GPA Member Spotlight: ADM

Can you provide an overview of ADM/Deerland’s journey and its role in the prebiotic space?

ADM expanded its health and wellness solutions library following the acquisition of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes in 2021. Deerland is a global provider of dietary supplements using probiotic, prebiotic and enzyme technology. Through ADM’s global reach, Deerland solutions are now more widespread, paving the way for novel health and wellness product development. This also represents a strategic extension of ADM’s health and wellness capabilities and expertise, which includes cutting-edge prebiotic dietary fibers and solutions, making ADM the ideal innovation partner to meet customer needs in the health and wellness arena.

Following ADM’s acquisition of Deerland, how has this expanded portfolio contributed to meeting the growing global demand for health and wellness solutions?

This acquisition is a perfect joining of the two companies’ complementary capabilities. ADM’s broad health and wellness portfolio, global team of scientists, formulation and technical know-how and expanding footprints in key regions combined with Deerland’s innovative solutions and product lines, is enabling us to provide a wider variety of efficacious selection of solutions that support functional foods, beverages and dietary supplements to more international consumers than before. Made up of 12 product lines, Deerland’s solutions include bacteriophage technology and spore-forming probiotics, which offer targeted health and wellness support, in addition to enhanced stability across a larger range of applications in foods, beverages and supplements.

Could you delve into the specific prebiotic technologies utilized by ADM/Deerland across its prebiotic product lines, highlighting their benefits and applications?

Ground-breaking bacteriophage technology has led to our next-generation solution, PreforPro®*. It’s effective at low intake levels (15mg), making it a unique solution that takes up minimum space compared to other prebiotics at five to 20g. PreforPro® is an exceptional inclusion in powder blends and capsules, helping brands take advantage of on-trend formats that appeal to a wide range of consumers. Additionally, it’s quick-acting, working in hours vs. days.

Studies have shown that when combined with select b. lactic probiotic strains, there is potential for PreforPro® to provide support to the GI tract, including helping modulate gut ecology to support the beneficial effects of select probiotics for GI support1. PreforPro®’s mechanism of action doesn’t cause gas and bloating, which are commonly associated with other prebiotics. It’s also not a FODMAP and can be used in low-FODMAP diets.

In what ways does ADM/Deerland prioritize research and development to continually innovate and improve its products, staying ahead in the dynamic landscape of the industry?

Our approach to R&D is all-encompassing. ADM has a global network of over 140 scientists, technicians and experts dedicated to studying the microbiome across 13 R&D and applied research centers. With over 50 clinical trials in the microbiome space across human, pet and animal nutrition, we’re continually examining attributes and potential benefits of microbiome-supporting solutions, including prebiotics, as well as probiotics and postbiotics, for different aspects of well-being. We strive to develop innovative, science-backed solutions that truly enrich the quality of life of consumers. The microbiome is a vital part of holistic well-being, that’s why researching and identifying new ways to keep up with the evolving needs of consumers is so important.

With a focus on prebiotics and synbiotics, how does ADM/Deerland ensure the quality and efficacy of its products?

We evaluate and document efficacy through human clinical trials that are supported by preclinical research. Both in vitro and, when appropriate, in vivo are used in preclinical studies. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials, conducted in accordance with the highest scientific standards, are used to evaluate functionality in a target population and study indications.

Prebiotics and probiotics are complementary to each other, supporting synbiotic solutions. As substrates, or food components, prebiotics support the growth of good bacteria, including probiotics, which are live microorganisms. We examine these combinations and interactions, ensuring the solutions support desired wellness areas.

With studies like these, consumers gain confidence in the efficacy of their supplements. Globally, 81% of dietary supplement users feel clinically demonstrated benefits are important, and 76% say that dietary supplements could be improved with greater efficacy2. As microbiome-supporting solutions like prebiotics become more popular with consumers, these studies only become more important.

Can you discuss any recent innovations or breakthroughs in prebiotic technology that your company has been involved in, how these advancements differentiate your position in the market, and elaborate on the research and development efforts your company invests in to advance the understanding and application of prebiotics in promoting health and well-being?

Bacteriophage technology continues to evolve, and we see enormous potential for it when it comes to supporting the growth of key beneficial gut bacteria. We’ve already begun pursuing these possibilities with PreforPro®, but other bacteriophages are also being studied. For instance, we’re looking at developing new, novel bacteriophage prebiotics for healthy aging, women’s health, children, and many other health and wellness areas.

What health areas are most interesting for the work that your team is doing?

It’s exciting that there is consistent evidence demonstrating that prebiotics can stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria. This may help support gut and digestive health, regularity and immune function. Prebiotic dietary fibers, in particular, have shown they may be helpful in other areas as well, including satiety, weight management and more.

There is also research focusing on the potential for prebiotics to help beneficial bacteria flourish beyond the gut, like the skin microbiome. A growing body of evidence finds that the gut microbiome is deeply connected to other important areas of wellness, such as skin health, cognition and mood, sleep and stress, as well as women’s health. The prospect of prebiotics continuing to gain recognition as essential to overall well-being cannot be understated.

*PreforPro® is a trademark of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Inc. in the US and other countries.

1 Grubb, D., et al. (2020) Nutrients, 12(8), 2474

2 FMCG Gurus, Nutritional Supplements in 2022