Clasado Biosciences ('Clasado'), a global leader in the development of scientifically proven prebiotic ingredients and product solutions for the gut microbiome, has shared new perspective on the future of prebiotic gut health formulation. The company has explored how formulators are selecting functional ingredients in response to changing market needs.

As consumer awareness of gut health increases, the business notes that ingredients supporting wide demographic ranges will be crucial to meeting health consumer demands through 2025 and beyond.

Per Rehné, CEO at Clasado Biosciences, commented: "There's a clear commercial advantage to ingredients that can simultaneously offer targeted solutions in one formulation but can then also compliment a wider range of consumer demographics in another. Our own galactooligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic, Bimuno® GOS, is a great example of this versatility in action.

"It’s clear that consumers are prioritising science-backed products, so the key challenge ahead for formulators is integrating these in a way that can reach a broad base of users. It’s about thinking ‘multi-generational’, creating products that have proven efficacy across a wide range. A good example is Bimuno GOS. Backed by over 120 scientific publications, including more than 20 clinical trials, the ingredient has been studied across a diverse population, ranging from children through to the elderly. This broad applicability is crucial as it means that formulators can easily and cost-effectively develop products suitable for families, multi-generational households, and consumers at various life stages.

"The efficacy of Bimuno GOS, with its low daily dose of just 1.37g, has been demonstrated across this wide age spectrum, presenting a unique opportunity for brands looking to create gut health products with more cross-market appeal. We’re also seeing formulators aim for the low doses, but often it’s the case that these don’t necessarily correspond with supporting scientific evidence. For example, formulators need to consider that if a low dosage is claimed, is that for a very specific and narrow demographic band, or is it for a suitably wide audience. Importantly, Bimuno GOS shows rapid results, with studies indicating a significant increase in beneficial bifidobacteria in as little as 7 days. This quick onset of action provides a compelling selling point for consumers seeking noticeable benefits.

“Another key product format on the rise is prebiotic beverages, which help to meet consumer demand for simpler everyday nutritional solutions. This further goes to show how in this evolving nutrition market, high stability to heat and remaining stable in solution are key features that can help formulators provide products that can connect with a wide age range based on their needs.

"Beyond meeting consumer demand, a prebiotic that shows a low efficacious dose across a wider demographic range brings further benefits for formulators and health brands. For example, it enables SKU optimisation to streamline the product development process and simplify supply chains.

"The key for formulators will be in versatility. Consumers want more choice than ever before, so functional ingredients need to have proven efficacy across formats and target markets, as well as high stability when exposed to heat and moisture. As we see a rise in ageing populations, there's strong potential for products that can be used by multiple family members. Bimuno GOS, with its extensive research portfolio and wide-ranging efficacy, is perfectly positioned to meet these evolving market needs and help brands navigate these commercial trends efficiently."