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Event

Lallemand Lecture Series - Gut Microbiota: Impact on Health, Disease and the Strategic Role of Biotics

Thursday, November 21, 2024 09:00to10:30
Zoom Virtual Meeting
Visual invitation

Registration is required.

This event will feature two international speakers. First, Dr. Koen Venema of Wageningen University, who specializes in validated in vitro models of the gut, which he has used to study the effects of prebiotics, drugs, and other components on the gut microbiota.

The important role that the gut microbiota plays in health and disease of the host has clearly been established over the last couple of decades. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota composition has been shown in many different diseases. However, dysbiosis is ill defined, as it suggests that we know what a healthy gut microbiota is, and that is not the case. The gut microbiota composition shows large inter-individual differences that are primarily defined by host genetics, diet, lifestyle and use of medication. On a functional level however, the similarities between individuals are thought to be much higher, due to large functional overlaps between different microbial taxa. Modelling the gut microbiota in sophisticated in vitro models has become an important aspect of understanding the ways that the composition and functionality of the microbiota can be modulated. Use of highly sophisticated, validated and predictive dynamic models of the GI-tract have resulted in tremendous insight in the mechanisms of gut microbiota action. Production of beneficial and toxic metabolites can be quantified in these systems, which is almost impossible in vivo due to ethical constraints. Effects on composition and functionality can be studied much better in these systems as the experimental settings can be highly controlled: single parameters can be changed and effects on microbiota modulation can be observed. Detailed information such as substrate-specificity, dose-response, antagonism or synergy between substrates, or metabolite production can be elucidated.

Following the first session, Ewa Hudson, Director of insights at NutraIngredients, will explore critical questions shaping the industry: how to build a successful biotic portfolio and product roadmap, which health applications and demographics offer the most promising targets, and how do branded pro/pre/postbiotics stack up against generics in consumer engagement?

In today's rapidly evolving biotic market, product development has never been more complex—or more crucial. With Lumina tracking 10 target populations, 100 health benefits, and 90 biotic ingredient types, brands face a staggering 90,000 potential product combinations. This presentation delves into the science-driven proliferation of biotics, highlighting emerging trends and innovation opportunities.

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