Introducing Bimuno
Gut health is surging to the top of the public health agenda, as studies uncover the true extent of beneficial gut bacteria’s influence. Consumers are becoming more proactive and informed on matters of health and wellbeing. Naturally, gut microbiome mediated health forms an important area of focus through its relationship to areas such as immune defence, immune health, cognition but also health in sport.
A multiple award-winner in the nutrition industry, Bimuno is a proprietary galactooligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient that puts scientific research, performance, credibility and versatility at the forefront for product developers. The most widely studied commercially available GOS prebiotic, Bimuno is supported by a comprehensive portfolio of research – over 120 scientific publications, including more than 20 clinical trials.
The proprietary GOS structure is derived from lactose, a natural component of cow’s milk.
What is the active ingredient of Bimuno?
A unique mixture of galactooligosaccharides make the active ingredient of Bimuno. The structural properties (specific beta-linkages and a characteristic degree of polymerisation profile) of our proprietary GOS drive the scientifically proven functionality of Bimuno.
Importantly, one of the structures in Bimuno’s GOS is 3-galactosyl-lactose which is known as a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), a favoured substrate for bifidobacteria.
The GOS in Bimuno cannot be found in any type of food and unlike other oligosaccharides found in foods such as beans, garlic or pulses, Bimuno does not contain alpha-linked galactose, alpha-linked glucose, or beta-linked fructose1.
Instead, Bimuno contains solely beta-linked galactose and glucose monomers within the GOS composition. The composition of our proprietary GOS makes it a preferred source of carbohydrates (over other sugars) for bifidobacteria, an important type of beneficial bacteria present in the gut microbiome.
The GOS in Bimuno is scientifically proven to be more selective towards bifidobacteria when compared to other commercially available prebiotic GOS, which lack this selectivity and can therefore be metabolised by many types of microbes, beneficial or otherwise.
In addition, key opinion leaders recommend that for some indications, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GOS with beta-linkages, such as Bimuno, could be advantageous over plant-based prebiotics such as fructans (e.g. fructooligosaccharides and inulin), as fructans may exacerbate certain symptoms of IBS2,3.
Additionally, Bimuno has demonstrated positive effects on symptom relief in IBS sufferers or in individuals suffering from some undiagnosed GI discomfort.
What is the research behind the effectiveness of Bimuno?
Bimuno has been developed with science as its core driver, in order to offer food and supplement manufacturers a functional ingredient for gut health that provides value and that consumers can trust. The science behind Bimuno is one of the most comprehensive of any commercially available prebiotic, with its safety and efficacy supported by over 120 scientific publications.
The research journey for Bimuno started at the University of Reading. Since 2004, Clasado has completed over 20 clinical trials on its unique prebiotic, demonstrating that Bimuno contributes to overall health and wellbeing.
Bimuno's key areas of effectiveness
Gastrointestinal Health
Promotes gastrointestinal wellbeing by reducing abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating and flatulence, and improving bowel regularity.
Cognitive Health
Reduces stress hormone levels and anxiety and improves mental health and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis. Studies on the efficacy of Bimuno are supported by human clinical trial data, the majority are also backed by preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies.
Immune Health
Modulates the immune system by increasing anti-inflammatory and decreasing pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
Immune Defence
Human trials have proven its capacity to strengthen the body’s natural defences and prevent diarrhoea caused by pathogens.
Sports Nutrition
Proven to support athlete gut health through reduced incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms as well as immune health by reducing duration of upper respiratory symptom episodes.
Prebiotic Activity
Human trials
In children4, adults5, elderly6,7, overweight8,9, IBS10, FGD11 and ulcerative colitis patients with mild symptom severity12
In vitro and in vivo studies
Fermentation models13,14,15
Positive microbiome modulation15,16,17
Proven to work in synbiotic combinations18,19
Digestive Health & Wellbeing
Human trials
In IBS10,20,21, FGD11, UC12, healthy adults22, healthy adults with GI discomfort23 and athletes24
Reduced GI discomfort &/ symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence10,11,20
Immune system modulation
Human trials
in elderly6,7, overweight8, athletes24,26
In vitro and in vivo studies
Reduced pro-inflammatory markers6,7,, immunostimulatory and regulatory action25, improved systemic and mucosal immunity24,26
Metabolic Syndrome
Human trials
in overweight volunteers8
Reduced blood lipids, insulin8
Positive microbiome modulation and improved systemic immunity6,7
ANTI-PATHOGENIC ACTVITY
Human trials
in individuals travelling abroad22,27,
In vitro and in vivo studies
Protection from pathogens and reduction in incidence, severity and duration of diarrhoea22,27,29,30
Brain Health, function and mood
Human trials
in healthy adults28, IBS10, children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)4, individuals with psychosis32
In vivo studies
Beneficial effects on cognition, mood and behaviour4,10,31,32,33.
Reduces physiological stress, anxiety and inflammation10,28,31,33
Is the gut microbiome the key to health?
Over the past decade, research into microbial organisms that reside in the human body has come to the forefront of human science. The gut microbiome, in particular, is now being coined as an organ in its own right, carrying approximately 150 times more genes than are found in the entire human genome. Scientists have recognised its impact on human physiology and its ability to affect our mental and physical health.
This revelation is driving scientists to look at the benefits of microbiome-altering technologies such as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics, which have been shown to have positive effects on human health.
As a dietary fibre, prebiotic ingredient Bimuno has been shown to beneficially affect the human gut microbiome through its selective utilisation by bifidobacteria. The proliferation of good bacteria in the gut has been repeatedly demonstrated in studies in healthy adults5, elderly6, 7, individuals suffering with IBS10 and overweight adults8, 12.
- Wilson B, Whelan K. 2017. Prebiotic inulin‐type fructans and galacto‐oligosaccharides: definition, specificity, function, and application in gastrointestinal disorders. J Gastroenterol Hepatol.;32 Suppl 1:64-68. doi: 10.1111/jgh.13700
- Shepherd SJ, Parker FC, Muir JG, et al. Dietary triggers of abdominal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: randomized placebo-controlled evidence. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008;6:765–771
- Wilson, B., Rossi, M., Dimidi, E. & Whelan, K. 2019. Prebiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109, 1098-1111
- Grimaldi R, Gibson GR, Vulevic J, Giallourou N, Castro-Mejía JL, et al. 2018. A prebiotic intervention study in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Microbiome. 6(1):133
- Depeint F, Tzortzis G, Vulevic J, I’anson K, Gibson GR. 2008.Prebiotic evaluation of a novel galactooligosaccharide mixture produced by the enzymatic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB 41171, in healthy humans: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention study. Am J Clin Nutr. 87(3):785-91
- Vulevic J, Drakoularakou A, Yaqoob P, Tzortzis G, Gibson GR. 2008.Modulation of the fecal microflora profile and immune function by a novel trans-galactooligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS) in healthy elderly volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr. 88(5):1438-46. DOI 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26242
- Vulevic J, Juric A, Walton GE, Claus SP, Tzortzis G, Toward RE, Gibson GR. 2015. Influence of galacto-oligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS) on gut microbiota, immune parameters and metabonomics in elderly persons. Br J Nutr.;114(4):586-95.DOI: 10.1017/S0007114515001889
- Vulevic J, Juric A, Tzortzis G, Gibson GR. 2013.A mixture of trans-galactooligosaccharides reduces markers of metabolic syndrome and modulates the fecal microbiota and immune function of overweight adults. J Nutr.143(3):324-31. DOI: 10.3945/jn.112.166132
- Sergeev IN, Aljutaily T, Walton G, Huarte E. 2020 Effects of Synbiotic Supplement on Human Gut Microbiota, Body Composition and Weight Loss in Obesity. ;12(1). Pii: E222. Doi: 10.3390/nu12010222.
- Silk DB, Davis A, Vulevic J, Tzortzis G, Gibson GR. 2009. Clinical trial: the effects of a trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1;29(5):508-18. DOI:1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03911.x
- Huaman JW, Mego M, Manichanh Ch et al. 2018. Effects Of Prebiotics Vs A Diet Low In Fodmaps In Patients With Functional Gut Disorder. Gastroenterology. 155(4):1004-1007. DOI:1053/j.gastro.2018.06.045
- Wilson B, Eyice Ö, Koumoutsos I, Lomer MC, Irving PM, Lindsay JO, Whelan K. 2021. Prebiotic Galactooligosaccharide Supplementation in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis: Exploring the Impact on Peripheral Blood Gene Expression, Gut Microbiota, and Clinical Symptoms. Nutrients. 14;13(10):3598. DOI:10.3390/ nu13103598.
- Grimaldi R, Swann JR, Vulevic J, Gibson GR, Costabile A. 2016. Fermentation properties and potential prebiotic activity of Bimuno® galacto-oligosaccharide (65 % galacto-oligosaccharide content) on in vitro gut microbiota parameters. Br J Nutr., 116(3):480-6. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516002269.
- Salli K, Anglenius H, Hirvonen J, Hibberd AA, Ahonen I, Saarinen MT, Tiihonen K, Maukonen J, Ouwehand AC. 2019. The effect of 2′-fucosyllactose on simulated infant gut microbiome and metabolites; a pilot study in comparison to GOS and lactose. Sci Rep., 9(1):13232. DOI:10.1038/s41598-019-49497-z.
- Marzorati, M., Ghyselinck, J., Van den Abbeele, P., Maruszak, A., Harthoorn, L. 2023. Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) Reduces Branched Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Ammonium, and pH in a Short-Term Colonic Fermentation Model. Applied Microbiology, 3(1); 90-103. DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol3010008.
- Rodriguez-Colinas B, Kolida S, Baran M, Ballesteros AO, Rastall RA, Plou FJ. 2013. Analysis of fermentation selectivity of purified galacto-oligosaccharides by in vitro human faecal fermentation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol., 97(13):5743-52.
- Liu Y, Gibson GR, Walton GE. 2016. An In Vitro Approach to Study Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Faecal Microbiota and Selected Immune Parameters Relevant to the Elderly. PLoS One, 11(9): e0162604. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0162604.
- Sergeev IN, Aljutaily T, Walton G, Huarte E. 2020 Effects of Synbiotic Supplement on Human Gut Microbiota, Body Composition and Weight Loss in Obesity. Nutrients, 12(1). pii: E222. DOI: 10.3390/nu12010222.
- Ghyselinck J, Teixeira C, Marzorati M, Önning G, Harthoorn L. A Novel Synbiotic Blend of Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and a Two-Strain Probiotic Acts Synergistically to Increase Lactate and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in a Short-Term Ex Vivo Colon Fermentation Model. Int J Nutr Sci. 2024; 9(1): 1082
- Wilson B, Rossi M, Kanno T, et al. 2020. Β-Galactooligosaccharide in Conjunction With Low FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms but Reduces Fecal Bifidobacteria. Am J Gastroenterol. 115(6):906-915. DOI:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000641.
- Wilson B, Kanno T, Slater R, Rossi M, Irving PM, Lomer MC, Probert C, Mason AJ, Whelan K. 2023. Faecal and urine metabolites, but not gut microbiota, may predict response to low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. DOI:10.1111/apt.17609. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37
- Drakoularakou A, Tzortzis G, Rastall RA, Gibson GR. 2010. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized human study assessing the capacity of a novel galacto-oligosaccharide mixture in reducing travellers’ diarrhoea. Eur J Clin Nutr. 64(2):146-52. DOI:10.1038/ejcn.2009.120.313992
- Vulevic J, Tzortzis G, Juric A, Gibson GR. 2018. Effect of a prebiotic galactooligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS®) on gastrointestinal symptoms in adults selected from a general population who suffer with bloating, abdominal pain, or flatulence. Neurogastroenterol Motil.;30(11):e13440. DOI:1111/nmo.13440
- Parker C, Hunter KA, Johnson MA, Sharpe GR, Gibson GR, Walton GE, Poveda C, Cousins B & Williams NC. 2023. Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players. European Journal of Sport Science.DOI:10.1080/17461391.2023.2216657.
- Searle LE, Jones G, Tzortzis G, Woodward MJ, Rastall RA, Gibson GR, La Ragionea RM. 2012. Low molecular weight fractions of BiMuno exert immunostimulatory properties in murine macrophages. Journal of Functional Foods, 4: 941-953. DOI:10.1016/j.jff.2012.07.002.
- Williams, NC, Johnson MA, Shaw DE, Spendlove I, Vulevic J, Sharpe GR, Hunter KA. 2016. A prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS) reduces severity of hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction and markers of airway inflammation. British Journal of Nutrition. 116:798-804. DOI:10.1017/S0007114516002762.
- Hasle G, Raastad R, Bjune, G, Jenum PA, Heier L. 2017. Can a galacto-oligosaccharide reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea? A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study. J Travel Med. 24(5);1-9. DOI:10.1093/jtm/tax057.:10.1093/jtm/tax057.
- Schmidt K, Cowen PJ, Harmer CJ, Tzortzis G, Errington S, Burnet PW. 2015. Prebiotic intake reduces the waking cortisol response and alters emotional bias in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 232(10):1793-801. DOI:10.1007/s00213-014-3810-0.
- Searle LE, Best A, Nunez A, Salguero FJ, Johnson L, Weyer U, Dugdale AH, Cooley WA, Carter B, Jones G, Tzortzis G, Woodward MJ, La Ragione RM. 2009. A mixture containing galactooligosaccharide, produced by the enzymic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, reduces Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice. J Med Microbiol., 58(Pt 1):37-48. DOI:10.1099/jmm.0.004390-0.
- Searle LE, Cooley WA, Jones G, Nunez A, Crudgington B, Weyer U, Dugdale AH, Tzortzis G, Collins JW, Woodward MJ, La Ragione RM. 2010. Purified galactooligosaccharide, derived from a mixture produced by the enzymic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, reduces Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium adhesion and invasion in vitro and in vivo. J Med Microbiol., 59(Pt 12):1428-39. DOI:10.1099/jmm.0.022780-0.
- Savignac HM, Couch Y, Stratford M, Bannerman DM, Tzortzis G, Anthony DC, Burnet PWJ. 2016. Prebiotic administration normalizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety and cortical 5-HT2A receptor and IL1-β levels in male mice. Brain Behav Immun., 52:120-31. DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2015.10.007.
- Kao AC, Safarikova J, Marquardt T, Mullins B, Lennox BR, Burnet PWJ. 2019. Pro-cognitive effect of a prebiotic in psychosis: A double blind placebo controlled cross-over study. Schizophr Res. pii: S0920-9964(19)30085-4. DOI:10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.003.
- Yang XD, Wang LK, Wu HY, Jiao L. 2018. Effects of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation through targeting of the gut-brain axis. BMC Anesthesiol., 18(1):177.
