Journal of Animal Science Publishes ADM's Canine Clinical Trial Exploring the Microbiome Effects of BPL1™

Probiotic and postbiotic supplementation demonstrates gut health effects in adult dogs

CHICAGO—ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, announces the publication of its first-in-species study of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (BPL1™)1 on adult dogs by the Journal of Animal Science. This pioneering study examined the effects of daily supplementation of both the live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms of BPL1™ on canine health.

According to recent ADM global consumer research, 55% of U.S. pet owners have purchased biotics at least once a year because of a professional recommendation². In many cases, they use biotics to support their pet's digestive or gastrointestinal concerns².

"The popularity of functional ingredients has increased as pet owners seek ways to improve the health and wellness of their pets, yet limited research has been conducted regarding the use of probiotics and postbiotics and their effects on canine health," said Sophie Nixon, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Well-being at ADM, who oversaw the trial.

For this exploratory study, 18 adult beagles and 18 adult English pointers were used in a 3-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, with 12 animals per group. Following a 60-day adaptation period in which dogs were fed a standard diet alone, the dogs were then supplemented with either probiotic or postbiotic BPL1™ or an identical placebo alongside their standard diet for 90 days. Measurements were taken to assess outcome measures relating to a variety of health areas, including fecal fermentative end products and microbiome, insulin sensitivity, serum gut hormones, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and white blood cell gene expression.

Improvements were observed in fecal short-chain fatty acids, as well as changes in microbiome composition and the functional metagenome, when compared to placebo control. Data from the trial shows that both the live and heat-treated forms of BPL1™ can safely be supplemented in healthy adult dogs and support several aspects of gut health. A further clinical study is ongoing to assess additional physiological outcomes, with a focus on metabolic health.

"Groundbreaking science such as this canine trial spurs development of ADM's functional ingredients across human, pet and animal nutrition," said Mark Lotsch, ADM's President of Global Health & Wellness. "Beneficial outcomes and ingredient stability of our award-winning BPL1™ solution have been repeatedly demonstrated in previous human clinical trials. We are thrilled to also see promising results for pet health applications."

Because heat-treated BPL1™ has a similar effect to live BPL1™ in healthy adult dogs, pet product formulators will have greater flexibility through the manufacturing and supply process, as they don't need to make adaptations for living microorganisms³. Notably, extreme heat from extrusion and baking common in pet food processing can diminish the efficacy of live probiotics. As inanimate microorganisms, postbiotics can confer a health benefit on the host despite these challenging conditions.

Learn more about ADM's extensive range of science-backed microbiome solutions for pets here.

¹BPL1® is a trademark registered for Biopolis, S.L. in the EU and other countries
²ADM Outside Voice℠
³Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm permissibility of ingredients for each category

About ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We're a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We're a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We're a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new consumer and industrial solutions. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize the multiple industries we serve. Around the globe, our innovation and expertise are meeting critical needs while nourishing quality of life and supporting a healthier planet. Learn more at www.adm.com. 

ADM Media Relations
Jackie Anderson
media@adm.com 
312-634-8484