Frost & Sullivan Awards Probiotics Coating Technology

ProTarget, a patented enteric capsule-coating technology from Bifodan A/S (Hundested, Denmark), has received Frost & Sullivan’s 2010 Global Probiotics Technology Differentiation Award.

ProTarget is designed to protect probiotics from gastric acid during passage through the stomach. According to Bifodan, an independent study and in vitro trials confirmed that ProTarget complies with U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for gastro-resistant capsules. The coating is based on ingredients approved for food and supplement use in the EU and other countries.

“We are truly honored by Frost & Sullivan’s recognition of ProTarget. The award validates the significant efforts that our research team has put into the development of what we believe is the only enteric coating specifically designed for use with probiotics and with its effectiveness demonstrated through accepted pharmaceutical standards,” says Bifodan business development manager Niels Peter Bak.

“Despite the well-documented effects of probiotics in maintaining health, some challenges may limit their popular use. One of the most important challenges is their often poor stability as they pass through the harsh acidic environment in the stomach,” says Frost & Sullivan senior research analyst Dr. Kaushik. “Consequently, only a small fraction of the viable probiotics may reach the intestines, proliferate, and provide beneficial benefits. This may compromise product efficacy and require a higher dose of probiotics.”

Kaushik adds, “By developing and documenting an enteric coating system that helps to protect the viability of probiotics within the stomach’s acidic environment and secures delivery of a high number of probiotics to the intestines, Bifodan has provided an opportunity for manufacturers to control costs.”