Interview with Michael Omvik-Grotkjaer about ManOliSa®

The Health Ingredients segment of Lallemand Bio-Ingredients has launched a new ingredient called ManOliSa^®. We asked Michael Omvik-Grotkjaer, Commercial Director for Health Ingredients, for some insight into this new product and what it means for the portfolio.

Tell us about the new ManOliSa^® ingredient that you have just launched.

We’re excited to introduce ManOliSa^®! It’s a prebiotic derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast. While it’s not a new molecule, (mannan oligosaccharides have been on the market for some time now), our study expands significantly on its effects in humans.

In our study, participants with slower gut transit reported an increase in their bowel movement frequency back to a normal range, showing that ManOliSa^® promotes regularity.

Importantly, the study also confirms that ManOliSa^® is a true prebiotic according to the specific criteria published by ISAPP, which in itself is an important step forward.

What is the most exciting feature of ManOliSa^®?

Most prebiotics cause bloating and gas, and sometimes even diarrhea. These side effects are rather uncomfortable for the consumer who is aiming to improve their gut health. What’s different with ManOliSa^®, is that it provides efficient relief from slow transit but without the side effects of gas, bloating or diarrhea associated with other prebiotics.

Another non-negligible advantage of ManOliSa^® is that it provides a natural, efficient and safe alternative to some familiar OTC products aimed at maintaining regularity.

What ingredients comprise your “biotics” portfolio?

We have products available that complement each other in all of the biotic categories.

In addition to our ManOliSa^® prebiotic there’s our postbiotic product, Gastro-AD®. It has been studied in over 800 people and is clinically proven to relieve heartburn and acid reflux immediately when taken, while also providing long-term relief against heartburn over time.

Lallemand also produces probiotics. Our sister business unit, Lallemand Health Solutions has been producing probiotics in Quebec and France for more than 90 years.

How does ManOliSa^® fit into your biotics portfolio?

Biotics are becoming better understood and new benefits are being uncovered all the time. It’s also a very broad category so it will be crucial to have the right documentation in place to support our biotics. Having better studies to document their specific effects will help support this category. Eventually, having a range of options will help our supplement customers develop new, scientifically-backed biotic formulations that fit into their business strategy.

What do you think is the next frontier in the health supplement space?

We believe the whole biotics area will continue expanding with new ingredients, and from a regulatory standpoint and scientific perspective.

It will be important to provide the market with documented solutions for effective ingredients for gut health, immunity, women’s health, beauty, mental well-being and more.

What’s next for your Health Ingredients business and portfolio?

We have a strong innovation pipeline and will be developing new vegan and gluten-free fermentation concepts to satisfy our customers’ demands. This process takes time, often several years, but we do have some molecules in the pipeline with excellent potential.  

For the short and mid term, we’re focusing on our existing portfolio. We’re always improving the science behind our ingredients, in order to support our products and customers.