Sean Moloughney05.04.09
Investigating the use of probiotics for weight control, Chr. Hansen and the University of Copenhagen are collaborating on a weight management research project called “ProSat.”
Chr. Hansen’s aim is to develop scientifically documented probiotic solutions, suitable for food and nutraceutical applications, which will trigger the consumer’s feeling of fullness. The target population is slightly overweight to standard weight individuals who want to maintain a healthy weight balance.
“This project will significantly improve our understanding of the bacterial intestinal flora’s importance in individual weight management,” said Professor Arne Vernon Astrup, MD, DMSc, who co-represents the University of Copenhagen in the project. “Initial results in a previous research project indicate that specific probiotic derivates do have an interesting satiety effect. It is much too early to draw any conclusions but if this project demonstrates a link between probiotics and satiety, consumers around the world will have a groundbreaking new, documented means to help them maintain a healthy weight balance.”
“Satiety being an unexplored indication for probiotics, ProSat moves in virgin research territory. Still, it connects immediately with Chr. Hansen’s core competencies in probiotics, meaning focus on securing strong scientific documentation and intellectual property rights,” commented Benedicte Flambard, director of innovation, Health & Nutrition Division, Chr. Hansen.
“Our findings show that only very few bacteria can do the job and we have been fortunate to find one exceptionally effective strain on production of satiety hormones. Afterwards it is matter of combining our core competence in product formulation to design promising product prototypes for the food and dietary supplement industries,” Mr. Flambard said.
Chr. Hansen’s aim is to develop scientifically documented probiotic solutions, suitable for food and nutraceutical applications, which will trigger the consumer’s feeling of fullness. The target population is slightly overweight to standard weight individuals who want to maintain a healthy weight balance.
“This project will significantly improve our understanding of the bacterial intestinal flora’s importance in individual weight management,” said Professor Arne Vernon Astrup, MD, DMSc, who co-represents the University of Copenhagen in the project. “Initial results in a previous research project indicate that specific probiotic derivates do have an interesting satiety effect. It is much too early to draw any conclusions but if this project demonstrates a link between probiotics and satiety, consumers around the world will have a groundbreaking new, documented means to help them maintain a healthy weight balance.”
“Satiety being an unexplored indication for probiotics, ProSat moves in virgin research territory. Still, it connects immediately with Chr. Hansen’s core competencies in probiotics, meaning focus on securing strong scientific documentation and intellectual property rights,” commented Benedicte Flambard, director of innovation, Health & Nutrition Division, Chr. Hansen.
“Our findings show that only very few bacteria can do the job and we have been fortunate to find one exceptionally effective strain on production of satiety hormones. Afterwards it is matter of combining our core competence in product formulation to design promising product prototypes for the food and dietary supplement industries,” Mr. Flambard said.