Chr Hansen targets dairy players with vitamin K-boosting probiotic
Vitamin K helps the body to absorb calcium into bones and has won a health claim from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that states: "Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones".
Sarita Bairoliya, global marketing manager, told us the company had spent many years developing ‘nu-trish Pro-K’ as it is called, after testing 100s of strains.
The proprietary blend comprises fermenting and probiotic strains, with the kicker being a strain of L. Lactis sub-species cremoris, which ensures a 100ml serving can contain 10 micrograms of Vitamin K2. That level qualifies products to use the EU-approved claims.
The blend is being proposed in two formats – a spoonable yoghurt and a drink in a suggested 150ml mini-bottle. Europe and the Asia-Pacific are initial points of interest.
“Vitamin K is available in foods like natto and butter and cheese but it is not always convenient or healthy to get enough that way, so this is a natural alternative,” Bairoliya told us.
“Bone health is interesting in most parts of the world.”
The blend is comparable in price with regular strains on-market presently.
Bairoliya said one of the reasons the product development phase had taken so long was due to a focus on texture and flavour which had received very positive feedback in final consumer testing.
