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Published on: July 31, 2019
Effects of Probiotic-Phytonutrient Blends on Defecation, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Gut Microbiota: A
Ah Young Hwang1, Sunyoung Lee1, JungHyun Yoon1
1HEM PHARMA Inc., Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea.
Nutrients
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Two probiotic blends with phytonutrients improved bowel function and altered gut metabolites. These interventions, PBP1 and PBP2, show potential for modulating the gut microbiome for better intestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
- Human Health
Background:
- Limited comparative data exists for multi-strain probiotics combined with plant-based complexes.
- Probiotic interventions are common for intestinal health, but their efficacy with phytonutrients needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two probiotic blends (PBP1 and PBP2) containing phytonutrients for their effects on bowel function, microbial metabolites, and gut barrier markers.
- To compare the efficacy of PBP1 and PBP2 against a placebo in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 8 weeks of intervention with PBP1, PBP2, or placebo.
- Assessment of stool patterns (Bristol Stool Form Scale), fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan metabolites, zonulin, and gut microbiota at baseline and week 8.
Main Results:
- Both PBP1 and PBP2 significantly improved normal stool consistency compared to placebo.
- Increased fecal SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) and altered tryptophan-indole metabolism were observed in both intervention groups.
- Preserved alpha diversity, shifts in gut microbiota composition (enrichment of Lactobacillus taxa), and BMI-dependent reductions in zonulin were noted.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with PBP1 and PBP2 effectively improved bowel function.
- Probiotic interventions modulated microbiome-derived metabolites, including SCFAs and tryptophan-indole pathways, influencing gut health.
- Findings suggest microbiome-mediated metabolic modulation plays a role in intestinal health, with potential BMI-dependent effects on gut barrier markers.
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