Ganeden has come up with a study which says that probiotic ingredients could help digest plant proteins that gives consumers indigestion.
“The probiotic strain GanedenBC30 was originally developed for immune and digestive support, but recent research suggests it may have additional applications. Using an in vitro model of the stomach and small intestine, researchers found the probiotic strain increased digestion of proteins from pea, soy and rice, confirming its earlier findings on GanedenBC30’s protein utilization services” said company release.
In a different study done by Ganeden it claimed that probiotic strains can be used for enhancing muscle maintenance when added with functional ingredients such as HMB HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate). “HMB is produced naturally in the body, and is used as a supplement to help prevent muscle wastage and to increase gains in muscle size”, it said.
Research studies says that on a general note consumers are more aware of probiotics and have increased their consumption in last decade however yogurt still leads in the market share. Although new probiotic juices, confectionery products, baked items, infant and baby foods are also catching up in the market.
But Ganeden points out, “consumers’ still associate probiotics mainly with digestive health, and many don’t realize that their benefits are strain-specific. When it comes to protein, plant-based ingredients have been turning up in everything from energy bars to coffee, but they are hard for the body to digest”.
Evidence that this particular probiotic strain is effective in aiding digestion of these ingredients could lead to a successful combination of two of the food industry’s biggest trends, adding further growth to both the probiotics and plant protein categories. Enjoy Life Foods is one company already operating in this sector, with a brownie mix that combines probiotics and algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study taps into another major industry sector. “Sports nutrition is one of the biggest markets for supplementation and functional foods, so evidence suggesting that GanedenBC30 may have benefits in this area could open up a range of sports-related applications from drinks to protein bars and powders. According to a recent report from Allied Market Research, the global sports nutrition market is expected to reach $44 billion in the next five years. Within this sector, efficient protein utilization is a key focus for athletes and lifestyle sports nutrition consumers alike”, says the official report.