Tate & Lyle PLC, a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, in partnership with APC Microbiome Ireland, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre, is pleased to announce the publication of its jointly filed international patent application for a synbiotic fibre technology that has shown positive preliminary results in metabolic health.

The technology uses a new combination of a probiotic, Lactobacillus mucosae, and soluble dietary fibres which could lead to a number of positive metabolic health changes including in heart health, weight management, liver health, potentially improving immunity, lowering inflammation markers, and improving gut health.

The preliminary clinical research work on this jointly developed synbiotic ingredient, a combination of Tate & Lyle’s proprietary PROMITOR^® fibre, and a proprietary shared by University College of Cork (UCC) and Teagasc Lactobacillus strain, has shown substantial and promising cardiometabolic health benefits. APC Principal Investigators Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton, Noel Caplice are co-inventors on the patent as well as project leads.

Tate & Lyle and APC Microbiome Ireland have an ongoing research partnership, which has recently been expanded and extended, looking into the metabolic pathways that could affect the relationship between the microbiome and health. It was this research partnership that led to this jointly filed patent application for this new ingredient technology.

Dr Kavita Karnik, Global Head, Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs at Tate & Lyle, said: “We are delighted, following our initial two-year research project with APC Microbiome, to have our joint patent application published for this ingredient technology that uses our PROMITOR^® fibre. The health benefits this new synbiotic fibre ingredient could bring, such as improving heart health and tackling obesity, are exciting and another step on our journey to live our purpose of Transforming Lives through the Science of Food.

“As a science-driven organisation, we are pleased to be continuing our research with APC Microbiome Ireland, looking into the gut microbiome and the positive role fibres can play in improving our health.”

Prof Paul Ross, Director APC Microbiome Ireland, said: “This is an exciting announcement, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with Tate & Lyle to further uncover the health benefits of synbiotics.”

Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, and Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Mexico (NPH; Spanish for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”), a charitable organization that provides a home for thousands of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children across Mexico, Central and South America, are embarking on a partnership to expand the sustainable production of fresh fruit and vegetables in greenhouses at the charity’s residences in the state of Morelos, Mexico which house over 650 children.

Through corporate funding, pro-bono expertise, and volunteer services, Tate & Lyle will work alongside NPH staff and its residents to help enable the production of fresh fruits and vegetables to be used in the children’s meals. The partnership will also provide nutrition and agriculture education to support student health and well-being and improve the growing practices used.

A number of online and in-person mentorship courses and talks will be run by female employees from Tate & Lyle’s local office, to strengthen and empower the girls of NPH in their own educational development. Using its extensive knowledge of nutrition, Tate & Lyle will also offer training to NPH staff and volunteers, and the children they serve, in the areas of food safety, improving nutrition and quality processes.

This partnership perfectly aligns with Tate & Lyle’s purpose of Improving Lives for Generations by supporting healthy living, building thriving communities and caring for our planet.

About Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, transforms the lives of thousands of children and families throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. With the help of people across the world, we provide homes, health services, and educational programs in a safe and loving environment — giving children the best chance for success to become leaders in their own communities.



NPH creates life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and disabled children and youth living in extreme conditions. Through a comprehensive approach that embraces the whole child, NPH supports children to become independent, caring adults who give back to their communities—shaping better futures for themselves, their families, and their world.