Probiotic medications are becoming increasingly common among those seeking improved health and well-being as a way to assist their digestive systems, increase immunity, and encourage general vigor. Probiotics, also known as "good" bacteria, are vital for preserving the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, which is connected to many other facets of human health. Probiotic supplement improvements have evolved as scientific understanding of the microbiome has deepened, altering the way these helpful microbes are made, administered, and consumed.
Outline
People are using probiotic supplements more frequently in their quest for improved health and wellbeing as a way to assist their digestive systems, increase their immunity, and encourage general vigor. Probiotics, sometimes known as "good" bacteria, are essential for preserving the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, which is connected to many other facets of human health.
Probiotic supplement developments have evolved as scientific understanding of the microbiome has deepened, altering the way these helpful microbes are made, administered, and used. This blog will examine how technology is changing the landscape of health and wellbeing by delving into recent developments in probiotic supplement formulations and delivery methods.
Discovering Probiotics: The Health Benefits of Nature's Allies
It's critical to comprehend the basic function that probiotics serve in human health before delving into the most recent advancements in probiotic supplement technologies. When ingested in sufficient quantities, probioticsâlive microorganisms, mostly bacteria and yeastâproduce health benefits. In addition to being found naturally in fermented foods like kefir, yogurt and kimchi, they can also be taken as supplements to improve the microbiota that already exists in the gut.
Probiotics work in a number of ways to provide their advantageous benefits, such as:
Restoring Gut Microbial Balance:
In order to maintain proper digestive function and general health, probiotics assist in restoring the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.
In April, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a step toward formalizing the idea of adjusting gut-bacteria populations when it approved the first oral drug designed to treat the microbiome. Called SER-109, the pill is a cocktail of bacteria that can prevent recurring infections of C. difficile bacteria in people who have had previous episodes, and help them maintain healthy levels of gut bacteria. Keeping beneficial bacteria in proper balance could be an important way to keep disease-causing ones like C. difficile at bay.
Increasing Immune Function:
The stomach contains a sizable amount of the body's immune system. Probiotics are essential for regulating immunological response, which aids in pathogen defense and immune resilience.
Enhancing Digestive Health:
Probiotics support regularity and bowel health, help with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and reduce symptoms of digestive diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
For instance, in March 2023, Nutrazee, India-based startup, known for its innovative vegan supplements and gummy vitamin products, has announced the launch of its newest product â Nutrazee Probiotic Gummies for Digestive & Immune Health. The latest addition to the companyâs product line is specifically formulated to support digestive and immune health and is suitable for both children and adults.
Improving Mental Well-Being:
Emerging research suggests a link between gut health and mental health. Probiotics may help improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support overall mental well-being.
Mental health supplements have emerged as the fastest-growing benefit within the global probiotic supplements market. Over five years (2017-2021), it is observed a 30 percent growth in probiotic launched positioned within Brain-Mood Health, showing how psychobiotics is a fast-rising niche.
For example, Probi Sensia is a new probiotic concept by Probi based on clinical and scientific data that supports improved cognition by boosting learning and working memory as well as improved mood and sleep. These cognitive functions are important in enhancing peopleÂŽs overall mental health.
Recent Innovations in Probiotic Supplement Technology
Microencapsulation Technology:
One of the biggest problems with probiotic supplements is getting live bacteria to survive the severe acidic stomach environment and make it to the intestines, where they can do their good work. By encasing probiotic bacteria in protective coatings like lipids or polymers, which shelter them from gastric acids and guarantee their safe passage to the intestines, microencapsulation technology solves this problem. Probiotics are more viable and stable owing to this technology, which also extends their shelf life and increases their efficacy.
For instance, In March 2023, Danish start-up Mello is vying to advance current âstate of artâ microencapsulation techniques after unveiling a new proprietary technology that it claims is able to better deliver functionally effective probiotics and bioactives.
Synbiotics:
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that provide nourishment for good gut flora, and synbiotics blend probiotics with them. Synbiotic supplements combine probiotics and prebiotics to encourage the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut, improving health benefits.
In April 2024, dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health and beauty, and Lallemand Health Solutions, pioneers in probiotics, announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch new synergistic synbiotic solutions for early life nutrition. The new solutions are a combination of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) from dsm-firmenich and probiotics from Lallemand Health Solutions to provide potential synergistic benefits that support infant health and development.
Time-Release Formulations:
To remain effective, traditional probiotic supplements frequently need to be taken several times a day. With time-release formulations, probiotics are released gradually over a lengthy period of time, guaranteeing a continuous flow of healthy bacteria all day long. Those with hectic schedules or those who might forget to take their vitamins on a regular basis will especially benefit from this technology. Time-release formulations increase efficacy and maximize their influence on gut health by supplying a consistent supply of probiotics.
In May 9 2023, Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical excipients, invites the health and nutrition market to discover a more versatile, stable and consumer-forward future for probiotic supplements with the launch of its new excipient â PEARLITOL ProTec. A unique, plant-based co-processed blend of mannitol and maize starch, this solution protects and stabilizes moisture sensitive active ingredients like probiotics, unlocking longer shelf life, improved consistency and wider opportunities for consumer-friendly dosage formats.
Genetic Engineering:
The creation of new probiotic strains with improved medicinal qualities has been made possible by developments in genetic engineering. Probiotic bacteria can have their genetic makeup altered by researchers to increase their survivability in the gastrointestinal tract, colonize the stomach more effectively, and produce more vitamins and short-chain fatty acids, among other advantageous chemicals.
For instance, Zbiotics is the first company in the world to produce and sell genetically engineered probiotic products. Although their products are already on sale, the safety of this bacteria in the human body may still need to be demonstrated. To use CRISPR for genetic modification of microorganisms.
Customized Probiotics:
Supplementing with probiotics in a one-size-fits-all manner might not be the best option for everyone. With personalized probiotics, an innovative method of managing gut health is achieved by customizing probiotic supplements to each person's specific microbiome makeup and state of health. With this customized method, the microbiome is examined using cutting-edge sequencing methods to determine which probiotic strains are best for the particular person. Personalized probiotics maximize efficacy and enhance health outcomes by tailoring probiotic dosing based on microbiome data.
Enteric Coating:
Enteric coating is the process of covering probiotic supplements with a barrier that resists stomach acid and disintegrates in the intestinal environment, which is alkaline. With the help of this technology, probiotic bacteria can survive in the stomach's acidic environment and make it all the way to the intestines. Enteric coating is particularly beneficial for sensitive probiotic strains that may be susceptible to degradation in the acidic stomach environment.
In March 2022, Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed probiotics with a unique edible coating that ensures the beneficial bacteria successfully reach the intestine once they are ingested.
Fermentation Technology:
By fermenting helpful microorganisms in regulated conditions, fermentation technology is used to create probiotic supplements. In addition to creating metabolites that support gut health, such as vitamins, enzymes, and organic acids, this process increases the viability and bioavailability of probiotics. Customers looking for natural and holistic approaches to health and wellbeing are increasingly drawn to fermented probiotic supplements, which are valued for their powerful therapeutic effects.
In March 2024, Gaia Herbs launched postbiotics fermented from traditional superfoods. Gaia Herbs is targeting gut and immune health with its new range of âfull spectrum postbioticsâ made with lactic acid bacteria from spontaneous fermentation in either Ginger-Turmeric, Sauerkraut, Ginger-Beet or Kimchi capsules.
Methods of Immobilization:
In order to improve the stability and vitality of probiotic bacteria, immobilization procedures entail immobilizing the bacteria in matrices or carriers, such as gel beads or alginate capsules. Probiotics are shielded from environmental stressors by this technique, which also permits regulated release into the gastrointestinal tract for ideal colonization and gut function. Additionally, immobilization methods allow for the development of probiotic supplements in various formats, including capsules, powders, and beverages, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the field of health and wellness is undergoing a revolution due to recent developments in probiotic supplement technology. These advancements, which range from genetic engineering and time-release formulations to synbiotics and microencapsulation, maximize the therapeutic potential of probiotics by improving their viability, stability, and targeted delivery. These developments add to the expanding body of research demonstrating the significance of the microbiome in human health and offer viable treatments for a variety of medical disorders by utilizing the power of probiotics to support gut health and beyond.
