My name is Romane Maillet, a biochemical engineer passionate about life science innovation and
product manager for the gut health portfolio. Gut health represents the first area of clinical evidence
for probiotics, and the role of probiotics to support a healthy and balanced gut microflora is well
documented. When looking at the probiotic products on the market, nearly two-thirds are positioned
to support gut health and promote digestion; research in this area is still very active and shows no
signs of slowing down.
Exploring specific applications beyond dietary and food supplements
There is a true scientific commitment to consolidate results, knowledge and explore specific applications beyond the dietary and food supplements field (namely, in critical care and serious gut conditions). While 68% of consumers recognize the link between good gut health and overall health, half of probiotic users look to support their digestive health. Feeling more relaxed and active are the top two reasons for doing so. Probiotics are known to maintain gut barrier integrity, which helps ease lifestyle-induced gut discomfort, occasional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms. A converging body of clinical evidence suggests probiotics promote digestive comfort and gut transit in all healthy population groups, from babies to pregnant women to older adults. Probiotics’ proven ability to maximize quality of life in specific circumstances By supporting the body’s natural defenses, probiotic use is correlated with a reduction of risks that may be associated to sporadic gastro-intestinal dysbiosis, such as those that can occur when lifestyle habits change (e.g., while traveling or after an antibiotic regimen). Beyond their ability to provide day-to-day gut support, in very specific circumstances, when used as dietary and food supplements, evidence also demonstrates they may minimize recurrent symptoms and maximize quality of life in times of reflux esophagitis, small intestine bacterial overgrowth and the three subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, H. pylori and C. difficile. Clinical studies are ongoing to further document the strains that could help millions
of adults worldwide improve their quality of life by taking care of their gut microbiome.
The gut and its microbiome are crucial for the proper functioning of many organs
In addition to supporting the digestive tract, the gut and its microbiome are crucial for the proper functioning of many organs in the body through a bidirectional communication “gut-organ axes” – gut-brain, gut-skin, gut-liver, etc. Everything connects to the gut, from the immune system in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue to the 500 million neurons constituting the enteric nervous system. For all these reasons, I anticipate gut health will remain among the top trends and shouldn’t be overlooked.
References: Lumina Intelligence: Probiotic 2020, Health Benefits Analysis
FMCG GURUS Global Digestive Health 2019 25.000 consumers.
FMCG GURUS: Insights and Opportunities – Global Probiotics 2020.
FMCG GURUS: Insights and Opportunities – Global Digestive Health 2019