Over the course of 2022, Prepared Foods developed dozens of articles, podcasts, videos and infographics about food and beverage product development in the immunity space. Here six items that the Prepared Foods community found most compelling in the past year.

Scientists in the field have found that the microbial community, or microbiome of the gut, affects not only gastrointestinal health, but has links to the brain, immune system and even our circadian clocks. 

ADM’s interactive booth (4.C10) will feature sensorial stations that allow for a deeper dive into the company’s technical expertise and vast library of ingredients, spanning health and wellness solutions, flavors and colors, culinary offerings and more.

The company is increasing global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, with a 90 million Euro investment ($88.9 million USD) in its production plant in Pemuco, Chile. Simultaneously, officials expect plant processing and technology improvements will help the Pemuco operation reduce energy consumption by 35%.

Scientific progress in understanding the human gut microbiome thrills experts in nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Researchers know that diet affects the gut microbiome in ways that benefit health and disease prevention, but they are still discovering the mechanisms of how this happens. New almond research may add another piece to the puzzle. A clinical study investigated how gut microbes break down almonds to produce butyrate, a specific microbiota product associated with several health benefits.

Consumer interest in fermented foods, immune health and gut health has soared, alongside interest in the connection between gut health and the immune system.

The impact of yogurt, probiotics and the gut microbiome has exceeded expectations and been tied to brain, digestive and immune function. 

As science continues to evolve in the understanding of human health, new pathways emerge that are positively affected by botanicals. Ancient traditional applications of herbs, roots, rhizomes, bark, spices, and seeds—as well as fruits and vegetables—are gaining support daily in labs around the world.

Mounting research into causes of dementia and cognitive decline have produced the recognition that two of the potentially modifiable risk factors into these conditions are diet and exercise. In a recent study at King’s College, London 418 adults age 65 and up were tested every two to three years over a 12-year period. Results revealed that cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease were linked to levels of neural stem cell death. Importantly, underlying which was low levels of vitamin D, carotenoids, and lipids