Gut/digestive health

‘Time to take supplements and probiotics mainstream in South East Asia’: DuPont

05-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

In the second part of our interview with DuPont’s Asia regional president Dr Li Yongjing, we assess the potential for the dietary supplements industry in South East Asia and examine why probiotics may be about to go mainstream in emerging markets.

Probiotics may ease severity of multiple sclerosis: Study

29-Sep-2016 By Will Chu

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), whose diets were supplemented with probiotics, demonstrated a reduction in the severity of their condition as well as improvements to mental health.

Probiotics to help drive 44% rise in APAC functional foods market by 2026

28-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The functional food ingredients market in Asia Pacific is being tipped to rise from $2.85bn at the end of 2016 to $5.04bn in 2026 with probiotics projected to be the fastest growing segment over the forecast period 

Alginate-starch encapsulation could aid probiotic survival

21-Sep-2016 By Nathan Gray

The use of a modified alginate and hi-maize starch encapsulation technique could help to increase the survival rate of probiotics, say Thai researchers.

'The race is on in this industry to take positions for future growth of probiotics.'

Probiotics giant buys world’s best-documented strain

16-Sep-2016 By Shane STARLING

Danish probiotics and enzymes leader Chr Hansen has paid €73m in cash to acquire the Lactobacillus rhamnosus-based LGG suite of probiotic strains from Finnish dairy group, Valio.

Mango could help maintain gut bacteria at risk from high-fat diets

14-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Mango consumption could help prevent the loss of beneficial gut bacteria caused by a high fat diet, according to research on mice.

Decoding the secrets of Japan’s fucoidan-rich seaweed

12-Sep-2016 By Nathan Gray

Researchers have begun to decode the genetic secrets of mozuku, a famous fucoidan-rich Okinawan seaweed linked to health and longevity.

Ginger nanoparticles could help alleviate inflammatory bowel disease: Study

18-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Edible ginger-derived nanoparticles could alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), researchers claim.

Microbiome modulation may aid symptoms of autism: Study

16-Jul-2016 By Nathan Gray

The use of diet and functional foods to alter the microbiota and impact the gut-brain axis could be a promising strategy for people with autism spectrum disorder, say researchers.

Academics announce Sino-British probiotics research centre

04-Jul-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Chinese academics have collaborated with British counterparts to launch a UK-China Joint-Centre for Probiotic Research.

China direct

Biosearch Life probiotic approved in China for infant formula use

04-Jul-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Spanish probiotics, omega-3 and extracts supplier Biosearch Life has been given approval for the sale of its Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 LC40 probiotic strain by China’s Family Planning and National Health Commission for use in infant formula manufactured...

Probiotic strain backed to fight food allergy: Mouse data

30-Jun-2016 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus murinus could help to reduce allergic responses to food, researchers have said.

China and UK team up for joint probiotic research

30-Jun-2016 By Nathan Gray

Jiangnan University has teamed up with the UK’s Institute of Food Research (IFR) to create a Joint Centre for Probiotic Research.

Dateline Southeast Asia

Low-GI breakfast could reduce risk of developing type-2 diabetes

23-Jun-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Breakfast is officially the most important meal of the day and can help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, Singaporean scientists have found in a limited study.

Japanese consumption, Chinese growth spur global demand for probiotics

06-Jun-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Probiotics manufacturers are increasingly witnessing the rising importance of Asia-Pacific as growing awareness of the health benefits of “good” bacteria continue to drive global growth.