Digestive health has become a key priority for consumers around the world.
Gut health is now widely viewed as a cornerstone of good overall physical and mental wellbeing. Nine in 10 (89%) consumers believe maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is very important for the whole body, according to one global study.1 Another suggests 59% are now choosing functional ingredients such as probiotics to boost their physical and mental health.2
This is driving a boom in the development of new functional gut health products. There was a 61% increase in global food and drink launches carrying gut-health-related claims between 2024 and 2025.3 Meanwhile, the global probiotics market is forecast to more than double from $130bn in 2026 to $301.2bn by the end of 2033, representing a CAGR of 12.8%.4
This growth brings a challenge: the need for robust scientific data to substantiate health claims. In Europe, health claims for foods and food ingredients are subject to stringent regulatory scrutiny. Evidence that an ingredient changes the composition of the gut microbiome does not, in itself, establish a specific health benefit.5
Hence the recent explosion in scientific research into the gut microbiome. Research has expanded far beyond basic digestion to investigate the influence of gut health on metabolic disorders, mental health, immune modulation, and cardiovascular health. As the BMJ puts it, in a decade, gut health has transitioned from a “fringe interest towards a major global pursuit”.6
The science behind the strain
For manufacturers, the challenge is translating growing consumer interest in digestive health into products with credible science. That means looking beyond broad claims about the gut microbiome to understand what clinical research shows about individual strains and how they could potentially help support people’s wellbeing.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one area attracting attention. The condition can involve abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) presenting particular challenges for those affected. Research has investigated whether probiotics can help support symptoms, although outcomes can vary according to the strain, formulation, and study design.
ADM is putting clinical research for its Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 strain, Esflorin1®, under the spotlight in an upcoming NutraIngredients broadcast. The ingredient has been studied in both live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic formats, offering an opportunity to examine the clinical research behind each ingredient.
One strain, two biotics
The clinical research presented by ADM includes a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 200 adults with moderate-to-severe IBS-D across seven sites in India.7 Over 12 weeks, participants were given Esflorin1® – either in the live probiotic or heat-treated postbiotic format – or a placebo.
Outcomes offer a basis for discussion, rather than a definitive answer to every question about the ingredient. The clinical study focused on adults with IBS-D, and further research is needed to understand how the results might translate to other populations. The findings also underline the importance of assessing the evidence for a specific strain and format, rather than assuming that results for one probiotic or postbiotic apply to others.
Join the conversation
In ‘A Good Gut Feeling Starts with Strong Science’, ADM will explore the clinical research behind Esflorin1® and the opportunities it may offer food, beverage and supplement manufacturers looking to develop new products.
The probiotic can help differentiate functional supplements and powdered protein shakes with no sensory impact. It can also be used in specialised nutrition and refrigerated fermented products.
The postbiotic offers similar advantages for food and drink, with excellent stability in extreme processing conditions such as UHT and baking. Potential applications include functional sparkling soft drinks, gummies and fast melts.
Dr Richard Day, vice-president of medical affairs and clinical development at ADM Health & Wellness, will discuss the clinical evidence, including the trial investigating the strain in probiotic and postbiotic formats.
Dr. Olga Moreno, director of creation, design and development for EMEA and innovation at ADM Health & Wellness, will examine formulation considerations and the possibilities offered by the two formats, particularly in food and drink.
Together, their perspectives will address key questions for product developers: what does the clinical evidence tell us about this specific strain? How might probiotics and postbiotics differ in their application usage? And how can manufacturers respond to consumer interest in digestive health?
The NutraIngredients Spotlight On broadcast will also consider wider consumer trends and emerging research in microbiome science.
References
- VitaFoods Insights. Gut health-related claims ‘not always supported by science.
- Nutrition Insight. Gut health in review: Examining Innova Market Insights’ top F&B trend for 2026.
- FoodNavigator. Gut health trend enters new era.
- Grand View Research. Probiotics Market Summary.
- DairyReporter. From gut health to immunity: What do consumers want from functional food and beverage?
- Alexander, JL.; et al. Recent advances in our understanding of the gut microbiome: an analysis from the Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel of the British Society of Gastroenterology. Gut Published Online First: 02 June 2026.
- Srivastava, S.; et al. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1) and heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in participants with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Gut Microbes. 2024; 16(1).
Esflorin1® is a trademark registered for Biopolis, S.L. in the EU and other countries.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for business-to-business (B2B) informational purposes only and not directed to consumers. The information provided summarizes scientific research and should not be interpreted as evidence that any ingredient, product, claim, or statement has been approved, authorized, validated, or accepted by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction. References to scientific studies do not establish that any claim is permitted for use in a particular jurisdiction or product category. The ingredients described in this content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ingredients, permitted uses, and claims must be reviewed under applicable local laws and regulations before use in any specific product, category, or market by companies for their finished products.
