Gut/digestive health

Probiota Asia 2018

Moving the probiotics industry forward: Regulations, trial design and cost considerations in the spotlight

08-Nov-2018 By Pearly Neo

Experts gathered to discuss the potential and developments in the probiotics industry, highlighting regulations, trial design and costs as three areas to pay attention to in improving the industry's prospects.

Probiota Asia 2018

How co-culturing probiotics with yeast can aid potency: Probiota Asia

07-Nov-2018 By Pearly Neo

Co-culturing yeast along with probiotics in foods and beverages could help to maintain the potency of the latter during the manufacture and distribution of probiotic products, according to a food science expert.

PROBIOTA ASIA 2018

Resveratrol and propolis: Two promising targets to boost gut microbiota

05-Nov-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Recent studies have revealed how polyphenols can alter gut microbes, suggesting they are worthy of further examination alongside probiotics to boost health outcomes.

Probiota Asia 2018

More effort required: Less than 1% of studies on neurological diseases feature probiotics

31-Oct-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Out of 11,018 studies conducted on neurological diseases, only 23 examined the effects of probiotics on the diseases. This was less than 1% of all studies done, a review of clinical studies has found.

VITAFOODS ASIA 2018

WATCH: "Now is the right time to expand even further" — Japanese probiotics supplement manufacturer Morishita Jintan

30-Oct-2018 By Tingmin Koe

The time is ripe to expand the APAC probiotics business, according to Morishita Jintan, a Japanese probiotics supplement manufacturer.

Probiota Asia 2018

Replace probiotics regulatory complexity with consistency and clarity: IPA

26-Oct-2018 By Tingmin Koe

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) has urged the industry to support its efforts to bring consistency to the global regulatory landscape, so that the rules can keep pace with technology and scientific advancement.

The Great Wall of…gut health? Aussie brand targets China with novel probiotic supplement

24-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Australian firm Clinical Advantage is targeting the China market with its new digestive health brand, Biotik, using a novel delivery system and maximum bioavailability to appeal to consumers.

Probiota Asia 2018

Life-Space CEO exclusive: How Australia has become a probiotics pioneer in Asia

23-Oct-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Australia's innovation culture and stringent regulatory system are among the reasons Australian companies are thriving in Asia, according to the boss of Life-Space, China's leading probiotic brand.

Probiota Asia 2018

'Data is power': Danone Nutricia lauds the importance of machine learning to provide precision nutrition

19-Oct-2018 By Pearly Neo

The importance of digital technology and machine learning as a means to provide precise, tailored nutrition took centre-stage at Probiota Asia 2018, as Danone revealed some of the pioneering research it is undertaking in Singapore.

Probiota Asia 2018

APAC consumer understanding that gut is the 'new super organ' growing

18-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

APAC consumer understanding is growing with regards to probiotics' wide array of benefits beyond gut health, and across all life stages, our Probiota Asia summit in Singapore has heard.

Probiota Asia 2018

'Window of opportunity': DuPont highlights early-life benefits of microbiome modulation across the life stages

18-Oct-2018 By Pearly Neo

The importance of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and probiotic interventions for microbiota throughout all stages of life were emphasised at Probiota Asia 2018.

Lactobacillus strain displays anti-cholesterol gut health benefits: Korean mouse study

17-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

A probiotic strain of the species Lactobacillus rhamnosus can improve cholesterol levels and gut health, according to a study by South Korea's Handong Global University and biotechnology firm AtoGen.

Danone study outlines possible mechanisms behind gut-brain axis in infants

16-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The mechanisms behind the gut-brain axis in infants should be further explored and better understood, so possible nutritional interventions can be explored to support healthy brain development, according to a Danone-led study.

Capilano's prebiotic honey makes US debut as company keeps keen eye on China market

15-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Australian honey maker Capilano Honey recently brought its signature prebiotic-enriched product to the US market, two years after its China debut.

NUS scientists develop probiotic-rich functional beverage from soy waste by-product

12-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

NUS (National University of Singapore) scientists have developed a patented fermentation process to turn a waste by-product of tofu and soy milk production into a probiotic-rich functional beverage.

Probiota Asia: One week to go…check out the major brands confirmed to attend

09-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

There is just one week to go until the region's leading probiotics and microbiome summit, Probiota Asia, gets underway in Singapore, but there is still time to register and join a host of top brands at the event.

Functional food opportunities abound for Australia in ASEAN market: CSIRO-KPMG report

08-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The ASEAN market presents a wealth of opportunity for Australian functional food firms, according to a joint report by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and auditor KPMG.

Science shorts: Bite-sized findings featuring the benefits of broccoli, flaxseed oil and omega-3

04-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

In the latest round-up of emerging research, we shine the spotlight on the benefits of broccoli for the ageing population, flaxseed oil for bone density, and more.

New studies on strains and delivery systems needed to assess probiotics usefulness for ulcerative colitis patients

03-Oct-2018 By Cheryl Tay

There is insufficient evidence as to the efficacy of probiotics on ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and future studies should test different strains and delivery methods, according to a study led by Japan's Keio University.

Join Blackmores, Danone, Herbalife, Life-Space and more at Probiota Asia: Two weeks to go!

02-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

There are just two weeks to go until the region’s leading probiotic and microbiome event, Probiota Asia, gets underway in Singapore, with a stellar line-up of speakers from the likes of Blackmores, Danone, Herbalife and Life-Space set to take to the stage.

Gut microbiome changes linked to progress of Huntington's disease

20-Sep-2018 By RJ Whitehead

Australian scientists have made a rare breakthrough in the study of Huntington's disease by finding that changes in the gut microbiome may influence its progress and treatment.

The highs and lows of gut health: Indian study explores how altitude influences the microbiome

19-Sep-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Altitudinal and geographical factors have a significant impact on the gut microbiome of residents of such areas, according to researchers in India and the UK.

Use your head, follow your gut: Bened Biomedical's award-winning probiotic product set for market expansion

17-Sep-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The makers of a probiotic product targeting the gut-brain axis have highlighted research underlining how it can ease neurological conditions.

China's probiotic market: Huge interest in products for weight management – Lumina Intelligence data

11-Sep-2018 By Gary Scattergood

When it comes to consumer engagement and approval, probiotic products with weight management benefits top the list in China, according new data revealed by Lumina Intelligence.

BY-HEALTH completes acquisition of Aussie probiotic firm Life-Space for $670m

05-Sep-2018 By Tingmin Koe

BY-HEALTH officially announced that it had completed the acquisition of Australian probiotics firm Life-Space Group (LSG) in a US$483.1m (A$670m) deal.

Functional branding: Kerry talks up APAC immunity and digestive opportunities for BC30 and Wellmune

31-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Kerry believes that clear evidence of growing consumer demand for probiotics, immunity and protein products across APAC will stand the firm in good stead for regional sales success for its functional branded ingredients, not least the patented probiotic...

Thali treatment: Traditional Indian dietary practice may lower chronic disease risk

15-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

A traditional Indian dietary approach called thali may help to lower chronic disease risk through its gut health benefits, according to a study led by Pennsylvania State University.

Sensing gut health: Ingestible sensors which will 'transform monitoring' to be showcased at Probiota Asia

14-Aug-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Swallowable sensors that could revolutionise how scientists and medical professionals monitor the gut and diagnose conditions will be the focus of a keynote presentation at our upcoming Probiota Asia Summit in Singapore.

IPA, other experts roundly reject conclusions of 'brain fog' paper

13-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

An observational study that purported to show a link between 'brain fogginess' and probiotics use has so many problems with it that the International Probiotics Association has concluded this is a case where "the peer review process has...

Yakult Danone weighing up Indian expansion as it seeks to educate consumers about gut health

02-Aug-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Yakult Danone India is currently surveying two places — Panjab and Madhya Pradesh — for market expansion, MD Minoru Shimada told NutraIngredients-Asia.

China beverage firm Wahaha to launch new probiotic range as it ramps up health focus

02-Aug-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Hangzhou Wahaha Group will be launching three new probiotic products that are targeted at women, children, and the elderly.

First electrolyte beverages recognised as FSMP in China under new rules, while Nestlé also makes debut

30-Jul-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Two electrolyte beverages have been accepted as Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) — the first time electrolyte beverages were approved.

Kirin ploughs funds into US supplement firm as its health focus intensifies

30-Jul-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Japan beer company Kirin, together with multi-portfolio firm Mitsui, is investing in New York-based Thorne Research to expand its range of supplement products.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kaneka signs exclusive distribution deal for AB-Biotics ingredients in North America, Japan

24-Jul-2018

Tokyo-headquartered Kaneka Corporation acquired a 34.8% share of Barcelona-based biotech company AB-Biotics. It also signed on as exclusive distributor for the latter’s ingredients in the US, Canadian, and Japanese markets.

Synbiotics' anti-constipation effects require more specific evidence: Malaysia population study

24-Jul-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Synbiotics may be preferable to laxatives in treating constipation, but more evidence on specific benefits are required, according to the findings of a population study by Selangor's Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Exclusive: Video / analysis / infographics

China in Focus – Probiotics: From sports nutrition to weight management, the market is booming

16-Jul-2018 By Gary Scattergood

China's probiotics market is going from strength to strength, with suppliers and industry experts reporting rapid growth. Therefore, we have made the sector the subject of the first of our in-depth three-part China in Focus features.

Probiota Asia: Blackmores, CSIRO, NUS and Life-Space among first wave of keynote speaker announcements

11-Jul-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Probiota Asia, our three-day summit dedicated to probiotics and prebiotics, returns to Singapore in October with a raft of industry experts now confirmed as speakers.

China now one of 'most important players' in global probiotics market as sales top $8bn: IPA

02-Jul-2018 By Gary Scattergood

China has cemented its status as one of the world’s most important global players, according to industry body the International Probiotics Association (IPA), with data revealing that nearly half of all APAC sales come from the country.

Probiota Asia: World-leading probiotics summit returns to Singapore — calls for abstracts

02-Jul-2018 By Gary Scattergood

NutraIngredients-Asia is delighted to announce that the second Asia edition of the global probiotics and prebiotics summit, Probiota, will be held in Singapore in October.

CSIRO outlines precision health plans for healthy ageing with NTU partnership

28-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The latest collaboration between the Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) aims to help improve seniors' health through extensive research...

Healthy Ageing APAC Summit 2018

Make pleasure a priority: DuPont expert reveals how industry can help prolong seniors' healthy years

27-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Seniors in APAC have redefined ageing, and industry must adapt to this change or risk alienating its largest and most affluent group of consumers, according to DuPont's ASEAN marketing leader, Michelle Lee.

Centenarian microbiota and metabolites: Japanese experts using findings to develop new products

25-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Researchers from Japan are using the findings of studies on centenarians in the country to try and produce new products that will replicate the beneficial aspects of their microbiota.

Chr. Hansen sets sights on Indian expansion with patented probiotic strain

19-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Chr. Hansen is optimistic it can tap into the benefits of its patented probiotic strain, LGG, and growing consumer health consciousness to drive sales in India.

Synbiotics a potential treatment against chronic kidney disease: Japan rat study

18-Jun-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Synbiotics — a combination of probiotics and prebiotics — used to improve the gut environment could serve as a safe pharmacological treatment for chronic kidney disease-related mineral and bone disorder, say researchers in Japan.

Probiotics and prebiotics in paediatric medicine: What are clinicians recommending?

06-Jun-2018 By Gary Scattergood

There are considerable challenges in gathering scientific data to recommend the use of probiotics and prebiotics in a clinical paediatric setting, but the evidence that exists points to their effectiveness in a number of situations.

Staying alive: Aussie firm launches novel ingredient with patented microencapsulation tech

22-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Bega Bionutrients, the health and ingredient arm of Australian firm Bega Cheese, has launched a novel form of microencapsulated infant formula ingredient lactoferrin – Inferrin.

Putting the A in South Asia: Sustainable programmes needed to curb vitamin A deficiency

21-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

South Asia is in dire need of more sustainable vitamin A supplementation programming, with the region suffering from the world's second highest rate of vitamin A deficiency among children.

Rhubarb a potential treatment for gastrointestinal dysfunction: China trial

21-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Rhubarb may relieve gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients without causing any adverse effects, say researchers in China.

Israeli gut microbiome specialist sets sights on China for anti-diabetes personalised nutrition

17-May-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Personalised nutrition firm DayTwo has made China its first APAC target for its services, due in part to the country's high incidence of diabetes.

Nutrition Asia Video Series

WATCH: Is personalised nutrition now ready to go mainstream in APAC?

16-May-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Personalised nutrition has the potential to go mainstream in APAC, but the pace of progress will depend on how quickly and effectively MNCs, start-ups and governments can collaborate.