Chr. Hansen probiotic strain receives health claim in Canada

Few health challenges are as unpleasant and suddenly discomforting as those associated with gastrointestinal health; including abdominal discomfort, distention, bloating and gas. An otherwise healthy person may experience abdominal discomfort paired with occasional bowel irregularities; challenges that may very well reduce one’s quality of life.

Supplementation with selected probiotic strains may benefit gastrointestinal health, and now the Canadian health authority, Health Canada, has authorized the following health claims¹ for Chr. Hansen’s probiotic strain L. acidophilus, DDS-1^®:

• “Helps improve abdominal pain severity and symptomology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults
• Helps minimize symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults
• Helps balance and maintain healthy intestinal flora.”

The authorized use of these health claims is based on a daily dose of 10 billion CFU (number of live bacteria) for adults and for adolescents.

Quality stamp of the science behind

We are very excited that one of our probiotic strains has received an official health claim in Canada. We see this as exceptionally good news that adds credibility and a quality stamp to the science behind our product, since the authorities have carefully evaluated all our data and scientific documentation prior to approval,” says Dr Gregory Leyer, senior director, Scientific Affairs, Human Health, Chr. Hansen.

Part of this is a gold-standard study from 2020, where Chr. Hansen investigated the impact of certain probiotic strains, including DDS-1^®, against placebo over six weeks. The study suggests that supplementation with selected probiotic strains benefit gastrointestinal health for people who desire support for overall digestive health and comfort, and relief from occasional bowel irregularities.

“We expect that an officially registered health claim will drive increased interest, not only in this particular strain, but in our scientifically backed probiotics and their potential benefit in general, both in Canada and other markets,” concludes Dr Leyer.

The official authorization of the health claims related to DDS-1^® comes at a time where the world is focused on digestive health and wellbeing. May 29 is World Digestive Health Day. It is estimated that 15% of people worldwide experience discomfort from gastrointestinal discomfort which is the second-most common cause of employees staying away from work, costing employers approximately $21 billion in lost productivity.

Gastrointestinal discomfort

• 15% of people worldwide experience discomfort from gastrointestinal discomfort – the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder
  
  
• GI discomfort is the second-most common cause of work absenteeism, costing employers approximately $21 billion in lost productivity
  
  
• GI discomfort results from a complex biologic interaction between the brain and gut, referred to as the gut-brain axis
  
  
• Health Canada, have authorized the following health claims for Chr. Hansen’s probiotic strain L. acidophilus, DDS-1^®, when consumed in a daily dose of 10 billion CFU:
  • Helps improve abdominal pain severity and symptomology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults
  • Helps minimize symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults
  • Helps balance and maintain healthy intestinal flora.

Please check your local regulations for acceptable claims in the market.

¹ https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info.do?licence=80108814

DDS-1^® is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S.

Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for almost 150 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 50,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.