FrieslandCampina Ingredients launches fermented solution to target the gut-muscle axis

Designed to support gut health in athletes and active consumers by modulating the gut microbiota composition, Biotis Fermentis utilises the company's fermentation expertise to create a new ingredient solution that enables brands to create holistic protein powders and shakes.

The Dutch multinational dairy cooperative says the product can provide improved gut health and muscle support, as well as perceived improvements to physical well-being, including mood and energy levels.

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. 

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.

By fermenting high-quality whey protein, Biotis GOS – which has been shown to positively impact gut microbiota composition​ – 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.

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.

"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.”

Sophie Zillinger Molenaar, Global Marketing Lead for Biotis at FrieslandCampina Ingredients adds: “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.”

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.