Canada approves gut-brain axis health claims for Chr. Hansen’s DDS-1

“We are excited that one of our probiotic strains has received official Canadian health claims relating to the gut-brain axis, putting a quality stamp on the science behind our product and adding credibility to our offering in this emerging field,” said Niklas Larsson, PhD, Head of Scientific Affairs, Chr. Hansen Human Health.

Microbiota-gut-brain axis​

The ‘gut-brain axis’ has become one of the most cutting-edge areas of research over the past few years. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional interaction between the GI tract and the nervous system and implicates the ability of specific strains to produce key neurotransmitters like GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), serotonin and dopamine.

In the context of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is known that IBS sufferers frequently report feeling sad, embarrassed and self-conscious, which impacts their quality of life and could even limit participation in social activities.

Chr. Hansen’s probiotic strain L. acidophilus, DDS-1 is already authorized by Health Canada to help improve abdominal pain severity and symptomology in IBS in adolescents and adults. Now the existing Natural Health Product (NPH) license for the DDS-1 strain in Canada has been amended to include the following gut-brain axis claims:

• Helps alleviate perceived stress in adolescents and adults with irritable bowel syndrome

• Helps to improve irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life in adolescents and adults

• Helps alleviate perceived stress in conjunction with improving abdominal pain in adolescents and adults with irritable bowel syndrome

• Helps normalize stool consistency of those with irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents and adults.

“[This approval of claims around DDS-1] will assist consumers in making informed health choices when selecting probiotics and reinforce their confidence that the products are effective, safe and of high quality. Officially registered health claims will drive increased interest in our clinically documented probiotics and their potential benefit in general, both in Canada and other markets,” said Linda Neckmar, SVP, Chr. Hansen Human Health.

The market​

Probiotic products on the market are already making stress or anxiety-related claims, with data from Lumina showing that the US is the leading market for such products, followed by Italy and then Australia.

Additional market data from Future Market Insights​ indicates that the market for probiotic supplements supporting mental health and wellness (“psychobiotics”) is predicted to grow by 44% over the next 10 years, from $140 million in 2023 to $202 million in 2033.