The patented blend, ProDiFi, aims to provide better digestion and absorption

Shreyans Jain, Co-founder, Nutrabay, explains how BioAbsorb’s protein blend addresses the poor absorption and digestive discomfort in an interview with Express Nutra

1. Can the company give more details on the formulation research that resulted in BioAbsorb?

The development of Nutrabay BioAbsorb was a rigorous and dedicated process spanning 1.5-2 years of intensive research and development, culminating in one year dedicated explicitly to comprehensive stability testing of the final ProDiFi blend. Our journey began by deeply understanding the core challenges faced by protein consumers: the widespread issues of poor absorption and digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas.

Our formulation team, alongside leading experts, conducted extensive research into the individual and synergistic effects of various ingredients. This involved:

• Identifying optimal probiotic strains: We meticulously selected 11 diverse strains (B. lactis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. longum, L. acidophillus, L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. brevis, L. gasseri) known for their roles in gut health, protein metabolism, and digestive comfort.
• Selecting the ideal prebiotic fiber: We chose Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) due to their superior fermentability by beneficial gut bacteria, its excellent tolerance profile, and their proven ability to nourish the specific probiotic strains we selected.
• Developing a comprehensive digestive enzyme blend: We included a full spectrum of five key enzymes (Amylase, Protease, Lactase, Lipase, Cellulase) to ensure the efficient breakdown of all macronutrients, with a strong focus on Protease for protein and Lactase for common whey-related lactose issues.

The goal was to move beyond simply adding individual components. We aimed to create a patented blend, ProDiFi, where these three components work in true symphony for digestion and absorption. The stability testing was critical to ensure that the live probiotics remained viable and the enzymes retained their activity throughout the product’s shelf life, guaranteeing consistent efficacy for the consumer. This meticulous research ensures BioAbsorb is not just another protein, but a scientifically formulated solution for superior protein utilisation.

2. How does BioAbsorb’s ProDiFi blend address the poor absorption and digestive discomfort faced by most protein consumers?

ProDiFi blend provides a comprehensive, multi-pronged solution to the common issues of poor absorption and digestive discomfort:

For poor absorption (enhancing bioavailability):

• • Direct protein breakdown (digestive enzymes – protease): Our Protease enzyme directly breaks down whey protein into smaller, more easily absorbable peptides and amino acids. This ‘pre-digestion’ means your body burns less energy breaking down the protein, making more of it readily available for absorption.
  • Optimised absorption pathway (probiotics and prebiotic FOS): The diverse probiotic strains, nourished by FOS, fortify the intestinal barrier, often referred to as the gut lining. A healthy, intact gut barrier is crucial for efficient and selective absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. It ensures that the amino acids, once liberated, can pass through smoothly, maximising the amount of protein that truly becomes ‘bioavailable’ to your body.
  • Reduced undigested residues: By ensuring that no food remains undigested in the stomach, ProDiFi minimises the fermentation of undigested food in the large intestine and prevents indigestion issues.

For digestive discomfort (bloating, gas, etc.):

• • Lactose digestion (lactase enzyme): A major culprit for bloating and gas from whey protein is lactose intolerance. Our Lactase enzyme effectively breaks down lactose, preventing the discomfort it causes and making BioAbsorb digestible even for those sensitive to dairy.
  • Balanced gut microbiome (Probiotics & FOS): An imbalanced gut can lead to excessive gas production and inflammation. Our 11-strain probiotic blend, supported by the prebiotic FOS, helps to restore and maintain a healthy gut flora. This reduces the population of gas-producing bacteria, minimises harmful fermentation, and supports overall gut motility, leading to a significant reduction in bloating, gas, and stomach upset.
  • Efficient overall digestion: The full spectrum of digestive enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Cellulase, in addition to Protease and Lactase) ensures efficient breakdown of all macronutrients, reducing the burden on your digestive system and leading to a lighter, more comfortable feeling after consumption.

3. What does the pending patent on the ProDiFi blend cover?

The pending patent on our ProDiFi blend covers the unique and synergistic combination of specific probiotic strains, the chosen dietary fiber (Fructo-oligosaccharides), and our comprehensive digestive enzyme blend, and how these components interact to deliver enhanced protein digestion, absorption, and overall gut health.

This patent protects our proprietary formulation, ensuring that this precise combination and the resulting functional benefits are unique to Nutrabay BioAbsorb Whey. It underscores our commitment to innovation and provides a significant competitive advantage, differentiating BioAbsorb as a novel and scientifically-backed solution in the market. The patent specifically focuses on the inventive aspect of combining these three distinct categories of ingredients to achieve the stated outcome of superior protein bioavailability and digestive comfort.

4. Is there any published research from the company on the clinical trials and stability tests backing this product? Or other global products of this nature which claim to give this benefit?

We understand the importance of scientific validation, and it’s a core pillar of Nutrabay.

Numerous studies have shown that:

• The addition of proteases can significantly increase amino acid and peptide uptake from protein supplements.
• Specific probiotic strains (many of which are in ProDiFi™) can enhance gut barrier function, improve the digestion of proteins, and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas.
• Prebiotics like FOS selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, leading to an improved gut environment that supports overall digestion and nutrient absorption.

Here are a few reference studies. However, the clinical trials on Nutrabay BioAbsorb Whey have already started, and we will be sharing the results soon.

1. Study of amino acids absorption and the gut microbiome on the consumption of pea protein blended with enzymes-probiotics supplement – PubMed
2. Digestive enzymes reduce quality differences between plant and animal proteins: a double-blind crossover study – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 
3. Dietary fructooligosaccharides affect intestinal barrier function in healthy men – PubMed
4. Enzyme blend may lead to quicker amino acid uptake from whey post-exercise: Study
5. Frontiers | Study of amino acids absorption and gut microbiome on the consumption of pea protein blended with enzymes-probiotics supplement

 

5. How does the company prove that the new product addresses the problems of poor absorption and digestive discomfort with existing products? (In a clinical trial of a new drug, this would translate to outcomes of longer survival, and recovery from symptoms so what would be the similar outcomes from this product?)

We completely agree that proving efficacy through tangible outcomes is paramount, just as it is in pharmaceutical trials. While Nutrabay BioAbsorb is a dietary supplement, our commitment to scientific validation mirrors the rigour of clinical research.

Currently, we are in the process of human clinical trials specifically designed to scientifically validate the enhanced benefits of BioAbsorb Whey with our ProDiFi blend. These trials will focus on objective, measurable parameters to demonstrate improved absorption and reduced digestive discomfort:

• For enhanced absorption (Increased protein bioavailability):
  • We will be monitoring various blood parameters, most critically, plasma amino acid levels. After subjects consume BioAbsorb Whey, we will track the rate at which amino acids appear in the bloodstream, the peak concentration they reach, and the duration for which they remain elevated. This will be directly compared to a control group consuming a standard whey protein without ProDiFi. A higher and more rapid appearance of amino acids in the blood will be a clear indication of superior digestion and absorption, meaning more of the protein you consume is becoming available to your body.
  • We may also investigate other markers like nitrogen balance, which indicates how much protein is being retained and utilised versus excreted.
• For reduced digestive discomfort:
  • We will employ validated questionnaires and symptom diaries, where participants will report on their experiences with common digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and overall comfort levels after consuming the product. These subjective reports will be meticulously collected and analysed to provide a quantitative measure of symptom reduction.

Our goal with these trials is to provide robust, data-driven evidence that BioAbsorb Whey indeed offers significantly better protein absorption and a more comfortable digestive experience compared to conventional whey proteins. We are dedicated to sharing these findings transparently once the trials are completed, providing our consumers and the scientific community with the confidence that BioAbsorb is truly a next-generation protein solution.

6. What has been the response to the launch from dieticians and nutritionists?

The initial response from dietitians and nutritionists has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. This is largely because BioAbsorb directly addresses some of their most common challenges when recommending protein supplements to clients:

• Addressing client compliance: Many dietitians report that their clients struggle with the digestive side effects of traditional protein powders, which can lead to them discontinuing use. They see BioAbsorb as a game-changer for improving client compliance and adherence to their nutritional plans.
• Focus on absorption, not just intake: Nutrition professionals understand that consuming protein is only half the battle; absorption is key. They appreciate our emphasis on enhancing protein bioavailability, which aligns perfectly with their goal of ensuring optimal nutrient utilisation for their clients’ health and performance goals.
• Holistic gut health approach: The inclusion of prebiotics and a diverse probiotic blend resonates strongly with dietitians who advocate for comprehensive gut health as foundational to overall well-being. They recognise that a healthy gut microbiome supports not just digestion, but also immunity, mood, and nutrient synergy.
• Science-backed ingredients: Our transparent and science-backed approach to ingredient selection, emphasising clinically studied components, gives them confidence in recommending BioAbsorb to their clients.

Many have expressed excitement about finally having a protein supplement they can confidently recommend to clients who are sensitive to traditional proteins or who are looking for a more advanced digestive support solution. We are actively engaging with the professional community to share our research and gather further feedback, solidifying BioAbsorb’s position as a preferred choice among experts.

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38321993/

• https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P26?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16365061/

• https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2020/06/18/Enzyme-blend-may-lead-to-quicker-amino-acid-uptake-from-whey-post-exercise-Study/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1307734/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com