotics may impair memory in healthy animals – conclusions that industry experts say go ‘a bit too far’, and are at odds with the totality of the evidence.

Meta-analysis supports probiotic yeast for managing symptoms of GI disorders

24-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing Lesaffre Human Care’s ibSium (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856) may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The animal supplement sector is a Harvard Business School case study on driving a responsible system: NASC President

23-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

From GMPs to a robust adverse event reporting system and list of qualified suppliers, the self-regulatory successes of the animal supplement industry could be a Harvard Business School case study, says the president of the National Animal Supplement Council.

Guest article

Probiotics go mainstream at Expo West

23-Mar-2017 By George Paraskevakos, Executive Director of the International Probiotics Association

Probiotics have truly arrived. From Dr. Oz earlier this year, to the Natural Product Expo West show in Anaheim, one might say it is the invasion of the microorganism armies.  As I walked the floor at NPEW this year and looked at all the exhibitors from...

Special edition: Supplements for pets

Some vets not sold on routine supplementation for pets

23-Mar-2017 By Hank Schultz

People love their pets. And they can love them to death, animal nutrition experts say.

AIDP says prebiotic ingredient derives big gut health benefit from small dose

23-Mar-2017 By Hank Schultz

AIDP is emphasizing the prebiotic potential of its PreticX xylooligosaccharide. The small dosage provides formulation flexibility, the company says.

Special edition: Supplements for Pets

Navigating the regulations around supplements for pets

22-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

While many ingredients and trends for animal supplements are the similar to those found in human dietary supplements, the sector lives in a pre-DSHEA environment for regulations, explains Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council.