Dive Brief:
- Probiotics company Ganeden has released findings that show its patented Ganeden BC30 helps to digest proteins found in plant based foods, such as pea, rice and soy, according to a company statement.
- Plant-based protein products are becoming more popular as the global protein trend explodes. However, they are harder for the body to digest.
- The study, conducted at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, showed that the probiotic increased nitrogen levels and alpha amino nitrogen, both of which helped to digest soy, pea and rice proteins. The probiotic also helped better utilize amino acids and reduced unabsorbed protein delivery to the colon.
Dive Insight:
Protein is a hot ingredient and is being added to everything from energy bars to coffee. One of the few trends to rival it in popularity is probiotics, which are now added to just about any food or drink. And yes, there are manufacturers that are combining both trends in products like sports drinks.
But the digestive issues regarding plant-based protein have been a consistent problem. Since probiotics are bacteria that helps digestion, these two trends can work together to create a less problematic protein supplement.
Considering that it's common knowledge that plant-based protein can be hard to digest and probiotics aid in digestion, it could be tempting to wonder why this kind of research was even necessary. Experts in supplements all said at a conference earlier this month that a successful clinical trial is the most important ingredient in any product that makes health claims.
Statistics have shown the market for fortified and functional foods has remained relatively steady for the last decade, largely because consumers are not sure if their bodies can actually make use of the nutrients, experts say.