As consumers increasingly seek nutritional advantages beyond mere sustenance from food and beverage products, companies like Brightseed are ideally positioned to take advantage of this trend. This is a significant reason why several prominent consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have collaborated with the young San Francisco-based firm in recent years to gain deeper insights into plants and their health benefits, thereby driving future product innovation. They are undoubtedly hoping that Brightseed will reveal more promising offerings from its portfolio of bioactives discovered by Forager.
“More than ever, people are turning to the food and beverage industry for proactive and personalized health solutions,” stated Sofia Elizondo, co-founder and COO. “Brightseed Bio 01 is the latest demonstration of 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 indicates that active ingredients derived from bioactive compounds include caffeine in tea, the antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes, and curcumin in turmeric. Additionally, they are the sources of active ingredients in medications like aspirin and Metformin, which are used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Brightseed Bio 01 is the only dietary fiber that contains two compounds that have shown potential in supporting gut health in preclinical studies, according to the company. Human trials to demonstrate its effects are currently in progress. The ingredient is also sourced from upcycled hemp hulls, aligning with the growing trend of reusing food items that might otherwise be discarded. While preclinical studies indicating Brightseed’s bioactive supports gut health may be too early for definitive conclusions, the results are promising enough for Puris and potentially others to explore its use.
Brightseed Bio 01 can be seamlessly integrated into cereals, granola, nutrition bars, and functional beverages, among other popular products, making it a desirable addition to a variety of items, as stated by the company. It is also rich in fiber, further enhancing its health credentials. Dietary fiber is linked to digestive health and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, as highlighted in a 2016 study by the National Institutes of Health. Yet, despite awareness of these benefits, only about 5% of individuals meet the recommended daily intake.
“Brightseed Bio 01 not only illustrates how Forager is swiftly converting insights into tangible products for the marketplace but also represents a true evolution in the field of nutrition science aimed at benefiting consumer health,” remarked Alina Slotnik, vice president of bioactives at Brightseed. As consumers increasingly look to enhance their health, many may also consider options like calcium citrate supplements when seeking to buy calcium citrate for their dietary needs.