Unlocking Mineral Absorption: The Role of PCA

Unlocking Mineral Absorption: The Role of PCA  

February 14th, 2025

Minerals play essential roles in several bodily functions, from energy production and bone health to immune support and nerve signalling. However, not all minerals we consume are fully absorbed by our bodies. Bioavailability the proportion of a nutrient that enters circulation and can be used by the body is key to maximizing mineral benefits (1). But how does PCA play a role in this?  

pidolates bioavailability

What is PCA?  

PCA or Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid) is a derivative of the amino acid glutamic acid. It is part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), serving as a humectant, meaning it supports skin water retention (2). Besides the skin, it can also be naturally found in the brain and liver (3). In addition, PCA has the ability to bind minerals like magnesium, zinc, and calcium, as can be seen in our Pidolate®. This attachment improves bioavailability and stability of these minerals.  

 

How Does PCA Enhance Mineral Bioavailability?

PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) plays a crucial role in boosting the bioavailability of minerals, thanks to its unique properties. These factors make PCA an effective enhancer of mineral absorption and utilization in the body.

Key Properties of PCA That Boost Mineral Bioavailability:

1. Biomimetic Nature

PCA is naturally found in the human body as a metabolic intermediate. This familiarity makes it easier for the body to recognize PCA as its own substance, leading to improved mineral uptake and absorption (2, 3).

2. Hydrophilic Characteristics

PCA is highly hydrophilic, thanks to its carboxyl and amide groups. These functional groups can form hydrogen bonds, ensuring PCA’s solubility and enhancing its ability to dissolve in water (4). This solubility aids in the efficient transport of minerals within the body.

3. Stabilizing Agent

As a chelating agent, PCA binds mineral salts, enhancing their stability and bioavailability. This prevents mineral interaction with other molecules that could hinder absorption. Thanks to its unique ring structure, chelated minerals are better protected from pH changes and are more easily recognized by the body (5).

PCA’s Role in Beauty From Within:

PCA, particularly in its form as Pidolate®, enhances mineral bioavailability, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Essential minerals like zinc and calcium contribute to the health of these tissues. Zinc, in particular, supports immune function and reduces internal inflammation, leading to clearer skin. Additionally, PCA helps support skin hydration from within (1).

Take Home Message

Adequate mineral intake is vital for the proper functioning of the body, including immunity, bone health, and muscle function. Minerals with established EFSA claims, such as zinc and calcium, are key to overall well-being. By pidolating minerals with PCA, their bioavailability, stability, and uptake are significantly improved, ensuring optimal benefits for health and beauty.


postbiotics for digestive comfort

Unlocking the Benefits of Postbiotics: Health Advantages, and More

Unlocking the Benefits of Postbiotics: Uses, Health Advantages, and More

Last updated: 24th January, 2025

October 18th, 2023

Probiotics and prebiotics have long been celebrated for their positive effects on gut health. But now, the spotlight is shifting to postbiotics—the beneficial compounds produced during microbial fermentation. These powerful byproducts offer unique health benefits, yet many people are still unaware of their potential. Curious to learn more? Keep reading as we explore the world of postbiotics and their amazing uses!

postbiotics for digestive comfort

What are Postbiotics?

Gut health plays a vital role in your overall well-being, and there are many ways to support it. While prebiotics and probiotics are widely recognized, a lesser-known but equally important player is postbiotics.

Postbiotics are defined as “preparations containing non-living microorganisms or their components that provide health benefits to the host.” Simply put, they are the byproducts or metabolites produced during bacterial fermentation processes.

This diverse category includes a variety of compounds, such as:

  • Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Known for their numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties.
  • Microbial cell fragments: Components of bacterial cells that can positively influence the immune system.
  • Functional proteins, extracellular polysaccharides, cell lysates, and teichoic acid: Each contributing to various health-supporting roles.

Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not need to remain alive to provide benefits, making them more stable and easier to incorporate into products (1). Their resilience gives them a unique advantage over live probiotics while still delivering significant health advantages.

Ready to learn how postbiotics can enhance your gut health? Keep reading!

Why Should You Use Postbiotics?

You might wonder: if you’re already using prebiotics and probiotics, why consider adding postbiotics to your routine?

The answer lies in the individuality of gut health. Each person’s gut microbiota is unique, which means the way prebiotics and probiotics interact with your system can vary significantly from one individual to another.

This is where postbiotics shine. By consuming postbiotics, you’re directly introducing the beneficial components—such as short-chain fatty acids, functional proteins, and other bioactive compounds—into your system. This bypasses the need for your gut bacteria to process pre- or probiotics, ensuring you receive the health benefits regardless of your microbiota composition.

Postbiotics are a game-changer in gut health, offering a reliable and effective way to support your well-being. Ready to give them a try?

What Health Advantages Do Postbiotics Offer?

Emerging research highlights a wide range of health benefits linked to postbiotics. Here’s how they can enhance your well-being:

1. Balancing Gut Microbiota

Postbiotics, such as butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid), are vital for maintaining gut health. They help nurture a balanced microbiota, supporting digestion and overall gut function (2).

2. Boosting the Immune System

Postbiotics play a crucial role in strengthening immunity. For example:

  • Butyrate promotes the production of T cells in the intestinal tract, helping regulate immune responses.
  • Microbial cell wall fragments can increase cytokine production, chemical messengers that reduce inflammation and enhance immune defense (2,3). 

3. Supporting Metabolic Health

Short-chain fatty acids like propionate contribute to better metabolic outcomes, including:

  • Improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
  • Stimulating the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that combats oxidative stress (1,2).

4. Aiding in Weight Management

Postbiotics may support weight loss by influencing appetite-regulating hormones. These hormones create a feeling of fullness, which could reduce overeating (1).

5. Alleviating IBS Symptoms

A study involving 443 participants with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found that orally consumed, heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum (a postbiotic) significantly eased symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits (4) Want to explore how prebiotics and probiotics also help with IBS? Read more here!

6. Other Potential Benefits

Additional research suggests that postbiotics may:

  • Help combat Helicobacter pylori infections.
  • Address chronic unexplained diarrhea.
  • Reduce the negative effects of stress.

These benefits are linked to the use of inactivated lactic acid bacteria (1).

How to Incorporate Postbiotics into Your Diet

While postbiotics might not be as widely available as prebiotics or probiotics, there are effective ways to include them in your routine:

1. Postbiotic Supplements

You can find postbiotic supplements in health food stores or online retailers. These products are generally safe, well-tolerated, and offer a direct source of beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids and functional proteins.

2. Boost Postbiotic Production Naturally

Since postbiotics are byproducts of bacterial fermentation, you can increase their production in your gut by consuming foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics:

  • Probiotic-rich foods: Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and kombucha. These foods introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut.
  • Prebiotic-rich foods: Focus on high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables (like garlic, onions, and asparagus), legumes, and whole grains. Prebiotics act as “food” for probiotics, supporting their activity and fermentation processes.

3. Consider Functional Foods

Some functional food products are now enriched with postbiotics. These can be an easy and convenient way to integrate them into your daily diet.

By combining probiotic and prebiotic foods, you create an optimal environment in your gut for postbiotics to naturally form, enhancing your overall health. Ready to give your gut some extra love? Start incorporating these foods today!


Everything you need to know about Reducal®, GLP-1 and Weight Management

Everything you need to know about Reducal®, GLP-1 and weight management

Maastricht, 17th January, 2025

Weight management is a concern for many people nowadays. Globally, the number of people suffering from overweight is increasing rapidly, with over 73% of the US and 53% of the European adult population being either overweight or obese. Carrying extra weight can be a risk factor for your health or an insecurity for many people. Therefore, drugs agonizing GLP-1 have been gaining popularity since they have the ability to aid in weight loss. Brands are exploring ways to innovate around this trend in a natural way without crossing into pharmaceutical territory. In this article, we will dive deeper into our product Reducal®, and how it can be included in your product portfolio for weight management supplements. 

The Science Behind Satiety and Appetite Regulation

Effective weight management is more than just a goal—it’s a lifestyle. It focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sustainable behavioral changes. Unlike quick-fix solutions, weight management takes a holistic approach to promote long-term health and well-being (1).

A key factor in weight management is appetite regulation, a highly complex process driven by a network of hormones. These hormones work together to control when we feel hungry, how much we eat, and when we feel full. Understanding how these hormones function can help individuals make informed choices to support their weight management journey (2).

The key hormones:

  • Ghrelin – the hunger hormone – is produced mainly in the stomach to signal the brain it’s time to eat.
  • Leptin – the satiety hormone – is produced by fat cells to signal the brain there is sufficient energy stored, suppressing appetite.
  • PYY – the meal terminator – is produced in the small intestine to induce feelings of fullness.
  • GLP-1 – the multi-tasking hormone – is produced in the small intestine to induce feelings of fullness, slow down gastric emptying, and satiety.

The Importance of GLP-1 in Weight Management

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. Once secreted into the bloodstream, GLP-1 exerts multiple systemic effects that play a crucial role in metabolic health. One of its primary functions is to enhance insulin secretion, leading to improved glucose regulation. Additionally, GLP-1 promotes anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) brain signaling, slows gastric emptying, and reduces the release of ghrelin, commonly known as the “hunger hormone.” Together, these effects contribute to reduced food intake, making GLP-1 a vital player in effective weight management (3).

In recent years, GLP-1-based medications have gained widespread attention as quick fixes for weight loss. However, a growing number of consumers are recognizing that GLP-1 levels can be naturally enhanced through diet and lifestyle changes. This shift opens the door for innovation in the wellness industry, where brands can develop natural, health-focused products that support GLP-1 production. Such offerings align with the preferences of health-conscious individuals seeking sustainable solutions for weight management.

How to Naturally Boost GLP-1 Levels?

Boosting GLP-1 levels naturally can significantly support appetite regulation, glucose control, and weight management. Incorporating specific dietary changes is key to stimulating the natural release of GLP-1. Here are two effective strategies:

1. Increase Fiber Intake

Foods rich in dietary fibers are powerful allies in promoting GLP-1 secretion. Certain fibers, particularly fermentable ones like prebiotics, are metabolized by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs bind to GPR43 receptors on intestinal L-cells, triggering the release of GLP-1 into the bloodstream (4).

A healthy gut environment also enhances SCFA production, making the consumption of probiotics (alongside prebiotics) essential for optimal GLP-1 secretion (3).

Fiber Sources That Stimulate GLP-1:

  • Arabinoxylan-rich foods: Found in whole grains
  • Resistant starch: Found in oats and cooked potatoes
  • Soluble fibers: Found in legumes, flaxseeds, and chia seeds

2. Incorporate Healthy Fats and Proteins

Both healthy fats and high-protein foods activate specific receptors in the gut, stimulating GLP-1 release.

  • Healthy fats: Include unsaturated fatty acids found in foods like avocados, olive oil, and salmon.
  • High-protein foods: Choose options such as white meat, fish, eggs, and Greek yogurt (5).

What are arabinoxylans?

Arabinoxylans are non-starch polysaccharides found within the cell walls of cereal grains. They can be found, among others, in wheat, barley, oats and rye. They are primarily located in the cell walls of the starchy endosperm, the aleurone layer, the bran, and the husk (6).

 

Arabinoxylans differ in amount and structure, depending on the type of cereal. In wheat, for instance, arabinoxylans have side chains attached by α-(1→2) and/or α-(1→3) bonds along the xylan backbone. The molecular structure of arabinoxylans also depends on the extraction method. Different extraction methods yield variations in the degree of polymerization (the chain length) and the amount of soluble arabinoxylan. Higher degrees of polymerization and greater concentrations of soluble fiber correlate with stronger bifidogenic effects (6).

 

What is Reducal® and why is it unique in the market?

Reducal® stands out as a clinically validated prebiotic complex consisting of arabinoxylan fiber and inulin in a 50/50 ratio. The arabinoxylan is extracted from wheat endosperm. It is a 100% natural extract, sustainably produced in Europe. Reducal® is designed to reduce energy intake, increase SCFA production and reduce inflammation, which can assist users as part of their weight management goals.

Reducal® is clinically shown to support weight management

Consumption of Reducal® has been clinically shown to reduce ad libitum energy intake by ± 20%. At the same time, Reducal® showed a significant bifidogenic effect and increased SCFA production. Through GPR43 signalling, these SCFA could have increased GLP-1 signalling and thus satiety. Due to the viscosity of Reducal®, gastric emptying is slowed down which also contributes to feelings of satiety (4).

 

Natural weight management solutions: Innovate with Reducal®

As the demand for natural and effective weight management solutions continues to rise, Reducal® offers an innovative way for brands to innovate and meet consumer needs with clinical evidence and easy to incorporate into products and blends. If you are curious to know more about Reducal®, you can check out the product page of Reducal® or its website.


pros and cons of synbiotics

The Pros and Cons of Synbiotics

The Pros and Cons of Synbiotic Dietary Supplements

Last updated: 10th January, 2025

November 8th, 2022

Synbiotic supplements, combining prebiotics and probiotics, have become a promising way to improve gut health. They come in two types: complementary and synergistic, with most products being complementary due to formulation challenges. This article explores the benefits of synbiotics and the challenges in their development.

pros and cons of synbiotics

What are Synbiotic Dietary Supplements?

The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines synbiotics as “a mixture comprising live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit on the host.” (1).

Synbiotic products are categorized into two types: complementary and synergistic synbiotics.

  • Complementary synbiotics: These are the most common type on the market. They include prebiotic and probiotic compounds that provide health benefits both together and independently. This means the pre- and probiotics do not need to interact with each other to be effective.
  • Synergistic synbiotics: Unlike complementary types, synergistic synbiotics don’t always include traditional pre- or probiotic ingredients. Instead, they combine microorganisms and substrates that are specifically designed to work together, offering greater benefits than they would individually (2).

Understanding the differences between these types helps in choosing the right synbiotic supplement for optimal gut health.

What are the Benefits of Synbiotic Dietary Supplements?

Synbiotic supplements combine the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, offering a range of potential health advantages, including:

  • Improved gut health: Enhancing the balance of gut microbiota.
  • Boosted immune function: Supporting the body’s natural defenses.
  • Production of beneficial metabolites: Promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are important for gut health.
  • Reduced risk of metabolic conditions: Potentially lowering cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance markers, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (3).

Addressing the Responder/Non-Responder Phenomenon

One unique advantage of synbiotic formulations is their ability to overcome the responder/non-responder phenomenon (2). This occurs because individuals have unique gut microbiota compositions, meaning not everyone responds to pre- or probiotic products in the same way.

By providing both bacterial strains and their specific substrates simultaneously, synbiotics create an environment that supports the growth and colonization of beneficial bacteria. This dual approach acts as a “fertilizer,” allowing the introduced strains to outcompete existing gut bacteria and establish themselves.

This targeted mechanism increases the likelihood that users will experience the desired health benefits, making synbiotic supplements a promising option for personalized gut health solutions.

 

Challenges in formulating Synbiotic Dietary Supplements

  • Formulating synergistic synbiotics poses several challenges:
    1. Prebiotic Dosage: High doses are needed for benefits but may cause bloating or flatulence. Lower doses risk reduced effectiveness.
    2. Microorganism Sensitivity: Probiotics are sensitive to environmental factors, complicating storage and shelf stability.
    3. Water Activity: High water activity in substrates increases contamination risk; low-water-activity substrates are preferred (4).
    4. Research Gaps: Many formulations prioritize cost and availability over functionality, with limited human trials showing consistent benefits.
    5. Costly Clinical Trials: In vitro models like TIM-1 and TIM-2 simulate gut conditions to test survival and efficacy, reducing reliance on expensive trials.

    Addressing these issues is key to realizing the full potential of synbiotic supplements.


Top Strategies to Boost Minerals Bioavailability

Top Strategies to Enhance the Bioavailability of Mineral Supplements

Maastricht, 3rd January, 2025

While most people recognize the importance of vitamins for overall health, minerals often don’t get the same attention. However, these essential micronutrients play a critical role in various bodily functions, including maintaining strong bones and muscles, supporting immune health, enhancing skin health, and boosting cognitive performance. Ensuring an adequate intake of mineral salts is vital for optimal health (1)—but how can we improve their absorption and bioavailability?

What is mineral bioavailability?

Mineral bioavailability refers to how effectively our body can absorb and utilize minerals from foods or supplements (2) This efficiency varies based on the following factors:

 

Nutrient Interactions

Some minerals compete for absorption sites in the body (e.g., calcium and magnesium). Additionally, certain vitamins can increase the absorption of minerals (3)

 

Presence of Anti-Nutrients

Compounds such as phytates, oxalates, and tannins in foods can bind to minerals and inhibit their absorption (4).

 

Digestive Health

Good gut health is essential for mineral absorption. Conditions like gut inflammation or an imbalanced microbiome can impair mineral uptake (5).

 

Form of Mineral

Minerals in their chelated form (bonded to organic molecules like amino acids) are often more readily absorbed (6).

 

How to boost mineral bioavailability?

 

Optimize Food Pairings

  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium absorption increases when paired with Vitamin D-rich foods (7).
  • Iron and Vitamin C: Non-heme iron sources benefit from pairing with Vitamin C, which improves absorption by keeping iron in a more soluble form (8).
  • Reduce anti-nutrient intake

 

Support Digestive Health

A balanced gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption. Gut inflammation and balance can be restored by increasing pre- and probiotic intake (5).

 

Incorporate Chelated Minerals

Chelated minerals, which are bonded to amino acids, generally have greater bioavailability. Minerals can be chelated using the amino acid derivative Pyrollixone Carboxylic Acid (PCA). PCA binds to minerals, thereby improving their stability and enhancing absorption (9).

Take Home Message

While minerals are essential to health, improving their bioavailability ensures we use their full potential. Small adjustments in diet and supplementation can make a significant impact on their level of uptake and thus our overall health and well-being.


Short-chain-fatty-acids-help-your-gut-health

Short-chain fatty acids and their importance to gut health

Short-chain fatty acids and their importance to gut health

Last updated: 27th December, 2024

December 14th, 2022

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key nutrients for gut and metabolic health. They can improve digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Eating prebiotics like garlic or bananas and postbiotics can naturally increase SCFA levels, supporting a healthier gut.

Short-chain-fatty-acids-help-your-gut-health

What are Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)?

The gut microbiome, a community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a vital role in overall health. Research increasingly shows the importance of maintaining a well-balanced gut microbiome to prevent issues like obesity (1).

The bacteria in the gut partially fulfill their role in health by making short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are saturated fatty acids that contain six or fewer carbon molecules.

A key function of gut bacteria is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are saturated fatty acids with six or fewer carbon molecules, produced during the breakdown of dietary fibers and resistant starches through anaerobic fermentation— a process that occurs without oxygen.

The primary SCFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate, each contributing uniquely to gut health (2). Once produced, SCFAs are absorbed by the gut lining, where they serve as fuel for intestinal cells or are transported to other areas, like the liver, to be used as an energy source (3).

By promoting the production of SCFAs, you can support gut health and overall well-being.

The benefits of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) offer a range of health benefits beyond serving as fuel for cells. Here’s how they support gut and overall health:

1. Strengthen the Intestinal Barrier

SCFAs help maintain the gut wall, a protective layer that keeps harmful pathogens like viruses and toxins out of the body. They nourish gut cells and boost blood flow, ensuring cells receive more oxygen to maintain the barrier’s integrity.

2. Boost Mucus Production

SCFAs increase mucus production in the gut, creating a thicker protective layer between intestinal cells and gut contents (3). This reduces the risk of harmful pathogens infiltrating the gut lining.

3. Reduce Gut Inflammation

By altering the DNA expression of gut cells, SCFAs decrease the release of chemokines—proteins that attract white blood cells—thereby reducing inflammation (4). This is particularly beneficial for older individuals or those with irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Promote Satiety

SCFAs, particularly propionate, influence food intake by inducing feelings of fullness (5). Propionate travels to the liver, triggering gut hormones that reduce hunger, which may help regulate weight.

How to Boost SCFAs

To enhance SCFA levels, include prebiotics (e.g., garlic, bananas) and postbiotics in your diet. These nutrients feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting SCFA production and overall health.

How MicrobiomeX® supports SCFA levels?

MicrobiomeX® is a citrus flavonoid-based ingredient that strengthens the immune system and enhances gut health. One of its key benefits is its ability to increase levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate.

MicrobiomeX® achieves this by promoting the growth of butyrate-producing gut bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium leptum, and Roseburia. Butyrate, a vital SCFA, supports gut barrier integrity, reduces inflammation, and provides energy to intestinal cells, offering multiple health benefits.

Learn more about MicrobiomeX® here.


GLP-1 Booster

How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally?

How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally?

Maastricht, 20th December, 2024

Looking to naturally enhance GLP-1 levels for better metabolic health and weight management? GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar. While GLP-1 medications are gaining traction, natural methods like dietary and lifestyle changes can also be highly effective. This guide highlights the best foods, dietary strategies, and lifestyle tweaks to naturally boost GLP-1 levels.

GLP-1 Booster

Dietary Interventions and Foods to Increase GLP-1 Naturally

Certain foods and nutrients can stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 in your body (1). Here’s how you can incorporate them into your diet:

1. Boost GLP-1 with Fiber-Rich Foods

Dietary fibers, particularly fermentable fibers, are metabolized by gut microbes into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal L-cells through GPR43 signaling.

Top fiber sources for GLP-1 stimulation include:

  • Arabinoxylan-rich foods – Found in whole grains.
  • Resistant starch – Found in oats and cooked, cooled potatoes.
  • Soluble fibers – Found in legumes, flaxseeds, and fruits like apples and citrus.

2. Incorporate Healthy Fats and Proteins

Healthy fats and high-protein foods are excellent for stimulating GLP-1 production.

  • Healthy fats (unsaturated fatty acids):
    Quickly metabolized in the gut, healthy fats activate specific receptors that trigger GLP-1 release (2). Add these to your meals:

    • Avocado
    • Olive oil
    • Salmon and other fatty fish
  • High-protein foods:
    Proteins activate gut receptors to significantly boost GLP-1 secretion. Include these protein-rich foods in your diet:

    • White meat (chicken, turkey)
    • Fish (cod, tuna)
    • Eggs
    • Greek yogurt

3. Support Gut Health with Prebiotics and Probiotics

A balanced gut microbiome is essential for optimal GLP-1 production. Prebiotics and probiotics ensure the microbiota remains healthy and promotes SCFA production.

  • Prebiotics – Found in onions, garlic, bananas, and whole grains.
  • Probiotics – Found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

Combine Food Choices with Lifestyle Changes for Better Results

Diet is just one part of the equation. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can amplify your body’s ability to produce GLP-1 naturally. Regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep all play a role in enhancing metabolic health and GLP-1 secretion.

Why Focus on Natural GLP-1 Boosting?

With the rise of GLP-1 drugs for appetite control and blood sugar regulation, many health-conscious individuals are looking for natural alternatives. Brands have an opportunity to innovate by creating products that support GLP-1-related benefits—such as satiety, blood sugar control, and metabolic wellness—without pharmaceutical intervention.

By focusing on synergistic ingredients and natural approaches, both consumers and brands can tap into the growing demand for holistic, effective, and safe solutions for weight management and metabolic health.

 

Take Home Message

By incorporating the right foods, supporting your gut health, and making positive lifestyle changes, you can naturally enhance GLP-1 levels, manage your weight, and improve your overall well-being. Start making these small yet impactful changes today!


6 ingredients for brain health

6 Best Ingredients For Brain Health

6 Best Ingredients For Brain Health

Last updated: 13th December 2024

September 1st, 2021

Are you looking for natural ways to boost your brainpower and enhance cognitive health? You’re in the right place! In this article, we dive into six ingredients that have the potential to support memory, focus, and overall brain function. From scientifically-backed nutrients to ancient remedies, discover how these compounds can help unlock your mental clarity and vitality.

6 ingredients for brain health

What is a Healthy Brain?

The brain is an extraordinary organ, a complex network of firing neurons that serves as the command center for every decision and action we take daily. Despite making up just 2% of our body weight, the brain demands up to 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, highlighting its critical importance (1). To function optimally, it also relies on a steady intake of essential nutrients to fuel its processes—whether you’re awake or asleep.

One of the best diets for brain health is the Mediterranean diet,renowned for its rich variety of nutrient-packed foods. This diet includes brain-boosting staples like fresh seafood, vibrant fruits and vegetables, olives and olive oil, nuts, beans, and even moderate amounts of wine. Its diverse range of key nutrients has been linked to better cognitive function and long-term brain health.

By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can support a healthy, high-performing brain for years to come.

Supplementing your diet for optimal brain health

Even the healthiest diet can benefit from the addition of targeted supplements, especially those designed to support brain health. While Italians famously adhere to the Mediterranean diet, they also lead Europe in supplement consumption—showcasing how even nutrient-rich diets can be enhanced. For individuals in other parts of the world with different dietary patterns, supplements provide an excellent opportunity to bridge nutritional gaps and optimize overall brain function.

In this article, we explore six of the most powerful ingredients to look for in brain health supplements. These compounds are backed by science and can help you maintain a sharp, healthy mind:

1. Berry Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, are the compounds responsible for the vibrant blue and purple hues in fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and acai berries. However, Aronia berries (chokeberries) outshine them all, boasting the highest anthocyanin content.

These powerful antioxidants enhance brain perfusion and neurotransmitter levels, supporting cognitive functions like memory, attention, and psychomotor speed (2, 3).

👉 Learn more about the health benefits of Aronia berries.

Anthocyanins for Brain Health: Brainberry® brochure DOWNLOAD

 

2. Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a crucial phospholipid in the brain, supporting cell protection and communication between neurons.

Efficiently absorbed as a supplement, PS crosses the blood-brain barrier, aiding cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, problem-solving, and motor skills. It’s widely available in supplements, often paired with intermediates like citicoline (4).

 

3. Choline

Choline, an essential nutrient, plays a vital role in neurotransmitter production, brain health, and amino acid metabolism. It’s especially important for populations prone to low levels, such as pregnant women and older adults (5).

Adequate choline intake supports cognitive functions and may reduce the risk of vascular dementia. Optimal levels ensure sufficient building blocks for acetylcholine, the key neurotransmitter for neuron communication (6).

 

4. Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and wine, offers neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits.

It improves blood flow to the frontal cortex, enhancing decision-making and nutrient delivery. Resveratrol also protects neurons by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (7).

 

5. Docosahexaenoic Acid

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain health, found in fish, krill, and algae, as well as their oil supplements.

DHA supports neurological processes like neurotransmitter release and neuron differentiation. It’s particularly vital for the frontal lobes, which handle attention, planning, and problem-solving. Regular DHA intake ensures optimal brain function (8).

 

6. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), derived from the tree’s dried leaves, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia.

Known for its antioxidant properties, GBE improves blood flow and neurotransmitter levels. It has shown efficacy in treating dementia and offers cognitive benefits even for healthy individuals (9).

💡 High daily doses (240mg+) are especially effective for cognitive support.

 

Take Home Message

Optimal brain health relies on a balanced diet and targeted supplementation. Antioxidants like berry anthocyanins and resveratrol protect neurons and enhance blood flow, while phosphatidylserine and choline support cell communication and neurotransmitter production. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, boost cognitive functions in the brain’s frontal lobes, and Ginkgo biloba extract improves blood flow and offers neuroprotection. Combining these powerful ingredients can help maintain a sharp and resilient mind.


natural glp 1 boost

What is GLP-1?

What is GLP-1?

Maastricht, 6th December, 2024

The global rise in overweight and obesity is alarming. Among the innovative solutions, GLP-1 agonists have gained significant attention for their potential to aid weight loss. Everyone seems to be talking about it, but what exactly is GLP-1?

natural glp 1 boost

What is GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a potent hormone critical to various metabolic processes (1). Produced by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake, GLP-1 is released into the bloodstream to regulate essential bodily functions.

How Does GLP-1 Impact Weight Management?

One of GLP-1’s primary functions is to stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Here’s how it works (2):

  • Pancreatic Impact: GLP-1 binds to its receptor in pancreatic β-cells, initiating a signaling cascade that promotes insulin release.
  • Gastric Effects: It slows gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer.
  • Appetite Control: GLP-1 reduces food intake by signaling satiety to the brain.

These combined effects make GLP-1 a valuable ally in weight management.

Why Are GLP-1 Drugs Popular?

Pharmaceutical GLP-1 drugs have become increasingly sought after for their effectiveness in weight loss and blood sugar regulation (3). However, they often come with side effects, sparking interest in natural alternatives.

Natural Ways to Boost GLP-1 Levels

Fortunately, science-backed strategies exist to enhance GLP-1 naturally, offering a safer, side-effect-free approach (4). These methods include:

  1. Dietary Adjustments: Certain foods stimulate GLP-1 production.
  2. Exercise: Physical activity can positively influence GLP-1 secretion.
  3. Gut Health: A healthy gut microbiome supports optimal GLP-1 levels.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each natural method in our upcoming articles.

Conclusion

GLP-1 is a game-changer in metabolic health, with benefits extending to weight management and diabetes prevention. While pharmaceutical options exist, exploring natural ways to boost GLP-1 levels is a promising and holistic approach.


postbiotics

What are postbiotics?

What are postbiotics? Let’s find out!

Last updated: 29th November, 2024

December 7th, 2021

Probiotics and prebiotics have become household names for their incredible benefits to gut health. Now, a new player is gaining attention: postbiotics. These powerful compounds, produced during microbial fermentation, offer unique health benefits. Despite their growing popularity, postbiotics remain unfamiliar to many consumers—here’s why they deserve your attention.

postbiotics

What are postbiotics?

Postbiotics are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. In other words, they are the bacterial products or metabolites released from microbial fermentation.

For this reason, postbiotics include several types of compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (that have several health benefits), microbial cell fragments, functional proteins, extracellular polysaccharides, cell lysates or teichoic acid.

Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not need to be alive to be beneficial, so they are more stable than the living bacteria they are derived from. [1]

Why choose postbiotics?

If you’re already taking probiotics and prebiotics, you might wonder: Why add postbiotics to the mix? The answer lies in the unique way postbiotics work to support your health.

Gut microbiota composition varies significantly between individuals, meaning probiotics and prebiotics may metabolize differently and deliver varied health benefits. Additionally, changes in gut microbiota over time can influence their effectiveness.

Postbiotics, on the other hand, provide a direct source of beneficial components like short-chain fatty acids, microbial fragments, functional proteins, and teichoic acid. These are the very substances that probiotics and prebiotics help produce—but with postbiotics, you consume them directly for faster and more consistent results

If you want to know more about prebiotics, check out this article. Or if you are familiar with prebiotics, this article about synbiotics might be for you!

What are the health benefits of postbiotics?

Research suggests that postbiotics may have several health benefits. These include the following:

 

• Modulation of the microbiota. Postbiotic components such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, are beneficial for gut health. [2]

 

• Modulation of the immune system. Butyrate can stimulate the production of T cells in the intestine, which helps control immune responses. Other components such as microbial cell wall fragments can increase the production of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that help reduce inflammation and boost immune responses. [2,3]

 

• Modulation of the metabolism. Propionate, a short-chain fatty acid, can help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. On the other hand, butyrate can stimulate the production of an antioxidant called glutathione. [1,2]

 

• Reduction of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. A study in 443 individuals with IBS involving orally administered, heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum, found that the postbiotic substantially alleviated symptoms associated with IBS, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating and abnormal bowel habits. [4]

 

• Other potential benefits. Orally administered, inactivated lactic acid bacteria may help eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic unexplained diarrhoea and the abrogation of the negative effects of stress. [1]

How to add postbiotics to your diet?

Looking to boost your health with postbiotics? While they aren’t as widely available as probiotics and prebiotics, you can find postbiotic supplements in health food stores or online. These products are generally safe and well-tolerated, making them a convenient option for supporting gut health.

You can also naturally enhance postbiotic production in your body. Since postbiotics are created during fermentation by gut bacteria, focus on consuming foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotic sources include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, tempeh, and kombucha. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are abundant in high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

By combining these nutrient-rich foods, you’ll support your gut microbiota and maximize the natural production of postbiotics.