Globally, one in two consumers have purchased probiotic products in the past year, with digestive and immunity benefits among the driving forces. However, it can be confusing to know which probiotics are best, especially when you don’t know your bacteria from your colonies. We chat with the team from Nurture, a probiotics-led supplements brand in Singapore, to find out more about how these tiny powerhouses can address key health concerns, improve gut health and revitalise from within.
The relationship between gut health and our overall wellbeing is no fleeting health trend. Created in New Zealand, this range of probiotics-led supplements is backed by almost 100 years of research and expertise in the field of microbial cultures, with parent company Fonterra’s Microbial Fermentation Unit (MFU) opening back in 1927!
Probiotics in Singapore – FAQ
Let’s start off with probiotics and gut health – what do we need to know?
Probiotics are helpful living microorganisms. When you consume enough of them, they can have a beneficial effect on your body and health and help keep the bad bacteria in your gut in check.
What happens when you neglect your gut health?
The gut plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption and immune system function, so not giving it the attention it deserves can have consequences for your health. From digestive issues and nutrient absorption, to a weakened immune system, mental health concerns and dreaded inflammation, it pays to have these microbial allies on our side in our day-to-day lives.
Any tips on choosing probiotics in Singapore?
It’s important that the strains of whichever formulation you choose have been tested for their safety, stability in the gut and effectiveness. As members of both the International Probiotics Association (IPA) and the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), the probiotics used by Nurture have US FDA GRAS status and studies showing no adverse effects, the strains are proven to survive in the harsh conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract, and there is scientific evidence to document various health benefits of the probiotics used in our formulations. Plus, they don’t contain lots of sugar or artificial flavours, and they’re lactose-free.
Can you tell us about the strains that your formulations use?
Over 20 years ago, Fonterra’s MFU began screening more than 2,000 bacterial strains to identify potential probiotics. Through vigorous testing and extensive research, we discovered two unique precision-fermented probiotic strains – HN001 and HN019.
How do we know which gut health solution is right for us?
A dual-benefit probiotics supplement in Singapore, each Nurture variant comes with a vitamins and minerals bundle. Choose from Digestion + Immunity with zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D to support your immunity, Digestion + Energy with vitamin B12, iron and magnesium to help reduce tiredness and fatigue and Digestion + Focus with vitamin B5, iron + zinc to support mental clarity. Simply add to water, stir and enjoy!
Besides taking a high-quality probiotic, what else can you do to boost your microbiome?
A balanced diet rich in fibre is an important lifestyle factor for a happy gut, along with staying hydrated, managing stress and getting enough sleep.
Sorry this is on hold until November 2024.
This article on probiotics in Singapore first appeared in the April 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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