Soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, probiotics and enzymes all can play a role in gastrointestinal health. Marketing those benefits to consumers can be challenging.

A British pharmaceuticals firm behind an innovative new chewing gum to help kidney disease sufferers has been snapped up by Swiss food giant Nestlé. 

A new clinical trial study suggests that FenuLife®, marketed by Frutarom Inc., as an aid to improve blood glucose response, is also a safe alternative to pharmaceutical acid-reflux and heartburn medications.

January 31/Montreal/Institut Rosell-Lallemand Press Release -- Institut Rosell-Lallemand, "true to its founders’ commitment to educate people about the science and benefits of probiotics," announced it has supported the first documentary entirely dedicated to the friendly bacteria.

The state Of Washington issued the following press release: Dannon will pay $21 million to settle allegations of illegal advertising brought by 39 attorneys general who could not digest the company's claims about the degree to which its Activia yogurt can improve regularity.

Prebiotic Potential in Cereal December 9/Reading, U.K./Science Letter -- Fresh data on prebiotics are presented in the report "Determination of the in vivo Prebiotic Potential of a Maize-based Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal: A Human Feeding Study." "Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between risk of CVD and intake of whole grain (WG)-rich food.

Immunity has emerged as a prime interest among consumers. At a recent show, one supplier presented tasty beverages, berry-flavored chews and menthol-flavored lozenges to demonstrate the utility and functionality of its immune health ingredient.

Research findings, "Prebiotic Effects: Metabolic and Health Benefits," are discussed in a new report. According to recent research published in the The British Journal of Nutrition, "The different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract are inhabited by populations of micro-organisms.

October 20/London/Indo-Asian News Service -- Probiotic drinks and yogurts, popular with millions of consumers trying to stay healthy, do not really help people's digestion, finds a recent study.

Pulses are the edible seeds of legumes and include peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. The word pulse is derived from the Latin words puls or pultis, meaning thick soup.