A clinical study published in Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease found that a blend of two bioactive compounds, N-trans caffeoyltyramine (NCT) and N-transt feruloyltyramine (NFT), launched in May by Brightseed as Bio Gut Core, was linked to improvements in irritable bowel syndrome.

Specifically, the supplement appeared to improve markers of gut barrier integrity and bloating in individuals with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) at a low dose after just three weeks of daily supplementation.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with The Functional Gut Clinic in the United Kingdom and included 29 participants who met the ROME IV criteria for IBS-D and showed elevated markers of intestinal permeability. Participants either took 120 mg/day of the supplement or a matching placebo for three weeks.

Compared to placebo, those who took the supplement experienced significant improvements in:

• Gut barrier integrity, as measured by a reduction in lactulose/mannitol ratio
• Serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), a marker of gut-derived endotoxemia and systemic inflammation
• Significant relief from abdominal distension, along with positive trends in bloating and abdominal pain symptoms

No adverse events were reported during the study, suggesting that the supplement was safe and tolerable.

“These findings represent a significant advancement in the field of digestive health,” said Lee Chae, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Brightseed. “Bio Gut Core’s ability to improve gut barrier integrity and alleviate symptoms in such a short time frame highlights the unique therapeutic potential of our AI-discovered bioactives. It validates our science and opens new doors for consumers seeking clinically-backed, non-pharmaceutical solutions for digestive health and gut discomfort.”

Comprised gut barrier function, commonly referred to as ‘leaky gut,’ has been associated with chronic inflammation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and metabolic dysfunction, the company noted. The present study, the company said, is one of a few to show measurable improvements in gut permeability using a low-dose bioactive supplement, underscoring the role of bioactive compounds in supporting digestive wellness.

“This is one of the few trials to demonstrate improvements in both biological markers and patient-reported outcomes for IBS-D using a dietary intervention,” said Anthony Hobson, PhD, principal investigator and clinical director at The Functional Gut Clinic. “This dual benefit of improving both objective markers of gut permeability and subjective GI symptoms is rarely seen in short-term nutrition trials. The study design and significant findings reflect the growing potential for nutrition-based strategies to complement or even replace traditional therapies.”