Research Methods

The microbiome is beautiful yet highly complicated. With every new research study conducted, we’re granted a piece of the puzzle bringing us closer to understanding its influence and connection to the rest of the body. There’s still lots of work to be done.

MSP Starch Products Inc. has made the calculated decision to invest in human clinical trials to evaluate and substantiate the prebiotic effects of Solnul™ resistant starch. While in vitro studies can provide early indications of how a prebiotic might be utilized in the gut microbiome, human behavior and physiology cannot be modeled in test tubes. We use in vitro studies to gain insight where others cannot, including the visualization of Bifidobacterium feeding on resistant potato starch. However, effects on human behavior and physiology must be studied in clinical trials.

We have had the opportunity to work in collaboration with many clinical research and educational institutions to help us on the journey to understanding the full functionality of Solnul™ and its market potential.

Our Partners:

Clinical Studies

Exploring the Effects of RS2 on GI Health

Learn how formulating with a science-backed, multi-functional prebiotic ingredient at low doses can capture the growing demand for prebiotic products

Solnul™ Low Dose Clinical Study, September 2020

All pre-existing resistant starch research focused on supplementation at large doses (>30g), which presented inclusion obstacles into most product formulations.

To solve this, we wanted to prove that lower RS2 doses were also effective at supporting gut microbiome health. We contracted Nutrasource, a leading Canadian research facility, to conduct the study and compile quality human data.

The results confirmed our hypothesis, and so much more!

This study has opened the door to various new RS2 product formulation possibilities and label claims that could span a brand’s entire product portfolio.

Solnul™ Cholesterol Clinical Study, December 2020

We know that prebiotic supplementation presents a potential option to optimize gut microbiome health. Understanding the nuanced relationship between the gut microbiome and human health remains an enigma that Solnul™ aims to solve through clinical research. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between specific intestinal bacteria, prebiotic intake, and cholesterol health of the individual. The findings of this study highlight the potential use of Solnul™ resistant potato starch in personalized nutrition applications, where gut microbiome testing can be used to determine supplementation strategies tailored to fit specific health needs.

Personalized Nutrition

Solnul™ is the only prebiotic on the market capable of utilizing predictive microbiome biomarkers to improve host health. These biomarkers enable a tech-forward approach to the growing demand for personalized nutrition, and consumer interest in proactive health and disease prevention.

By partnering with Solnul™, you’ll be granted access to patent-pending intellectual property, consumer insights, and supporting research.

Next Generation Bacteria

As research on the gut microbiome progresses, new types of bacteria beyond the mainstays Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are emerging as targets to enhance microbial health. Chief among this list is Akkermansia, a genus represented by the single species Akkermansia muciniphilia in humans. Akkermansia has been shown to play a beneficial role in gut barrier function and modulating human weight and metabolism.1 In addition, sufferers of disorders like obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, IBD and IBS have recorded depleted levels of Akkermansia.2

Efforts to stimulate the activity or enhance the abundance of this genus are actively being sought. While previous studies show that Akkermansia growth is associated with host health benefits, the magnitude of Akkermansia increase tends to be modest.3

Solnul™’s Low Dose Clinical Study revealed the highest reported increase in Akkermansia levels in a human clinical study with only 3.5 grams supplementation after 4 weeks. These findings suggest that formulators seeking to develop products for improved barrier function and leaky gut, and metabolic improvements like weight loss and blood glucose management can complement their formulations with 3.5 g of Solnul™, thereby supporting endogenous Akkermansia.

1 Everard et al. 2013. PNAS; Plovier et al. 2017. Nat Med; Depommier et al. 2019. Nat Med
2 Png et al. 2010. Am J Gastroenterol; Everard et al. 2013. PNAS; Halmos et al. 2015. Gut; Halmos et al. 2016. Clin Transl Gastroenterol
3 Blatchford et al. 2017. J Nutr Sci; Hibberd et al. 2019. Benef Microbes; Medina-Vera et al. 2019. Diabetes Metab