Probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

HanAll to distribute AB-Life in South Korea

12-Nov-2012

AB-Biotics has signed an agreement with HanAll BioPharma to distribute its cholesterol-lowering probiotic in Korea. The deal will give the Korean company a 10-year licence to exclusively distribute the AB-Life probiotic across the country.

Probiotics may ease eczema for children: RCT data

08-Nov-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 may improve eczema in children, says a new study from South Korea.

‘Probiotics’ term to go after December 14, 2012?

05-Nov-2012 By Shane Starling

The probiotics sector is at different stages of readiness, and embracing different approaches, to EU health claim laws that appear to rule the very word ‘probiotic’ a non-authorised, implied health claim from next month.

Ganeden BC30 strain shows potential against C. diff: Mouse study

02-Nov-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements containing the GanedenBC30 ingredient may reduce the recurrence of C. difficile-induced infection, according to a study with lab mice.

Chr Hansen profits up despite Eurozone slowdown

31-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

Shares jumped more than 3% to just over €24.05 this morning in Danish enzymes, colours and cultures company Chr Hansen as its yearly revenue hit €699m. Profits improved 10.7% to €131.3m for the 12 month period ended August 31.

Spruce extract could be ‘untapped’ prebiotic

26-Oct-2012 By Stephen Daniells

An extract from spruce (Picea abies) may selectively enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and offer a novel prebiotic for the nutritional products, says a new study.

King’s College backs probiotic at gastroenterology conference

24-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

Research backing the gastrointestinal potential of a multi-strain probiotic-fibre product is being presented at United European Gastroenterology Congress in Amsterdam today – a rare speaking opportunity at a medical-focused event with 12,000 attendees.

Special edition: Immune support

Immune sector in rude health despite regulator attacks

18-Oct-2012 By Shane STARLING

Foods, drinks, botanicals and other food supplements that boost the immune system have been one of the best performing functional sectors since, well, the birth of functional foods and supplements.

Probiotics on course for profound growth in the UAE

17-Oct-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Research by Euromonitor has revealed that pre- and probiotics have been continually attracting new consumers in the United Arab Emirates, with growth becoming consistently strong across the segment.

Merck and Chr Hansen jointly submit probiotic allergy health claim

15-Oct-2012 By Shane Starling

German pharma giant Merck has teamed with probiotics ingredients player Chr Hansen in a bid to win the European Union’s first probiotic health claim.

EU immunity health claims: Reformulate or reposition to win growth

15-Oct-2012 By Diana Cowland

Europe’s new health claim laws are the strictest in the world, with only the most strongly backed nutrient-health associations permitted on-product and whole sectors enraged about stripped comms tools. But immunity claims have fared better than most,...

Probiotics on a charge in Asia, but players must get organised

09-Oct-2012

With predicted growth of 15 to 20% imminent, probiotics in China and South Asia are destined for big things. But, according to Russell Ward, research director of food analyst Giract, a number of other factors must come into play before the segment reaches...

Study uncovers region's strong probiotic potential

03-Oct-2012 By RJ Whitehead

As markets for probiotics in Europe and North America come under pressure, a new study from Giract opens the lid on the industry’s prospects for growth in Asia.

DSM eyes more buys (probiotics, herbals?) as it seeks complete nutrition portfolio

27-Sep-2012 By Shane Starling in Basel, Switzerland

Growth in DSM’s human and animal nutrition cluster is set to continue after the company this morning indicated an ongoing commitment to broadening its portfolio and did not rule out probiotic and/or botanical acquisitions.

Gut bacteria changes touted as a cause of diabetes

27-Sep-2012 By Nathan Gray

Major changes to the profile of our gut bacteria ecosystem are associated with the development of type two diabetes, according to ‘exciting’ new meta-genomic data published in Nature.

Rejected prebiotic player: EFSA didn’t follow own guidelines; eyeing EU Ombudsman

25-Sep-2012 By Shane Starling

UK start-up Clasado Limited says the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) failed to follow its own prebiotic guidelines in rejecting the firm’s gut health claims.

Probiotic chocolate biscuits may aid bowel function in the elderly – study

24-Sep-2012 By Oliver Nieburg

Chocolate biscuits containing probiotics could help to preserve microorganisms in the gut that decline with age and cause constipation and diarrhea, according to a study.

Gut bacteria play key role in fat absorption: Study

13-Sep-2012 By Nathan Gray

The presence of certain gut microbes is linked with better digestion and absorption of dietary fats, according to new research that suggests modifying gut bacteria could help to battle malnutrition and obesity.

Researchers create synthetic human milk ingredient from bacteria

13-Sep-2012 By Nathan Gray

A new way to produce a key sugar in human milk using bacteria could offer hope for increased research and even the possibility of additions to infant formula in the future, say researchers.

Symrise adds probiotics to portfolio with Probi stake

31-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

The CEO of Swedish probiotics specialist Probi says the 11.8% stake taken by German flavours, fragrances and nutrients house Symrise will give it, “more marketing and R&D muscle”.

Synbiotic shows constipation relief potential

30-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of a symbiotic mix of prebiotic fibers and probiotic bacteria may provide relief for constipation without affecting abdominal symptoms, suggests a new study.

Researchers aim to develop new ‘super spaghetti'

30-Aug-2012 By Nathan Gray

An international team of researchers is working to produce better quality pasta that could contribute to improving health.

Probiotics in India to grow 11% yearly: Report

27-Aug-2012 By Ankush Chibber

India’s nascent probiotic market is expected to grow at 11% till 2016, but only if manufacturers are able to increase the awareness about these products locally.

EFSA rebuffs prebiotic appeal hopes

27-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims panel has given short shrift to an appeal by a Malta-based start-up urging it to revise a 2009 rejection of the prebiotic potential of the company’s proprietary Bimuno formulation.

Special edition: Oral health

Probiotics’ oral health potential gathers pace

22-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Probiotics are not only about gut health. The friendly bugs have also been touted to become the next blockbuster functional ingredients in gum and mints by Euromonitor. But which strains show the most potential, where does the science stand, and how do...

Special edition: Oral health

The A to omega-3 of oral health nutrients

22-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Oral health is much more than just calcium and vitamin D for healthy teeth, and vitamin C for healthy gums. A number of nutraceutical compounds are emerging with potential benefits for the oral cavity, from omega-3s to EGCG from green tea. But how much...

Profits dip 11% at Swedish probiotic firm (sans Nestlé deal)

21-Aug-2012

Pre-tax,half-year profits fell 11% to €4.54m at Swedish probiotics player BioGaia as distribution deals were modified or terminated.

Gut microbiota opens locked prebiotic research doors

16-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

Evolving gut microbiota knowledge is being leveraged to drive prebiotic research forward and providing new insights into older prebiotics, according to a leading researcher.

Clinical trials needed to fulfill prebiotics obesity promise: Professor

13-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

Battling obesity is not the first port of call for prebiotics – they are much more commonly known for their role in promoting gut health and boosting immune systems. But a growing number of studies is showing different prebiotic forms can influence weight...

Probiotics ban leads to marketing revolution

10-Aug-2012 By Rick Pendrous

Probiotic yogurt brands and supermarket own-label equivalents are leading a revolution in marketing of these products in advance of a ban, which comes into effect in December.

EFSA beats off more Lactobacillus probiotic claims

08-Aug-2012 By Shane Starling

The most researched group of probiotic strains – Lactobacillus – has been delivered yet another blow by the EU’s central science agency, which rejected digestive and vaginal health claims for nine individual strains.

Probiotics show anti-diarrhea potential in kids: RCT data

02-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 may reduce the frequency and duration of diarrhea for children, says new data from Italy.

Lentils promise growth in probiotic yoghurts

01-Aug-2012 By Nathan Gray

Green lentils have been shown to enhance the growth beneficial bacteria in probiotic yoghurt products, and may even offer added shelf life protection, according to new research.

Yakult ups production in ‘promising’ China

30-Jul-2012 By Kacey Culliney

Japanese probiotics hulk Yakult is driving up production of its iconic fermented milk drink at its Tianjin facility in China amid ‘promising’ growth opportunities.

Probiotic sales defeat EFSA's blow

16-Jul-2012 By Lorraine Mullaney

Consumer demand is sustaining probiotics sales, despite the blow of the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA's) health claims rejections, say some of industry's main players.

Global Alliance for Probiotics takes new tack to win first EU health claim

13-Jul-2012 By Shane STARLING

The Global Alliance for Probiotics (GAP) that includes Chr Hansen, DuPont-Danisco, Yakult, Valio and Danone, is working with academics and experts with a view to producing systematic reviews of “clusters of probiotics” in its ongoing effort to win the...

Probiotic cheese provides immuno-support after exercise: rat study

13-Jul-2012 By Joe Whitworth

Researchers have found probiotic cheese may be a viable alternative to enhance the immune system and prevent infection after physical overexertion.

Prebiotic breakfast cereal gets gold standard RCT support

10-Jul-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Fortifying ready-to-eat breakfast cereal with prebiotic wheat bran extracts can selectively enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, say results from a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial.

Do probiotics work in outer space? Yakult launches mission to find out...

09-Jul-2012 By Elaine Watson

How do our gut bacteria handle a prolonged stint in space? And do probiotics work in the same way up there vs down here on earth?

Prebiotics may enhance magnesium uptake from diet: Rat data

29-Jun-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

Prebiotic fibers may enhance the absorption and retention in rats, suggests new data from Purdue University with implications for bone health in postmenopausal women.

Common dietary fibres may alter gut bacteria composition: Study

28-Jun-2012 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of common dietary fibres may promote beneficial shifts in gut bacteria that may lead to better intestinal health, suggesting the fibres may have prebiotic applications, say researchers.

On the road in China

Giant Shanghai ingredients show expresses Asia's healthy evolution

26-Jun-2012 By Shane Starling in Shanghai

For someone more acquainted with ingredients expos in Europe and the US, walking around the vast halls of Food Ingredients Asia-China (FIC) in Shanghai today made me realise what a small percentage of the continent's nutrients industry fills those...

Probiotics begin to flex their muscle in the sports nutrition market

21-Jun-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

The potential benefits of probiotic ingredients in sports nutrition products may extend beyond immune support, as emerging evidence suggests a potential to enhance protein utilization.

Universal probiotic stamp could boost research & consumer understanding, says leading researcher

20-Jun-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

Probiotics should be classified by a Category Tree system in the US and Europe in order to better inform consumers and counter the impasse imposed by ‘bureaucrats’, says a leading probiotic researcher.

EFSA will complete final “50+” second-chance claims at next plenary

19-Jun-2012 By Shane Starling

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims panel will issue opinions on more than 50 health claim dossiers re-submitted to it in 2011.

LGG probiotic may protect day care kids from respiratory illness: Study

18-Jun-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Long term consumption of milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain may protect children in day care from respiratory illness, says a new study from Finland.