Clasado Biosciences, a global specialist for clinically proven prebiotic ingredient and product solutions for the human gut microbiome, has commented on the significant potential for prebiotics in sports health, which the business expects to be a key focus for brands in 2022.
Experts from the company’s R&D division believe that an entirely new category is opening up within sports and active nutrition, a category expected to see a 10.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) according to intelligence firm Grand View Research. This new approach takes a gut health-first approach to supporting sports health. The key lies harnessing in the important connection between athletic health and beneficial bacteria of the gut microbiome, that are nourished by prebiotic fibre.
Dr Lucien Harthoorn, R&D Director at Clasado Biosciences, elaborates: “We are at one of those landmark turning points in global sports nutrition. Science around the gut microbiome – and the role of our beneficial gut bacteria – demonstrates that there are real advantages to a better-supported gut, including from a sports and athletics perspective. The gut microbiome appears to influence our capacity for exercise performance, playing a role in generation, storage and expenditure of energy obtained from diet, as well as inflammation, redox reactions and hydration status. Excitingly, gut-focused sport and active health products is a new category that’s ready to develop – the path for innovation is clear and open.
“Brands looking to the future of sports health and the foundations of gut health should be keeping a close eye on prebiotics, one of the most rapidly-increasing ingredient categories available to formulators. The science behind prebiotics is strong and becoming more compelling all the time. Our multi award-winning prebiotic galactooligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient, Bimuno®, is a prime example. Its safety and efficacy are supported by over 100 scientific publications, including more than 20 clinical trials.”
Studies on the Bimuno prebiotic include research conducted at the University of Nottingham and published in the British Journal of Nutrition, indicating that the prebiotic reduced the severity of Hyperpnoea-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB), a common health challenge for athletes of all levels, from recreational to professional.
The ingredient is designed for stability and versatility, giving product developers flexibility in its application. Resistant to heat and acidity, Bimuno can be introduced at any stage in manufacturing process, as well as in diverse applications such as standalone supplements, baked goods and snack bars, functional foods and beverages.
