Company insight
Why postbiotics shine bright While prebiotics and probiotics are undoubtedly important for gut health, postbiotics offer some distinct advantages that make them particularly appealing. Firstly, postbiotics are incredibly stable. Unlike probiotics, which can be sensitive to a number of factors that may be out of the consumer’s or manufacturer’s ultimate control, postbiotics are non-living and therefore not affected by these factors. This makes them much easier to incorporate into food products without losing their effectiveness.
As Cuñé highlights: “Postbiotics are more stable than live probiotics, which are sensitive to temperature, pH and other environmental factors. Probiotic bacteria can lose viability during storage or transit, making them less effective by the time they reach the consumer. Postbiotics, being non-living, do not face these challenges and retain their beneficial properties longer.” Secondly, postbiotics are inherently safe for everyone. In individuals with weakened immune systems, introducing live bacteria through probiotics can sometimes lead to complications. Postbiotics eliminate this risk, as they do not contain any live microorganisms. This makes them suitable for a wider range of consumers, including those with compromised immune systems. Cuñé emphasises this point, stating that, “Since postbiotics are non-living compounds, there is no risk of introducing live bacteria into individuals with weakened immune systems, as can be the case with probiotics. This makes postbiotics safer for populations like newborns, the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.” Thirdly, postbiotics offer more targeted action and predictable outcomes. Probiotics, once ingested, need to survive the harsh conditions of the digestive system and some may need to successfully colonise the gut to exert their benefits. This process can be unpredictable and vary between individuals. Postbiotics, however, bypass this colonisation step and provide direct health benefits. This leads to more consistent and predictable outcomes across different individuals. Cuñé explains, “With probiotics, the effects can vary between individuals due to differences in microbiome composition. Postbiotics, however, offer more predictable outcomes.”
38
The health benefits of postbiotics are many, including improved gut barrier and immune function.
Postbiotics: a world of possibilities Postbiotics’ stability and versatility make them a dream come true for food manufacturers. They can be added to a wide range of products, from breakfast cereals and snack bars to juices and even baked goods, without affecting taste or texture. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating functional foods that cater to the growing consumer demand for gut-friendly options. “Postbiotics are more stable than probiotics, which means they are easier to include in a wide range of food products,” says Cuñé. “Unlike live probiotics that can lose efficacy due to heat, humidity, or pH changes, postbiotics retain their beneficial properties. This allows for their incorporation in everyday foods like baked goods, cereals, juices and protein bars, as well as supplements.”
A growing body of scientific evidence supports the health benefits of postbiotics. Studies have shown that postbiotics can improve gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, support immune function and regulate metabolism. These findings underscore the potential of postbiotics to enhance human health and well-being. As such, the future of postbiotics is incredibly bright. As research continues to unveil the diverse benefits of postbiotics, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the years to come. Emerging trends suggest that postbiotics will play a key role in the development of personalised nutrition solutions, targeting specific health needs and microbiome profiles.
Partnering for a healthier future The interest in gut health has skyrocketed in recent years, fuelled by increasing awareness of the microbiome’s crucial role in overall health. Consumers are actively seeking products that support their gut health, driving the demand for functional foods and beverages.
“Consumers are becoming more proactive about their health, seeking products that enhance overall well-being, boost immunity and support digestion,” observes Cuñé. “This trend is increasing the demand for supplements, functional foods, and beverages that include biotics. Postbiotics, being non-live and stable, have significant potential in this space as they can be easily incorporated into products like snacks, beverages, dairy, bakery and supplements without the concerns of temperature or storage that affect probiotics.” With the wider industry on the cusp of a nutritional revolution, everything seems to be pointing in one direction – postbiotics. The commercial and public health opportunities are too strong to ignore, and so food suppliers will be encouraged to explore the potential of postbiotics. Partnering with ABbiotek Health to develop innovative products that promote gut health and overall well-being is a sure-fire way to success, shaping the future of food and empowering consumers to take control of their health through microbiome-conscious choices. ●
www.abbiotekhealth.com Ingredients Insight /
www.ingredients-insight.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110
