A new consumer survey found that a probiotic marketed as BC30 by Kerry Group was associated with improvements in self-reported digestive health and quality of life measures in people using GLP-1 medications for weight management or type 2 diabetes.

The four-week, open-label, uncontrolled consumer perception study tested whether the probiotic, which had been evidenced in previous clinical research to improve digestive symptoms, would have similar effects in a real-world context among people on GLP-1 drugs.

After four weeks of using BC30:

• 77% of participants perceived a moderate to significant improvement in overall daily quality of life, which was previously impacted by GI symptoms;
• 60% of participants found BC30 to be moderately to very useful in improving digestive health, while 12% perceived it as a “game changer”;
• Over 80% of participants noted an improvement in GI symptoms, with those symptoms either completely disappearing or at least feeling better;
• 69% of participants indicated they would continue using GLP-1 medications due to BC30’s positive effect on GI discomfort and overall health;
• 66% indicated they would purchase BC30, 91% indicated they would recommend it to other GLP-1 medication users, and 41% rated it as “fantastic.”

Whlie 30-35% of Americans are interested in taking GLP-1 drugs, 50-75% of users discontinue use of the drug within a year, and before meeting their weight management goals, often due to digestive and other side effects.

“Gastrointestinal issues are among the main drivers of a reduced quality of life and one of the key reasons consumers abandon weight management treatment with GLP-1 medications,” said Alexandra Boelrijik, global RD&A vice president at Kerry. “Although several products in the marketplace claim to support digestive issues, few have necessarily been evaluated and tested by a consumer population of GLP-1 medication users. This population reported enhanced GI comfort and improved quality of life after consuming BC30 for four weeks. BC30 is a highly stable, science-backed formulation, that can be used in a variety of enhanced food and beverages which can fit seamlessly into consumer routines and changing eating habits.”

To learn more, Kerry will be hosting a webinar on June 25, which will dive into key findings from the research, reasons GLP-1 drug users discontinue treatment, and more.