Since 2004, she has been responsible for new product development, clinical studies and intellectual property development for AIDP. She has been actively involved in the discovery and commercialization of KoAct. Dr. Gu received her PhD in experimental pathology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her post-doctoral work at the California Institute of Technology in the Division of Biology. She published extensively in peer-reviewed journals including Nature during her academic life. She holds multiple patents and is a frequent contributor to nutritional journal articles.
 

Health E-Insights: What is XOS?
 
Dr. Gu: PreticX Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) is a non-digestible Non-GMO Project Verified ingredient that boosts levels of beneficial bacteria in the human gut and acts as an effective soluble prebiotic fiber. PreticX increases Bifidobacteria significantly at a low dosage and has a preferable tolerance profile. XOS is supported by peer reviewed clinical publications and FDA examined regulatory status. PreticX is sourced from corncob whereby the end result of the manufacturing process yields ethanol which can be used as a renewable source of energy and thus contribute to the sustainability of any enterprise.
 
Health E-Insights: Tell our readers about the recent UCLA XOS bifidobacteria study.
 
Dr. Gu: The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, to determine the tolerance and effects of the prebiotic Xylooligosaccharide on the composition of human colonic microbiota, pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in order to determine whether significant changes in the microbiota would be achievable without side effects. PreticX preferably activated Bifidobacteria at a very low dosage of 1.4 g/day. PreticX seems to support the right ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, as demonstrated by the most representative strands in the Phyla. PreticX has very low side effects due to its smaller dosage. PreticX was tolerated without significant gastrointestinal side effects.
 
Health E-Insights: There were several prestigious doctors involved in this study. What was their motivation to participate?
 
Dr. Gu: The three researchers are experts in the nutrition field. The interest in finding beneficial human nutrition that can help prevent or reduce the epidemiological problems present in the U.S. population is the impetus that motivates these scientists. Dr. David Heber, founding director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, a Professor of Medicine and Public Health, the founding chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition in the Department of Medicine, Dr. Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD, professor of Clinical Medicine, clinical nutrition associate chief of Clinical Nutrition at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and Dr. Finegold, professor of medicine, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics UCLA School of Medicine, have been pioneers in discovering the functions of many nutritional ingredients that are now widely popular in the market. Together these scientists have a vested interest in contributing to the health of humans using substantiated clinical findings. They saw the potential that XOS has to contribute to that cause, especially after the results of the first study.
 
Health E-Insights: Why does XOS appear to be such a promising prebiotic?
 

Dr. Gu: The low dose required and lack of gastrointestinal side effects makes the use of XOS unique as a desirable prebiotic supplement. The UCLA study demonstrated that PreticX increases the count of Bifidobacterium without increasing the counts of Lactobacillus in healthy adults. This result suggests a change of the microbiota to the right groups of bacterial populations and may be beneficial in reducing the metabolic abnormality.
 
Health E-Insights: What is your company’s competitive advantage regarding this ingredient?
 
Dr. Gu: We offer a branded, efficacious prebiotic ingredient to support digestive health at a competitive price range, published clinical studies conducted by reputable scientists as well as strong regulatory status.
 
Health E-Insights: How does your strategic partnership with Life Bridge International play a role with XOS?
 
Dr. Gu: AIDP and Life Bridge work together to support the sales, marketing and product development of XOS in the U.S.    
 
Health E-Insights: What is the sales status of this product in the U.S.? 
 
Dr. Gu: XOS was introduced to the market in 2015. Since the launch, we have received tremendous response from the industry with several companies considering using XOS in their product formulations in the near future.
 
Health E-Insights: What are some products that have XOS in their formulation?
 
Dr. Gu: In the US, XOS is available in vegetarian capsules. Due to its versatility, XOS is being considered for multiple formulations. In Asia, where prebiotic benefits are the gospel, XOS is used in a wide array of products including yogurt, instant drink mixes, soybean beverages, beer and vinegar. XOS can be adapted for most formulations including dairy products, beverages, and salad dressings to sports nutrition powders and bars.
 
Health E-Insights: Is there one message to the supplement industry that you would want to promote?
 
Dr. Gu: XOS is a non-GMO verified prebiotic ingredient which is effective at low doses, causes minimal gastrointestinal effects and which has a production method where the end product is a renewable source of energy.
 
Sheldon Baker is well-known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. He serves as vice president strategic engagement for the American Herbal Products Association. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at Sheldon@NutraInk.com. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.