Food companies are also involved in microbiome research. Nestlé in November 2019 announced that it entered into a partnership with the University of California–San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation to further increase the understanding of the microbiome’s impact on human health and to accelerate the development of innovative nutritional solutions promoting health and wellbeing. Over many years, Nestlé has studied the gut microbiome and its evolving composition throughout different life stages, from birth to aging, in humans and companion animals. This research has been used to develop products that help maintain healthy digestion and well-being for different populations. The current portfolio includes products that contain probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to improve digestion. Recently, Nestlé Purina launched Calming Care, an innovative probiotic- based nutritional supplement tailored for the management of anxious behavior in dogs.

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences is focusing on the ability of gut bacteria to influence the immune system. The company in September 2019 announced its partnership with Quadram Institute Bioscience, a research institute with expertise in microbiome interactions. The 3-year preclinical project will study the way that gut bacteria influences the immune system and will evaluate how extracellular vesicles, which are naturally produced by the gut bacteria, can be used to enhance immunity and prevent or treat inflammatory conditions.

Probiotics

“Research shows 40% of global consumers are actively interested in improving their digestive health, and one of the most popular ways to do that is taking probiotics,” Quilter says, citing consumer research from FMCG Gurus’ Insights and Opportunities: Global Digestive Health 2019 report. He says that Mintel’s Achieving Digestive Wellness with Food and Drink, an August 2018 report, found that “67% of U.S. consumers who use probiotic supplements do so for a healthy gut or microbiome.” Finally, the global probiotics market was estimated to be worth $49.4 billion in 2018, and it’s projected to hit $69.3 billion by 2023, he says, citing data from MarketsandMarkets’ Global Probiotic Market Forecast to 2023 report.

Consumers are starting to understand the role probiotics can play in microbiome health, according to research conducted by Kerry and published in its Global Consumer Survey–Digestive and Immune Health–2019 report. “We surveyed more than 11,000 health-conscious consumers around the world; among those in the U.S. with an awareness of probiotics, 79% were aware of their digestive health benefits. In the UK, 72% who were aware of probiotic cultures knew they boosted digestive health,” says Quilter.

Although there is a growing understanding of probiotic benefits, Quilter mentions that there is still work to do. “For example, there’s a common misconception that all probiotic strains are the same, but the functionality and benefits can vary hugely. While some strains need to be kept in specific conditions, spore-forming probiotics like GanedenBC³⁰ are extremely hardy and can be used in anything from ice cream to hot coffee and remain effective. Also, research has shown that GanedenBC³⁰ not only benefits digestive health but also supports the immune system and assists protein utilization.”

Anaya-Loyola et al. (2019) showed that GanedenBC³⁰ has a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal symptoms and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in children. GanedenBC³⁰ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is a patented sporeforming probiotic. Its protective shell shields it from both stomach acids and most food-processing conditions, including heat, shear, high-temperature short-time pasteurization, and high-pressure processing pasteurization.

Last year, NZMP launched probiotic ingredients in the United States. The strains, Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis HN019 (BifidoB 019) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (LactoB 001), were first discovered in Fonterra’s unique New Zealand cheese and yogurt cultures. Both strains have been extensively researched since being discovered more than two decades ago and have been clinically proven to target and support digestive health and immunity.

Prebiotics

A recent Health Focus International study found that of those surveyed, 42% were “very or extremely interested in the gut microbiome,” says Jon Peters, president of BENEO Inc. “Consumers are aware of fiber and its contribution to creating improvement in the digestive tract, bringing benefits like a healthy gut bacteria environment, increased immunity, regularity, and healthy weight and blood sugar management. All of these benefits are linked with the ‘gut-brain axis’ that positively influences overall health and inner well-being.” Research has shown that the gut-brain axis—the communication between the gut and the brain—can affect health in many different ways. “As the understanding of the importance of the gut-brain axis continues to grow, the importance of the impact of dietary components reaching the colon may influence this communication and the potential for prebiotics,” says Peters.

BENEO Institute hosted a symposium on the gut microbiome and prebiotics at the 2019 SupplySide West show. “The symposium covered several topics related to the gut microbiome, including a discussion on how prebiotics and the gut microbiota work together to affect metabolic health,” says Peters. “As the microbiota is greatly influenced by diet and intervention by prebiotics, the growth of beneficial microbes, i.e. Bifidobacterium, can address dysbiosis and help manage certain diseases.” Insights were also offered in how early life gut microbiota development and prebiotics can play a significant role in establishing an optimal life trajectory.

Soldi et al. (2019) showed that BENEO’s chicory root fiber (composition of Orafti inulin and Orafti oligofructose) kept the level of Bifidobacteria higher and more stable, even during antibiotic treatment, in children aged 3–6 years. The findings demonstrated that regular consumption of 6 g of prebiotic chicory root fiber reduced the antibiotic-induced disturbances of the microbiota composition. Lohner et al. (2018) revealed important health benefits of consuming chicory root fibers. These included improved gut microbiota composition, softer stools in a normal range, and fewer incidences of infections.

“When exploring the opportunity to launch Arrabina, an arabinoxylan plant fiber extract, our research found that over half of consumers regularly or occasionally suffer from digestive issues,” notes Rich Troyer, CEO of Comet Bio. “So, it’s a key focus area for consumers, who are also well informed. Nearly 90% of them could identify at least one benefit associated with consuming a prebiotic. Of those, 52% perceived that prebiotic fibers aid in digestion, 50% said they improve gut health, 43% said they promote overall health, and 30% thought they help strengthen immunity. Some consumers even accurately made the connection between prebiotics and inflammation, skin health, and energy. Therefore, we believe consumer awareness of the gut microbiome and the importance of consuming prebiotics is very high.”