From the lab to our shelves: the intestinal microbiota, new stake field of the food industry

Long ignored, the intestinal microbiota has become a key player in our health. Nevertheless, In a few years, research laboratories have gone to supermarket stalls.

Many products today highlight their benefits on the intestinal microbiota.

But beyond fashion effects, what do scientific institutions really tell us? Similarly, And how does the food industry take ownership of this subject?

Each individual houses diverse colonies of microorganisms, of which, barely ten years ago, there were only little.

Today. Consequently, research on the microbiota is at its beginnings, but it is already considered a major issue of the 21st century.

The study of different microbiota (intestine, mouth, lungs, skin, etc.) has already led to major advances in understanding pathologies such as lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, obesity. Nevertheless, allergies, chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine or certain neuropsychiatric disorders.

The intestinal microbiota occupies a central place in current scientific and nutritional discussions.

At the crossroads of dietetics. Therefore, medicine and innovation strategies for the food industry, it raises both therapeutic hopes, regulatory issues and market opportunities.

Intestinal microbiota: definition. Consequently, characteristics

The intestinal microbiota (or intestinal flora) brings together tens of thousands of billions of microorganisms housed in our intestine. Similarly, It weighs approximately 2 kg and constitutes a functional organ in its own right.

Thanks to scientific advances, researchers can identify certain present species and their functions. Furthermore, This genetic reservoir (600. Nevertheless, 000 genes, against 23,000 for humans) actively contributes to digestion, synthesis of vitamins, fat metabolism or regulating our immune system.

The growing interest in the microbiota is also due to its plasticity. Therefore, that is to say in its adaptability according to lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, its environment.

It evolves throughout life. Nevertheless, from birth (where bassage delivery plays a decisive role by exposing the newborn to the bacteria of its mother, unlike the cesarean) until aging, where he undergoes new transformations. Consequently, Breastfeeding and food diversification also shape its composition during the first months of life.

However. Nevertheless, certain factors such as antibiotics, stress, pollution, an ultra-transformed or low fiber diet can influence the composition of our intestinal microbiota and unbalance it. In addition, This imbalance, called dysbiosis, results in a qualitative and functional alteration of the intestinal flora.

Many studies today show a correlation between this state of dysbiosis. certain pathologies: obesity, chronic inflammatory diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression …

For example, the link between microbiota and obesity has been highlighted in experiences carried out on laboratory mice. In one of them, researchers have transplanted the microbiota of obese mouse in mice free from lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, intestinal flora.

Result: the latter quickly gained weight, without modifying their diet or their physical activity. This experience suggests that the composition of the microbiota plays a direct role in energy metabolism. fat storage and inflammatory responses of the organism.

The microbiota is also increasingly attracting the attention of industrialists. Some agrifood companies have invested in scientific programs, even implemented their own research structures, to better understand the intestinal microbiota.

Their goal? Better understand how food influences the intestinal flora, and imagine ingredients or fermentation techniques capable of preserving or strengthening it.

From scientific concept to marketing promise

Faced with these observations. the microbiota has become an argument of communication very popular with the food industry.

Many brands are betting today on:

• Probiotics: lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, these are living microorganisms which. when administered in adequate quantities, have beneficial effects on our health
• Prebiotics: these are molecules (especially fibers) that these “good” bacteria feed that reside in our intestine
• Symbiotics: these are the combination of prebiotics and probiotics

The goal is to formulate new products or reposition their existing ranges while responding to strong demand.

According to Growth Market Reports, the global probiotic market was estimated at $ 61.9 billion in 2022. with a dynamic that affects all food segments and all populations: enriched yogurts, fermented drinks, fiber -enriched cereal bars, childhood milks, food supplements … This market could reach $ 120.7 billion 2031, an average annual growth rate of 7.7 %.

At the same time. a whole ecosystem of associated services is developed (microbiota tests, personalized nutritional diagnostics, suitable food protocols) which contributes to structuring this new offer.

But this craze also raises questions lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, about what brands really have the right to assert in health matters.

In Europe. health allegations are strictly supervised by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and no mention linked directly to probiotics or in the microbiota has been officially validated to date.

In France, manufacturers are not allowed to use the word “probiotic” on their packaging. They can only mention the scientific name of the strains used, often difficult to understand for the general public.

In a response to the Senate. the government has expressed its wish to soften this rule in order to authorize the use of the term for information, without health allegation.

To stay in compliance. some brands favor more general expressions, as “naturally fermented”, while continuing their research efforts to document the effects of their products.

Despite these limits, the microbiota offers brands a real way to stand out. It makes it possible to meet the lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, expectations of consumers in search of simpler products. more transparent and perceived as facilitating digestion.

By integrating ferments. fibers or other beneficial ingredients for intestinal flora, brands give value to everyday products, sometimes perceived as too transformed.

A vigilance necessary for an enlightened diet

One of the most effective ways to preserve the diversity. balance of its microbiota remains the food.

According to handles, a fiber -rich diet has many benefits. Fibers are non -digestible carbohydrates that are found exclusively in plants (cf. Previous article: “5 fruits and vegetables per day: the fruit of a received idea?”).

They make it possible to feed the good bacteria of the microbiota. to promote their diversity and to support the production of good fats, beneficial for intestinal and metabolic health.

Inrae researchers have shown that the greater the fiber intake, the greater the diversity and the number of bacteria species.

Conversely. a diet lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, poor in fiber and rich in sugars, bad fats or additives can impoverish the intestinal flora, promote inflammation of the organism and the long -term installation of certain pathologies.

This approach is all the more important since. unlike certain probiotics which are not permanently implanted in the intestine, the effects of a balanced diet are continuous, durable and accessible to all. This is also what justifies the interest of the food industry for the formulations rich in fibers.

A diversified diet is therefore essential to the good balance of the microbiota. Many studies confirm that it contributes to maintaining its diversity and reducing the risks of certain diseases. This is accompanied by a overall healthy lifestyle (sleep, physical activity, etc.).

Research on the microbiota is just beginning. We gradually discover our role in health. but there is still a lot to learn: what strains are effective, for whom, on what lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, durations …?

In this context. the food industry can play a key role by developing products that support intestinal balance, in a logic of prevention and improvement of daily well-being.

The intestinal microbiota represents a major 21st century research issue and an important innovation lever for the food industry.

But between health promises, complex formulation and regulatory framework, it also raises new responsibilities for brands.

At a time when consumers seek to eat better. understand what they consume, transparency and scientific rigor will be the keys to credible and lasting marketing.

Dietitian-Nutritionist graduated and currently in the 3rd year of business school specializing in food business, Enora Bachelot likes to make the link between scientific data from reference organizations and innovations in the agrifood lab our shelves: intestinal microbiota, sector. Curious of nature, she seeks to understand what is hidden behind the changes in eating behaviors. This is why she deciphers the main trends here to better feed the world of tomorrow. See your LinkedIn profile.

Sources : INRAE, Sanofi, INSERM, Senat, Growth Market Reports