Gut health game-changer: FrieslandCampina Ingredients launches first-of-its-kind fermented solution to target the gut-muscle axis

FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in proteins and prebiotics, has today announced the launch of Biotis^® Fermentis – a first-of-its-kind solution which combines the benefits of whey protein, prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (Biotis^® GOS) and probiotic cultures by fermenting them together, creating a unique formulation that supports both athletic performance and holistic health.

Designed to support gut health in athletes and active consumers by modulating the gut microbiota composition, Biotis^® Fermentis combines FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ protein and prebiotic expertise with its parent company’s – FrieslandCampina – fermentation expertise through 150 years of yoghurt and cheesemaking. The result is a new ingredient solution that enables brands to create truly holistic performance and active nutrition solutions, such as protein powders and shakes, that provide multiple proven health benefits – including improved gut health and muscle support, as well as perceived improvements to physical well-being, including mood and energy levels.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients will be launching its new innovative performance nutrition solution at the New Product Zone at Vitafoods Europe 2023. Visitors to the show will be able to request a sample and speak to experts about the unique market opportunities for performance and active nutrition solutions targeting the gut-muscle axis.

Biotis^® Fermentis: tapping into the gut-muscle axis

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.[1]  Moreover, intensive exercise, stress and dietary habits have been shown to cause gut discomfort that affects sports performance – 86% of athletes suffer from gastro-intestinal issues believed to be associated with stressors such as training and competition.[2]

By fermenting high-quality whey protein, Biotis^® GOS – which has been shown to positively impact gut microbiota composition –[3],[4],5],[6],[7] and probiotics together, Biotis^® Fermentis effectively targets the gut-muscle axis. The ingredient has been designed to empower brands to create nutritional solutions for athletes that maximise performance from the inside-out and support holistic health. The results of research conducted by FrieslandCampina Ingredients, which surveyed 150 recreational athletes between 20-50 years of age, showed that after three weeks of taking Biotis^® Fermentis daily, 80% of consumers self-reported improved satisfaction with their physical well-being and 60% reported significantly reduced bloating compared to baseline levels.[8]

Empowering game-changing holistic solutions

Speaking on the launch, Vicky Davies, Global Senior Marketing Director, Performance and Active Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said: “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.

Sophie Zillinger Molenaar, Global Marketing Lead for Biotis^® at FrieslandCampina Ingredients continues:

“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, multi-dimensional approach that unlocks unique benefits for gut and muscle health. With Biotis^® Fermentis, we’ve taken our expertise in both proteins and prebiotics and combined it with FrieslandCampina’s fermentation knowledge. The result is the transformation of specialist ingredients into a first-of-its-kind performance nutrition solution that activates the gut-muscle axis. This is the cutting-edge of nutritional science and the research we’ve carried out demonstrates this new ingredient’s efficacy. The opportunity is clear, by boosting overall well-being through improved gut health, brands can help athletes and active consumers get the most out of life, always.”

To discover Biotis^® Fermentis and the benefits this unique ingredient offers, visit the Biotis website, or sign up for the company’s latest webinar. Or, register here to visit FrieslandCampina Ingredients at the New Product Zone or on booth #H270 at Vitafoods Europe.

[1] Przewłócka, K. et al. Gut-Muscle Axis Exists and May Affect Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Training. Nutrients.12(5):1451, doi:10.3390/nu12051451 (2020).

[2] Pugh JN, et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms in elite athletes: time to recognise the problem? Br J Sports Med. 2018 Apr;52(8):487-488. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098376. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PMID: 29018062.

[3] Krumbeck et al., 2018

[4] Johnstone et al., 2021

[5] Ladirat et al., 2014

[6] Walton et al., 2012

[7] Schoemaker et al. 2022

[8] FrieslandCampina Ingredients, internal consumer research in collaboration with MMR research