Probiotical reveals new research pointing to Bifizen as a sleep aid [Interview]

Bifizen was launched in 2021, targeting improved mood, the reduction of stress and fatigues and as an aid to depressive symptoms and anxiety. Now the second clinical study has been completed, with positive results that underline how it can also lead to a better night’s sleep.

The study results tie in with a growing connection between good gut health and better sleep among consumers. Underlining this, a survey on mental health and sleep by FMCG Gurus shows that 73% of consumers believe there is a link between good digestive health and good sleeping patterns. The results also showed that one in three consumers are not satisfied with their bedtime routines and general sleep health, which is leading to concern about the potential negative impact this has on their health.

Probiotical has been leading the field in science-backed probiotic solutions for a growing number of claims that include market-ready and tailored formulations for allergies, dermatology and ocular health, as well as healthy aging and neurology. Now improved sleep is about to be added to that list of claims.

Bifizen aids mental well-being and better sleep

“Bifizen is a blend of probiotic strains that was developed with the aim of improving general mental well-being, which is backed up by the three different studies we conducted on the product,” said Margherita Patrucco, Marketing & Product Development at Probiotical.

“This first study also showed promising results for mood and sleep quality, so we conducted a second confirmatory study to further explore the effect of Bifizen on mood, anxiety and sleep, and the recently complete results were again very positive. We also explored combining Bifizen with other sleep aid ingredients, like ashwagandha, melatonin and saffron extract. These have led to a number of customizable options that we are able to offer as premixes and finished goods.”

Margherita went on to explain that Probiotical currently offers Bifizen as a sleep aid in several regions, but with the results of the second study, it now wants to highlight the latest study findings at Vitafoods Europe 2024.

So, what does Bifizen consist of? In a nutshell it is a food supplement containing a blend of synergic probiotics strains, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06, Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus fermentum LF16 and Bifidobacterium longum 04. The presence of lower levels of these strains in the gut has been tied to depression, anxiety and poor sleep patterns.

“Following the results of preclinical studies that highlighted the complex biological effects of the blend, we performed three different controlled clinical trials,” Patrucco said. “The results confirmed Bifizen’s positive effects on mood, anxiety, sleep quality, and serotonin levels in the bloodstream. Last, we demonstrated that Bifizen can profoundly impact serum and urine metabolites. These findings suggest that these mechanisms may contribute to the observed clinical benefits related to sleep quality, as well as reductions in minor depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances.”

Pinning the study to the Pittsburgh Sleep Index

The second study was undertaken in collaboration with Lindenwood University, in the US. The study relied on data from 70 healthy patients to determine the impact Bifizen had on those individuals, over both a three and a six-week period. This study combined the methodology of the more comprehensive Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), to more detailed feedback.

“We measured both the sleep latency, which is the time it takes for an individual to actually fall asleep, the number of sleep hours and the quality of sleep, thus combining subjective and objective assessments. The first study only addressed the quality of sleep through verified questionnaires, so the last results we obtained were much more comprehensive, showing an improvement in the PSQI, which was reflected by longer hours of sleep, better quality and less disturbances,” Margherita said.

Currently Bifizen has already been incorporated into a number of products, also combined with sleep aid ingredients, in the APAC market. Margherita also confirmed that since the publication of the second study at the end of 2023, discussions are in play to incorporate the ingredient into mood & sleep aid products in both Europe and North America.

What to expect from Probiotical at Vitafoods Europe 2024

“Both the European and North American markets are likely to be receptive to the Bifizen sleep claims now that we have more scientific proof to back them up. More specifically, we are working towards collaborating with brands in both the US and Canada right now,” said Margherita.

Besides highlighting the latest Bifizen sleep study, the company is also playing an active role on the Vitafoods Europe show floor, which will include a presentation about the company’s expertise in skin health and skincare, together with the promotion of a new product launch targeting baby & kids wellbeing that will be showcased in the New Product Zone.

Marco Pane, who is R&D Director at Probiotical, will be giving a product presentation titled Transformative Probiotics: The Gut-Skin Connection Redefined, in which he will be discussing a number of solutions the company offers in this space. The presentation will take place in the Biotics Theatre, K232, on May 15th, from 2pm to 2:25pm.

Probiotical will be exhibiting at Vitafoods Europe 2024 between May 14th and 16th at Booth F122. The company will be showcasing its complete portfolio of probiotic products and will also be debuting its latest product launch, targeting infant wellbeing.