ADM Pioneers Groundbreaking Study Demonstrating Improvements in Cat Digestive Health

ADM Pioneers Groundbreaking Study Demonstrating Improvements in Cat Digestive Health

1/29/2025

A recent clinical trial indicates that a diet supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (PRIOME® Gut Health) and Fibersol®-2 can improve intestinal health in cats. 

CHICAGO – ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced the publication of a pioneering study on the effects of postbiotic heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347* (PRIOME® Gut Health**) combined with Fibersol®-2† (Pet Fibersol®), a soluble dietary fiber, in Animals, a prestigious scientific journal. The study demonstrated that supplementing heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 with Fibersol®-2 significantly improved the intestinal health of adult cats before and after a diet change.

Postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (PRIOME® Gut Health) has been shown to enhance gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, thereby improving gastrointestinal health during dietary changes. Fibersol®-2 (Pet Fibersol®) further supports digestive health by increasing beneficial bacteria levels while offering additional benefits such as a low glycemic index, reduced body fat, and improved adaptation to high-protein diets with better odor control. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to improve intestinal health and overall well-being in cats.

Mark Lotsch, President of Global Health & Wellness at ADM, said, "We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets' overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes. Insights from this study will open new doors for creating innovative pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance."

The research collaboration between ADM's R&D and China Agricultural University involved 24 cats at the Pet Nutrition Research Center in Beijing, China, over a period of 28 days. The cats were divided into two groups, each consisting of 12 cats (6 males and 6 females in each group). From day 1 to day 14, both groups of cats were fed lower protein diet (33%) (LPF). The treated group received a supplement of 0.16% functional additives, including Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Fibersol®-2, while the control group did not receive this supplement. From day 15 to day 28, both groups switched to higher-protein diet (40%) (HPF) and the treated group continued to receive the same supplement. 

Cats that received the supplement showed significant improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a marker of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change. Following the diet change, supplemented cats also had increased secretary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) compared to the control group, indicating enhanced immune function, and beneficial changes in the microbiome, including increased abundance of Blautia and increased microbial beta diversity.

Additionally, while both groups showed an increase in fecal pH, the treated group had a notably lower pH compared to the control group. This difference may be explained by the higher levels of Blautia, a beneficial bacterium that produces organic acids like lactic acid, helping to regulate intestinal pH levels. 

Read more about the clinical study in Animals and find out more about ADM's extensive range of science-backed microbiome solutions here.

*Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT 7347 strain, as a postbiotic, is used under license/sublicense from CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) by ADM or its affiliates.
**PRIOME® is a trademark registered for ADM or its affiliates in the EU and other countries.
†FIBERSOL®-2 is a registered trademark of Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. used under license. 

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
Aurelie Giles
media@adm.com