A recent study featuring Pomella, a pomegranate extract, was evaluated for its impact on gut microbiome, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and mitochondrial health.
A four-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial evaluated 250mg/day of Pomella in healthy adults between 25-55 years (n=18, predominantly women).
It looked for beneficial effects on the gut microbiome, circulating short-chain fatty acids and gut-microbial derived ellagitannin metabolites, namely urolithins, using whole genome sequencing for gut microbial analysis.
The results revealed that gut functional analyses are consistent with circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), reinforcing the idea that Pomella supplementation improves SCFA levels by influencing the gut microbiome.
These results imply that consuming Pomella pomegranate extract promotes a healthier gut and improves gut-body communication.
Expanding on these findings, researchers highlighted significant changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) pre and post Pomella extract supplementation.
They also observed a 162% rise in propionate levels (p = 0.02) and a 38% increase in acetate levels (p = 0.12) following Pomella supplementation.
Moreover, the study noted an increase in certain species such as Coprococcus eutectus, Roseburia faecis, Roseburia inulinivorans, Ruminococcus bicirculans, Ruminococcus calidus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Methanobrevibacter smithii, and Collinsella aerofaciens within the Pomella group.
This suggests that ellagitannins from pomegranate may trigger changes in these bacteria, potentially influencing overall health by affecting short-chain fatty acids, secondary metabolites, and the synthesis of urolithin A.
“It is interesting to see how science around Pomella over the last ten years have shifted focus from demonstrating important results on the role of Pomella as a bioavailable antioxidant with several benefits to human health to new exciting findings on gut microbiome support and the link with skin health and overall health.” added Teresita Ruda’, Head of Brands and Marketing at LEHVOSS Nutrition.