Synbiotic Health has announced that a genomic evaluation of B. adolescentis, iVS-1, followed by subsequent in vitro testing has revealed that iVS-1 produces both Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Folate (vitamin B9).
GABA is a well-documented neurotransmitter with stress-reducing and sleep enhancing effects via interaction at the gut/brain barrier. GABA is found to positively modulate mood and sleep, increase spatial and temporal memory, and reduce hypertension. There is also evidence that GABA supplementation plays a role in reducing the development of neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The genomic analysis and in vitro results revealing iVS-1 as a GABA producer represent the initial stage of discovery for Synbiotic Health’s R&D team. Additional research in this area is already underway within Synbiotic’s discovery division.
Folate has been proven to provide numerous health benefits. It is well known for its positive impact on heart health and is essential during pregnancy to support normal growth and development of the fetus. Folate is required for DNA replication, repair, and methylation. Supplementation of folate has also been shown to reduce cancer risks. In trials, iVS-1 produced 3X more folate than other strains analysed and was found to produce a more bioavailable form of folate compared to the folic acid found in most dietary supplement products.
Steve Prescott, Synbiotic’s Chief Commercial Officer, stated: “These findings represent an important milestone for Synbiotic and our customers. Demonstrating that iVS-1 has the ability to produce both GABA and folate is an exciting development, since these metabolites are known to positively impact human health through multiple modes of action.”
Kevin Hooper, Director of Business Development at Synbiotic Health, said: “When taken together with the already known attributes of iVS-1, including its proliferation and persistence at high levels in the human gut, its ability to promote a bifidogenic response, and its capacity to promote healthy gut-barrier function all at low levels of supplementation (1 billion cfu/dose), iVS-1 becomes a strong addition to many probiotic products designed for a variety of health claims.”
Additional research is underway at Synbiotic Health to identify genes responsible for beneficial health claims from other strains the company has identified via proprietary strain selection methods, In Vivo Selection (iVS) and In Vitro Enrichment (iVE).
Mr. Prescott added, “We are extremely excited for the opportunity to commercialise these strains, and we are looking forward to future developments from our innovative, forward-thinking R&D team. Bringing new and impactful health benefits to market and to the consumer is what drives us at Synbiotic Health.”
Development and commercialisation of these probiotic ingredients will be supported by Synbiotic Health’s previously announced expansion in Madison, Wisconsin. The new 43,000 sqft facility, scheduled to open in late 2023 or early 2024, is designed to help consumer brands bring high quality probiotic products to market more quickly and efficiently than the competition. Synbiotic Health’s R&D team will continue developing its proprietary Ecologically Advanced Probiotics while adding new services and capabilities as the site expands.
