Food-Navigator USA: Special edition on digestive health

Here is another one of Food-Navigator USA’s collections of articles on specific topics from the food industry’s perspective.  This one is about the endlessly fascinating microbiome, and the probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that feed beneficial bacteria) that keep it healthy.

Special Edition: Digestive health

As pre- and probiotics continue to gain traction in the food and supplement arena, and interest in all things fermented – from sauerkraut to kombucha – gathers pace, we explore how food and beverage manufacturers can tap into growing interest in digestive health, how to market and position products on a digestive health platform without getting into legal hot water, plus new research into the relationship between gut bacteria and health.

• Evolve BioSystems: We’re facing a ‘generational loss’ of critical gut bacteria in infants: Research into the gut microbiome suggests that the ‘generational loss’ of a specific variety of beneficial bacteria – B. infantis – in the infant gut could increase the risk for a range of health problems later in life, from allergies to obesity. But to what extent can this risk be reduced through dietary interventions, and are these interventions only effective if we make them at a certain life stage?.. Read
• Functional foods gain traction as alternative to OTC digestive remedies: At the crossroad of Americans’ increasingly sedentary work- and lifestyles and their demand for decadent food is a growing need for digestive remedies and an opportunity for supplements and fortified foods to edge out over-the-counter treatments that come with unwanted side effects, according to research from Euromonitor… Read
• Nutrition Facts overhaul proves double-edged sword for inulin: 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 tempered with uncertainty over whether it will be classified as a dietary fiber… Read
• Plant-based calcium and mineral complex offers digestive health potential: Red seaweed-derived calcium complex Aquamin is best-known for its bone health benefits, but could also emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the digestive health arena, predicts Cork-based brand owner Marigot… Read
• BC30 probiotic may help with plant protein digestion, according to new Ganeden-backed study: 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… Read
• Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Separating fact from fiction when formulating with probiotics: Once restricted to a handful of products, such as yogurt, probiotics are enjoying unprecedented popularity and are popping up in unexpected places with many bold health claims, but not everything consumers or manufacturers hear about probiotics is true… Listen now
• Timing of probiotic consumption ‘unimportant’ for colonization: Study: 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… Read
• Do fermented foods contain probiotics? Not necessarily, says Ganeden: Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, and yogurts containing ‘live and active cultures’ are healthy and tasty, but they are not necessarily packed with probiotics, says Ganeden Inc, the Ohio-based firm behind one of the best-known probiotic strains, BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086)… Read
• Evolve BioSystems completes series B financing to fund commercialization of products: California-based microbiome company Evolve BioSystems has completed a $20 million Series B financing to fund the commercialization of its initial products… Read
• Farmhouse Culture raises $6.5m in financing round led by Gen Mills 301 INC, unveils new sparkling probiotic line: A $6.5m funding round led by General Mills’ 301 INC arm will help Farmhouse Culture – which specializes in fresh organic sauerkraut, sauerkraut chips and fermented ‘gut shots’ – expand its distribution and support new launches, including a new sparkling probiotic beverage… Read
• Safe for babies: FDA has no objections to GRAS status of Ganeden’s BC30 probiotic strain for use in infant formula: The FDA has no objections to Ganeden BC30s GRAS status for use in infant formulas, the company announced this week… Read
• Brew Dr Kombucha poised for growth as fermented trend gains momentum: According to SPINS data*, retail sales of refrigerated kombucha and fermented beverages** surged 32% to $375.4m (natural, specialty, conventional multi-outlet) in the year to October 2, but with household penetration still very low, there is still significant opportunity for growth, says the founder and CEO of one fast-growing player… Read
• Probiota Americas built around cutting edge research: Experts from diverse research fields including infant health, skin health and global microbial demographics will expand the view of the microbiome at the upcoming 2017 IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas on June 7-9 in San Francisco… Read