Scientist - News - 16-06-2009:

Probiotics in bottle cap for optimal shelf life
Beintema, Nienke

Probiotics in capsules, yoghurt, cereals, ice creams, nasal sprays, dispensed through a straw: biotech companies around the world are trying to outcompete each other when it comes to innovative technologies in the field of probiotics. The rat race concentrates on bringing the probiotics to people’s gastrointestinal tract in the most efficient way.

Ganeden Biotech, a major US-ased company specialized in probiotic products, recently announced a new technology: probiotics in dry form, contained inside the cap of a plastic beverage bottle. The probiotics are released into the drink at the time of consumption. This, as Ganeden stated, will ensure not only optimal dosage, but also optimal shelf life. The probiotics will only become activated upon contact with the liquid.

The biotech company will cooperate with Liquid Health Labs, a specialist in dispensing technology, to develop this concept. The active ingredients will be its trademarked strain BC30 (Bacillus coagulans), along with antioxidants from fruit concentrates, vitamins, and prebiotic fiber. The drink will be fruit flavored.

Effectiveness
The Ganeden B. coagulans strain was recently subject of a scientific study published in the journal Postgraduate Medicine (March issue). This study showed that the strain was effective in relieving abdominal pain and bloating in IBS patients. Until now, Ganeden has marketed this strain in different products, including Digestive Advantage and Sustenex. These products are sold over the counter in the US and can be purchased online.

The announcement of the new probiotic beverage cap technology was made at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) 2009 Annual Meeting & Food Expo, the largest food ingredients exhibition in the world. The event was organized from 5-10 June in California, US.

More information:
Press release on effectiveness study of the Ganeden strain GBI-30 (Bacillus coagulans)
Article in Postgraduate Medicine on B. coagulans and IBS
Ganeden probiotic fact sheet