A study performed by scientists of Maastricht University and BioActor has provided new clinical and preclinical data from a study with MicrobiomeX.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study shows the potential of MicrobiomeX to improve short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in the intestine. After 12 weeks of daily supplementation, there was a significant shift in the SCFA profile (p=0.022) towards butyrate.
In addition, a reduction in fecal calprotectin levels was observed, a marker of gut inflammation.
Interestingly, a new in-vitro study in the TIM2 model, where fecal samples from volunteers were tested, also showed a strong increase in butyrate production.
These new clinical and preclinical results highlight MicrobiomeX’s potential to support intestinal microbiota of subjects with features of metabolic syndrome.
MicrobiomeX is an active ingredient supporting the gut microbiome, developed by BioActor.
MicrobiomeX is a clinically validated blend of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) extracts. These fruits are naturally rich in flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
MicrobiomeX already showed promising potential to reduce markers of gut inflammation and increase SCFAs in previous in-vitro and ex-vivo studies conducted with this ingredient.
Supplement brands all over the world have adopted MicrobiomeX in their formulations, typically positioned for improving gut microbiome balance and immune system regulation.
Introduction
This study was published in the international journal “Foods”. The western diet and lifestyle may be the leading causes for the development of various metabolic disorders. An overlooked factor is the gut microbiota composition, which should be considered as a factor determining health status.
A healthy gut is related to mental wellbeing and strong immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of MicrobiomeX supplementation on the intestinal microbiome of subjects with metabolic disorder traits.
Methods
Fifty adult subjects with features of metabolic syndrome took part in the study. They ingested 500mg MicrobiomeX or placebo daily for 12 weeks.
Additionally, seven volunteers provided fecal samples that were introduced into a TIM-2 system for further analysis.
The TIM-2 is a computer-controlled model in an anaerobic environment that replicates the appropriate conditions for microbial growth in the human colon and is able to measure microbiota composition and SCFA production.
Results
A significant shift in the SCFA profile towards more butyrate (p=0.022) was observed in the MicrobiomeX® group after the 12-week supplementation period. An increase in SCFA production was also found in the TIM-2 model, that was mainly due to an increased production of butyrate, acetate and valerate.
Additionally, in the MicrobiomeX group, a trend in calprotectin reduction was observed, which is a marker of gut inflammation. Both in vivo and in vitro data confirm the benefits of MicrobiomeX in gut health, specifically the increased butyrate production and improved SCFA profile.
These findings are in line with previous in vitro results and show that MicrobiomeX can beneficially modulate the gut microbiome.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the great potential of MicrobiomeX in playing a role in gut health modulation. This is indicated by the significant increase in SCFAs, mainly butyrate, and a reduction in calprotectin, as found in the present study.