FrieslandCampina will debut new fermented ingredient to support gut-muscle axis in athletes at Vitafoods Europe 2023

Photo © AdobeStock.com/oneinchpunch

FrieslandCampina Ingredients (Amersfoort, The Netherlands) is introducing a “first-of-its-kind” fermented gut-health ingredient at the Vitafoods Europe trade show taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 9-12 (Booth H270). Called Biotis Fermentis, the ingredient “is a high-protein and gut-supporting solution to help professional athletes and everyday exercisers alike unlock performance and holistic health benefits,” the company’s press release states.

Biotis Fermentis contains three ingredients fermented together: whey protein, the company’s Biotis GOS galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic, and probiotic cultures. It is designed to support gut health in athletes and active consumers by modulating their gut microbiota composition.

According to the firm, “Emerging scientific research is increasingly shedding light on the role of the gut microbiome in overall well-being, including the existence of the gut-muscle axis—a link between gut microbiota, muscle function, body composition, and athletic performance. Moreover, intensive exercise, stress, and dietary habits have been shown to cause gut discomfort that affects sports performance; 86% of athletes suffer from gastrointestinal issues believed to be associated with stressors such as training and competition.”

The company says it performed research on 150 recreational athletes that found that after three weeks of consuming Biotis Fermentis daily, 80% of subjects self-reported improved physical well-being and 60% reported feeling less bloated. Biotis Fermentis can be formulated into products like protein powder and shakes.

Vicky Davies, global senior marketing director, performance and active nutrition, added in the press release, “Until now, gut health and performance nutrition have largely been targeted as separate issues. But things often work better when they work together. That’s why we’ve focused on creating one synergistic solution to help athletes improve their performance and overall well-being.”

She continued: “Fermentation is a complex and ancient process that transforms foods to provide gut support. By leveraging the power of fermentation, we can enhance the properties of both whey, pre-, and probiotics to create a new, multidimensional approach that unlocks unique benefits for gut and muscle health.”