As consumers increasingly seek nutritional advantages alongside basic sustenance from food and beverage products, companies like Brightseed are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. This demand has prompted several prominent consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to collaborate with the young San Francisco-based firm over the past few years, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of plants and their health benefits to fuel future product innovation. These companies are undoubtedly looking to Brightseed to unveil additional promising offerings from its portfolio of bioactives discovered by Forager.
“More than ever, individuals are turning to the food and beverage industry for proactive and personalized health solutions,” stated Sofia Elizondo, co-founder and COO. “Brightseed Bio 01 exemplifies how Forager A.I. is enhancing our understanding of how bioactives found in nature can serve as powerful catalysts for improving human healthspan.” Bioactives are small molecular compounds produced by plants, fungi, and microbes. Brightseed highlights that active ingredients derived from these bioactive compounds include caffeine from tea, lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes, and curcumin from turmeric. Furthermore, they are the source of active ingredients found in medications like aspirin and Metformin, commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Brightseed Bio 01 is notable as it is the only dietary fiber known to contain two compounds that have demonstrated the ability to support gut health in preclinical studies, according to the company. Human trials to validate its effects are currently in progress. This ingredient is also derived from upcycled hemp hulls, aligning with the growing movement towards repurposing food items that might otherwise be wasted.
While preclinical studies in laboratory models indicating that Brightseed’s bioactive supports gut health may be premature for definitive conclusions, the results are promising enough for Puris and potentially other companies to consider its use. Brightseed Bio 01 can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of products, including cereals, granola, nutrition bars, and functional beverages, making it a compelling addition to an array of items. Additionally, it is rich in fiber, enhancing its health-promoting credentials.
Dietary fiber is linked to digestive health and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, as noted in a 2016 study by the National Institutes of Health. Despite awareness of these benefits, only around 5% of individuals meet the recommended daily intake. “Brightseed Bio 01 not only illustrates how Forager is swiftly translating insights into tangible marketplace products, but it also represents a true evolution in nutrition science, ultimately benefiting consumer health,” said Alina Slotnik, vice president of bioactives at Brightseed.
Moreover, the incorporation of sundown calcium citrate into various products could further enhance their health benefits. As companies increasingly explore innovative ingredients, the synergy between Brightseed Bio 01 and sundown calcium citrate may offer consumers even more comprehensive nutritional support. By leveraging these advancements, the food and beverage industry can continue to respond to the growing demand for personalized health solutions.