When science and
nutrition intersect
Kerry Group (Kerry) and APC Microbiome (APC) recently announced a new two-year partnership that will explore how diet can support cognitive health
This collaboration, according to Kerry, marks a significant step forward in understanding and leveraging the gut-brain axis – a complex system that plays a crucial role in overall health and wellbeing. It is centred on exploring new concepts in gut-brain health, a field that is rapidly gaining attention for its potential to improve both mental and physical wellbeing. Laura Collins, PhD, cognitive health lead for Kerry’s ProActive Health division adds: “The gut-brain axis has come to the forefront in recent years as a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving cognitive health.”
This partnership leverages Kerry’s market reach and product development capabilities with APC’s scientific insights and research excellence. Together, they aim to develop innovative solutions that can support mental health through targeted gut health interventions.
Benefits
The potential benefits of this collaboration are vast. The insights generated from this partnership could lead to the development of new food, beverage and nutraceutical products that offer targeted benefits for the gut-brain axis, addressing issues like stress, anxiety, and cognitive function.
The collaboration between Kerry and APC extends beyond this recent partnership. Recently, APC Microbiome supported Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute (KHNI) in hosting a webinar focused on postbiotics, which is another growing area of interest in gut health.
The webinar (https://khni.kerry.com/news/webinar-postbiotics-in-focus/), which featured insights from Dr Colin Hill, highlighted the importance of postbiotics in overall wellbeing and their potential role in gut-brain interactions.
As the understanding of the gut-brain axis continues to evolve, the Kerry-APC partnership is poised to make significant contributions to this emerging field.
The partners
Kerry has long been at the forefront of innovation in the food and beverage industry. With a presence in over 150 countries, Kerry’s expertise spans the development of cutting-edge ingredients that enhance taste, texture, and nutritional value. It has an extensive health-and-wellness portfolio, which includes solutions designed to improve digestive health, immunity, and cognitive well-being. The company’s ability to bring science-based innovations to the global market makes it ‘an ideal partner for advancing gut-brain health research’, the company states.
APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) is also recognised globally as a leader in microbiome research. Located at University College Cork, its work focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the microbiome and human health. Its pioneering research has led to significant discoveries in the areas of gut health, immunity, and the gut-brain axis. APC’s deep scientific expertise and its ability to translate research into practical health solutions make it a valuable collaborator for industry leaders like Kerry.