As gut health continues to dominate the wellness conversation this year, we’ve already noticed a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to personalised and precision medicines. Gut health, microbiome diversity, and types of pre- and probiotics are being heavily influenced by high-resolution data, artificial intelligence (AI) and engineered therapeutics.
A shift towards personalisation
Consumers are moving away from generic probiotic supplements in favour of personalised formulations tailored to their unique gut microbiome. With the advancement of microbiome sequencing technology, emerging trends will have consumers expecting precision probiotics from wellness brands, anticipating targeted benefits tailored to their individual gut health profiles.
Moreover, a new combination has emerged: postbiotics. While probiotics (beneficial gut bacteria that ferment dietary fibres and prebiotics to support gut health) have been mainstreamed and dominate the gut health space, research has shown that postbiotics and even synbiotics are gaining popularity.
Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotics, and the combination of prebiotics and probiotics creates synbiotics.
But why would you need the by-products of something your body should already be making?
Postbiotics offer stability and potency – looking to fill any gaps your body might have missed (due to chronic illness, lowered immune system, stress levels and diet). Synbiotics enhance the survival and effectiveness of probiotics. Think of these two as added security for your gut health, ensuring your gut microbiome stays healthy and at its peak as a whole.
Gut health as a pillar of holistic health
Many wellness experts, physicians and brands have zoomed in on the importance of gut health and the microbiome’s role in mental and skin health. Probiotics, remaining a firm foundation that aids gut health as a whole, have been recognised for their direct influence on mood, cognition, and skin health.
- Mental health: Probioics and psychobiotics (bacteria supporting mental health) reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep
- Skin microbiome: Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are being formulated into skincare to balance the skin microbiome, aimed at reducing inflammation and improving the skin barrier
Consumers are increasingly on the lookout for holistic microbiome health solutions, not just a few sachets that help settle their stomach. They expect wellness brands to expand into mental health and skincare well-being. As for the food and beverage brands, consumers are demanding food-based probiotics, with more products that are infused with synbiotics, like ‘functional beverages’, dairy-free yoghurts, healthy snacks, and even chocolate products.
Moreover, brands are looking to create more heat-stable probiotics to expand their product lines into baked goods and snacks, not to mention the research going into plant-based probiotic formulations that support the vegan and flexitarian market.
Gut health 2.0 is no joke. The future of gut health and the role that prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics play is becoming increasingly scientifically backed and tailored to real-world applications. Watch your overall wellness improve with more accessible, convenient, and tailored gut health solutions.
