Prebiotic experts spotlight synbiotics, convenience and functionality for 2022

24 Feb 2022 --- The year ahead is expected to see the prebiotics sector move beyond gut health and emerge into areas such as skin, mood and sleep. NutritionInsight speaks to industry experts who give insight into how the prebiotic space is also experiencing new delivery formats such as prebiotic blends and “snackification”.

Commenting on the shifting gut health trend, Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, R&D director at Alland & Robert, says: “Although gut health remains a major trend within the prebiotic space, other areas impacted by prebiotics are weight and anxiety management, alleviation of sleep problems, skin health and general quality of life.”

Eying emerging and shifting trends
The push toward a more holistic approach to health is a huge trend for 2022. Prebiotics have a vital role in putting this into practice, says Vicky Davies, global marketing director for performance, active and medical nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

“Today, consumers treat health as a proactive, whole body-and-mind issue, exercising more and taking proactive steps to maintain their mental health, including improving their gut health. Two in three consumers already recognize that gut health is key to achieving overall well-being,” adds Davies.

“We’re already collaborating with other experts to explore possibilities in this area, including partnering with Lallemand Health Solutions to bring together prebiotic and probiotic ingredients launches and two new gut health product concepts.”

Spotlight on synbiotics and convenience 
ADM highlights that there is also a growing trend for tailored convenience.

“Consumers want options that fit into their different daily routines and lifestyles, and they want solutions specifically designed for them. Globally, 63% of consumers say they are interested in F&B that are customized to meet individualized needs,” says Deanne Dick, director of fiber at ADM.In 2022, consumers still want the option to eat on the go, seeking formats that are easy to incorporate into their daily routines and diets.

“We will witness a trend toward demand for more prebiotic and synbiotic products, especially if they combine other healthy ingredients like protein and vitamins for a more holistic health positioning,” says Davies.

“At ADM, we see this trend further supporting the growth of synbiotics, which combine multiple ingredients and may include prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, to provide consumers with multi-faceted solutions to meet their wellness needs. For instance, we have a synbiotic blend of probiotics with Fibersol that is designed to provide digestive support.”

“As research of synbiotics expands, we anticipate such solutions will be used across categories to provide the convenience and personalization that consumers increasingly desire,” continues Dick.

“Snackification,” on-the-go formats and functionality
FrieslandCampina Ingredients discusses the current formats that are in demand in the prebiotic space.

“Pre-pandemic, we were witnessing huge growth in convenience and on-the-go formats. The pandemic changed this somewhat, given we have spent two years under restrictions that limited our need to eat on the go,” Davies explains.

“In 2022, consumers still want the option to eat on the go, seeking formats that are easy to incorporate in their daily routines and diets,” says Davies. “Think indulgent snack bars and low-sugar soft drinks that have additional health positionings, like supporting digestive function, sleep or immunity.”

“In 2022, snackification is here to stay – we’re focusing our efforts on high-growth areas like health bars and shots. These products are well placed to carry gut health positionings.”ADM highlights that there is also a growing trend for tailored convenience in the prebiotic space.

Meanwhile, ADM observes that most of today’s consumers are interested in receiving their functional ingredients in the form of F&B.

“This may be due to consumers increasingly connecting what they eat to how they feel, prioritizing both the sensory experience and nutritional benefits. Many consumers turn to beverages for convenience and delicious sensory elements, like a creamy shake or smoothie or bubbly ready-to-drink (RTD) tea, says Dick.

Targeting the brain, skin and mood
Prebiotic use in skincare is becoming increasingly popular, according to Alland & Robert.

“Prebiotics are very good for skin as they help to keep the skin’s microbiome robust and healthy. They also keep the skin pH levels healthy and create a barrier against inflammation. As consumers are more and more aware that what they put on their skin enters their body, prebiotics is an ideal option for natural beauty products,” says Jaouen.

Nexira adds that a new field of investigations for prebiotic activity is related to non-colonic microbiota modulation.

“Notably, skin microbiota modulation by either oral or local prebiotic applications is one of the new interests. Comparatively, vaginal health is also a target,” says Damien Guillemet, scientific director at Nexira.

According to FrieslandCampina Ingredients, although prebiotics operate via the gut, they have benefits that extend well beyond.

“Brain health and mood are one of the most advantageous areas where prebiotics can support health – especially with consumers prioritizing mental well-being,” says Davies. “Growing research into the gut-brain axis shows us the association between gut microbiota and mental well-being, sleep and more, as well as modulation with prebiotics.”

The company’s GOS ingredient may increase the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria in the gut, which corresponds with reduced stress and reduced anxiety symptoms.Snackification will be prevalent in high-growth areas like health bars and shots.

To add to this, Davies explains: “Research indicates that dysbiosis – disruption to the gut microbiota stability caused by an imbalance in the microflora – is associated with sleep disturbances, which in itself can be linked to a hampered immune system.”

Prebiotics for infants
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been shown to selectively encourage the growth of beneficial species and sub-species of bifidobacteria in the human gut, Davies says.

“Additionally, our HMO 2’FL offering, Aequival 2’-FL, has been shown to have a similar structure to carbohydrates found on the walls of cells of the human gut. Many viruses enter our cells via carbohydrate molecules known as glycans to which they bind during the first stages of infection.”

“Due to this structural similarity, 2’-FL also can bind pathogens, including those linked with childhood diarrhea, preventing their adhesion to the intestinal wall. Currently, 2’-FL makes up part of our early life nutrition offering,” adds Davies.

Targeting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
“Taiyo’s fibers support biodiversity, mucosal formation and the production of IgA antibodies, and promote the production of tight junction proteins, which increase the tightness of the intestinal wall and facilitate wound healing,” says Dr. Stefan Siebrecht, managing director at Taiyo.

He continues to add that the efficacy of PHGG against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was demonstrated in a study conducted by the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medical Science and Taiyo Kagaku Group.

“The study found fat accumulation in the liver and liver inflammation was suppressed, the expression of genetic minors related to liver inflammation and fibrosis decreased and liver function markers improved.”

By Nicole Kerr