We are delighted to announce that The Prebiotic Company Ltd and our innovative functional prebiotic fibre-infused water - ió fibrewater - together with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) have been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Scottish Knowledge Exchange Innovation of the Year award 2023 for our collaborative study.
This exciting study with GCU food scientists Dr John Butcher and Dr Ryan Kean found that within 48 hours several healthy gut microbes (probiotics) increased significantly with ió fibrewater compared to regular flavoured water.
Dr Butcher said: “The food science research team at Glasgow Caledonian University has had a long-standing interest in gut health and the impact of the gut microbiota on general health and wellbeing.
“We were really excited to investigate the prebiotic properties of ió fibrewater by researching the effect of this formulation on traditional and novel probiotic bacteria and yeasts.
“We found that the prebiotic blend of ió fibrewater increased the viability of Lactobacillus species, Bacillus coagulans, and Saccharomyces boulardii, while initial studies on Bifidobacterium have shown similar promise.
“This indicates that ió fibrewater is likely to promote the growth of these healthy bacteria and yeasts in the gut. This is excellent in and of itself and is outstanding when combined with the product's organoleptic qualities.”
You can read more about this collaboration in the GCU press release GCU food scientists drink in success.
ió fibrewater = Innovation + Impact
Dr Butcher and Dr Kean, who are lecturers in the School of Health and Life Sciences' Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department and key researchers in the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), are delighted at the news.
Dr Butcher said: “These awards are a celebration of the innovations driven by Scottish businesses and Universities. We’re delighted that our partnership has been shortlisted for the Innovation of the Year award. It’s been a fantastic collaboration.”
What is prebiotic fibre?
Prebiotic fibre is the special (and essential) type of fibre that feed probiotics - helping to flourish and grow, ultimately creating a happier, healthier gut microbiome.
There are over 4,000 research papers showing the positive effects of prebiotic fibre regarding a wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular health, obesity, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and digestive health.
ió fibrewater is the UK's first prebiotic fibre-infused water that delivers 100% of your daily prebiotics and 20% of your daily fibre in one bottle.
You can find out more about prebiotics on our blog 'What is prebiotic fibre?'
Research & development
Research and development play a pivotal role in everything we do.
After two years of research and development, in May 2022, we launched our unique, innovative functional water - ió fibrewater - in two natural flavours: Lemon & Lime and Strawberry.
There's something special in ió fibrewater...
When we (The Prebiotic Company Ltd) won the prestigious Scottish Edge Wild Card award for innovation, we started to realise that we might have possibly created something rather special. 😊
We knew that the chicory root fibre we use in ió fibrewater has two authorised health claims in the UK and EU for proper gut function and lowering and slowing blood glucose rise (which we are allowed to use on our label and marketing). But we weren’t prepared for the incredible results our ió lover customers were experiencing.
Soon after our launch, reviews from people sharing how our innovative water was helping them with digestive health issues, thyroid, sleep, mood, energy, weight…Wow.
You can read our story here.
A celebration of innovation
“We are delighted and honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award with Glasgow Caledonian University.
“The findings of our study proved the significant impact ió fibrewater could have on millions of people's health and well-being.” Alyssa Reid, Head of Partnerships and Business Development.
We are among 22 nominees shortlisted in the eighth Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards. The showcase of impactful collaborations and individuals highlights the remarkable achievements which have the potential to create positive change in Scotland and beyond.
The winner of the Innovation of the Year award at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, the annual celebration of business-academic partnerships hosted by Interface in Dundee, will be announced Thursday, 23 March 2023.
