ADM has expanded its PRIOME postbiotics portfolio for pets with the addition of PRIOME Joint Health, a heat-treated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30446. According to the company, preliminary in vitro and model organism research indicates the ingredient may support joint health, cartilage function, collagen production, muscle maintenance, gut barrier function and healthy weight management.
ADM said a growing body of research points to an interplay between the gut microbiome and joint health, known as the gut-joint axis. An imbalance of the gut microbiome can lead to increased intestinal permeability, allowing bacteria and related compounds to cross the intestinal barrier and enter systemic circulation. Research suggests this transfer of microbial metabolites may initiate a variety of physiological responses, serving as a possible mechanistic link between the gut microbiome and joint health.
Evidence of this connection has been demonstrated in dogs: a study comparing healthy dogs with those diagnosed with hip or elbow arthritis found measurable differences in gut microbial community composition and reduced bacterial diversity in arthritic animals, supporting the existence of a microbiome-joint axis in canine patients. The findings were published in the journal Cells.
"Joint health is among pet parents' top concerns for their pet's quality of life, as it can affect not only mobility but also energy, healthy aging and activity levels," said Mark Lotsch, global president, Health & Wellness at ADM. "Our postbiotic ingredient is an innovative science-backed solution that can support wellness in a variety of pet-friendly applications, providing pet parents with several convenient and easy-to-use options in pet care."
Because postbiotics are inanimate microorganisms, their efficacy is not reliant on cell viability, and functionality is maintained throughout manufacturing and stability testing. ADM said it validates PRIOME postbiotic functionality across finished product formats including powders, soft chews, baked treats, extruded treats and chews, liquids, dry kibble and wet food. The company said the ingredient can be incorporated into various formula matrices at inclusion rates that do not affect the taste or smell of finished products.
"We combine deep formulation expertise with a robust portfolio of microbiome solutions — including prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics — to help brands bring consumer-driven pet products to market," said James Kyffin, global director, Pet and Animal Wellbeing at ADM. "From custom formulations to market-ready solutions, we enable convenient, on-trend innovations backed by clinically studied ingredients that deliver real value for today's pet parents."
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30446 is an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)-accepted biotic species. ADM is a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)-preferred supplier.
