Groundbreaking ADM Study Demonstrates Improvements in Cat Digestive Health

ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced the publication of a pioneering study on the effects of postbiotic heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347* (PRIOME Gut Health**) combined with Fibersol-2† (Pet Fibersol), a soluble dietary fiber, in Animals, a prestigious scientific journal. The study demonstrated that supplementing heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 with Fibersol-2 significantly improved the intestinal health of adult cats before and after a diet change.

Postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (PRIOME Gut Health) has been shown to enhance gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, thereby improving gastrointestinal health during dietary changes. Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol) further supports digestive health by increasing beneficial bacteria levels while offering additional benefits such as a low glycemic index, reduced body fat, and improved adaptation to high-protein diets with better odor control. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to improve intestinal health and overall well-being in cats.

Mark Lotsch, president of global health & wellness at ADM, said, “We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets’ overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes. Insights from this study will open new doors for creating innovative pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance.”

The research collaboration between ADM’s R&D and China Agricultural University involved 24 cats at the Pet Nutrition Research Center in Beijing, China, over a period of 28 days. The cats were divided into two groups, each consisting of 12 cats (6 males and 6 females in each group). From day 1 to day 14, both groups of cats were fed lower protein diet (33 percent) (LPF). The treated group received a supplement of 0.16 percent functional additives, including Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Fibersol-2, while the control group did not receive this supplement. From day 15 to day 28, both groups switched to higher-protein diet (40 percent) (HPF) and the treated group continued to receive the same supplement.

Cats that received the supplement showed significant improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a marker of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change. Following the diet change, supplemented cats also had increased secretary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) compared to the control group, indicating enhanced immune function, and beneficial changes in the microbiome, including increased abundance of Blautia and increased microbial beta diversity.

Additionally, while both groups showed an increase in fecal pH, the treated group had a notably lower pH compared to the control group. This difference may be explained by the higher levels of Blautia, a beneficial bacterium that produces organic acids like lactic acid, helping to regulate intestinal pH levels.

*Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT 7347 strain, as a postbiotic, is used under license/sublicense from CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) by ADM or its affiliates.
**PRIOME is a trademark registered for ADM or its affiliates in the EU and other countries.
†FIBERSOL-2 is a registered trademark of Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. used under license.