Australian researchers develop fiber supplement for people with irritable bowel syndrome
Edith Cowan University researchers tested a fiber blend, ur gut®, that improved gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome without worsening symptoms. The study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers at Australia's Edith Cowan University (ECU), working in its Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, have developed and tested a fiber supplement called ur gut® that improved gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) without increasing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The finding may matter to millions of people worldwide, including nearly 11 percent of Australians who have the condition.
The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, though stress, infections and certain medications may contribute. Symptoms can be aggravated by particular foods, poor sleep, psychological stress, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors.
Why a common diet can affect gut health
People with IBS are often advised to follow a low-FODMAP diet, which restricts certain carbohydrates that gut bacteria ferment easily. It can help control symptoms, but over time it may also reduce beneficial gut bacteria and fiber intake. Lead author Dr. Tina Yan said the team wanted to find a way to build better gut health while people follow this diet.
How the blend works
The supplement combines resistant starch and psyllium husk. Psyllium appears to slow the breakdown of resistant starch by gut bacteria, so more of it reaches deeper parts of the colon before fermentation. This may increase the production of compounds that support intestinal health. Fermentable fibers are usually difficult for people with IBS because they can cause excess gas and discomfort.
Participants' symptoms stayed stable, while their gut microbiota improved markedly and their gut-related anxiety decreased. Professor Amanda Devine, co-creator of the supplement, said changes of this size are rarely seen after such a short intervention. Associate Professor Claus Christophersen, also a co-creator, said the results suggest it may be possible to actively rebuild gut health and the microbiome without worsening IBS symptoms. The researchers note that further work is needed to establish broader effects.
ur gut® is already on sale, and the team has also produced a cookbook with recipes for using it. The study was a randomised, double-blind controlled trial.
