Postbiotics were defined more recently — in 2021 — by the ISAPP (The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics) as a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host (1).

To be qualified as postbiotic, a preparation need to satisfy 4 main criteria (1).

1. Include inactivated microbial cells with or without metabolites or cell components;
2. Have confirmed beneficial effectsin humans or animals in a controlled,high-quality trial;
3. Be assessed for safety in the targethost for the intended use;
4. Be administered at a host surface, such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Figure 1. Postbiotics are a preparation of inanimate microogranisms and/for their components 
that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.

Postbiotics exert their beneficial effect modulating the resident gut microbiota, enhancing the epithelial barrier functions, modulating immune and metabolic responses and supporting the Systemic signalling via the nervous system.

These well documented mechanisms of action can lead to several health benefits, starting form the very well documented digestive and immune health to a spaces that are showing rising science like lowering blood sugar, appetite reduction, skin health and more (2, 4). Ultra-segmentation is also on the increase, with health claims becoming more and more precise like brain health, cognition and longevity (2, 3).

The primary consumers of dietary supplements are millennials, followed by baby boomers and Gen X. Individuals in upper socioeconomic brackets also form a significant proportion of the consumer base, while seniors represent a smaller segment of the potential market.

In recent years, consumers have displayed increasing health consciousness, with approximately one in four saying they have used nutritional supplements in the last two years to enhance their wellbeing (5). Among these individuals, 74% have tried a solution in the last 12 months to improve their digestive health, although only 48% opted for probiotics for this specific health benefit.

Today, dietary supplement consumers place high importance on product safety, effectiveness and quality. Postbiotics, like other biotics, align with consumers’ pursuit of digestive health and overall wellness — making them an attractive choice for advancements in the space.

1. Postbiotics have physiological effects on the host;
2. Safety; being inanimate cannot cause antibiotic resistance, sepsis and fungaemia.
3. Convenience; as are easy to standardize, transport and store, do not require refrigeration and demonstrated high stability batch-to-batch.

The Humiome^® Postbiotics portfolio takes innovation to the next level in the dietary supplement space. It forms part of dsm-firmenich’s Humiome^® biotics brand — a next-generation, multi-ingredient portfolio of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and synbiotics; powered by science and backed by experts.

Humiome^® Post LB, a pioneer in postbiotics, has been proven to support digestive and immune health. To date, more than 40 studies have been published about its effects on humans, animals and cultured cells.

Humiome^® Post LB is composed of a unique combination of two proprietary bacterial strains, L. delbrueckii (CNCM I-4831) and L. fermentum (CNCM I-2998), together with their fermented culture medium and the active metabolites. Its high quality is guaranteed via a proprietary ECHO fermentation process that enriches, concentrates and heat-treats micro-organisms for fully stabilized products with consistency batch-to-batch.

Humiome^® Post LB improves gut and immune health in children and adults by a specific mechanism of action. It adheres to gastro-intestinal mucosa to prevent the attachment and internalization of pathogens (8, 9, 12); protects tight junctions to maintain barrier integrity (8, 11); neutralizes and inhibits undesirable bacteria (10, 11); Restore the natural balance of the gut microbiota (13)while inducing a bifidogenic effect (14) and stimulates immune defenses (13, 15).

It has a good safety profile, indeed there is no risk of bacterial translocation, no antibiotic resistance and it is compliant to self-GRAS and QPS statutes.

It ismarketed and used by patients in almost 40 countries around the world and it is quoted in the ISAPP publication (1).

Humiome^® Post LB is suitable for harsh manufacturing & drying process and easy to use in solids, liquid formulation and in any food or beverages, without any need of refrigeration.

As an end-to-end partner in the human health, nutrition and care space, dsm-firmenich has the scientific and technical capabilities to help brands navigate the developing biotics market with confidence. We’re ready to push the boundaries of biotics innovation with a new way of thinking and cutting-edge solutions that support consumer health more holistically.

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