Biomarkers include a wide range of things, including proteins, genes, metabolites, hormones, and other molecules that are measurable in biological samples (blood, urine, tissue, or saliva). The discovery of biomarkers is a crucial step in various fields, including medicine, clinical research, and diagnostics, and serves many important purposes.

What Biomarker Discovery Does

There are many examples of things biomarker discovery helps with. These things include helping doctors and researchers both identify and make recommendations for dealing with specific conditions.

Disease Diagnosis

Biomarkers can help in the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases. For example, specific proteins or genetic markers in blood can indicate the presence of certain cancers.

Disease Prognosis

Biomarkers can provide information about the likely course of a disease, its severity, and the potential response to treatment. This information can guide healthcare decisions.

Treatment Selection

Identifying biomarkers associated with drug response allows for the selection of the most effective treatment options for individual patients, a field known as personalized or precision medicine.

Monitoring Disease Progression

Biomarkers can be used to track the progression of diseases, such as the measurement of certain enzymes in heart disease patients to assess heart function.

Predictive Biomarkers

Some biomarkers can predict an individual’s susceptibility to a disease or adverse events. For example, certain genetic markers can indicate an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Pharmacodynamic Markers

Biomarkers can be used to monitor the effects of drugs on the body and ensure that the intended biological responses are occurring.

How Biomarker Discovery Works

The process of biomarker discovery typically involves a few steps that can differ from field to field.

Biomarker Hypothesis

Researchers formulate hypotheses about potential biomarkers based on existing knowledge, clinical observations, or data from previous studies.

Biomarker Screening

High-throughput technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are often employed to screen a large number of potential biomarkers in biological samples.

Data Analysis

The collected data is analyzed to identify statistically significant associations between specific biomarkers and the condition or process of interest.

Validation

Candidate biomarkers are further validated using independent datasets or additional experiments to confirm their reliability and relevance.

Clinical Testing

Promising biomarkers are evaluated in clinical studies involving patient populations to assess their diagnostic or prognostic value.

Regulatory Approval

If a biomarker proves to be clinically useful, it may undergo regulatory approval processes, such as those set forth by the FDA, before being used in clinical practice or diagnostics.

Clinical Implementation

Once validated and approved, biomarkers can be integrated into clinical practice for disease diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment decision-making.

Biomarker discovery is a constantly evolving field, driven by advances in technology and our increasing understanding of the molecular and genetic underpinnings of diseases. It holds great promise for improving disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as advancing our understanding of complex biological processes.

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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Why Substantiating Food Industry Claims Is Important

Substantiating claims in the food industry is a critical part of ensuring that marketing and labeling claims made about food products are truthful, accurate, and supported by scientific evidence. These claims can encompass various aspects of a product, including nutritional content, health benefits, sourcing, and production methods.

How Substantiating Food Industry Claims Works

There is a general process that must be followed to substantiate food industry claims to get approval on labeling & marketing.

Food Claim Development

Companies develop specific claims they want to make about their products. These claims may relate to health benefits (low in fat, high in fiber, etc), food sourcing (all-natural, organic, etc), or production methods (non-GMO, etc).

Research

To support these claims, scientific research is often conducted. This research often involves laboratory studies, clinical trials, nutritional analyses, and other forms of scientific investigation. If a product claims to be heart-healthy, studies may be conducted to demonstrate its impact on heart health.

Gathering & Analyzing Data

Data is collected and analyzed during the research process to provide evidence for the claim. This data may include nutritional content, ingredient analysis, health effects, consumer preferences, and more.

Legal and Regulatory Reviews

Companies must ensure that their claims comply with applicable laws and regulations. Food regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have specific requirements for food labeling and advertising claims. Most companies consult with legal experts to navigate these regulations.

Third-Party Verification

In some cases, companies seek third-party verification or certification for their claims. Independent organizations or certification bodies may assess and verify that the product meets certain standards or criteria. A good example is the USDA Organic label is a third-party certification for organic products.

Documentation and Records

It is essential to maintain thorough documentation of the research, testing, and verification processes. This documentation can be crucial in case of legal challenges or regulatory inquiries.

Finalize Labeling and Marketing

Once claims are substantiated and verified, they can be used in product labeling, advertising, and marketing materials. Companies must ensure that these claims are clearly and accurately communicated to consumers.

Legitimate Consumer Education

In addition to making claims, companies often provide information to educate consumers about the benefits and attributes of their products. This can include nutritional facts, ingredient lists, and explanations of specific claims.

Regular Monitoring and Compliance

Even after a product is launched, companies must monitor its compliance with claims and regulations. Regular testing and quality control measures help ensure that the product continues to meet its claimed standards.

Prepare for Future Challenges

If consumers or regulatory agencies raise concerns or challenges about a claim, the company must be prepared to address them promptly and transparently. This may involve further research or modifications to the claim.

The Importance of Substantiating Claims

Substantiating claims in the food industry is a rigorous process designed to protect consumers from false or misleading information. The process is also designed to allow companies to communicate the genuine benefits and qualities of their products. Claim substantiation is subject to oversight by regulatory authorities and may involve legal consequences if claims are found to be unsubstantiated or misleading.

The food industry claims substantiation process is designed to protect both consumers and producers.

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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Clinical research has demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics in treating various conditions, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain in children, and infant colic.

Probiotic Strains

Responding to the rising consumer demand and industry expansion, researchers are actively developing new and innovative probiotic strains. They consider factors such as processing, storage, gastrointestinal survivability, and cell functionality. Compatibility with other ingredients is a crucial consideration during formulation. 

Encapsulation of probiotic strains may be employed to enhance survivability in the GI tract, during processing, and when added to different food products such as powders, bars, gummies, infant formula, and pet food.

The most commonly used probiotic strains belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, owing to their abundance in the human gut and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. Strains from other genera like Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus are also used as probiotic supplements.

Probiotic Level Verification

Regardless of whether probiotics contain multiple strains or single strains, and whether they are in capsule form, powder form, or added to food products, the claimed levels on labels need to be verified. Mérieux NutriSciences provides verification of probiotic levels in Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) or Active Forming Units (AFUs). They have expertise in testing various probiotic strains and ensuring their safety for human consumption by testing for contaminants.

For strains to qualify as probiotics, they must be viable and offer health benefits when consumed. Clinical studies help determine the minimal and optimal doses required for probiotics to have a positive impact on health outcomes. Biofortis, a sister company of Mérieux NutriSciences, specializes in clinical research testing to assess GI survivability and conduct health benefit claim studies.

Mérieux NutriSciences’ laboratory services and Biofortis Research’s clinical trial services support the entire lifecycle of probiotic products, ensuring high-quality formulations backed by data.

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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The study is interesting on a global scale as it highlights a growing issue:  How and where do people get nutritional and dietary information? The internet has given rise to many people who call themselves ‘experts’ in just about every conceivable field. Which ‘experts’ seem to get the most traction and how is this affecting public health are important to understand?

Where do Most People get Their Nutritional Information?

There are many sources of nutritional information available to people. The sources that people turn to for information may vary depending on their personal preferences, needs, and circumstances. The most common sources of nutritional information include:

Healthcare Professionals

Doctors, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals can provide personalized nutritional advice and information based on an individual’s health status and needs.

Media & Websites

Many people turn to websites, social media, and other forms of media for nutritional information, although it is important to be critical of the sources and to look for evidence-based information.

Food labels & Packaging

Nutrition information is included on food labels and packaging, providing consumers with information about the nutrient content and ingredients in foods.

Government & Non-Profit Organizations

National and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, often provide nutritional information and guidance to the public through websites, publications, and other resources.

Friends & Family

Personal connections can be a source of nutritional information and advice, although it is important to consider the qualifications and expertise of the person giving the advice.

Not all of these sources of nutritional information are reliable or even evidence-based. It is important to be critical of the sources and look for reputable sources of information–something that is becoming increasingly recognized in the current social and political climates.

Getting the “Best” Nutritional Information

Optimal nutrition & diet can vary greatly from person to person. This is the main reason why people should seek out the best sources of nutritional information available to them.

The best place to get reliable and evidence-based nutritional information is from reputable sources like registered dietitians and healthcare professionals who specialize in nutrition. These professionals have received extensive training and education in the field of nutrition and can provide personalized advice based on an individual’s specific needs and health status.

Government and non-profit organizations can also be good sources of nutritional information. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide evidence-based nutritional guidelines and resources.

When looking for nutritional information online, it is very important to look for reputable sources like academic institutions, or government-supported studies. Be wary of information found on social media or websites. Social media sources often promote fad diets or make sensational claims without any scientific evidence to back them up.

Nutritional Claims to be Wary Of

Bad dietary and nutritional information shows up almost everywhere on the internet these days. From social media to advertisements on news sites, things like fad diets and bad supplements can be found just about anywhere.

There are several commonly falsified nutrition claims that people should be aware of. Many of these claims seem innocuous and will often be overlooked by consumers. Common examples include:

All Natural & 100% Natural

These claims are often used to imply that a product is healthier or more wholesome than other options, but whether something is natural doesn’t inherently mean it is healthy.  Natural does mean the product is free from synthetic additives.

Fat-Free & Low-Fat

These claims are often used to imply that a product is healthier or lower in calories, but many low-fat or fat-free products contain added sugars and other ingredients that can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. And, some fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, as healthy and needed by the body.  The amount of fat consumed is a key factor, not just the type, so reading the labels for ingredients on these products and understanding if they are also lower-calorie, or have included added sugars as a replacement for fats is important to consider. 

No Added Sugars

This claim is often used to imply that a product is healthy or lower in calories, but many products that are marketed as “no added sugars” still contain natural sugars and other sweeteners that can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.  For example, cranberries inherently have little sugar and sugar is added to cranberry juice to make it palatable.  While grapes contain a lot of sugar naturally and don’t have added sugar.  But, a glass of grape juice, with no added sugar, generally has more total sugar than a glass of cranberry juice, where the amount of added sugar is controlled and kept at a minimum.  Studies show the body can’t tell the difference between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar, so it’s important to look at the label for the amount of total sugar in these products. 

Gluten-Free

This claim is often used to imply that a product is healthier or more wholesome, but many gluten-free products are heavily processed and contain high amounts of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.  And, whole wheat products may contain gluten, but they also provide fiber, which is important for supporting a healthy microbiome. 

Detox or Cleanse

These claims are often used to imply that a product can help remove toxins from the body, but there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that these products are effective when taken alone. Successful approaches to detox and cleaning generally require dietary programs in which certain foods are avoided to see if a person has a sensitivity.  These are best performed with a healthcare practitioner.  

It is important to be critical of nutrition claims that sound too good to be true. Look for evidence-based information when making decisions about what to eat. Consulting with a registered dietitian or other healthcare professionals can help provide personalized advice and guidance without all the flashy ads and ‘amazing’ claims.

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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Glutamine is predominantly used as an anti-fatiguing agent in sports nutrition. Several recent trends have shown glutamine supplementation being used to enhance overall physical performance. Is there merit in studying glutamine supplementation for multiple applications? The answer is yes, but let’s take a look at some details.

What is Glutamine?

Glutamine is an amino acid that is found in high concentrations in the muscles and blood. It is considered a non-essential amino acid, which means that the body can produce it on its own, although it can also be obtained from dietary sources such as meat, fish, and dairy products.

Glutamine plays a variety of roles in the body, including supporting immune function, maintaining gut health, and aiding in the production of energy during exercise. It is also needed for protein synthesis and is a building block for other important molecules in the body, such as glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant.

During periods of intense physical activity or stress, the body’s demand for glutamine may increase, and it may become a conditionally essential amino acid. Some athletes and bodybuilders may choose to supplement with glutamine to help support their training and recovery. 

Evidence supporting the use of glutamine supplements in this context, however, is mixed and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Glutamine & Fatigue

The ‘energy’ that may be granted from glutamine supplementation has been linked to helping with fatigue. Many sports nutrition practitioners recommend glutamine as an anti-fatiguing agent.

During intense physical activity, the body’s demand for glutamine may increase, and it may become a conditionally essential amino acid. Glutamine is also involved in the production of energy. Some recent studies have linked glutamine to reduced fatigue and improved endurance in athletes.

Additionally, glutamine has been suggested to play a role in reducing fatigue associated with various medical conditions, such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of glutamine supplementation on fatigue in these populations.

Glutamine may have potential benefits for fighting fatigue, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Determining the optimal dosages and timing of supplementation is an area of study that desperately needs more research.

Future Applications of Glutamine

There are many potential applications of glutamine supplementation currently being researched. A recent joint study funded by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation listed 6 important findings:

1. Glutamine supplementation seems to increase muscle glycogen synthesis and reduce ammonia accumulation induced by exercise, especially when administered for long-term periods. A demonstration of the greater effect of glutamine in comparison to supplements containing carbohydrates or creatine monohydrates is needed.
2. Glutamine supplements may help indicate markers of muscle damage, such as blood CK and LDH levels.
3. While research has shown enhancement in regards to being an anti-fatiguing agent, glutamine supplementation seems to have limited effects on overall physical performance.
4. Supplements containing glutamine may present ergogenic effects, but many studies have been done on supplements with other nutrients combined with glutamine.  More studies assessing glutamine alone are needed. .
5. Glutamine supplementation may help increase overall glutamine availability. Due to its high stability, it may be a suitable option to be included in commercial products. 

Glutamine supplementation has shown many potential benefits but more research needs to be conducted. While its use as an anti-fatiguing agent shows merit, using glutamine to enhance general physical performance needs more research. 

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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Sports nutrition is a broad category that includes everything from diet to supplements. While many foods and supplements have been rigorously researched, new trends are showing up quickly— a pattern that shows no signs of slowing down.

What is Sports Nutrition?

Sports nutrition is the study and practice of nutrition as it relates to athletic performance. It involves understanding the specific nutritional needs of athletes, including the timing and composition of meals and snacks, and how these needs may vary depending on the sport, training regimen, and individual factors such as age, sex, and body composition.

Sports nutrition also involves understanding the role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in supporting athletic performance and recovery, as well as the importance of hydration and electrolyte balance.

Sports nutrition can also involve the use of supplements (protein powders, creatine, caffeine, etc.) to support athletic performance. It is important to note that while some supplements may be beneficial, others may have little to no effect, or even be harmful if used improperly.

What are Sports Nutrition Trends?

The answer to this question is constantly changing, as the word trend implies. That said, let’s take a look at the sports nutrition trends we are seeing in 2023.

Plant-Based Diets

More athletes are adopting plant-based diets, either partially or entirely, for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. Plant-based diets can provide sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients to support athletic performance when properly planned.

Personalized Nutrition

Advances in genetic testing and other technologies are allowing for more personalized nutrition plans tailored to an individual athlete’s unique needs and preferences.

Gut Health

There is growing interest in the role of the gut microbiome in athletic performance, with a focus on consuming foods that support a healthy and diverse microbial community in the gut.

Keto & Low-Carb Diets

Some athletes are adopting low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets in an attempt to improve endurance and fat-burning capabilities, but the evidence supporting these approaches in athletes is mixed.

Natural Foods

There is a trend towards consuming minimally processed and whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as opposed to highly processed and packaged foods.

Nutritional Supplements

While some supplements, such as protein powders and caffeine, are commonly used by athletes to support performance and recovery, there is increasing interest in more natural and plant-based supplements, such as adaptogens and herbal remedies.

Looking at Trends in Sports Nutrition

Researchers, dieticians, nutritionists, and food scientists need to keep up with trends to identify what warrants studying. This is extremely important, as new dietary trends and (especially) supplements are often not fully understood.

The rise of social media and other online platforms has allowed many people to have a voice when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and other areas of expertise. Nutrition & dietary trends, like anything else, can go ‘viral’ which may lead to far-reaching influence and effects. Constant research is necessary to determine what trends may have potential benefit and others that may have no effect or be potentially harmful.

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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The gut microbiome is a key factor when it comes to determining variability in response to individual diets. Research surrounding this has focused on metabolic health including complications like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Understanding the gut microbiome’s response to individual diets may help our understanding of personalized sports nutrition for athletic performance. 

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract of humans and other animals. This community includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. 

The gut microbiome is known to influence many aspects of our health, including digestion, immune function, metabolism, and even our mood and behavior. Research suggests that having a diverse and balanced community of microbes is important for optimal health.

How Diet Affects the Gut Microbiome

Diet can have a significant impact on the gut microbiome. The type and quantity of food we consume can affect the diversity and composition of the microbial community in our digestive tract. Some dietary components, such as fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help to maintain a healthy microbiome. 

An example is fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that humans do not digest, instead, it is fermented by gut bacteria into beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for the cells lining the colon and help to support a healthy gut.

On the other hand, a diet that is high in fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates lacking fiber can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and is associated with inflammation, insulin resistance, and other health problems.  Research is ongoing on whether the effect on the microbiome is related to these health issues. 

Research has shown the gut microbiome likely modifies the effect of both diet and exercise, making it relevant to the athletic pursuit of optimal performance. Research has benefited from recent developments in the general field of personalized nutrition. It has the potential to expand our knowledge of the nexus between the gut microbiome, lifestyle, and individual physiology.

Diet & the Athlete’s Microbiome

The ideal diet for an athlete is one that provides the necessary nutrients for optimal athletic performance while also supporting a healthy and diverse microbial community in the gut.

Athletes need to consume sufficient calories, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support their energy needs and muscle recovery. In addition, they should aim to consume a diet that is high in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are excellent sources of fiber including those that act as prebiotics, which are dietary fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods can help to introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut.

A diverse microbiome may also include how the microbiota affects the inflammatory response. While this is thought to be related to body composition, the UC Davis study found current data insufficient to come to a conclusion.

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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Postbiotics have been connected to a number of gut health benefits, along with some immune system and overall health. But what are postbiotics? Let’s take a look at each type of -biotic and what they are.

Prebiotics, Probiotics, & Postbiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria inside the gut that help support health by converting fiber into other beneficial compounds.

Prebiotics are nutrients, mainly consisting of fiber, that feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut.

Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds probiotic bacteria produce when they consume prebiotics.

What are Postbiotics?

In a nutshell, postbiotics are bioactive compounds that develop when probiotic bacteria feed on prebiotic food in your colon (mainly fibers). Postbiotics are technically considered waste products of probiotic bacteria but they offer many health benefits.

There are many types of postbiotics. Here is a list of common types of postbiotic compounds:

• short-chain fatty acids
• lipopolysaccharides
• exopolysaccharides
• enzymes
• cell wall fragments
• bacterial lysates (a mixture made from bacterial components)
• cell-free supernatants (a mixture of compounds produced by bacteria and yeast)
• various other metabolites such as vitamins and amino acids

Supplements based on postbiotic compounds are not yet widely available, as research is still being conducted on them. The easiest way to get postbiotic benefits at the moment is to eat more prebiotic foods, as postbiotics develop from probiotic bacteria consuming them.

Postbiotic Health Benefits & Potential Benefits

Postbiotics as a public health concept is new, but they have been linked to health benefits in the body for a long time. Here are some of the benefits that have been linked to postbiotics:

Immune system support. Postbiotics are known to have properties that can strengthen the immune system. Short-chain fatty acids can stimulate the production of healthy cells in the intestines, helping to control the body’s immune responses.

Reduce inflammation. Some postbiotic compounds, including supernatants from healthy bacteria, can increase the rate of anti-inflammatory chemical production. The cytokines that are found in some postbiotics can help reduce inflammation.

Possible benefits for digestive conditions. Postbiotics are being researched to discover how beneficial they may be for conditions including IBD, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. Research is focused on the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut and how postbiotic supplements may assist in this process.

Possible diarrhea treatment. Research is also currently being done on how postbiotics can help treat or possibly even prevent diarrhea. Early tests have shown postbiotic compounds working better than control group supplements.

More Potential Postbiotic Health Benefits

The following list includes potential postbiotic health benefits that are all being researched. There are no definitive conclusions on any of the health benefits below, but the data is promising enough to warrant further studies.

• Allergies
• Weight-loss
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• May be better tolerated than probiotics

The potential benefits of postbiotics is exciting and new things are being discovered as ongoing research is conducted.

Postbiotics and Diet

Postbiotic supplements are not widely available. Current supplements at health food stores may not have enough research to back the benefits they tout. Postbiotics can, however, be naturally manufactured by the body by eating certain foods.

The list below contains sources of both pre-and probiotics, both important in the manufacture of postbiotic compounds.

Good Sources of Prebiotics

• garlic
• onions
• leeks
• asparagus
• barley
• oats
• flaxseed
• seaweed

Good Sources of Probiotics

• yogurt with live cultures
• sauerkraut
• kimchi
• miso
• tempeh
• kombucha

What We Know About Postbiotics

Research on postbiotic benefits in almost all areas is ongoing. What is known is that postbiotics are bioactive compounds that develop from probiotics consuming prebiotics. Postbiotics are technically a waste product, although they have been shown to be beneficial for our gastrointestinal health.

Due to the fact that postbiotics have shown a lot of promise in the areas of gut health, immune system health, and allergies, research has been ramping up over the last few years.

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Food is metabolized by gut microbes, which also help bolster our immune systems. The last few years have seen a large increase in the amount of research being conducted on gut health in general. There is still much to be learned about the big picture, but a few areas of research have jumped ahead of the pack.

These areas of research include probiotics and prebiotics. You’ve probably heard both of these terms at one point or another. But what’s the difference between them?

Probiotics Vs. Prebiotics

It’s actually very simple to break down: Probiotics are actual bacteria (healthy bacteria) while prebiotics is basically food that enriches the diet of probiotic bacteria. So, probiotics: are healthy bacteria. Prebiotic: food for probiotic bacteria.

Fiber is the most common content in prebiotics. Gut bacteria are able to manufacture some prebiotics on their own, but enriching the food supply for probiotic bacteria has been the area of focus for recent studies.

“Dietary fibers are more complicated than you may think because there are so many subtle differences in their chemical makeup,” says Julie Stefanski, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. 

“Researchers are studying prebiotics as a possible aid to many health conditions, including allergies, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, skincare, and also how they could bolster the health of lungs and the reproductive tract. Prebiotics are even being studied as an intervention for COVID-19 with the idea that a healthy immune system — bolstered by diet and nutrition — can help your body fight off viral infections. If some of the research pans out, prebiotics could fuel a new generation of food products.”

What’s In Prebiotics?

Prebiotics contain mostly complex carbohydrates that are low-digestible. Microbes in the gut use these fibers, which can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Prebiotics are healthy foods but can be hard to digest without the right mix of probiotic bacteria.

Foods like lentils, bananas, onions, and whole grains make up the base of a prebiotic-friendly diet. Some fermented foods that contain prebiotics also pack double the benefit and contain probiotics as well. They include sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha, among others.

Most prebiotics is low-digestible, complex carbohydrates. Some examples of prebiotics are whole grains, bananas, onions, legumes like chickpeas and lentils, and greens. If you choose 

The Future of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Current research is looking at many things. At the top of the list are combinations of prebiotics and probiotics that work together to aid the digestive system.

“Prebiotics are not as simple as adding asparagus to the diet. When you think about something like food, we are very cautious when we use this kind of language. We think there has to be a really deep commitment to understanding the components of food that affect functions of the microbiota that in turn affects humans.” 

“In a recent series of papers in Cell, Elife, and Cell Host & Microbe the team studied how prebiotic fiber is selectively used by gut microbes by designing a biosensor — a series of artificial food particles attached to microscopic glass beads. A color label helps track the beads. The team sent the nutrient-decorated beads into the intestinal tracts of specialized mice with specific human gut communities.” 

Research like this is allowing us to look at prebiotics and postbiotics like never before. Finding the optimal balance between probiotics and the prebiotics they consume is the goal while discovering how to properly apply that relationship to our diet is the end game. 

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The global probiotics market has grown tremendously in the last couple of years; especially in the supplement form. In 2021, the probiotics industry was >48 billion dollars with a 22% increase in probiotic supplements from 2019 to 2021. This increasing use of probiotic supplements is due to the evidence that probiotics support GI health. Further, clinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain in children, and infant colic to name a few.

Reacting to the increase in consumer demand and growth in the industry, researchers are developing novel probiotic strains at a fast pace while considering the impact of processing, storage, gastrointestinal survivability, and functionality of the cells. A key consideration during formulation is compatibility with other ingredients. Probiotic strains may be encapsulated to ensure survivability in the GI tract, during processing, and for application when added to different food matrices such as powders, bars, gummies, infant formula, and pet food.

The most widely used probiotic strains belong to two main genera, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, due to their abundance in the human gut and GRAS status. Species of other genera such as Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus are also used as probiotic supplements.

Irrespective of probiotics with multiple strains or single strains, in capsule, powder, or as an additive in a food matrix, the level claimed on the label needs verification. Mérieux NutriSciences offers this verification in CFUs or AFUs and has experience with a variety of probiotic strains and their applications. Our services also include testing for contaminants to ensure the safety of probiotics for human consumption.

To qualify as probiotics, strains need to be viable and have a health benefit when consumed. Clinical studies help identify the minimal and optimal doses that probiotics exert on a favorable outcome. Biofortis, Mérieux NutriScience’s sister company, offers clinical research testing to demonstrate GI survivability and health benefit claim studies.

Our Mérieux NutriScience laboratory and Biofortis Research clinical trial services will support you through your product lifecycle and beyond ensuring a high-quality probiotic formulation supported by data.

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1. International Probiotics Association Europe. Global and European probiotic market insights 2018-2021. IPAEurope website. https://www.ipaeurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Market-data-probiotics-2018-2021.pdf
2. Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6656559/
3. The Development of High-Quality Multispecies Probiotic Formulations: From Bench to Market. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468868/
4. Encapsulated probiotic cells: Relevant techniques, natural sources as encapsulating materials and food applications – A narrative review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996920307079#:~:text=Several%20techniques%20are%20currently%20available,%2C%20%26%20Tzia%2C%202020

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