Generation next: HMOs could be a new category of prebiotics in the market – NUS-AMILI study
Singapore biotech startup AMILI is studying how HMOs could potentially support neurological function, immune, and metabolic health.
The study is funded by ingredients firm dsm-firmenich with the aim of advancing Asia’s gut health research.
According to Dr Germaine Yong, AMILI’s lead scientist, HMOs can for instance, drive the production of key metabolites such as GABA and tryptophan which all play a role in neurological functions.
High-fibre diets can reduce risk of atopic dermatitis, house dust mite allergies in Chinese adults: Singapore-Malaysia study
Chinese adults in Singapore and Malaysia who consume high-fibre diets are less likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis and allergies to house dust mites.
This is according to a study conducted by the National University of Singapore and Sunway University. Findings were published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
The study analysed the dietary habits and allergic outcomes of 13,561 adults aged 22 on average, using data from the Singapore / Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study.
Arjuna Natural’s ashwagandha shows efficacy in stress, anxiety relief at low dose
Low-dose ashwagandha supplementation can help reduce stress and anxiety, according to a new study published in Heliyon.
Conducted in India, the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 60 healthy adults facing higher-than-normal levels of stress and anxiety.
Following 60 days of intervention, it was found that ashwagandha at 120mg daily and a lower dose of 60mg has significantly reduced cortisol levels as compared to the placebo group.
Science and research: Find out the top 10 most-read stories of year 2024
Research news looking at the safety and quality of nutraceuticals were some of the most-read stories in year 2024, as well as new findings on the benefits of probiotics and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
One of the most-read stories was a study which claimed that mislabelling and contamination were rife in protein powder sold across India.
Another one was a research which found that commercially available NMN supplements have failed to meet label claims.
A sharper Asian focus: Five studies to explore HMOs, postbiotics in APAC populations
dsm-firmenich is funding five projects in Asia that study the effects of HMOs and postbiotics on immunity, metabolism, ageing, and mental health.
Each project will receive €50k (USD52,749) to support 18 months of research.
According to dsm-firmenich, the aim is to address the lack of microbiome data specific to Asians, as well as mitigate knowledge gaps on the impact of gut microbiome at critical life milestones.
