In today’s food supplement world, microbiotics are really making a name for themselves. Studies and new discoveries are decidedly on the increase. And consumers, mindful of the benefits for their health, are increasingly attracted to this type of ingredient which is finding a privileged place in the shopping basket. Thus, fermented food supplements represent now some 10% of the overall market with an annual growth of around 4% by value1. So, don’t hesitate – you can use these ingredients in total confidence. This article is designed to give an update on microbiotic solutions in general, and to remind people of the criteria governing the choice of a strain and its quality.
Panorama
Microbiotic solutions represent an unequivocal response to intestinal flora-related problems. In this article, we broach many and varied subjects concerning intestinal flora, subjects which are driving the digestion-related market upwards.
Today, health solutions based on fermented supplements are evolving. People talk about prebiotics and postbiotics. But what is hidden behind these terms?
Prebiotics are, literally, what are found before a probiotic. To be a little clearer, they are nutrients which enable certain beneficial bacteria to develop.
It is convenient to talk about 3 types of prebiotic2:
- HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides), for infantile nutrition.
- Fibres, which we can discuss outside their traditional ‘transit’ connotation. These are of course essential for ‘nourishing’ the intestinal flora.
- Polyphenols, the prebiotic effects of which are still to be verified, but certain of which are seriously interesting the scientific community in this area.
As for probiotics, defined as living micro-organisms, they are beneficial for the host when ingested in sufficient quantities.
Finally, postbiotics refer3:
- To non-viable bacteria, i.e. bacteria rendered inactive following Tyndallisation.
- To metabolic products derived from micro-organisms, which have a biological activity in the host. These may be proteins, organic acids, peptides, polysaccharides or enzymes.
Both groups play a positive role in the host.
Knowledge of the biotic world is growing every day, especially concerning the mechanisms and the roles of each member of the family!
How does one choose a microbiotic strain?
Since probiotics are fragile and complex substances, one needs to be selective. Probiotics are at the heart of PiLeJe Industrie’s know-how and the company offers a rigorous selection process, in close cooperation with Genibio, our partner company which is also part of the PiLeJe Group.
Because each strain has its own specific properties, it is essential that the sourcing be well understood and controlled. Our partner company ensures that stable, sure and controlled strains are used.
Together we are working in the following areas:
- Taxonomy and food security
The key here is to guarantee the identity, the origin, and the purity of the strain plus its stability over time. All the strains selected are on the QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) list maintained by the EFSA.
- Final product stability
Viability tests are conducted throughout the manufacturing process and we also carry out in-depth ageing studies. We seek stability over 2 years at ambient temperature for all formulations on offer.
- Objective in vitro tests
These tests demonstrate the probiotic potential of the strains used. Several criteria are measured, such as the effect of the digestive tract on the transit time using the GDI model developed by Genibio. This model (Gastro-Duodenal-Ileac) simulates the typical conditions which the strains would meet in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Other parameters are studied, such as the immunomodulatory properties and the capacity of adherence to the surface of the human intestinal mucosa. In effect, the adherence property is a prerequisite for probiotics to colonise the mucosa they are designed to protect.
>> Read our detailed article on this subject here.
By focussing on these elements, and combining our expertise with that of Genibio, we are able to provide our customers with top quality probiotic strains.
What it is that guarantees quality in a microbiotic solution?
The fundamental basis for quality probiotics is a rigorous and informed selection. However, we go beyond this with our HQM charter – the ‘High Quality Microbiotics’ charter put in place by the PiLeJe Group. With this, we guarantee to provide you with probiotics ‘Made in France’, complying with the most stringent standards in terms of quality and respect for the environment.
Our guarantees include:
- Secured strains clearly identified
They have not undergone any genetic modification and have been identified as being totally safe for human consumption.
- Strains selected for their specific characteristics
Strain quality is guaranteed through numerous checks and tests, and a rigorous selection process.
- An appropriate formulation
Manufacturing processes and packaging items are designed with great care. We also offer original, innovative, formulations with synergistic associations.
- Guaranteed quality checks
For total traceability and outstanding quality.
As you can see, microbiotic solutions continue to surprise us. They are an extraordinary field of discovery with a huge future. In line with our company values, PiLeJe Industrie selects the best available strains to provide you with a finished product of the finest quality.
>> Are you contemplating a project in this area? To find out more, contact our experts.