New clinical study: MicrobiomeX® improves microbiota composition and SCFA production
Maastricht, The Netherlands, 29th September 2023
Press release
New clinical and pre-clinical data from a study with MicrobiomeX® have been published in a peer-reviewed journal. It is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study performed by scientists of Maastricht University, the department of Gastro-enterology of Maastricht University Medical Center and BioActor. It 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 faecal calprotectin levels was observed, a marker of gut inflammation. Interestingly, a new in-vitro study in the TIM2 model, where faecal samples from volunteers were tested, also showed a strong increase in butyrate production. These new clinical and pre-clinical results highlight MicrobiomeX®’s potential to support intestinal microbiota of subjects with features of metabolic syndrome.
MicrobiomeX®: an 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 (1, 2). 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 (3, 4). Supplement brands all over the world have adopted MicrobiomeX® in their formulations, typically positioned for improving gut microbiome balance and immune system regulation.
The study: Citrus Extract High in Flavonoids Beneficially Alters Intestinal Metabolic Responses in Subjects with Features of Metabolic Syndrome
Introduction
This study (5) 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 faecal 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 on 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. By adding MicrobiomeX® to your supplement, you can offer customers a science-based support for gut health. It is an alternative to common prebiotics and an ideal partner for synbiotic formulation targeting gut health and immunity.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands is part of the Solabia Group and has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. We focus on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy ageing. Our goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities MicrobiomeXl® has to offer. Further information can also be found on: https://solabianutrition.com/products/microbiomex/ and https://microbiomex.com/