Peer-reviewed study finds fibre may boost focus potentially involving the gut-microbiome

Tate & Lyle PLC, a global leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, welcomes the publication of a new peer-reviewed study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which sheds light on how soluble corn fibre may support cognitive function.

Through a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial involving healthy middle-aged and older adults, researchers found that daily intake of soluble corn fibre significantly improved focus, while also boosting gut bacteria in ways that may support brain function.

Researchers set out to test whether soluble dietary fibre, already known to support gastrointestinal and physical health, could also improve cognitive performance by changing the gut microbiota, an emerging area of research. The study specifically evaluated the effects of soluble corn fibre on cognitive performance, gut microbiota composition, and the substances those bacteria produce, with the aim of identifying changes in the gut environment affecting cognitive function.

Over a four-week period, forty-two participants consumed soluble corn fibre daily and carried out tests to measure their memory and ability to focus attention. Researchers found that soluble corn fibre consumption led to selectively improved response times during tests compared with the control and increased the abundance of Parabacteroides. Parabacteroides are bacteria that have been linked to possible anti-inflammatory effects, gut barrier protection, and gut derived compounds that could be relevant to gut-brain communication and health outcomes [1].

Dr. David A. Alvarado, lead researcher, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said: “Soluble fibre is well known for supporting gut and overall physical health, but we are still learning how specific fibres might influence the brain. In our study, consuming soluble corn fibre significantly improved how quickly participants responded during tests of attention and inhibitory control, without sacrificing accuracy. We also saw consistent shifts in the gut microbiota, including increases in Parabacteroides distasonis, a microbe that is well suited to break down this fibre. The extent of the cognitive improvement varied with the magnitude of change in Parabacteroides. These findings point to a gut microbiome signal that may partly help explain how soluble corn fibre supports aspects of brain-related performance.”

Dr. Clare Leonard, VP Nutrition and Health Sciences, Tate & Lyle, said: “There is so much potential for better health outcomes through targeted feeding of the gut microbiota. Fibre is the greatest underutilised resource in our diets. We are seeing studies linking the gut-heart axis, gut-brain axis, and so much more. What’s so wonderful is the solution isn’t an exclusive or expensive supplement but an affordable ingredient that consumers and the industry can easily build into everyday diets: soluble corn fibre. Increasing intakes could be a major unlock for public health.”

Abigail Storms, VP Sweeteners and Fibres, Tate & Lyle, said: ”The science of the gut–brain axis is advancing rapidly, and this study is a powerful example of how nutrition can support cognitive outcomes in ways consumers increasingly care about. Our market insights show strong demand for benefits like focus and stress support, but also a disconnect: people are seeking these outcomes while the industry is still in the early stages of clearly explaining how fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics really work. Evidence that soluble corn fibre can improve focus and positively shift gut bacteria helps bridge that gap, reinforces how everyday ingredients can play a meaningful role in wellbeing. With fibre intakes globally well below recommended levels, connecting this kind of science to consumer-friendly benefits is an important step toward motivating the higher fibre consumption we know is needed.”

The peer-reviewed study has been published in The Journal of Nutrition and was part-funded by Tate & Lyle. The soluble corn fibre used in the study was Tate & Lyle’s PROMITOR^® Soluble Fibre.

Roquette, a global leader in sustainable plant-based solutions, announces that its NUTRIOSE^® soluble fibers that hold clinical evidence of health benefits have now also gained NutraStrong^™ Prebiotic Verified product certification from SGS Nutrasource. This recognition reinforces Roquette’s commitment to science-backed nutrition, according to the company.

NutraStrong^™ Prebiotic Verified, which is provided by the third-party certification body SGS NutraSource, is an industry-spanning program that validates the efficacy of prebiotic ingredients. By establishing clear benchmarks regarding manufacturing quality, label compliance and testing protocols, NutraStrong™ safeguards against misleading claims and ensures that only science-based products earn its seal of approval.

Through a rigorous evaluation process, NUTRIOSE^® FM 06, NUTRIOSE^® FB 06, and NUTRIOSE^® FM 15S soluble fibers were found to meet stringent criteria set by SGS Nutrasource in quality manufacturing and science-based claims through clinical evidence to support prebiotic function.

Strong endorsement for plant-based prebiotic fibers

The NUTRIOSE^® portfolio has been developed to help consumers increase their intake of this critical nutrient. NUTRIOSE^® is a range of non-GMO corn or wheat soluble fibers with clinically proven health benefits and excellent digestive tolerance. With a neutral taste, high solubility, and outstanding process stability, NUTRIOSE^® enables manufacturers an easy integration across food and beverages applications, without altering original tastes or textures.

Research shows that NUTRIOSE^® promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut and modulates the gut environment.^1,2,3,4 Moreover, NUTRIOSE^® has demonstrated microbiota-related health benefits such as blood glucose management, satiety, weight management and sustained energy release.⁵ More recent studies demonstrate initial evidence around immune health and mental wellbeing. Roquette has 25 years of scientific expertise in the fiber field, supported by more than 26 clinical studies and over 30 preclinical studies.

Feeding consumer appetite for fiber-fortified food

Consumers are increasingly interested in fibers and prebiotics in food and beverages, largely due to their associated gut health benefits. Consumers see gut health as a gateway to holistic wellness, with 59 %⁶ of them believing gut health is important for the entire body. Moreover, awareness about prebiotics is growing: 64 % of people globally have heard of them – with over half of those (52 %) having purchased prebiotic products in the last twelve months.⁷ As such, investment in fiber-focused innovations is expected to significantly grow over the coming years.

The NutraStrong^™ Prebiotic Verified product certification applies to NUTRIOSE^® FM 06, NUTRIOSE^® FB 06, and NUTRIOSE^® FM 15S, which are also all low-FODMAP certified and non-GMO Project Verified.

¹GUERIN-DEREMAUX L, HOBDEN MR, ZHANG C, NEUT C, THABUIS C, VAZHAPPILLY R, GIBSON GR, KENNEDY OB NUTRIOSE® soluble fiber selectively modulates gut microbiota composition in healthy volunteers. Poster shared at 13th European Nutrition Conference – Dublin, Ireland, October 15-18 2019
²Lefranc-Millot, C.; Guérin-Deremaux, L.; Wils, D.; Neut, C.; Miller, L.; Saniez-Degrave, M. Impact of a Resistant Dextrin on Intestinal Ecology: How Altering the Digestive Ecosystem with NUTRIOSE^®, a Soluble Fibre with Prebiotic Properties, May Be Beneficial for Health. J Int Med Res 2012, 40 (1), 211–224. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323001204000122
³Thirion, F.; Da Silva, K.; Plaza Oñate, F.; Alvarez, A.-S.; Thabuis, C.; Pons, N.; Berland, M.; Le Chatelier, E.; Galleron, N.; Levenez, F.; Vergara, C.; Chevallier, H.; Guérin-Deremaux, L.; Doré, J.; Ehrlich, S. D. Diet Supplementation with NUTRIOSE, a Resistant Dextrin, Increases the Abundance of Parabacteroides Distasonis in the Human Gut. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 2022, 66 (11), 2101091. 202101091″https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202101091.
⁴BARBER C, SABATER C, ÁVILA-GÁLVEZ MA, VALLEJO F, BENDEZU RA, GUÉRIN-DEREMAUX L, GUARNER F, ESPÍN JC, MARGOLLES A, AZPIROZ F Effect of resistant dextrin on intestinal gas homeostasis and microbiota. Nutrients, 2022; 14 (21): 4611. 10.3390/nu14214611
⁵Hobden, M. R.; Commane, D. M.; Guérin-Deremaux, L.; Wils, D.; Thabuis, C.; Martin-Morales, A.; Wolfram, S.; Dìaz, A.; Collins, S.; Morais, I.; Rowland, I. R.; Gibson, G. R.; Kennedy, O. B. Impact of Dietary Supplementation with Resistant Dextrin (NUTRIOSE^®) on Satiety, Glycaemia, and Related Endpoints, in Healthy Adults. Eur J Nutr 2021, 60 (8), 4635–4643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02618-9.
⁶Top 10 F&B Trends 2026, Global, Innova Market Insights
⁷FMCG Gurus 2025

Prinova has launched its clinically supported pre-workout ingredient CitraPeak^® in Europe.

The unique product is the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin – a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Its vasodilatory and pump effects make it ideal for pre-work-out applications.

In CitraPeak^®, hesperidin is bonded to tapioca starch, making it 100,000 times more soluble and 347 times more bioavailable than standard hesperidin, allowing rapid activation.

The benefits of CitraPeak^® are supported by a range of published clinical studies. They include:

• Increase in physical output: Research shows that CitraPeak^® helps increase, energy and physical output
• Rapid release: Over 100,000 times more soluble¹ and 347 times more bioavailable than standard hesperidin, CitraPeak^® activates in just 30 minutes.²
• Increase in thermogenic effect: In a cold condition test, surface temperatures were 5.4 °F higher among a CitraPeak^® group than a control, with users reporting increased sweating at room temperature.³
• Nitric oxide pump effect: CitraPeak^® is broken down in the body into hesperetin (of which hesperidin is a glycoside), which has been linked to increased release of nitric oxide⁴ and related pump effects.
• Increase in blood flow: In another clinical study, CitraPeak^® was found to increase blood flow by 18 % compared to a control.⁵

Ongoing research is also exploring the product’s benefits in areas like V̇O2 max, recovery, mood and cognitive performance.

James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “CitraPeak^® is a one-of-a-kind ingredient for pre-workout applications. It offers all the clinically proven benefits of standard hesperidin – like increase in thermogenic effect and release of nitric oxide. However, for the first time it delivers them in a completely soluble form, so that the vasodilatory and pump effects of hesperidin are noticeable extremely rapidly. CitraPeak^® is a game-changing pre-workout ingredient, and we’re delighted that its benefits are now available to active consumers in Europe.”

Sourced from citrus peels, CitraPeak^® is clean, near colourless, near tasteless and odourless.

¹H Mitsuzumi et al. Glucosyl Hesperidin Lowers Serum Triglyceride Level in the Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet through the Reduction of Hepatic Triglyceride and Cholesteryl Ester. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics 39(8): 727-740 (2011)
²M Yamada et al. Bioavailability of Glucosyl Hesperidin in Rats. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 70(6): 1386-1394 (2006)
³K. Yoshitani et al. Effect of a-Glucosylhesperidin on Poor Circulation in Women. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 61: 233-239 (2008)
⁴L Liu et al. Distinct Effects of Naringenin and Hesperetin on Nitric Oxide Production from Endothelial Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56: 824-829 (2008)
⁵S. Endo. Dietary Glucosyl Hesperidin Improves Blood Flow, Skin Color and Skin Conditions. The Society for the Study of Hesperidin (2015)

New Prinova concepts at FiEurope 2024 will demonstrate how manufacturers can tap into the latest food and nutrition mega-trends.

Over the past year, Prinova’s bespoke market research has identified the major consumer trends shaping the future of food and nutrition. At FiEurope, the premix expert will showcase a range of concepts that demonstrate how manufacturers can tap into them with innovative new products.

They have been created to provide an example of a possible “good for you” range:

• Good Guts: In Prinova’s most recent research, gut health emerged as the concern most likely to affect consumers’ purchase decisions. This light and refreshing lemon ginger tea for immune support and digestive health is designed as the perfect addition to their daily routines. It includes two powerful prebiotics, Aquamin® and inulin, as well as L-Glutamine – a primary fuel source for immune cells in the gut. They are combined with an expertly formulated blend of vitamins and minerals to help support the digestive tract, immunity and energy levels.
• Good Mind: Prinova identified demand for cognitive wellbeing as one of nine mega-trends for 2024. Flavoured with cherry and grapefruit, this tasty drink offers consumers clean and sustained alertness without the jitters. It contains a blend of well researched ingredients associated with improved concentration and cognitive function, including vitamins, minerals and natural caffeine from green coffee beans.
• Good Game: With consumers turning to healthier beverages as they reduce their alcohol intake, this refreshing kiwi lime beverage offers a convenient way to replenish and energise. Natural electrolytes from Aquamin® aid hydration, which is combined with amino acids for recovery, and B-vitamins and minerals for energy.
• Workout Cookies: Botanicals are one of the ingredients consumers most look for in sports nutrition products. These cookies contain a blend of pomegranate, panax ginseng root and lychee extracts for recovery, oxidative stress reduction and endurance capacity.
• Gaming Gummies: As gaming continues to grow in popularity, players are increasingly recognising the impact that intense sessions can have on their physical and mental performance, as well as the importance of enhanced reaction times. This has increased demand for products with functional ingredients such as nootropics. Containing L-Tyrosine, taurine and natural caffeine, these gummies are designed to address focus, memory and attention.

James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “Prinova’s in-house expertise and research insights have helped us to identify the key trends shaping the future of food and nutrition. At FiEurope, it’s all about inspiring manufacturers to tap into them. Whether it’s the rising demand for cognitive wellbeing, the ‘sober-curious’ trend in beverages, or innovative new sports nutrition solutions, we’re continually tracking the many ways that consumers’ needs are changing. And as these new concepts demonstrate, we have the portfolio of ingredients and the expertise to help you meet them.”

FiEurope will take place between the 19th and 21st of November 2024 at Messe Frankfurt. Prinova will exhibit at Stand 3.1K70, where visitors will also be offered a sneak preview of pre-workout ingredient CitraPeak^TM . Set to launch in Europe in 2025, the clinically supported product is the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin – a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits.