Unlocking the power of fermented ingredients, how they impact bioavailability and how Vantage Nutrition can assist.

Fermented ingredients are a nutritional hot topic. These bioactive powerhouses provide enhanced nutritional absorption and a variety of health benefits; combining science with excellent product development to change the way we eat.

This blog will discuss fermented ingredients, the science of bioavailability and how Vantage Nutrition is bringing these benefits to the masses.

How to understand fermented ingredients.

At its heart, fermentation is a process where organisms such as fungi, yeast, and bacteria digest starches and sugars to produce simpler substances. This preserves food and improves the nutritional profile of food.

Some common fermented ingredients include:

• Probiotics: Found in yogurt, kefir and supplements, and aids in gut health.
• Fermented fruits and vegetables: Kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Fermented soy products: For example, miso and tempeh contain plant-based protein and helpful enzymes.
• Fermented teas: Like kombucha (probiotic/antioxidant).

The science of bioavailability: the importance of fermented ingredients.

Bioavailability is the percentage of nutrients that the body can soak up and utilize. It is not simply what you eat but the way your body uses it. Fermentation increases bioavailability, or how readily nutrients reach the body.

How does fermentation improve bioavailability?

1. Complex nutrients breaking down: Fermentation simplifies complex compounds that are easier for the body to digest.
2. Making beneficial compounds: Fermentation makes bioactive substances such as amino acids, peptides and antioxidants which promote health.
3. Elimination of antinutrients: Substances such as phytates and oxalates that inhibit nutrient absorption are broken down during fermentation.

Fermented foods provide nutrients in easily absorbed forms, compared to non-fermented foods e.g. isoflavones are more readily available in fermented soy and fermented milk.

From gut to glow: amazing health benefits of fermented ingredients. 

Fermented ingredients are not just for digestion – they benefit your gut and skin too!

1. Improved gut health and digestion.

Fermented food items are loaded with probiotics, the friendly bacteria that maintain gut flora. A healthy gut supports digestion, nutrient absorption and aids in bloating.

2. Enhanced immune function.

The gut contains much of the immune system. Fermented ingredients support the microbiome, which supports immunity.

3. Absorption of nutrients is increased.

Fermentation provides more of the nutrients B and K, iron and zinc your body needs.

4. Benefits for mental health.

New research links gut health to brain health. Fermented foods may moderate mood and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression through the gut-brain link.

Whether it’s a stronger immune system, better digestion or a brighter outlook, fermented ingredients have health benefits beyond the plate.

Fermented versus high availability: understanding the differences.

In nutrition, high availability means that nutrients are absorbed without additional processing or breakdown. Although bioavailability is enhanced by fermentation, not all high-availability foods are fermented. For example, some supplements provide nutrients in pre-absorbed form.

Fermented ingredients versus other high-availability sources.

• Fermented ingredients: Naturally increase nutrient absorption through enzymatic activity.
• Non-fermented high-availability sources (NFS): Many deliver bioavailable nutrients through chemical or technological processes.

Vantage Nutrition addresses both these sources by including both approaches in their product formulations, to ensure consumers get the best of both worlds.

Vantage Nutrition: pioneers of fermented foods.

Bioavailability and efficacy are Vantage Nutrition’s top priorities for all products. Their approach to fermented ingredients melds traditional wisdom with modern science.

Sourcing and formulating.

• Rigorous sourcing: Ingredients are chosen for quality.
• Innovative processes: Vantage Nutrition utilizes advanced fermentation techniques to extract maximum nutrient potential.
• Balanced formulations: Products combine fermented ingredients with other high-availability nutrients for a healthy diet.

With a focus on sustainability and bioactivity, Vantage Nutrition sets the gold standard for the use of fermentation in modern nutrition.

How to incorporate fermented ingredients to your diet.

It is easy and rewarding to add fermented ingredients to your routine. Here are a few practical tips to get started:

1. Start small.

Introduce things like yogurt, kefir or pickles into your meals.

2. Try the supplements.

Look out for high-quality fermented ingredients in your supplements.

3. Diversify your choices.

Add in fermented foods from kombucha to tempeh for a rainbow of nutrients.

4. Balance your diet.

Fermented foods are helpful but should be consumed alongside fresh fruits and lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables.

5. DIY fermentation.

Create your own fermented food from home – try making kombucha or sauerkraut.

Conclusion

The rise of fermented ingredients in nutrition is no passing trend – they have so many health and wellness benefits. From increased bioavailability to improved digestion, fermentation has the power.

Vantage Nutrition is a leader in making the best of fermented ingredients available to our clients, to allow them to craft innovative and effective products. Add fermented foods and supplements to your diet for added health benefits and nutrition power today!