DARWIN selects the probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis to develop “Yox con Mentalis,” Alpina’s new dairy shot product, that also includes vitamin B5, a micronutrient, B12, and choline. This probiotic generates GABA, a neurotransmitter, which plays a significant role in behavior, cognition, and body’s response to stress.

The project was developed through DARWIN’s strategic alliance with Alpina, a leader in the dairy industry in Colombia, and San Antonio Technologies (SAT). Finally, ‘Yox con Mentalis’ was launched in the Colombian market in June 2022, available in a 100g presentation with two special flavors, “green apple” and “red berries”.

Problem

According to the UN, millions of people worldwide have mental health problems, with an estimated one in four experiencing such issues in their lifetime. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of many people, both those who previously suffered from these problems and those who did not, with estimates suggesting the pandemic may have increased global prevalence of depression and anxiety by 25% to 27%.

Solution

According to entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are microorganisms that, in adequate amounts, confer some benefits on intestinal flora, an important factor contributing to human health.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. One of its most notable aspects is its ability to minimize stress and anxiety. An article published in the journal Nature indicates that this neurotransmitter can reduce intrusive and unwanted thoughts that fuel stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, it is also involved in aspects such as vision, sleep, muscle tone, and motor control.

DARWIN selected exclusive strains of Levilactobacillus brevis, a probiotic of interest for its ability to produce GABA, which is part of the added value of the final dairy product ‘Yox con Mentalis’, marketed by Alpina.

Year of Completion: 2022

Success

With the contribution of the probiotics selected by DARWIN, Alpina has been marketing ‘Yox con Mentalis’ since 2022 in two flavors (green apple and red berries) in a 100g format per unit, as well as in multi-flavor packs. This exemplifies the industrial application potential of DARWIN’s activity, in this case in the form of a final consumer B2C product.

Press

• Yox con Mentalis: Alpina’s New Launch – Revista P&M (in Spanish)
• ‘Yox con Mentalis’: Alpina’s New Bet on Mental Performance – ACIS (in Spanish)