It is estimated that about 90 million of the 142 million Americans above age 40 are experiencing vision problems, and this population could double by 2050. “For far too long, eye health has received inadequate public health attention, despite good vision being essential to most people’s overall health and well-being,” says Steven Teutsch, former chief science officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The science behind understanding what a "healthy" human microbiome looks like, how it is controlled or how it can be changed is an evolving area of research. Recipients of the Danone North America Fellowship Grant support these efforts by exploring how the gut microbiome, yogurt and probiotics help sustain human health and wellness through growth, development, and longevity.

Prepared Foods is proud to present our new Digestive Health & Immunity eBook, featuring a curated collection of informative articles for food and beverage product developers.

Over the course of 2022, Prepared Foods developed dozens of articles, podcasts, videos and infographics about food and beverage product development in the immunity space. Here six items that the Prepared Foods community found most compelling in the past year.

Scientists in the field have found that the microbial community, or microbiome of the gut, affects not only gastrointestinal health, but has links to the brain, immune system and even our circadian clocks. 

ADM’s interactive booth (4.C10) will feature sensorial stations that allow for a deeper dive into the company’s technical expertise and vast library of ingredients, spanning health and wellness solutions, flavors and colors, culinary offerings and more.

The company is increasing global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, with a 90 million Euro investment ($88.9 million USD) in its production plant in Pemuco, Chile. Simultaneously, officials expect plant processing and technology improvements will help the Pemuco operation reduce energy consumption by 35%.

Scientific progress in understanding the human gut microbiome thrills experts in nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Researchers know that diet affects the gut microbiome in ways that benefit health and disease prevention, but they are still discovering the mechanisms of how this happens. New almond research may add another piece to the puzzle. A clinical study investigated how gut microbes break down almonds to produce butyrate, a specific microbiota product associated with several health benefits.

Consumer interest in fermented foods, immune health and gut health has soared, alongside interest in the connection between gut health and the immune system.

The impact of yogurt, probiotics and the gut microbiome has exceeded expectations and been tied to brain, digestive and immune function.