Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. The food industry is increasingly incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into a wide range of products, including yogurt, fermented foods, and dietary supplements, among others. Prebiotics & probiotics are primarily used to promote gut health.

• Prebiotic Supplements. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotic supplements are available in various forms, such as powders or capsules. They often contain ingredients like inulin, chicory root fiber, or resistant starch.
• Probiotic Supplements. Probiotics are live microorganisms (usually beneficial bacteria) that can provide health benefits when consumed. Probiotic supplements come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and gummies.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut, are gaining popularity due to their potential to introduce beneficial microbes to the gut and support digestive health.

Many fermented foods are natural sources of live probiotics and can be purchased OTC. This has driven many food industry professionals to look more closely into popular fermented foods.

Personalized Nutrition

Advances in microbiome research were leading to the development of personalized nutrition recommendations. Companies were exploring ways to tailor diets and food products based on an individual’s unique gut microbiome composition.

Plant-Based and Fiber-Rich Diets

Diets rich in plant-based foods and dietary fiber were being recognized for their positive impact on gut health. The food industry was responding by creating more plant-based and fiber-rich products.

Functional Foods

Functional foods with added ingredients targeting gut health, such as resistant starches, soluble fibers, and polyphenols, were being developed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Gut Microbiome Testing

Companies were offering at-home microbiome testing kits that allowed consumers to analyze their gut microbiota and receive personalized dietary recommendations based on the results.

Synthetic Biology

Researchers were exploring the potential of synthetic biology to engineer probiotics with specific functionalities, potentially offering novel approaches to gut health through food products.

Mood and Mental Health

Emerging research suggests a connection between the gut microbiome and mental health. Food products and supplements marketed as “gut-brain axis” supporters were becoming more prominent.

Potential Concerns for the Gut Microbiome Food Industry

As the food & nutrition industry continues to incorporate gut microbiome-related products into regular staples, some concerns have been raised. Concerns are primarily related to regulating a relatively new industry and how sustainability will affect research & development moving forward.

Regulatory Considerations

Regulatory agencies were beginning to evaluate the need for specific regulations related to probiotics and health claims associated with gut health. Establishing clear guidelines for labeling and marketing was an ongoing process.

Sustainability

Sustainability concerns were driving innovation in gut health products. Companies were exploring ways to make probiotics and prebiotics more environmentally friendly, such as through sustainable sourcing and packaging.

Clinical Research Findings

Ongoing clinical research was uncovering more about the links between the gut microbiome and various health conditions, from obesity and diabetes to autoimmune diseases. The food industry was paying attention to these findings for potential product development opportunities. Clinical research findings will have to be meticulously carried out to find as many positives and negatives as possible.

Given the rapid pace of research in the field of gut microbiome science and its relevance to health, it’s likely that new trends and breakthroughs will continue to emerge at a rapid pace.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

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Having fulfilled all regulatory requirements, including obtaining a “No Question” letter from the FDA, approval for product labels from the USDA, and the USDA Grant of Inspection (GOI), these companies are now one step closer to bringing their cultivated meat products to the market, signifying a historic achievement for both of them.

Alternative Meat Products

The production of meat cultivated from animal cells offers a potential solution to current environmental sustainability challenges. Studies indicate that these alternative protein production methods can reduce the environmental carbon footprint, improve resource efficiency, decrease antibiotic use, and diversify protein sources.

Ensuring Cultured Meat Manufacturing Safety

Considering the implications of these recent approvals and the future of the cultured meat industry, there is a need for harmonized and minimal analytical methods to ensure the safety, quality, and acceptability of these products. 

Validated official methods and authentic reference materials are essential as these products enter the market. Mérieux NutriSciences (MXNS), a partner for traditional and innovative food producers, is prepared to contribute to this industry’s progress. They aim to collaborate with stakeholders to address consumer acceptance and regulatory compliance challenges.

Mérieux NutriSciences Services

Mérieux NutriSciences is the parent company of Biofortis Research. While Biofortis works solely from within the United States, Mérieux NutriSciences conducts research, development, and services on a global scale.

Mérieux NutriSciences offers a range of capabilities, including nutrition and sensory profiling, process optimization, and shelf-life extension. They have initiated collaborations with prominent analytical organizations like the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC International). 

Furthermore, Mérieux NutriSciences is organizing a scientific session and discussion at AOAC’s annual meeting and exposition in New Orleans on August 30 to further these efforts. Their goal is to develop validated official analysis methods in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the safety and acceptability of these novel products.

With their expertise in analytical chemistry and microbiology, Mérieux NutriSciences is committed to producing high-quality and safe products for their customers. Their unwavering dedication to customer safety drives their mission to propel this industry toward a promising future.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

Original article posted by Mérieux NutriSciences.

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These claims fall under the category of nutrient content claims (NCC). An NCC refers to any direct statement about the level or range of a nutrient in the food, such as “low sodium.” Only NCCs that have been defined by the FDA or USDA are permitted on labeling conventional foods, including meat and poultry products, as well as dietary supplements. 

Manufacturers must consider various factors to determine if their product qualifies for an NCC. Manufacturers are not allowed to make non-defined NCCs or use non-prescribed wording, such as “Low in Sugar” or “Free of Trans Fat,” on food or dietary supplement labels. Below are descriptions and synonyms for commonly seen NCCs:

Free

This claim is used when a product contains an insignificant amount of any of the following nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars, or calories. Synonyms permitted include “negligible source of,” “dietarily insignificant source,” “No,” “Zero,” and “Trivial Source of.”

Low

This claim is used when a product contains a nutrient per Reference Amount that is below the defined level. For example, 3g or less for fat, 140mg or less for sodium. Synonyms permitted include “little,” “few,” “contains a small amount,” and “low source of.”

Good Source Of

This claim is used when a product contains 10-19% of the Daily Value per Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC). Synonyms permitted include “contains” and “provides.”

High

This claim is used when a product contains 20% or more of the Daily Value per RACC. Synonyms permitted include “excellent source” and “rich in.”

Lean

This claim is applicable to seafood or game meats that contain less than 10g total fat, 4.5g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per RACC.

Extra Lean

This claim is applicable to seafood or game meat that has 5g total fat, less than 2g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per RACC.

Why Food Labeling Regulations are Important

As mentioned, consumers rely on claims when making food purchasing decisions. Therefore, it is crucial that all claims made on food labels are truthful, not misleading, and align with the definitions prescribed by the FDA and USDA.

New regulations have been implemented as of January 1, 2020, which impact both new and existing products. These regulations cover aspects such as revised Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) for certain products, updated Reference Daily Intakes (RDI), changes in units of measurement, modified nutrient definitions, and the inclusion of new mandatory nutrients like Added Sugar and Potassium. It is important to consider and comply with these regulations when including NCCs on your product labels.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.

Original article posted by Mérieux NutriSciences.

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