The 17th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health – IPC2024 will be held during the 18th – 20th June 2024
in Prague, Czechia.

The goal of conference is to provide a scientific forum for all stakeholders of probiotics and prebiotics and to enable the interactive exchange of state-of-the-art knowledge. The conference is focused on evidence-based benefits, health claims proven in scientific experiments and clinical trials.

New scientific evidences that support or question the efficiency of already existing or prospective substances and applications will be conferred. In addition novel strains, controversial but scientifically solid ideas, approaches and visions will be presented as well.

Further to its scientific content, IPC2024 is a networking event. It is a unique opportunity to meet all the stakeholders of probiotics and prebiotics.

Participants will meet those who influenced the past, influence the present and most importantly will shape the future of probiotics and prebiotics by means of basic research, clinical trials, regulatory efforts or development of industrial technology. Initiation of cross-boarder co-operations between scientists and institutions will be also facilitated.

Recent years participants average number over 400, from more than 80 countries. Which makes IPC the largest Conference on probiotic and prebiotic science.

The statistic of IPC2023 is as follows:

• 36% research scientists from industry (dairy science, dietary supplement distributors, food microbiology, food safety, fermentation technology, gastro-enterology, immunology, genetics)
• 27% scientists from academia (dairy science, microbiology, gastro-enterology, pediatric nutrition, genomics, immunology)
• 21% dairy product marketing and technical support

• 5% regulatory agencies (USDA, FDA, EFSA and nationals)

• 11% sponsored participants as part of incentive programmes (opinion leaders, dietary supplement distributors other influencers)
• 70 % of attendees are PhD, 17% are university professors, department heads; students 12%.

But not all gummies are created equal and like with any breakthrough in supplement delivery, the skill of the manufacturer is to combine scientific precision with an enjoyable sensory experience. For example, we need to ensure the ingredients remain bioavailable and effective throughout the shelf life of the product, all while meeting the taste expectations of consumers – which continue to rise.Manufacturing nutraceutical gummies of the highest quality is a delicate balancing act of formulation, processing, and packaging. The process typically begins with the formulation of the gummy recipe and selection of the ingredients, which are mixed in precise proportions.

This next stage involves heating the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are blended homogenously and form a consistent solution. After mixing, the solution is cooled to an exact temperature where it can be molded into gummy shapes, but without losing its desired properties. The cooled mixture is poured into specialized molds that give the gummies their final shape and size. Once the gummies have solidified in the molds, they are carefully removed from the molds and then comes the drying process. Finally, gummies must undergo strict quality control and testing to ensure that they meet the desired specifications for nutrient content, taste, and overall quality. When you put all this together it becomes quickly apparent how important it is to have precise controls and quality by design.

Key considerations include the selection of active ingredients, stability of these ingredients, shelf life of the active over time, and the overall nutritional profile. The most important consideration is that gummies are carefully formulated to accommodate the bioavailability requirements of joint health supplements, ensuring that the nutrients are effectively absorbed by the body.

One of the critical factors that contribute to the popularity of nutraceutical gummies is their taste. Unlike traditional supplement formats, gummies provide a delightful and familiar sensory experience that consumers are more likely to embrace and adhere to in the long term. To win over consumers, gummies need to taste not only acceptable but provide an enjoyable experience.

Developing a flavorful gummy formulation for joint health supplements requires a fusion of science and art. In fact, natural sweetening agents such as fibers, natural flavors, and even textural elements play a pivotal role in crafting an appealing taste profile. Such is the importance placed on this aspect of product design that at Sirio, we have three flavorists working full time on flavor gummy profiles and we invest considerable time and effort in honing and perfecting this - recognizing that a pleasant taste is a significant factor in whether consumers are satisfied and continue to take the supplement in the long term.