Consumers today are more and more informed about microbiota and their health benefits. We have been witnessing the fast growth of prebiotic, probiotic and more recently postbiotic based products. Ingredients that can be found in many different areas: cosmetics, nutraceuticals, drinks or even food. In addition, research is constantly looking into microbiotic solutions and discoveries are progressing. Hence the market is becoming more structured.
Prebiotics, ultimate up and coming ingredients
Prebiotics stimulate the growth of microorganisms and in this way have a health benefit on their host. We are actually going to talk about probiotic substrates below. Consumers are building a greater understanding of these notions of pre-and probiotics.
When we speak about prebiotics, we straight away think about fibre[1]. Prebiotic fibre is not digestible by the system, it is found in the bowel and acts as ‘food’ for the microorganisms that are present. Fibre is the most well-known prebiotic. Amid fibre, we also have cellulose and inulin along with FOS (Fructo-OligoSaccharides), GOS (Galacto-OligoSaccharides) and HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) for infant nutrition. Fibre is also considered to be the star ingredient benefiting microbiota. More recently, research has been concentrated on polyphenols which are also said to have a prebiotic effect[1]. Ingredients on which one can count in future product launching.
Probiotics in the spotlight
The probiotics market is a promising market, whether we are talking about nutraceuticals or functional beverages and foods. Estimations show a growth of 6.8% by 2027 in order to reach a sum of around $80B[2] for the global market (of which approximately 12% for dietary supplements[3]).
Probiotics are living microorganisms that also bestow health benefits to their host. The most well-known microbiotic strains are of the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus type. Here we are talking about ‘first generation’ probiotics.
➡ To know how to choose a microbiotic strain for your formulas, click here.
Just like prebiotics, probiotics have short-term health benefits: digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, etc.[4] benefits that have great success with consumers.
Second and third generation strains are shaping the market of the future. Strains which are not so common, with actions on more precise health spheres such as obesity, for example.
Symbiotics, a combination of benefits
Today’s more informed consumers are interested in symbiotic products. These are formulas that associate prebiotics and probiotics in the same product.
In general, symbiotic products allow to associate the benefits of two biotics to balance the bowel flora. Probiotics have direct access to nutrients that encourage their activity: the right means to ensure their efficiency.
Postbiotics, at the heart of the news
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) recently published a consensus about the definition and the scope of these postbiotics. A consensus that allows all of the players to agree on this subject.
A postbiotic is therefore ‘a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host[5].
With health benefits on the same spheres as probiotics such as immunity and digestion, postbiotics are positioned in front of probiotics. What is widely showcased is their stability in particular. Indeed, the fact that they are inanimate means they are less heat and oxygen sensitive. The production and preservation processes are optimised.
Postbiotics are biotics on which we will have to count in the future without a doubt.
Quality microbiotic strains with PiLeJe Industrie
Microbiotics is at the heart of PiLeJe Industrie’s expertise. In association with Genibio (a company of Groupe PiLeJe) we offer you high quality strains. Indeed, we carry out painstaking assessments of each step of formulation.
This begins by selecting raw materials, thorough sourcing of strains that belong to the EFSA’s QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) list. We then ensure the probiotic potential of the strains thanks to the objectification stage. Then formulation leads to the elaboration of efficient and resistant strains. Lastly, the production stage rests on an ISO 22000 Certified HACCP food safety system. In this way we guarantee the manufacturing of a safe and compliant finished product.
Are you looking to innovate with biotics? Click here to contact us.
[1] Nutrikéo, 2020. Comment innover demain avec les « biotiques » ? Carnet des tendances. (How to innovate using biotics in the future? Carnet des tendances. (Trend Book). https://contact.nutrikeo.com/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargez-sommaire-carnet-tendances-2020-2022
[2] Coherent Market Insights, 2020. Probiotics Market Size, Trends, Shares, Insights, Forecast – Coherent Market Insights. 120p. Available on the internet: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/probiotics-market-3988
[3] Expansion Consulteam, probiotics market study 2018.
[4] ISAPP, 2019. Probiotics. International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Available on the internet: https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/learn/probiotics/
[5] ISAPP, 2021. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).