R & D

Prebiotics are polysaccharides in natural foods that are not easily digested by human enzymes such as fructooligosaccharides and inulin. Prebiotics can be used by probiotics that already present in the large intestine to promote their growth and produce physiological activity to improve the health of the host. Many studies have shown that human health is closely related to intestinal flora. The development of many diseases is accompanied by imbalance of intestinal flora, including changes in the location, quantity, and type of flora colonization. Normal intestinal flora not only plays many irreplaceable roles in digestion, immunity, and disease resistance, but also changes of intestinal flora are closely related to the occurrence of diseases, especially chronic diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, with no cure available. It leads to the buildup of uremic toxins, including gut-derived toxins from intestinal bacteria. An imbalance in gut flora, linked to the gut-kidney axis, worsens kidney damage and systemic inflammation. Probiotics promise to improve kidney function by regulating gut flora, protecting the intestinal barrier, and reducing inflammation. Clinical trials suggest that probiotics can lower creatinine levels and enhance kidney function in CKD patients. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in CKD treatment.

Postbiotics, inanimate preparations of microorganisms, offer health benefits and address the risks associated with probiotics and prebiotics, particularly in stressed individuals or those with compromised GI flora. Defined by ISAPP in 2021, postbiotics include various beneficial metabolites from lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as bacteriocins and short-chain fatty acids. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, enhance gut health, and support the immune system. Postbiotics are effective in treating GI disorders, improving bone mineral density, and are poised to revolutionize health, nutrition, and animal husbandry by potentially replacing antibiotics.

Probiotics in dairy products offer multiple health benefits beyond digestive support. Dairy provides an optimal environment for probiotics, enhancing their effectiveness and bioavailability. Probiotics in dairy can improve mineral absorption, synthesize essential vitamins like riboflavin, and produce beneficial peptides, including those that inhibit harmful enzymes and neurotransmitter peptides like GABA. Additionally, probiotics generate antibacterial substances that combat pathogens. Food fortification with probiotics in dairy is a growing trend, enhancing nutritional value and preventing disease.

Insomnia prevalence is rising, with significant public health impacts, including increased risks of cardiometabolic and respiratory diseases. Sleep difficulties are linked to gut microbiome imbalances, which affect neurotransmitter production involved in sleep regulation. Studies suggest probiotics might improve sleep by influencing gut-brain communication, as seen in mice and some human trials. However, evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to confirm probiotics' effectiveness in improving sleep quality and addressing sleep disorders.

Aging affects gut microbiota, leading to reduced bacterial diversity and beneficial microbes. Probiotics show promise in extending lifespan and combating aging-related issues, as demonstrated in studies using Caenorhabditis elegans and senescence-accelerated mice. Human trials, such as those with Lactobacillus plantarum, show anti-aging benefits like improved skin health. While evidence suggests probiotics support healthy aging, more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in elderly populations.