‘Fastest growing category’: Gut-conscious Aussie consumers behind decision to get GOS prebiotics TGA-approved – FrieslandCampina Ingredients

Earlier this month, Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) added galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to its approved ingredients for complementary medicines manufactured in Australia, which entitles FrieslandCampina Ingredients to exclusive rights for 2 years.

Speaking to NutraIngredients-Asia​, its APAC managing director Job van Rozendaal, revealed that GOS was already approved with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), and the TGA-approved ingredient has a high purity.

“The high-concentration prebiotic is the company’s purest prebiotic with a GOS content of over 90%, meaning that the solution is efficacious in doses as low as 2 grams,”​ the firm reported in its press release.

The process of getting it approved with TGA took over one year, said Rozendaal.

“Australia is a leading market for dietary supplements, and there’s lots of innovative products launched there every year. Particularly, there’s a demand for gut health worldwide, and Australia is no exception to that. Specifically on why Australia, 40% of the consumers there say gut health is extremely important to them and 30% of them say they’re suffering from gut health-related issues. Consumers are also taking a more proactive and holistic approach to their health and well-being.”​

Popular supplement formats​

Its GOS ingredient can be incorporate into a single-ingredient probiotic or synbiotic given its stability.

It is also adaptable with different supplement formats ranging from gummies, pills, capsules, powder mixes, and as a functional ingredient in foods like yoghurt. Gummy remains as the top preference for gut health supplement consumers, but Rozendaal said that all formats are equally seeing growth both in Australia and in other APAC markets.

Notably, he added that one of the emerging trends is the appeal of combining protein and prebiotic solutions among active consumers, athletes, and older adults, due to their higher protein requirement.

Recently, the company also launched a three-in-one ingredient​ targeting gut health and sports performance.

“I would say [this TGA approval] is a big step for us. We also see potential markets in Japan, South Korea, India, and the whole of South East Asia has its potential,” ​added Rozendaal.