Health, well-being and the gut

Consumers are more health-conscious than ever and recognise that different aspects of their health are interlinked and impact each other, both mentally and physically.

At the same time as this shift in the consumer mindset, scientific research has made it increasingly apparent that overall health and well-being is founded on good gut health.¹

The need to improve gut health is also understood by consumers: 2 in 3 recognise that gut health is key to achieving overall well-being.²

¹Mousa et al., 2022; ²Innova Top Ten Trends 2022 

The central role gut microbiota play in supporting gut health

Gut microbiota, the thousands of microbes encompassed within our gastro-intestinal tract, play a key role in both health and disease.⁶ Our gut microbiota are influenced by several factors, such as our age, exercise regime, our stress levels and the medications we take (particularly antibiotics). However, by targeting the gut microbiota through nutrition, it is possible to positively influence gut health.⁷

Prebiotics, substrates that are selectively utilised by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit, show great promise in supporting gut health. Our Biotis^® GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), for example, have been shown to influence gut microbiota composition^8-12 producing beneficial effects on gut health^8,12-14 and mental well-being.⁹

⁶Mousa et al., 2022; ⁷Hill et al., 2014; ⁸Krumbeck et al., 2018; ⁹Johnstone et al., 2021; ¹⁰Ladirat et al., 2014; ¹¹Walton et al., 2012; ¹²Schoemaker et al. 2022; ¹³Teuri & Korpela, 1998; ¹⁴Sairanen et al., 2007