Gut Microbes Publishes ADM's New Clinical Study Showing Significant Improvements in IBS-SSS Scores and Quality of Life on Adults with IBS

CHICAGO—ADM (NYSE: ADM), a leader in microbiome research and solutions, has announced the publication of a new study on probiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1)* and postbiotic heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in the prestigious journal, Gut Microbes. This clinical trial enrolled adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with strong and consistent results for both the probiotic and postbiotic in a variety of outcomes, including IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores and quality of life.

"Digestive health can have a huge impact on everyday quality of life, and this study's results are key to us delivering solutions that can help consumers focus on their daily activities instead of their abdominal discomfort," said Dr. Richard Day, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development, ADM. "This trial is the culmination of many years' hard work, by different ADM teams, across multiple sites and countries."

In this multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo controlled human clinical trial, 200 adults from 18 to 65 years with IBS-D received either 1 billion CFU of ES1 probiotic, 2.5 billion equivalent cells of heat-treated ES1 postbiotic (HT-ES1) or a placebo control over a period of 84 days. The study's primary endpoint evaluated reduction in IBS-SSS scores and both the probiotic and postbiotic groups led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in IBS-SSS scores, compared to placebo.

All secondary outcomes were also achieved, showing an improvement in the quality of life score (based on the IBS-QoL) compared to placebo, an improvement of frequency of watery stools compared to placebo, a significant reduction of mean APS-NRS score (which is related to abdominal discomfort) and a significant reduction in stress versus placebo, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI).

"The findings from this robust three-arm clinical trial build upon the growing body of evidence showing how supporting the health of the gut microbiome can address aspects of a person's health and well-being, including digestive health," said Dr. Day. "Taken together with the already extensive preclinical data generated for these two microbiome solution products, this manuscript adds to the already strong scientific dossier for ES1 and HT-ES1. And crucially, this is the first clinical trial to be published using the pioneering HT-ES1."

As a postbiotic, HT-ES1 retains its functionality through various formulation environments like high heat or water content, and formulators do not need to make adaptations for living microorganisms. With the ability to incorporate HT-ES1 into a wide range of food, beverage and dietary supplement formats, health and wellness brands can develop tailored offerings, supporting people's individual digestive health needs.

In 2023, ES1 and HT-ES1 were named the winner of the "Best Ingredients Innovation Award" during the Gulfood Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards and were selected as a finalist for the Fi Europe Innovation Awards in the Health Innovation category. The World Food Innovation Awards, hosted by FoodBev Media, also shortlisted HT-ES1 in this year's Best Ingredient Innovation and Best Health Innovation categories.

Find out more about ADM's extensive range of microbiome solutions, backed by science, here.

*Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT 7347 (ES1) strain, as probiotic and postbiotic, is used under license/sublicense from CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) by ADM or its affiliates.

About ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We're a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We're a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We're a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new consumer and industrial solutions. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize the multiple industries we serve. Around the globe, our innovation and expertise are meeting critical needs while nourishing quality of life and supporting a healthier planet. Learn more at www.adm.com. 

ADM Media Relations
Jackie Anderson
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