Probiotics China News Bites – June 2024

  • June 19, 2024 – Shanghai, HPA-China with its partners Informa / SinoExpo and International Probiotics Association (IPA) hosted its annual Probiotics China Summit at FiAsia China Expo. Speakers included Early Data, IFF, IPA, Lonza and Novonesis. The event was attended by leaders of China’s food, diary and supplement industries.
  • On June 4th, the draft of the group standard “General Principles for Postbiotic Foods,” organized and drafted by the Food Nutrition and Safety Professional Committee of the China Health Care Association, has been completed and is now open for public comments. Please submit the “Feedback Form” to the China Health Care Association by June 30, 2024.
  • Recently, the “Expert Consensus on the Main Characteristics of Human Gut Microbiota” was released. Consensus 1: The formation of gut microbiota and its effect on the host is the result of multiple factors interacting.Consensus 2: The abundance of specific species and metabolites serves as an important indicator to evaluate and regulate gut microbiota.Consensus 3: Healthy gut microbiota has strong resilience and stability against external disturbances.Consensus 4: The imbalance of gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of human immune and metabolic diseases.Consensus 5: The accurate identification and regulation of healthy gut microbiota urgently require the integration and breakthrough of various new technologies.
  • On May 20th, the National Health Commission’s government service platform announced that Bacillus subtilis QK02 has been accepted as a new food ingredient. Bacillus subtilis QK02 is a specific strain of Bacillus subtilis, which belongs to the Bacillus genus and is widely distributed in soil and decaying organic matter.
  • BY-HEALTH stated on the investor interaction platform that according to the “Implementation Rules for the Technical Evaluation of New Functions and Products of Health Foods (Trial),” the application process for new health food functions and product registration primarily includes material reception, technical evaluation and conclusion, submission to the State Administration for Market Regulation, inclusion in the health function directory, and approval of new functional health foods. Currently, the application materials for this new function have been received.
  • ecently, the group standard “Ready-to-Eat Probiotic Foods” was officially approved and released by the China Health Care Association. This standard was jointly researched and developed by multiple entities, including the Nutrition and Health Institute of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Jiangsu New Sunbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
  • Chinese dairy giant Yili Group recently announced the launch of a new probiotic yogurt series called “Yili Vitality Probiotic.” This series contains various probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, aimed at improving gut health and boosting immunity. Yili stated that this new product is primarily targeted at young consumers and health-conscious families.
  • Mengniu Dairy recently released a functional drink named “Probiotics+.” This product not only contains a high concentration of probiotics but also includes various vitamins and minerals, aiming to provide comprehensive health support. Mengniu stated that this drink is suitable for consumers of all ages, especially those with gastrointestinal issues or weakened immune systems.
  • Junlebao Dairy has officially launched a new probiotic milk powder called “Junlebao Probiotic Milk Powder.” This product is specially formulated with multiple probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis, aimed at improving gut health and enhancing the immune system in infants and children. Junlebao stated that this milk powder undergoes strict quality control to ensure safety and efficacy.
  • Renowned mother and baby brand Biostime recently launched a new probiotic drop specifically designed for infants. This product contains highly effective probiotic strains that can help alleviate common gastrointestinal issues in infants, such as colic and constipation. Biostime stated that these drops are easy to use and can be added to infant formula or complementary foods.
  • Chinese well-known health supplement brand BY-HEALTH recently released a probiotic gummy named “Probiotic Bear Gummies.” This product is specifically targeted at the children’s market, featuring an adorable bear shape and delicious taste, while being rich in various probiotics to help improve gut health. BY-HEALTH stated that these gummies are not only suitable for children but also for daily consumption by adults.
  • A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research has found that probiotics can significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 200 participants. The results showed that those who took a daily probiotic supplement experienced a notable reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to the placebo group.
  • According to a new market research report by Grand View Research, the global probiotics market is projected to reach $75 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2028. The report attributes this growth to increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of probiotics, rising demand for dietary supplements, and the growing popularity of functional foods and beverages.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum LP299v, for use in dietary supplements and functional foods. This strain has been shown to improve gut health by enhancing the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. The approval is expected to boost the development and marketing of new probiotic products in the United States.
  • An article published in Healthline discusses the synergistic effects of probiotics and prebiotics on digestive health. The article explains how prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers, serve as food for probiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This combination can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
  • DairyReporter.com reports on the increasing incorporation of probiotics in dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and cheese. The article highlights several new product launches by major dairy companies, including Danone and Nestlé, which are adding probiotic strains to their products to cater to health-conscious consumers. This trend is expected to drive growth in the dairy industry and expand the availability of probiotic-enriched foods.
  • On May 29th, DSM-Firmenich’s probiotic brand Culturelle launched a new product for weight management—Yi Qian Jun™ Probiotic and Prebiotic Solid Drink. The product includes the patented strain BPL1™ Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145. Each sachet of Yi Qian Jun™ contains not only 13 billion live BPL1™ bacteria but also no less than 6 grams of soluble dietary fiber fibersol-2®.
  • Japanese probiotic milk producer Yakult Honsha will invest approximately 2 billion Philippine pesos (about 34 million USD) to build a second production plant in the Philippines. The company stated that the new plant is being constructed due to the surge in market demand in Mindanao, its southern regions, and the Visayas.
  • Nutrileads BV has partnered with the LEHVOSS Group. In this partnership, the two parties have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Nutrileads’ prebiotic ingredient Benicaros®, allowing the LEHVOSS Group to distribute this ingredient in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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