What does your ingredient’s impact on the gut microbiome reveal about potential health benefits?

There are trillions of micro-organisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. This multitude of gut microbiota has a much broader influence on the human body than simply the digestive system. It can affect metabolism, cognitive function, skin health, and more. And, conversely, health issues throughout the body can also influence the gut microbiome, such as psychological stress, use of medication, and more.

Probiotics, prebiotics, fibres, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. can impact the gut microbiota, potentially indicating a health benefit. Clinical trials can reveal not only whether your ingredient changes the microbiome, but also how the microbiome may alter physiological processes of the host. You get key information you can then validate through targeted clinical studies.

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Customised studies on the interaction of ingredients, gut microbiota and the host 

From start to finish, NIZO can design, support and coordinate the execution of your human intervention study on the impact of your ingredient on gut microbiota, including for example: 

  • Writing and obtaining approval for a clinical study protocol 
  • Coordination of faecal sampling from the volunteers (protocols, instruction manuals) 
  • Analysing the samples for microbiota composition and functionality 
  • Analysing the samples for other gut health markers 
  • Applying bioinformatics analysis to evaluate relevant changes 
  • Formulating a biological evaluation of these changes 
  • Providing tailored consultancy and guidance based on your study results 

Actionable insight based on scientific and bioinformatics expertise 

Depending on your question, NIZO can plan and complete a customised human study that meets your needs. We have strong expertise in clinical study execution, including faecal sampling, storage, handling and analysis.  

We can use the same samples to look beyond changes in microbiota, into various properties of gut health such as immune or inflammation markers. And we can enrich this sample-based data with the questionnaire data on topics such as stool frequency and consistency. 

Using our analytical expertise, including in bioinformatics, we then turn the masses of data generated, into actionable insight and guidance. 

Any questions?

Ioana Iorga is happy to answer all your questions.

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