The company behind Oreos is investing in prebiotics. Mondelēz International is a $26 billion publicly-traded conglomerate that also produces Ritz and Wheat Thins. Recently, Mondelēz announced that it purchased a minority stake in Uplift Food. Why? The company wants to add health benefits to its existing stable of products (1).
If you’ve never heard of Uplift Food, don’t worry. Not many people have. Founded in 2018 by Australian dietician Kara Landau, this startup exists to promote prebiotics. Landau founded Uplift Food after doing years of research into prebiotics’ usefulness in managing stress and overall health. But why would Mondelēz International take such a big interest in Uplift Food and prebiotics?
What Are Prebiotics?
For starters, your gut naturally has trillions of beneficial microorganisms. However, a lot of people don’t realize that when these microorganisms aren’t healthy, they themselves aren’t as healthy as they could be.
In general, whenever these bacteria and other tiny organisms get out of balance, it throws your health off. Consequently, one great way to keep your gut balanced and healthy is by taking prebiotics.
Recognizing their health benefits for the people who consume their foods, Mondelēz has chosen to invest in prebiotics. But what are prebiotics?
According to the Mayo Clinic, prebiotics are “foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these microorganisms” (2). Typically, a dietary prebiotic is a nondigestible fiber that passes through the upper GI tract. As it passes through your gut undigested, it encourages the growth of good bacteria and other microorganisms (microflora) (3).
Because prebiotics are resistant to oxygen, heat, stomach acids, and enzymes, they pass through the stomach and into your lower gut intact. Once there, they feed all the helpful bacteria in your gut (4). Since they are naturally found in your body, the side effects of prebiotics are rare.
How Are Prebiotics Different From Probiotics?
Although both prebiotics and probiotics play a role in proper gut health, there is a difference between them. As stated above, prebiotics are organic compounds that help beneficial bacteria and other gut flora to grow and be active. On the other hand, probiotics are living microorganisms that improve gut flora. To simplify it, prebiotics are nonliving fiber from food sources or supplements which the living probiotics feast on.
Where Do Prebiotics Come From?
Prebiotics come from certain foods that you eat as well as dietary supplements. For example, whole grains, greens, garlic, bananas, and artichokes all contain prebiotics. In comparison, probiotics come from foods like sauerkraut and yogurt. In addition, both prebiotics and probiotics can be taken as dietary supplements (2).
Why Take Prebiotics?
People with certain health conditions, like GI tract issues, often benefit from taking prebiotics. Also, individuals who take antibiotics can also benefit from them. When given antibiotics by a doctor, these medications kill bacteria in the body. Including the helpful bacteria in your gut. As a result, some people take probiotics to restore their gut flora. Yet it is also helpful to take prebiotics so that these microorganisms have something to feed on.
How are Prebiotics Manufactured?
Synthesizing prebiotics begins by isolating certain compounds called oligosaccharides. Most prebiotic carbohydrates are either fructans (fructo-oligosaccharides) and galactans (galacto-oligosaccharides) (7). Once isolated from their sources, SMP Nutra manufactures prebiotic dietary supplements from these prebiotic compounds.
As is the case with all of our dietary supplements, we always adhere to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards when creating prebiotics. Additionally, we have certifications from the FDA, NPA, and GMP and always follow regulatory guidelines.
By following our strict Quality Assurance Process, we deliver the highest-quality prebiotics. Not only that but the entire process, from sourcing to production, happens in-house. We begin by putting the ingredients through our stringent quality control. Secondly, the pharmacy compound weighs and blends these ingredients. Next, comes the production and packing process.
Since we never outsource any part of this process. Everything, from quality control of ingredients to weighing and blending to ingredient testing and verification takes place in-house. Because we have the highest standards for formulating and producing our prebiotics, we can guarantee the materials, formulas, and finished products. Finally, we can assure you that the prebiotics that you receive are high-quality supplements that have been manufactured according to the strictest standards.
Let SMP Nutra Manufacture Your Prebiotics
SMP Nutra is a U.S.-based producer of a range of nutritional dietary supplements. Our mission is to provide quality nutraceutical manufacturing and superior customer service to every client. Specifically, we provide both stock formulas and custom formulas. On top of that, we can design custom labels for your prebiotic supplements for customized packaging.
Contact us today to learn more about our prebiotics and other health products, supplements, and vitamins. From softgels to gummy vitamins, we manufacture dietary supplements for businesses and brands of any size.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2019/03/07/why-mondelz-the-snacking-giant-behind-oreo-and-wheat-thins-is-taking-on-gut-health/#74e0596356cb
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prebiotic_(nutrition)
- https://www.bimuno.com/prebiotics/
- http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection
- https://draxe.com/prebiotics/