Health ingredients company NutriLeads has highlighted the publication of a SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) study on its carrot-derived RG-I (cRG-I) in Microorganisms, reportedly providing evidence for its consistent and beneficial modulation of the human gut microbiota.
Rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) is a complex pectin-derived polysaccharide purified from carrot pomace. The SHIME in vitro dynamic model was adapted to compare the effect of cRG-I on the faecal microbiota of 4 donors in parallel. According to the company, the study demonstrated administration of the ingredient consistently modified the human microbiota despite the variability between subjects.
The microbiota modulation induced increased levels of various metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which exert a beneficial effect on gut and immune health. The results supported the notion that cRG-I is metabolised by a distinct bacterial consortium that includes Bacteroidetes, Prevotella and Bifidobacterium species.
“The results of the SHIME study are fundamental to our ongoing research into BeniCaros and the underlying mechanisms that drive its powerful immune health benefits,” said Dr Ruud Albers, CSO of Nutrileads. “Our data shows that BeniCaros can help product manufacturers to deliver a more well-rounded immune health solution to consumers, and they will be able to feel the difference.”
BeniCaros is based on several years of pre-clinical and clinical research. It is designed to train the immune system, supporting the processes that keep it functioning at its best, while its prebiotic properties lead to an increased production of metabolites known to play a role in immune health.
BeniCaros is a soluble fibre made using a proprietary process by upcycling carrot pomace, a side stream of carrot juice production. It’s a tasteless and odourless powder that does not use artificial additives, the company says. It can reportedly be formulated into most functional food, beverage and supplement formats and meets consumer demands for ingredients supporting immune health.
