Probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

Herbalife seems to be emerging from shadow of investigation

10-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Network marketing giant Herbalife reported better-than-expected profitability on its second quarter 2015 earnings despite currency fluctuations that depressed overall net sales.  The company also said that the negative publicity surrounding a reported...

In the year 2020: Global nutraceuticals market to be worth €35bn; 7% annual growth forecast

10-Aug-2015

Botanicals are the fastest growing nutraceutical ingredient class in a category being driven by ageing populations around the world, a report has found.

$1 billion annual sales mark in view as Usana rides Q2 sales boom in China

06-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Shares of Usana Health Sciences rose as much as 21% after the company announced strong second quarter earnings that were highlighted by a boom in China, where sales rose 84%. The company posted earnings per share that were 17% higher than analysts had...

Lesaffre gets Health Canada claim for ibSium probiotic

06-Aug-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Health Canada has approved a condition-specific claim for the Lesaffre Human Care’s Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 for IBS.

Prebiotics improve gut microbiota in obese kids: Study

03-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A prebiotic-rich diet may shift the gut microbiota profiles of obese children to a more beneficial profile, regardless of whether the obesity was related to lifestyle or genetics, says a study from an international team of researchers.

Health Canada approves BLIS K12 probiotic

31-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Oral probiotic BLIS K12 has been approved for use in supplement products by Health Canada.

Putting the probiotics where your mouth is: Probiotics may help oral thrush

31-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Probiotics may help older people tackle antibiotic-induced oral Candida, says industry backed research.

Prebiotic boosts healthy elderly immune systems: Study

30-Jul-2015 By Shane STARLING

A proprietary prebiotic blend can deliver immune system benefits to the healthy elderly better than placebo, an industry-backed study in the UK has found.

Probiotics offer potential ‘safe, low cost, non-antibiotic’ strategy for infections

29-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Clostridium difficile infections have been noted by EU and US health authorities as an ‘emerging’ healthcare threat – costing the US $1bn annually. Now, researchers preparing a pilot study are looking at whether probiotics could be a solution. 

Special Edition: Innovations in Delivery Systems

Surviving the stomach takes center stage in world of probiotic innovation

29-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Innovation in delivery modes has been a hallmark of the probiotic space for many years. That’s because researchers saw early on that to deliver on their benefits, probiotics had to survive the death march through the stomach’s acid defenses.

Agave extracts show ability to shift gut microbiota: Ingredion study

29-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Prebiotic extracts from agave may shift the gut population and activity of Bifidobacterium in healthy adults, says data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Nordic Naturals: 'We see sports nutrition as a growth opportunity'

28-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Omega-3 brand Nordic Naturals is expanding its sports nutrition offering with two new products with NSF International’s Certified for Sport Program verification.

Probiotic pair may improve lipid metabolism: Human data

27-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements containing Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 may reduce triglyceride levels, and improve other markers of heart health, says a new study from Korea.

DuPont: ‘Our ability to remove gluten from our probiotic reinforces the strength of our science & expertise’

24-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

DuPont Nutrition & Health has confirmed its entire probiotic range is produced from raw materials that do not contain gluten.

Soluble fibers may curb hunger and counter inflammation in overweight people: Human data

21-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Prebiotic supplements may reduce appetite, food intake, and inflammation in overweight adults, says a new study from France.

Probiotic fermented milk may improve airway allergies: Danone study

16-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Probiotic fermented milk may improve airway allergies through immune system shift, says Argentinian research funded by Danone.

Fermented metabolites can be prebiotic biomarkers: Review

15-Jul-2015 By Shane STARLING

Combining knowledge of metabolites with metagenomics could isolate biomarkers that can improve understanding of the prebiotic microbiome, researchers say.

LGG may ‘transiently’ boost anti-inflammatory functions in the gut microbiota: Human data

14-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 may not change the host’s gut microbiota but may stimulate anti-inflammatory activities of microbes already resident, says a new study.

Sensus, Ganeden team up to offer stable liquid prebiotic/probiotic ingredient

09-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Ganeden Biotech has teamed up with ingredient supplier Sensus in an alliance to bring a liquid prebiotic/probiotic ingredient to market that adds functionality to food formulations and also solves an issue that prevents wider application of probiotics,...

‘Underappreciated’ Lactococcus strain shows anti-inflammatory potential

07-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Consuming a Lactococcus lactis-fermented milk product may help reduce intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in lab mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), says a new study.

Flaxseed beats probiotics for improved insulin sensitivity & altered microbiota

06-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

A study comparing fibrous flaxseed with probiotics has questioned the latter’s ability to alter gut microbiota and improve obesity-related metabolic diseases. 

GoodBelly maker enters supplement space mostly to placate existing consumers

02-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Next Foods, maker of the popular GoodBelly line of probiotic juice drinks, has delved into the supplement space with the release of a line of capsules containing the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain featured in its beverages. But it’s not so much a...

IND guidance complicates research into immune health, forum participants told

01-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Studying immune responses in the target population where an immune supporting supplement is meant to marketed is a key pillar in building a structure that will stand up to FDA and FTC regulatory scrutiny, attendees at the recent NutraIngredients-USA Trends...

Ecological characteristics of human gut still only dimly understood, researcher says

30-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

Ecological models of the human microbiome, underpinned by statistical techniques, have made significant strides over the past 15 years. But much remains to be discovered, including how to make a more or less symptom-free intestinal tract work better,...

patent watch

Nestlé files patent for pregnancy probiotic

29-Jun-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Nestlé has filed a patent for probiotics to be taken during pregnancy and lactation, which it says help reduce the risk of allergies for the infant. 

Probiota Americas

New gut models facilitating microbiome research

24-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The understanding of what happens within the human digestive system has always been hampered by the inability to observe that system in action, leave alone the imperfect understanding of one of the major components of the system, the gut microbiome. ...

Medical Nutrition

Tailored gut microbiota holds promise for lethal ammonia in liver disease: Mouse data

24-Jun-2015 By Nathan Gray

Altering the bacterial make-up of the gut could help to reduce potentially lethal high circulating levels of ammonia in people with liver disease, say researchers.

Probiota Americas

Collaboration among stakeholders needed for probiotics research to move forward, experts say

23-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The immediate future of the probiotics space is clouded by regulatory uncertainty but is buoyed by new science and technology, speakers at the recent Probiota Americas event said.

Microbiome changes may be key to better metabolic health in obesity

23-Jun-2015 By Nathan Gray

The gut microbe Akkermansia muciniphila may hold the key to better metabolic health and healthier body fat distribution in people who are overweight or obese, say researchers.

One week to go!

Experts to talk science, regs, challenges and opportunities in immune health

22-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Experts from Abbott Nutrition, the University of Southampton, Vynna LLC, and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP will join NutraIngredients-USA’s Hank Schultz for an hour-long, free to attend discussion of the booming immune health sector. Don’t miss your...

Special edition: Immunity

Pre- & Probiotics market snap-shot; ban to cost €1.5bn by 2020 in EU6

18-Jun-2015 By Shane STARLING

The EU’s ban on prebiotics and probiotics as marketing tools has cost the market €500m and will cost a further €1bn by 2020 according to Euromonitor International data – and that’s just drinking yoghurt. Other formats have also been hit.

Supplement sales slow, but hope emerges in probiotics, protein, omega-3s and aloe

18-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Market saturation, negative press and increased competition from fortified foods are taking a toll on dietary supplement sales, growth of which is slowing dramatically, according to research from IBISWorld and Euromonitor International. 

Probiotic combination may improve immune health for asthmatics: Study

16-Jun-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 may help balance the immune system in people with allergic asthma, says a new study from Italy.

Probiotas Americas

Pivotal study on effect of gut microbial makeup on brain activity changed course of researcher's career

15-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The dawn of inexpensive, rapid genetic sequencing has opened up new avenues for explaining the connection of the gut to the brain.  With this new understanding of the precise makeup of the  gut microbiome, medical science, and by extension the probiotic...

Probiotic Bifidobacteria may boost cognition in anxious mice: Study

15-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Select strains of Bifidobacteria may positively impact cognition in anxious lab animals, says a new study from Ireland that deepens our understanding of the gut-brain axis.

Ganeden BC30 boosts performance, recovery in weight lifting test, attendees at event are told

11-Jun-2015 By Probiotia Americas

A study detailed at the Probiota Americas gathering in San Diego showed how supplementation of Bacillus coagulans combined with protein decreases muscle damage and boosts recovery post exercise. And it’s the first study that directly links probiotics...

Review takes probiotics for preterm infants ‘another step forward’

10-Jun-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Supplementing enteral nutrition with a probiotic strain may reduce the risk of bowel tissue death and other serious health risks in premature infants, says a systematic review.

Fermented food intake linked to fewer anxiety symptoms: Study

10-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Increased intakes of fermented foods may be associated with fewer symptoms of social anxiety, particularly for people at higher genetic risk, says a new study. 

Probiota Americas

Biomakers of resilience could elucidate structure function claims for probiotics, experts say

08-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

How do probiotic researchers and suppliers best communicate with customers?  And what should they be trying to tell them, anyway? Having a clear picture of what gut and blood parameters a dietary intervention is meant to affect and having a clear mechanism...

NSF: Certification eliminates doubt for 'gluten-free' probiotics

04-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The question of the presence of gluten in probiotics made a splash recently with the release of a study that found some trace of the protein in a number of top-selling brands.  It’s a question of process, not an issue with ‘contamination’ per se, said...

Probiota Americas

NYAG affair will have implications for probiotics suppliers, exec says

03-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

According to one prominent executive, for the probiotics industry, the fallout from the NYAG affair should be fairly straightforward:  Make sure you know how to do what you’re supposed to do in the first place. Identify and count, it’s as simple as that.

Probiotics may slash triglyceride levels: Study

28-May-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and L. plantarum KY1032 may significantly lower triglyceride levels, says a new study from Korea.

Prebiotics bring infant formula closer to ‘golden standard’ of breast milk: Review

27-May-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

There is growing evidence of the health benefits of adding prebiotics to infant formula, according to a review from Belgian and Russian researchers.

Euromonitor runs rule over recent nutraceutical award winners

25-May-2015 By Simone Baroke

Market analyst Euromonitor International dissects recent NutraIngredients Awards winners to provide category perspective from sustainable omega-3 to healthy ageing in this guest article.

IPA says manufacturing process, not 'contamination,' accounts for traces of gluten researchers found in probiotics

22-May-2015 By Hank Schultz

A recent study that found traces of gluten in probiotic supplements has provoked a measured response from the International Probiotic Association. IPA executive director George Paraskevakos noted that only one product in the study that made a gluten-free...

Neglected female microbiota research a ‘disgrace’; congress lights issues

22-May-2015 By Shane STARLING

Better Lactobacilli genetic screening, biomarker development, better pregnancy support and better engagement with health professionals were just a few of many actions proposed to improved women’s health at a recent Amsterdam congress focused on the female...

Is the $35 billion figure for the dietary supplements industry over-inflated?

21-May-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The US dietary supplements industry is only worth about $12 billion, according to Dr Kurt Jetta, CEO and founder of the TABS Group.

RCT findings back probiotic strain to shorten duration of cold and flu: Chr Hansen study

21-May-2015 By Nathan Gray

The world’s biggest clinical study on the immune effects of probiotics has found that the L. casei 431 strain could reduce the duration of symptoms from the common cold and flu – though no differences were found in the incidence or severity of illness.

‘A valuable addition to QC’: FDA GutProbe may help verify accurate labelling in commercial probiotics

19-May-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A custom DNA microarray may provide a ‘quick, more accurate, and inexpensive’ method for identifying microbials and probiotics in dietary supplements, say the FDA researchers who developed the technique.

Emerging technologies will help take probiotics and other digestive health ingredients to the next level: Bayer HealthCare Scientist

18-May-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Emerging methodologies and technologies such as the Smart Pill, non-invasive molecular methods using exfoliated epithelial cells, and uBiome, need further consideration and evaluation from key stakeholders to identify their validity as markers of digestive...