Dr Nigel Plummer
With a doctorate in microbial physiology and a background in antibiotic research and development, Dr Plummer has won numerous awards for his research into using probiotics to prevent and treat health conditions.
An Interview with Dr Nigel Plummer
Specializing in probiotics, Dr Plummer has collaborated with a wide variety of research institutes and universities. He lectures extensively in North America, Europe and the UK.
He developed Lab4 probiotics with his team more than 20 years ago and has since been committed to supporting its efficacy via ongoing research and product development through the ProVen Probiotics brand.
Can you tell us about your background and how and when ProVen Probiotics was founded?
NP: First and foremost, I am a microbiologist, and so probiotics was obviously a field that was always close to my learning and expertise. In 1992, we developed our first probiotic, which was aimed at prevention of diarrhea in baby pigs and calves. In 1998, we developed our first probiotic for humans. For many years, we then provided major supplement brands with our probiotic strains. From 1999, we conducted our first clinical trial in humans – on our proprietary probiotic consortium we call Lab4 – at Cambridge University on antibiotic associated C. difficile diarrhea. We have now conducted 14 additional clinical studies looking at the impact of Lab4 of many aspects of human physiology. In 2012, we decided to launch our own brand incorporating Lab4 in addition to continuing to provide other supplement brands globally with private label probiotic products. This brand was ProVen.
What was the idea behind the company?
NP: To develop the best and most clinically relevant probiotic products and to become recognized as contributing to the academic knowledge base surrounding the microbiome and the use of probiotics.
Which countries do you export to?
NP: Our Lab4 probiotics are sold to all continents in the world (with the exception of Antarctica!). North America is our biggest market overall. The ProVen brand is now present in much of Europe, Asia and in the near future, South Africa, Ecuador, India and Brazil.
How do you ensure you keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments?
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What criteria do you impose in relation to new product development?
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Why do you have so many different products aimed at different user groups?
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Why do you think people need to add probiotics in their daily life?
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Can probiotics enhance the immune system in general?
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There are several probiotic manufacturers and brands on the market. In what way does ProVen differ from other brands?
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How can we choose an effective probiotic from others that are not so effective? What is important to look for to make a conscious choice?
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Some of your products contain added nutrients and vitamins. Why is that?
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What is your future goal and long-term strategy for ProVen Probiotics?
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