Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 47 December 2024

ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2024 39 including critical antiviral (interferon) gene expression, release of immune signaling molecules, mobilization of innate immune cells, and enhanced responsiveness of natural killer cells. Notably, systemic immune responses remained unaffected by Benicaros supplementation in the absence of an immune challenge. • Reduced the negative impact of a common cold on quality of life by 10-30%. Key measurements included the ability to think clearly, walk, climb stairs, exercise, accomplish daily activities, work inside and outside the home and live their personal lives. The science supports the inclusion of Benicaros in pet food and nutrition, enabling us to deliver gut and immune health benefits to companion animals. You have been working with DSM since 2022 for Benicaros. Have you conducted any studies on pets since then, and if so, could you share their results with us? We have completed a preclinical study evaluating gut microbiota modulation and metabolite production in dogs. While we are not able to share detailed results at this time, we are encouraged by the findings, which suggest that Benicaros shows similar precision prebiotic properties in dogs as it does in humans. We expect the study to be published in a peer-reviewed journal next year. What stage is your collaboration with dsmfirmenich at currently? How long does the pet industry have to wait until the launch of Benicaros? Our initial study results are promising, and we are currently discussing next steps with dsm-firmenich. While it is too early to provide a specific timeline for product development, both NutriLeads and dsm-firmenich are committed to advancing this innovation and bringing it to market as quickly as possible based on positive research outcomes. How do you expect Benicaros to impact the pet food industry, and what are its expected results on pet health and well-being? Benicaros is well-positioned to address the growing demand for immune and gut health solutions in pets. With the global pet food market projected to reach $175 billion in annual sales by 2027, a key growth driver is the increasing demand for healthier, science-backed, human-grade, vegetarian, and sustainable ingredients. Benicaros aligns with all of these trends and complements dsm-firmenich’s science-driven microbiome offerings for the pet food industry. Together, we aim to bring innovative, research-backed solutions to enhance pet health and well-being. How sustainable is Benicaros when compared to other prebiotics, and what is its supply cost? Benicaros is unlocked from the cell walls of upcycled carrot pomace, a side stream of carrot juicing. This makes Benicaros a food-waste friendly choice among prebiotics. Its appeal comes not only from being sourced from one of the world’s most trusted vegetables, but also from addressing the growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced products. With nearly one-third of all food produced globally being lost or wasted, reducing food waste has universal (95%) consumer appeal. In fact, more than half of consumers are interested in upcycled food products, which further aligns Benicaros with environmental and market trends.1 Is there anything else you would like to add? In addition to its strong science, Benicaros has a recommended daily serving size of as low as 300 mg for humans, with a proportionately smaller serving for pets. This opens the door to a wide range of food and nutrition applications. Benicaros also delivers health benefits with significantly less gas production – a typical byproduct of fiber fermentation in the gut. Our preclinical studies show that Benicaros produces 40% less gas than inulin on a per-gram basis. And lastly, Benicaros has little to no impact on taste, texture or smell. It is water-soluble, stable under heat, and pH-stable, making it easy to formulate into a variety of product formats. Reference 1Upcycled Food Association. https://www.upcycledfood.org/

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