Dietary Dilemmas

    Several research studies point to a clear link between the modern diet and increased incidence of heart and vascular disorders, intestinal problems, and allergies.  Stress-related diseases and the rise in average life expectancy have increased the cost of healthcare throughout the Western World.  The well-being of the individual has become a major socio-economic issue and authorities, researchers, and food manufacturers are showing an increased interest in preventative healthcare.  "Lifestyle" products and functional foods with probiotic bacteria are now considered an important ingredient of modern healthcare.

We know that the modern diet lacks many nutrients.  This is mainly due to the fast pace of modern life, which has increased our intake of "fast food".  Our diet has adequate amounts of energy and protein, but our intake of healthy bacteria, essential fatty acids, fibers, natural antioxidants, and vitamins has steadily decreased or totally disappeared.


Most researchers are in agreement regarding the importance of these nutrients in the "modern" diet.  The positive effects of lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) on intestinal function and the immune system are now widely accepted.  These probiotic bacteria and nutrients essential for optimal immume system function are now being

supplemented in foods, creating a new class of products called "functional foods".

     Medipharm has been working intensively during the past years on research and development of probiotic bacteria for functional foods.The results of numerous experiments have shown that Medipharm produces stable, probiotic cultures that meet the demands of the food and nutrition industries.  More recently, new functional foods have begun to appear on supremarket shelves.

Medipharm is a world leader in the production of bacterial cultures and works in close association with food and supplement manufacturers seeking to develop new functional foods.  This market has rapidly expanded and today, boasts multimillion dollar revenues and an annual growth rate of around 20 %.










A healthy snack.  Delicious stewed fruits such as strawberries or raspberries can be fortified with Medipharm's F19 probiotic bacteria.

Medipharm's Lactobacillus F19 is a robust strain of probiotic bacteria with substantial documentation on its ability to survive passage through the upper G.I. tract, with subsequent colonization of the lower tract.  It also commands an excellent survival rate in many types of foods.  Consequently, because of its durability and livability, it's an excellent candidate for use in functional foods.  The types of functional foods that might contain F19 are really only limited by the imagination.  The following are examples of functional foods containing F19 that are currently under development or marketed.

Can Ice Cream be Healthy?
Definitely!  Probiotic cultures in ice cream is a new concept that ice cream manufacturers are presently working on.  The industry has long shown an interest in beneficial bacteria and there is already ice cream on the market that contains Medipharm cultures to enhance flavor and aroma.  Probiotic cultures will provide ice cream manufacturers with a whole new market!

Yogurts and drinks will all become popular functional food products.  Dairies already have a leading position as producers of lifestyle products.  It will no longer only concern reduced fat content but also the addition of healthy nutrients and ingredients.

By adding probiotic bacteria, immunoglobulins, proteins, and calcium, the dairy industry will increase its share of the functional foods market.

For general inquiries, more information, copies of documented research, or answers to commonly asked questions, contact us!

Tom Wiersum, Product Manager, Food & Nutrition

Call 1-800-397-5689  Ext 209 or e-mail inquiries to:

    twiersum@medipharmusa.com