FrieslandCampina Ingredients today announces that its prebiotic, Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity, significantly increases Bifidobacterium in the gut of healthy women at low dosages of 2g and 1.3g – the industry’s lowest tested dose. A first-of-its-kind clinical trial found that daily Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity supplementation over three weeks can lead to the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in the faeces of healthy women, with a greater bifidogenic effect seen at dosages of 2g. While previous research has focused on the beneficial effects of GOS in higher dosages in various target groups of adults, this new study bolsters insights in women’s health – a growing area of consumer interest. Its findings open doors for the development of on-trend supplements such as gummies in this dynamic market.
The study used a randomised, parallel, double-blind design of six weeks in 88 women, aged between 40 and 70 years – a demographic that typically encompasses frequent users of supplements to support gut and digestive health. After a control period of three weeks, participants received either 1.3g or 2g of Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity per day for three weeks, a timeframe previously shown to be sufficient to observe changes in the gut microbiota. Faecal samples were collected for shotgun metagenomics sequencing before the control period, and before and after the intervention period. Given emerging evidence on the gut-brain axis, participants also had to rate their sleep quality and mental well-being, alongside their gut comfort, on a weekly basis.
Results showed that Bifidobacterium in the faeces of participants increased significantly after supplement use in both 1.3g and 2g of Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity compared to the control period, despite already high baseline levels. Although this was observed for both dosages, the benefits were more pronounced in the 2g group. There was also a noticeable shift in the overall microbiota composition when subjects received 2g. The study looked at exploratory well-being parameters and found that there was a trend towards improved sleep quality in both intervention groups, with more benefits noted in the 1.3g group.
Supplements can only accommodate a limited volume of ingredients which means that a single serving size often consists of two gummies (54.5%), but can sometimes require three or more. Within the women’s health space, 20% of products have a serving size of four gummies. The results of the research confirm the potential of Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity in developing small, efficacious and science-backed formulations in trending formats like gummies – potentially opening up single gummy serving sizes.
Said Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director: “Although the effects of prebiotics on improved gut health and holistic health have been widely studied, research using low dosages of prebiotics like GOS have been limited until now. This new clinical study is exciting as it paves the way for FrieslandCampina Ingredients and the broader nutrition industry to better support consumers with innovative, convenient formats, such as single-serving supplements, that can be taken on the go and suit busy lifestyles.
“Research already suggests that there are faecal microbial changes associated with ageing, including reduced Bifidobacteria numbers, so this new clinical study underlines the importance of prebiotics in those aged 40 years and above. Implementing a control period without any intervention was also key to reflect the variation of microbiota over time, as it reflects how the body would typically respond to low dosages of GOS in a real-life setting. The next step is to further explore the health benefits of the increase in relative abundance of Bifidobacteria, as well as a longer intervention period.” For more visit frieslandcampinaingredients.com
