The companyโs recent ex vivo studies shed light on the impact of various mushroom species on gut health. The results are promising for food and beverage formulators seeking prebiotic ingredients.
The studies found that M2โs mushrooms demonstrably boosted the population of good gut bacteria, crucial for overall digestive health, and stimulated the production of butyrate, a fatty acid essential for gut lining protection and reducing inflammation. The company plans to publish a human clinical study to examine prebiotic activity for improved microbiome and brain-gut activity in the fall, Julieย Daoust, chief scientific officer, M2 Ingredients, explained to FoodNavigator-USA during IFT FIRST in Chicago last week.
Further, each mushroom variety appeared to promote the growth of different beneficial bacteria strains, offering a diverse toolkit for targeted gut health applications, Daoust said. Additionally, M2โs proprietary blend of 10 mushroom species exhibited a positive โsynergy โฆ on the microbiome,” she said.
โFocus areas for digestive health is something that a lot of food companies feel very comfortable speaking to, speaking to prebiotic, probiotic โฆ that [are] accepted within food products. We wanted to make sure we had the research to support that for our customers that are in the food space,โ Daoust said.
She added that the versatility of mushrooms provides M2โs customers with a wide range of application options from mushroom coffee and oatmeal to soups and bone broth.
Proprietary, science-backed strains for health solutionsโ
The growing consumer demand for functional beverageโ and food products aligns with M2 Ingredients’ offerings, which include proprietary strains of Lionโs Mane, reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, antrodia, chaga, royal sun agaricus, king trumpet, maitake and shiitake. The company also offers customized blends for its customersโ specific formulation and functional needs including cognitive health, sports performance, immune health, digestive health and overall wellness.
The company offers a range of mushroom varieties with distinct flavor profiles. For example, Lion’s Mane boasts a neutral taste ideal for beverages, while reishiโs slightly bitter notes complement coffee and chocolate applications, Daoust said.
Lion’s Mane, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail are M2 Ingredients’ top-selling varieties, Daoust said. Lion’s Mane caters to the cognitive health market, while cordyceps find favor in the energy and sports performance segment. Reishi traditionally addresses sleep and stress management needs, offering targeted functional beverage possibilities, she added.
M2 Ingredients scales up to meet customer needsโ
The surging popularity of functional mushrooms has prompted M2 Ingredients to invest in significant growth.
The companyโs newly opened facility in Vista, Calif., which features a modular design, has doubled production capacity with โmore room to expand,โ Daoust said.
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