Novel bioactives for gut barrier function in IBS-D

Study objective

Using novel AI technology, this study identifies two bioactive ingredients (NCT and NFT) that demonstrated promising effects on gut barrier integrity in laboratory settings. To evaluate whether these effects could be replicated in humans, a clinical trial was conducted.

How does it address a real-world gut health problem?

Gut barrier function is crucial for overall health. Poor integrity—often referred to as “leaky gut”—is associated with both gastrointestinal and systemic conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that impaired gut barrier function is prevalent in individuals with IBS-D and may contribute to symptom severity. Currently, there is limited clinical evidence supporting products that improve gut barrier function, especially non-pharmaceutical options for IBS-D. This study aimed to assess whether NCT and NFT could improve gut barrier function and alleviate symptoms in IBS-D patients.

Study design

Type of trial: Double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Sample size and population: 32 participants meeting ROME IV criteria for IBS-D

Duration and intervention:

  • 2-week screening period

  • 3-week intervention with either NCT/NFT or placebo, taken once daily

Endpoints

Primary outcome:

Change in gut barrier integrity assessed via the lactulose:mannitol gut permeability test

Secondary outcomes:

  • Blood-based biomarkers: LPS, LBP, Zonulin, CD14, and LCN2

  • IBS symptom severity using the validated IBS-SSS questionnaire

  • Stool frequency, consistency, and daily symptom scores via bowel diaries

  • Safety assessment

Results

  • Statistically significant improvement in gut barrier integrity in the active group vs. placebo

  • Significant reduction in abdominal bloating in the active group vs. placebo

  • Greater reduction in total IBS-SSS scores in the active group compared to placebo

Commercial relevance

The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal. The clinical evidence supports the product’s positioning as a supplement that helps reduce digestive symptoms and maintain gut barrier integrity.

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