Probiotics have gained widespread recognition for their role in promoting a healthy gut and improving digestion. However, the impact of probiotics extends far beyond the digestive system.
This article explores the companies harnessing the power of probiotics to address mental health issues, combat aging, and boost immunity.
Probiotics Beyond Gut Health.
Fonterra’s approach to enhancing Mental Well-being
Now that consumers accept probiotics, companies are integrating them to resolve mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and overall mental well-being.
This can be seen from Fonterra’s recent partnership with Floré by Sun Genomics. In 2022, the industry giant partnered with the precision probiotic startup to launch Project Happy. This project takes advantage of the existing trust in probiotics for promoting a healthy gut and extends it to enable a healthy mind.
Further, in 2023, Fonterra and Sun Genomics registered for a clinical trial (NCT05709067) to examine how a probiotic strain affects the mental well-being of generally healthy adults with moderate stress levels.
Not only this but in 2021, Danone conducted two clinical trials (NCT04780763, NCT05026333) to investigate the use of probiotics and its effects on cognitive health. The former trial focussed on assessing the impact of consuming Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on subjective anxiety levels in individuals experiencing academic stress.
Yili’s Probiotic Approach to Reverse Aging
In search of innovative approaches to counter the effects of aging, probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue for promoting healthy aging. Yili, a leading Chinese dairy company, has been actively researching the anti-aging effects of specific probiotic strains.
Their investigations into Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus paracasei ET-22 have resulted in filed patents (WO2022100758A1 and WO2022100125A1) for the use of these strains. Yili has capitalized on this research by launching a solid beverage in 2022 that combines their patented strain, Bifidobacterium lactis, with fructo-oligosaccharides, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), and acerola10.
Not only dairy companies but some F&B giants are also working in this domain. Want to know more about them?
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Startups Exploring Probiotics for Immune System Enhancement
Since startups have more freedom to innovate and create unique products, they actively participate in probiotics by incorporating those into alternate dairy products.
To launch its products internationally by 2024, Bifidice, a Latin American startup, is developing a functional plant-based ice cream infused with probiotics to address allergies and long-term illnesses.
In another case, Wellme, a Shanghai startup, produces a vegan Greek yogurt named “Berrywell” using chickpeas. This yogurt contains a proprietary blend of probiotics and prebiotics, claiming to enhance immunity and improve digestion.
Conclusion
The increasing consumer awareness and uptake of probiotics point to a bright future for probiotic dairy products.
Almost 40 clinical trials focused on probiotics were registered by the start of 2023. This reflects the significant interest and research in uncovering potential benefits and applications of probiotics.
This surge in trials further indicates a strong potential for continued growth and innovation in this field, paving the way for exciting developments in the future.
Authored by – Harleen, Vanshika, and Nidhi, Patent Analytics
Edited by – Ridhima, Marketing
Also Read: A Closer Look at 8 Transformational Dairy Industry Innovation Trends in 2024
