As the scientific community continues to unravel the complex relationship between the gut, the immune system and the impact of viruses and bacterias in humans, there is an increased focus on nutraceuticals and immunity-related therapeutics in India. Rahul Gupta, Business Head, Nutritional Science, Tata Chemicals explains the key drivers that will boost the nutraceutical segment in an interview with Raelene Kambli
How has the pandemic given a boost to the nutrition business? How is it getting reinvented to suit the current needs?
Nutrition science has established the importance that food plays an important role in ensuring health and wellness. There is a growing understanding of the relationship between macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients and phytonutrients present in our food and the health benefits that they offer. As an example, we are beginning to define not only the quantitative but also the qualitative aspects of proteins that we need. Another illustration is the manner in which we have understood the negative impact of ingredients such as trans-fats and the positive impact of fats that contain omega 3 fatty acids. We have a decent understanding of the role and need for vitamins and minerals and the adverse effects caused by a deficiency.
Consumers’ keenness to build immunity is a relatively new trend and has surged quite dramatically since COVID-19. Since there is no cure or vaccine available for this virus yet, it is but natural for consumers to seek over the counter (OTC) products that help build immunity. However, there is a relatively lesser understanding of how immunity can be built through a regular diet. In recent times, we have begun the journey to unravel the mysteries that shroud the functioning of the human gut, especially how trillions of bacteria that populate the human gut influence our immunity. This is leading to a renewed respect for nutraceuticals such as prebiotics (e.g. Oligofructose or FOS and Oligogalactose or GOS) and their role in facilitating good gut health. A deeper understanding of human metabolic signatures and how these are modulated by the interplay between human gut microbes and human gut cells will help us develop a larger set of prebiotics and other nutraceuticals to enhance and fortify our foods and improve our health in a manner unprecedented till now. Many companies have started leveraging the properties of prebiotics and dietary fibre by developing a variety of applications, in the areas of sugar reduction and fibre fortification, across segments.
What kind of research is needed for better understanding of immunity and nutritional sciences?
Immunity is the state of the body with adequate biological defences to fight infection and disease. As Indians, we possess a large repository of traditional wisdom in nutrition and food science and technology. These two platforms, if combined and used with modern science and technology can provide a variety of solutions that this most critical sector needs. Innovation, Science and Technology are being used to convert this tacit wealth of knowledge and wisdom into modern and contemporary food forms that are modern in look and feel, geographically sensitive, nutritionally balanced and without a taste penalty. A huge proportion of our immune system is actually in our GI (gut immunity) tract, this makes the research in GUT health even more important. In India efforts are underway, beginning with studying the inhabitants of Indian gut universe – Possibly the most diverse in the world. Every species has a specific role to play and collectively responsible for the overall health of bodily functions. With our research, we are finding levers to positively modulate and sustain the overall balance of these species. This new frontier of science is already beginning to take the Centre stage as it offers a holistic approach towards maintaining health and enormous product possibilities. Building on scientific evidence and food application technology is a key imperative.
What are the nutraceutical applications offered by Tata Chemicals? How are they utilised in various sectors?
Backed by a dedicated innovation centre, we offer products and solutions for Human and Animal health in key areas of gut and digestive health (Prebiotics), sugar reduction, fibre addition, vitamins and minerals fortification. Borrowing on the rich manufactu...
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