A recent study by FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a functional ingredients company, has reportedly demonstrated the benefits of its Biotis SleepWell concept in reducing stress and providing a better night’s sleep in healthy adults. The study, done with researchers from contract research organisation NIZO.com, showed the supplement reduced morning cortisol levels – hormone associated with stress – and stimulated Bifidobacterium production, which is associated with improvements in stress and sleep quality.
The study was a double blind, randomised cross over study with two intervention periods of three weeks each. During the intervention periods, 70 adults aged 30-50 suffering with moderate sleep disturbances received a daily dose of Biotis SleepWell, containing Biotis GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), dairy protein-derived amino acids tryptophan and cysteine, and complementary vitamins and minerals, one hour before bed. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire to measure sleep quality and cortisol levels were measured through five saliva samples. Microbiota analysis was also carried out in the first intervention period and after 3 weeks of intervention.
The results showed after 21 days, participants who had taken the supplement demonstrated reduced cortisol levels compared to a control group, while microbiota analysis showed the treatment group had improved gut health, characterised by enhanced Bifidobacteria levels. The study also showed participants with a PSQI-score of ≥9 at baseline reported improvements in sleep quality after 14 days of intervention compared to those taking a placebo.
Anne Peter Lindeboom, MD Innovation at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said: “We’re very excited that this study has provided further evidence of the link between the gut microbiome and mental wellbeing, as well as how psychobiotics like Biotis SleepWell could reduce feelings of stress and improve sleep quality. These findings are crucial, not only for further exploration of the gut-brain axis, but also to help food, drink and supplement manufacturers produce clinically-proven solutions that respond to consumer desire to improve overall health and wellbeing.”
NIZO CEO, Gisella Frijlink, added: “Nutrition and health go hand in hand – consumers are increasingly turning to natural products with substantiated health benefits to improve their quality of life. We believe partnership and a multidisciplinary approach are essential elements to deliver on this expectation and solve the health problems faced by today’s consumers. We’re really excited to yet again be collaborating with FrieslandCampina Ingredients to bring this innovative field of research to life, demonstrating the most cutting-edge nutritional science in relation to the microbiome and the gut-brain axis.”