Decoding the future of prebiotics – the groundwork for gut health
Published 05 February 2024
Beyond the gut
Dietary fiber continues to be on-trend, with health-conscious consumers seeking tailored convenience. Not only is fiber intake linked to gut health but it is increasingly associated with general wellbeing as well as improved immunity, and mental health, backed by both science and consumers
Most people have been heavily associating the term gut health only with gastrointestinal conditions. Gut health, however, has begun to take on a new meaning in the past few years along with the increasing number of consumers becoming more aware of their health and wellness.
In the midst of lifestyle changes, gut health is known to be one of the most important keys in maintaining overall health. As shown by a EuroMonitor International survey in 2020, about one-quarter of consumers globally are suffering from issues related to gut health with half of the reported cases are claimed to affect the consumers’ health in general.1
As a consequence, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the dynamic duo of dietary fiber and prebiotics. These indigestible compounds, once relegated to the sidelines, are now taking center stage as research unveils their profound impact on gut health and overall well-being. As we peer into the future, it becomes evident that the trajectory of dietary fiber and prebiotics is poised for transformative advancements.
While the primary focus has been on gut health, future research may uncover broader health implications of dietary fiber and prebiotics. From cardiovascular health to immune system support, these compounds could play multifaceted roles in maintaining overall well-being.
According to a recent Innova survey in 2023, there is a +18% average annual growth in food & beverage (including supplements) launches tracked with prebiotic ingredients and immune health claims between 2018 to 2022. The comprehensive impact on various body systems is an exciting frontier that awaits exploration.2
Figure I: Europe & Asia-Pacific is in the lead for prebiotic product launches (Innova, 2022)
Prebiotics continues to become the center stage of functional foods & nutraceuticals
According to the latest Innova market research in 2023, the statistics shows that Europe is the leader of new product launches that contains prebiotics. However, there is little doubt that Asia is closely and rapidly closing in on new product launches containing prebiotics as it is poised to become a key player in the functional foods and nutraceuticals market.3
If we look closely on the category of products using prebiotics, there has been little change as supplements and baby/toddlers category dominates the market of prebiotics. Although the supplements category continues to show great promise, it is joined by the likes of spread, confectionery and soft drink category to become the fastest growing categories for product launches with prebiotic claims
Inulin continues to become the market leader for prebiotics as 34% of new product launches in 2022 utilizes inulin when creating functional prebiotics food & beverages, followed by oligofructose, polydextrose and galacto-oligosaccharide.4
Prebiotics themselves are substances selectively fermented in the gut to accelerate changes in the microbiota composition or activities to give more benefits for the gut health. Not all dietary fibers can be classified as prebiotics, but nearly every type of prebiotic can be classified as dietary fiber.
Conventionally, prebiotic dietary fibers are available in abundance in fruits and vegetables. But the never-ending innovation in the food industry has also made it possible for consumers to gain prebiotic dietary fibers in the form of multi-purpose fiber ingredient like FiberCremeTM, which according to an in vitro study is shown to have positive prebiotic activity scores. It means, FiberCremeTM can definitely be used to modulate the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract and help promote gut health.
Dietary fibers, especially the soluble ones, are also beneficial for weight management purposes as it can increase satiety and can be beneficial in helping to control obesity levels. Moreover, soluble fibers lower cholesterol levels by binding to it within the small intestine. Once it is inside the small intestine, the fiber attaches itself to cholesterol particles, preventing them from entering the bloodstream and later disposing the particles from the body through feces.5
Figure II: Inulin leads as top 5 prebiotic ingredient while fiber & protein becomes the most sought after functional claims for prebiotic NPD (Innova, 2022)
The Rise of High-Fiber Products in Post-Pandemic Market
Post-pandemic, consumers have heightened their health awareness, leading to a discerning approach towards the ingredients in their consumables. This surge in health consciousness has spurred a demand for a wide array of healthier products, particularly those rich in high fiber content.
Beyond its conventional use in gut health-related products like yogurt, fiber has found applications in a broad spectrum of products, ranging from fruit juices and meal replacements to sports nutrition supplements, baked goods, and pastries. For instance, in fruit juices, fiber is incorporated to compensate for the loss during fruit processing. In meal replacement products, fiber serves to induce satiety, contributing to effective weight management.
Addressing the evolving demand for dietary fiber in various applications, LNK introduces FiberCremeTM, a distinctive unique prebiotic designed to meet the requirements of manufacturers and bridge existing gaps in dietary fiber options. This innovation aims to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of dietary fiber utilization.
For further insights on how FiberCremeTM can enhance the value of your products, we encourage you to reach out through our website. Explore a collection of whitepapers on FiberCremeTM developed for diverse applications to gain comprehensive knowledge about its versatility and benefits.
References
- Katharina B (2020). The Rise and Potential of Gut Health. Euromonitor International. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/the-rise-and-potential-of-gut-health.
- Innova market insights (2023). Supplements – Asia Pacific category analysis.
- Innova market insights (2023). Trends in prebiotics.
- Fazira E (2023). The future of functional food and beverages in asia-pacific. Euromonitor International.
- Yustinus Marsono, Rhaesfaty Galih Putri and Elizabeth Desy Arianti (2020). The Effects of Replacement of Dietary Fiber with FiberCremeTM on lowering serum glucose and improvement of lipid profile in Hypercholesterolemia-Diabetic Rats and Its Mechanism. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition.