Digestive Health

A positive impact of a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber supplement on self-reported GI complaints and wellbeing has been suggested (Wardenaar et al. 2024). The following project aims to further investigate the impact of this supplements in athletes with and without GI complaints in two separate data collections. Part I of the data collection aims to investigate the impact of this supplement vs. a placebo on carbohydrate malabsorption (as a potential cause for GI distress) in athletes that normally don't identify as having GI complaints (randomized double-blind cross over study design covering a total of 9 weeks, including a 3-week washout period). Part II of the data collection aims to confirm the earlier found results in the previous study (Wardenaar et al. 2024) in a group athletes self-reporting GI complaints that will be randomized into an intervention group or a placebo group (randomized double-blind parallel study design covering a total of 3 weeks).

The goal of this crossover clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bloat Gummies on postprandial bloating and related gastrointestinal discomfort in healthy adults with recurrent bloating. The main question it aims to answer is whether Bloat gummies reduce post-meal bloating, gas, or abdominal pain (stomach) discomfort. Participants will be asked to consume one dose of Bloat or Placebo after 2 test meals and answer questionnaires on gas, bloating and abdominal distension.

This clinical research study is being conducted to evaluate gut and digestive health before and after the use of a dietary supplement system over an eight-week period. Gut and digestive health play an important role in overall health, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and metabolic balance. Changes in gut microbiota, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function may contribute to digestive symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, altered bowel habits, and reduced well-being. In this study, adult men and women with self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms will consume a dietary supplement system daily for eight weeks. The study will measure changes in gut and digestive health using objective stool-based laboratory biomarkers and validated symptom questionnaires. Stool samples will be collected at baseline and at the end of the study to evaluate markers related to microbial diversity, inflammation, immune activity, digestive function, and intestinal barrier integrity. Participants will also complete questionnaires throughout the study to assess gastrointestinal symptoms and subjective digestive health and well-being. The study will also monitor the safety and tolerability of the dietary supplement system during the study period.

This 3 month pilot study will be an unblinded, convenience sampling, nutraceutical intervention trial. Twenty fasted subjects will undergo a baseline health assessment via a questionnaire, baseline clinical chemistries, blood lipids, dexa and impedence testing (to identify bone mineral density and body muscle/fat/water composition), and metabolite/novel biomarker testing through whole capillary blood, saliva, and urine collections. Assessments will be repeated every month (3 times after initial assessment) to cover a 3 month period. All measurements from each visit will be compared with baseline using paired t-tests or Chi square testing depending on variable. Power analyses are not included due to the pilot nature of the study. This pilot study will provide the necessary variability estimates for future trials.