Biotics, a growing market

Biotics: What are they?

Biotics, as opposed to abiotics, refer to the living elements or products of living things in an ecosystem, such as animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, protists.

In the food supplements market, biotics are revolutionizing the way we care for our digestive microbiota. Consumers are showing a growing interest in biotics as they understand how the wellbeing of their microbiota relates to their overall immunity, beyond digestion alone.

Biotics: A growing market

The biotics market is growing significantly. In 2023, it is estimated to be worth $51,65 billion, with an annual growth rate of 9,6% until 2032[i]. In France, 34% of food supplements sold in 2024 were probiotics. This reflects their growing popularity among consumers[ii].

Other categories of biotics are also following in the footsteps of probiotics. The prebiotics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8,37% between 2020 and 2025[iii], while postbiotics are gaining ground due to their stability, positive impact on overall well-being and growing interest in microbiota[iv].

An epidemiological study by the Fondazione di Roma revealed that around 40% of the world’s population suffers from gastrointestinal disorders[v], highlighting the importance of biotic solutions to address these public health issues.

Biotics: A growing family

The term “biotic” covers several categories. Some of them are already well known, while others are gradually emerging.

Probiotics [vi] are living micro-organisms that provide numerous health benefits when administered in the right quantities. Not only do they help digest certain indigestible foods, they also produce vitamins and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.

Prebiotics [vii] refer to specific substrates used by host micro-organisms. They help regulate appetite, energy balance and glucose metabolism, while improving digestive function.

Postbiotics [viii] are a more recent form of biotics which are defined as “preparations of inanimate micro-organisms and/or their components” that provide health benefits.

Symbiotics [ix], finally, combine probiotics and prebiotics. This blend offers enhanced protection against pathogens while maximising the benefits of both categories.

Biotics are valuable allies in meeting the growing expectations of consumers when it comes to digestive and immune health.

Consumer of biotics: Who are they?

By analyzing the profiles of biotics consumers, we found that:

• 50% of 25-34 years old have had a doctor explain the microbiota to them, compared to only 26% of 60+ years old[xv].
• In 2022, 32% of people who considered their digestive health to be the most important aspect of their overall health were under 45 years old[xvi].
• Women [xi] are more likely to use these products than men.

In France, most consumers trust probiotics (90%) and consider them useful (89%)[ii]. In addition, 75% of consumers worldwide say they are familiar with probiotics [xii]. Their main reason for taking probiotics is to support their gastrointestinal and immune health, as well as their microbiome.

Biotics: What are they used for exactly?

Biotics have many health benefits and have different formulas for different needs. The main strains are Lactobacillus, which dominates the market, accounting for 65% of all strains used[vi].

Several forms exist:

• GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)[viii].
• Inulin, which accounted for 37,5% of prebiotics consumed in 2019[viii].
• As well as more innovative forms, such as polyphenols and flavanoids, which are beginning to emerge on the market[viii].

Biotics primarily addresses needs related to digestion and intestinal well-being, but its field of action is gradually expanding into more innovative spheres, among them:

• The gut-brain axis, exploring the link between microbiota and mental health.
• Women’s well-being, with products specifically targeting women’s needs.
• Respiratory support[vii].

In 2022, the themes of “immunity” and “digestion” topped the search lists in pharmacies, parapharmacies and on e-commerce sites[xiii]. In France, consumers of probiotics are particularly interested in taking care of their intestinal flora, boosting their immunity and resolving intestinal problems such as difficult digestion or bloating[ii].

Recent regulatory developments for probiotics in France

In 2023, the regulations surrounding probiotics took a major turn with the reintroduction of the term “probiotic“, banned since 2012[xiv]. However, its use is strictly regulated:

• The word can now be used as a category name only.
• Food supplements must contain between 10⁷ and 10⁹ living cells of a strain per day to claim this designation.
• The only claim authorized on the label is that it helps balance intestinal flora.

Elitepharm, your industrial partner for biotics

Elitepharm Laboratoires has a solid expertise in the industrial constraints related to the manufacture of biotics. Our experience allows us to meet the challenges specific to this field.

We are open to biotics projects, while remaining particularly vigilant when it comes to probiotics. Because the ingredients are delicate to work with, we approach these projects with caution and reflection: we conduct a rigorous analysis of each request in order to determine whether it is feasible or not. If we think it is, we then adapt our formulation and manufacturing processes to ensure that they meet the specific needs of probiotics.

Thanks to this rigorous approach and our commitment to excellence, we ensure reliable and innovative solutions to meet your specific needs.

[i] Actif’s Mag, Hors-Série Special Issue #2, 2024
[ii] Observatoire 2024, Synadiet
[iii] Mordor Intelligence, Le marché des prébiotiques, 2017-2029
[iv] NBJ, Condition specific issue 2022, New Hope Network
[v] Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study. Gastroenterology, 160(1), 99-114.e3.
[vi] ISAPP, Probiotics, 2014
[vii] ISAPP, Prebiotics, 2017
[viii] ISAPP, consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics, 2021
[ix] ISAPP, Synbiotics, 2020
[x] CHR Hansen, Consumer insights, 2022
[xi] Nutrition Business Journal, 2022
[xii] Nutraceuticals World, A deeper dive into the world of postbiotics, 2021
[xiii] IQVIA, Panels pharmacies, parapharmacies & e-commerce, ventes sell-out année 2022
[xiv] DGCCRF, 2023
[xv] Ipsos, Une personne sur cinq seulement sait précisément ce que signifie le mot microbiote, 2023
[xvi] FoodInsight, Gut Health, 2022