ADM, a company specialising in microbiome research and solutions, has published a novel study on probiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1)* and postbiotic heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in the prestigious journal, Gut Microbes.
This clinical trial enrolled adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), seeing strong and consistent results for both the probiotic and postbiotic in a variety of outcomes, including IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores and quality of life.
“Digestive health can have a huge impact on everyday quality of life, and this study’s results are key to us delivering solutions that can help consumers focus on their daily activities instead of their abdominal discomfort,” said Dr Richard Day, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development, ADM. “This trial is the culmination of many years’ hard work, by different ADM teams, across multiple sites and countries.”
The study
In this multi-centre, randomised, double-blind placebo controlled human clinical trial, 200 adults from 18 to 65 years with IBS-D received either 1 billion CFU of ES1 probiotic, 2.5 billion equivalent cells of heat-treated ES1 postbiotic (HT-ES1) or a placebo control over a period of 84 days.
The study’s primary endpoint evaluated reduction in IBS-SSS scores and both the probiotic and postbiotic groups led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in IBS-SSS scores, compared to placebo.
Formulators do not need to make adaptations for living microorganisms
All secondary outcomes were also achieved, showing an improvement in the quality of life score (based on the IBS-QoL) compared to placebo, an improvement of frequency of watery stools compared to placebo, a significant reduction of mean APS-NRS score (which is related to abdominal discomfort) and a significant reduction in stress versus placebo, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI).
“The findings from this robust three-arm clinical trial build upon the growing body of evidence showing how supporting the health of the gut microbiome can address aspects of a person’s health and well-being, including digestive health,” said Dr Day. “Taken together with the already extensive preclinical data generated for these two microbiome solution products, this manuscript adds to the already strong scientific dossier for ES1 and HT-ES1. And crucially, this is the first clinical trial to be published using the pioneering HT-ES1.”
As a postbiotic, HT-ES1 retains its functionality through various formulation environments like high heat or water content, and formulators do not need to make adaptations for living microorganisms.
With the ability to incorporate HT-ES1 into a wide range of food, beverage and dietary supplement formats, health and wellness brands can develop tailored offerings, supporting people’s individual digestive health needs.