Oral health probiotics NPD: BLIS Technologies explores concepts for pregnant women and chemo patients

One of its newest concepts looks at combining vitamin D and one of its flagship strain BLIS M18 (Streptococcus salivarius M18​) for supporting oral health among pregnant women. 

Risk of gum diseases and tooth decay increases during pregnancy due to hormonal change and the company, which owns consumer brands and runs a private-label and ingredient supplier arm, believes this is a market gap which it could fulfil.

Speaking to NutraIngredients-Asia ​at Vitafoods Asia 2024, Kelda Hunter, marketing lead said that there was growing demand for science-backed holistic solutions.

“Consumer knowledge of the microbiome is growing and there is increased demand for holistic solution that are clinically studied and backed with evidence,”​ she said.

In terms of prenatal oral health, she cited a study published in Nutrients last year​​ which reported the “potential influence of prenatal vitamin D on dental health in children.”​

BLIS M18, on the other hand, supports teeth and gum health by producing proteins known as “Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS)” and are said to target and inhibit bad bacteria.

A recent study published in July in Dentistry Journal​​ reported that three-month supplementation of BLIS M18 has led to a significant reduction in gingival bleeding and biofilm accumulation among individuals with gingivitis.

Other concepts of interest include the combination of vitamin C, D, and BLIS M18 for immunity, as well as BLIS M18, BLIS K12 (Streptococcus salivarius K12​), and vitamins for oral health.

Earlier on, the company also launched a product targeted at improving immunity among athletes.  

“Athletes undergo high intensity training which has been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome and they are also at a higher risk of upper respiratory tract infection,”​ said Hunter.

Commercially available as Elite Pro, the product contains BLIS K12, which claims to support natural immune defences “by inhibiting and crowding out bad, illness-causing bacteria​” from the mouth and throat.

The product was also distributed to New Zealand athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics this year.

Meanwhile, the company also notices a higher demand among the older demographic for oral health probiotics arising from implants and dentures use. 

For chemo patients ​

There is also potential for oral health probiotics designed for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. 

This is based on a recent study which showed how BLIS K12 could alleviate oral mucositis – a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.

Oral mucositis is characterised by redness (erythema), swelling, and ulcerations of the oral mucosa and can lead to an inability to swallow in severe cases.

Hunter said that there has been queries from oncologists for their products in alleviating oral mucositis, especially among children receiving cancer treatment.

A RCT​ involving 160 individuals undergoing radiotherapy showed that BLIS K12 has led to a reduction in the incidence, duration, and severity of oral mucositis.

It was also observed to have suppressed pathogens while promoting the growth of good bacteria.  

For its upcoming clinical trial, the company plans to compare the benefits between using synbiotics and BLIS K12 versus only using BLIS K12 in alleviating oral mucositis.