The Muscle Mag
The upcoming product, to be introduced as Oyfusion or Yue Le Wei (悦乐维) in Chinese, features Probi’s probiotic blend known as Probi®Osteo.
This blend consists of three probiotic strains – Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 (HEAL9™), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL19, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2. It has been clinically proven to enhance bone health by increasing bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
This is Probi’s initial foray into the sports nutrition probiotic market, developed in partnership with Sinopharm Foreign Trade.
Prior to this, the two companies have collaborated on various projects, including raw materials distribution and the creation of products under different brands.
For instance, CareBree was launched in November 2022, a solid beverage containing probiotics to aid iron absorption in women. Other products include GetRock aimed at bone health in adults over 50 and Feelgoo to support immunity.
Their latest collaboration involves a solid beverage designed to alleviate joint pain and expedite exercise recovery. It also contains a plant selenium complex from Jiangsu Selenium Research, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
“There is a gap in China’s nutrition market for a product that can support seniors who want to lead an active lifestyle, engage in activities like jogging, and take care of their health as they age,” Karen Ong, head of APAC at Probi, stated to NutraIngredients-Asia.
Furthermore, bone health, especially osteoporosis, is a significant health concern among Chinese consumers.
Data from a 2018 survey revealed a prevalence of osteoporosis in China, with rates increasing with age.
The demand for bone health products in China is evident, as highlighted by consumer health company Haleon’s revenue growth in the region.
Interest in probiotics for bone health across APAC
Apart from China, Ong notes South Korea as a promising market for probiotics that support bone health due to consumer awareness and understanding of probiotics beyond gut health benefits.
India, on the other hand, is an emerging market for bone health probiotics, with pockets of consumers exhibiting good knowledge and interest in probiotic products.
Ong highlighted India’s diverse market segments and increasing awareness of probiotics’ benefits among certain consumer groups.
Other opportunities in China
In addition to bone health probiotics, functional foods, cognitive function, mood, and metabolic health probiotics show growth potential in China.
Probiotics integrated into functional foods have gained traction in China, with consumers seeking products with health benefits.
The company is exploring opportunities in cross-border e-commerce to introduce probiotic products into China without stringent regulatory requirements.
Ong emphasized the growing interest in gut health probiotics and the potential in mood and metabolic health segments.
The company’s product Probi®Sensia, aimed at cognitive health, has garnered interest post-COVID, prompting discussions with potential partners.
Research is ongoing in the field of metabolic health, targeting conditions like high blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and obesity.
