Norwegian biotech company Hofseth BioCare has revealed a Stanford University study that illustrates the effectiveness of its gut health ingredient ProGo.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules by MDPI, was conducted through a collaboration between Hofseth BioCare (HBC) and Stanford University School of Medicine.
It aimed to further investigate the gastro-intestinal (GI)-protective properties of the bioactive peptides contained in salmon-derived ProGo. The preclinical study found that the soluble protein hydrolysate (SPH) powder, produced by HBC’s unique enzymatic protein hydrolysis process, helps restore a healthy balance within the gut immune system and markedly improves gut health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The bioactive peptides in SPH significantly reduced colon tissue injury in the acute colitis animal model by alleviating inflammatory cell infiltrates and oxidative stress, an underlying driver of many digestive diseases. This points to ProGo as having a potential immunomodulatory action through the upregulation of protective, antioxidant gene pathways including HMOX1.
The peptides that constitute ProGo are proven to not only deliver nutritional benefits, such as collagen for skin health, but also a myriad of important health benefits
Prior research undertaken by HBC and Stanford also demonstrated that gene systems which protect the GI tract against oxidative stress and inflammation are upregulated in human GI cells exposed to SPH. This latest discovery bolsters ProGo’s position as a fresh, effective innovation and presents a prime opportunity for nutraceutical manufacturers looking to disrupt the gut health and immunity markets.
“The peptides that constitute ProGo are proven to not only deliver nutritional benefits, such as collagen for skin health, but also a myriad of important health benefits, including antioxidant effects to support gut health and immunity and to sustain overall health,” said Dr Crawford Currie, Head of Medical R&D at Hofseth BioCare.
Currie continued: “This latest Stanford University study underpins ProGo’s reputation as a patented product possessing properties, claims and health benefits unique to the market. Further clinical studies are in the pipeline to explore the efficacy of ProGo as a functional and targeted tool in IBD management and we look forward to discovering the full potential of this truly transformative innovation.”
The study adds to the growing bank of evidence demonstrating ProGo is a pure and proven product. The ingredient was recently acknowledged as a ‘New Dietary Ingredient’ (NDI) and secured seven new structure function claims from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These natural collagen peptides can now also claim to help “reduce wrinkles and promote skin smoothness”, “help with dry skin” and “support skin health and appearance”. Furthermore, the evidence of the peptides’ bioactivity can also now claim to “act as an antioxidant”, “reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals” and as well as promoting energy and sustaining overall health and wellbeing.
