Probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

Probiota 2014, February 4-5, Amsterdam

Probiota 2014: The ultimate pre- and probiotic science-business blend

19-Dec-2013 By Shane STARLING

Probiota 2014 – relocated from Brussels to Amsterdam and organised by NutraIngredients – will bring together the finest scientific and commercial minds operating in the pre- and probiotic sector in a 2-day, 2-stream event.

Probiotics can reduce bowel problem in premature babies: Study

16-Dec-2013

A 3-strain probiotic blend can reduce the occurrence of a bowel condition common among premature babies, researchers writing in Pediatrics journal have found.

Diet can 'rapidly and reproducibly' alter our gut bacteria: Study

16-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Shifts in dietary patterns can radically alter the microbial make-up of our gut in less than a day, leading to rapid alterations in the functions of our microbiota, say researchers.

Immune health forming larger part of sports nutrition sphere

13-Dec-2013 By Hank Schultz

Immune health is an increasingly large part of the thin edge of the wedge that is sports nutrition, one of the hottest categories in the dietary supplement sphere.

‘Immunobiotic’ may help reduce cold, flu risk: Human data

13-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of a heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), such as cold and flu, says a new study from Japan.

Probiotic blend benefits antibiotic users: Study

12-Dec-2013

500+ Chinese hospital patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) have shown improvement after consuming a probiotic blend, a study has found.

Probiotics during pregnancy and infancy no benefit for asthma: BMJ analysis

10-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

While consumption of probiotics may have health benefits, preventing childhood asthma is not one of them, according to new data published in the British Medical Journal.

Probiotic therapy alleviates autism-like behaviors in mice: Study

06-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Probiotic supplementation may help to reverse changes in gut bacteria and gut physiology that are linked to autism spectrum disorders, according to new research in mice.

Poster deadline extended by one week to December 13

Probiota 2014: Poster proposal deadline extended

04-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Probiota 2014 – the leading conference bridging the interface of academia and industry for cutting edge science about the prebiotics, probiotics and the microbiome – has extended the call for proposals for its poster sessions by one week to Friday 13th...

Probiotics may offer hay fever benefit: RCT data

28-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

Daily consumption ofa drink containing Lactobacillus casei may alter the way our immune cells react to pollen in people suffering from hay fever, according to new research backed by Yakult and the BBSRC.

Dispatches from SupplySide West 2013

MicroPharma ready to launch microbiome supplements direct to healthcare practitioners

25-Nov-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Innovative Canadian company MicroPharma is leveraging half a billion dollars-worth of microbiome research to launch microbiome supplements any day now, the company’s CEO told NutraIngredients-USA.

DuPont affirms GRAS status of its Bifidobacterium lactis range with FDA letter

19-Nov-2013 By Stephen Daniells

The US Food and Drug Administration has no questions for DuPont (Danisco) and the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status of its Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains HN019, Bi-07, B1-04, and B420 (B. animalis subsp. lactis strains).

Beneo chief: ‘It is the duty of the food industry to offer healthy solutions'

19-Nov-2013 By Shane STARLING

With the World Health Organization just last week calling on the food industry to do more to improve global nutrition levels, the new(ish) chief of European ingredients giant Beneo says better nutrition will always be front and centre at his company....

Gut reaction: Could hormone receptors on gut bacteria be driving diet-health interactions?

15-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

Dietary intake of foods that affect hormone levels could drive changes in the microbial make up of ourgut flora, according to new research in mice.

Gut bacteria may be linked to rheumatoid arthritis: Study

12-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

Bacterial disturbances in the gut may play a role in autoimmune attacks on joints, and could point the way towards novel ways to manage and prevent arthritis, say researchers.

Vitamin Shoppe: ‘Private label is an important growth opportunity for us’

06-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Growth in private label and one of its recently launched MyTrition products already a top selling product, Vitamin Shoppe is planning more new product introductions by year end, said the company’s CEO.

Nordic Naturals enters probiotic space to address ‘critical, foundational digestive health issue’

05-Nov-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Omega-3 specialist Nordic Naturals has entered the probiotics space with the launch of its Nordic Probiotic product to promote digestive system balance and immune support.

Researchers identify molecular link between gut bacteria and intestinal health

05-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

An enzyme known as HDAC3 may be central to understanding the mechanisms and drivers behind the complex relationship between our gut microbiota and intestinal health, according to new research published in Nature.

Probiotic cheese + low calorie diet shows weight and heart health benefits for obese

28-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A low calorie diet plus daily consumption of a probiotic cheese may improve blood pressure and body mass index measures in obese adults with hypertension, says a new study.

Big Interview: Todd Beckman, cofounder and COO of GoodBelly

Consumer education on probiotics critical: GoodBelly founder

28-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

In a country like the US where 60 to 70 million people have digestive issues, and roughly 20% of the population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (though only a third seek medical attention, according to the National Institutes of Health), the founders...

Chr Hansen CEO on ‘solid’ 2013 profit: ‘We are very proud of our European performance’

23-Oct-2013 By Shane STARLING

Chr Hansen CEO Cees de Jong today praised the Danish enzymes, cultures and colours specialist’s 2012-2013 performance that saw revenues grow 6% to €738m for the year, and highlighted 5% growth in sluggish EMEA as a major achievement.

Panel of experts proposes monograph system to regulate probiotics claims in US

22-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

A paper written by a group coordinated out of the University of Maryland proposes significant changes to the way probiotics are regulated, including using a monograph system similar to what regulators use in Canada to govern the use of the organisms.

High serum omega-3 status linked to lower brain abnormalities in the elderly

18-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

A high level of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in blood may lower the risk of small infarcts and other brain abnormalities that are linked to cognitive decline in the elderly, according to new research.

Ganeden backs probiotic ingredient with science results, formulation support

17-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Quality science, manufacturing and customer support have helped Ganeden Biotech achieve success with its proprietary staring of bacillus coagluans, branded as GanedenBC30, said vice president Mike Bush.

Capsugel’s DRcaps ‘excellent choice’ for probiotics & enzymes

16-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The release of the contents from Capsugel’s DRcaps occurs after the capsules have passed through the stomach, says a new scintigraphic in vivo study that supports the capsules as an ‘excellent choice’ for sensitive ingredients like probiotics and enzymes....

GanedenBC30 get Venezuelan Ministry of Food Application approval

15-Oct-2013

Ohio-based Ganeden Biotech has received approval from the Venezuelan Popular Power Ministry of Health for Food Applications for its GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) ingredient.

Probiotics (Bl-04) may reduce common cold risk in active adults: Clinical trial

14-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis subsp lactis Bl-04 may reduce the risk of the common cold (upper respiratory tract infections or URTIs) in active adults, says a new study from Australia.

Could the health effects of inulin be complimented by wheat fiber?

09-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Long-chain arabinoxylan derived from wheat has potential prebiotic activity and may complement the effects of inulin, an established prebiotic fiber, according to new data from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Yakult Light probiotic drink may offer diarrhoea benefits: RCT data

09-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Daily consumption of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota could significantly reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, according to new research in people with spinal injuries.

Insufficient evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri and colic, say researchers

08-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

There is not enough evidence to support use of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to manage colic or prevent crying infants, according to a new analysis.

EpiCor shows prebiotic activity – new study unlocks ingredient’s immunity mechanisms

07-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The immune benefits of EpiCor, the yeast fermentate from Embria, may be related to its prebiotic potential to boost levels of beneficial bacteria, says a new study.

Gut bacteria are closely linked to immune functions, review suggests

30-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

A new understanding of the essential role of gut microbes in the immune system could hold the key to battling significant and global public health issues, researchers have suggested.

Blueberry powder may boost gut bacteria with 'demonstrated health-promoting properties', says a new study

26-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A daily drink of juice containing wild blueberry powder may boost select bifidobacteria strains in the gut with the potential to influence immune health, says a new study with human volunteers.

Live from the 20th International Congress of Nutrition

Prof: 'GI can be more powerful obesity-fighting tool in Asia than the west'

20-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling in Granada, Spain

Prebiotics and other fibres have a big role to play in curbing spiraling obesity, diabetic and pre-diabetic rates in emerging economies like India and China, according to one respected nutrition academic here at the ICN in Granada.

Special Edition: Amino acids and protein

Specialty peptides, enzymes and probiotics: Options abound for formulators to make the ‘protein we have even better than it is already’

18-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

While much has been said and written about different protein sources, complimentary ingredients like enzymes and probiotics allow consumers to make the ‘protein we have even better than it is already’.

Probiotics can benefit colitis sufferers with ‘anal pouch’ issues: Study

17-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

Ulcerative colitis (UC) sufferers who are surgically fitted with an artificial anus (‘ileoanal pouch’) can benefit from probiotics, Swedish and Dutch researchers have found.

Meta-analysis: Probiotic reduces infant skin disorders (but not asthma/wheezing)

16-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling

The probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus decreases skin sensitivity in children that can reduce disorders like eczema, researchers have found after a scan of published studies – but other allergic ailments like asthma and wheezing were not affected.

Baobab fruit extract shows blood sugar management potential

16-Sep-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Formulating functional foods with extracts from the baobab fruit may help manage blood sugar levels, says a new study.

Respect for science behind ingredients drives Sabinsa on Wheels, exec says

10-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa’s founder say a need to educate the marketplace on the science behind the ingredients that the company sells. What began as individual talks by Dr Muhammed Majeed has morphed into a multifaceted roadshow providing information not only on the...

Probiotic yoghurt does not alter overall microbiota makeup: Study

10-Sep-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

Probiotic yoghurt increases the presence of certain probiotic strains, but does not change the overall microbiota makeup, according to research by Laval University.

‘The Battle of the Microbiota’

Gut health and obesity: Human gut bacteria can alter mouse metabolism, depending on diet, says new study

06-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Transplanting gut bacteria from obese humans into germ-free mice leads to greater weight gain and fat accumulation than mice that were given bacteria from the guts of lean humans, says another breakthrough study from Washington University in St Louis.

Distribution chain control helps USANA guarantee viability of reformulated probiotic

06-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

USANA’s tight control of its distribution channels enables it to offer probiotics to its customers where some other network marketing competitors shy away, according to the company’s product development director.

L. rhamnosus probiotic shows long-lasting anti-eczema benefits for kids: RCT

05-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 strain may reduce the incidence of eczema and skin sensitivity in children, according to data from a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Big changes at Chr Hansen

Nature lover: Chr Hansen plays natural card in 6-platform reinvention

04-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

Danish ingredients giant Chr Hansen has today rebranded itself ‘Nature’s Number 1’ as it announced a 6-platform strategic overhaul of its colours, enzymes and cultures businesses.

Prebiotic potential: Mushroom ‘waste’ could enhance probiotic survival

03-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

By-products from mushroom processing could be a cheap and unexplored source of prebiotics that may enhance the survival of probiotics in storage and digestion, according to new research.

Health economics: Nutritional supplement intervention may have significant benefits in hospital

02-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Oral nutritional supplements provided to patients during hospitalisation is associated with significant reductions in length of stay and hospitalisation costs, according to economic research backed by Abbott Nutrition.

Researching seniors helps Ganeden sidestep study design issues while reaching booming market

30-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Finding a sweet spot in researching gut health ingredients without crossing regulatory boundaries can be a challenge. Probiotic ingredient supplier Ganeden Biotech seems to have found one way around this conundrum by using healthy seniors as a study population.

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