Sweet Shield: Enhancing Oral Health with Bioactive HETAFU Candies in Adults - A Dose-Dependent Study

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Functional foods
• Microbiome modulation

Background:

• Functional foods with probiotics and other bioactive compounds are explored for oral health benefits.
• HETAFU candies are functional foods designed to modulate the oral microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of consuming two versus five HETAFU candies daily on oral microbial levels over eight weeks.
• To evaluate the dose-dependent impact of HETAFU candy consumption on key oral bacteria and fungi.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 200 participants divided into two groups (2 or 5 candies/day).
• Microbial levels of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Actinomycetes, and Candida were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
• Statistical analysis using Z scores and P values determined microbial changes.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant reductions in Streptococcus mutans and Candida.
• A decrease in Lactobacillus and Actinomycetes was observed in both groups over time.
• The group consuming five candies daily exhibited greater microbial shifts, indicating enhanced oral microbiome modulation.

Conclusions:

• Higher consumption of HETAFU candies (five/day) offers superior benefits in reducing pathogenic microbes compared to moderate intake (two/day).
• A dose-dependent relationship exists, with increased HETAFU candy intake providing additional protective effects against oral microbial imbalances.
• HETAFU candies show promise as an adjunct to traditional oral hygiene practices.