A newly published clinical study in Nutrients demonstrates that ZenGut™, a natural microalgae extract developed by Microphyt, significantly improves gut microbiota balance, relieves digestive discomfort, and enhances mood and mental well-being in healthy adults.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial highlights the potential of marine-derived ingredients to innovate the dietary supplement market. The study involved 56 adults aged 18-55 with mild to moderate gastrointestinal (GI) distress, who received 250 mg/day of ZenGut—sourced from the Tetradesmus obliquus Mi175.B1.a strain—or a placebo for four weeks. ZenGut, rich in bioactives including alpha-linolenic acid, PEA (2-phenylethylamine), lutein, alpha-spinasterol, and phenylalanine, is produced sustainably in France using Microphyt’s patented hydro-biomimetic technology.
“ZenGut is an innovative natural solution that delivers comprehensive benefits for both gut health and mental well-being,” said Dr. Jonathan Maury, Clinical Research Program Manager at Microphyt and co-author of the study. “This study reinforces the key role of the gut-brain axis in managing mental and digestive wellness and showcases the potential of microalgae ingredients to innovate in dietary supplements.”
Clinical Study Design and Results
The study, conducted at Colorado State University, employed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Bristol Stool Scale, and Shannon’s Index to assess GI health and microbiota diversity. Biomarkers of stress, gut permeability, and GI function were measured via stool, plasma, and saliva samples, with 16S rRNA sequencing analyzing microbiota changes. Mental health was evaluated using questionnaires for mood, anxiety, and stress at baseline, week 2, and week 4. All significant results had a p-value < 0.05.
Key Results:
§ Enhanced Digestive Health. ZenGut reduced overall GI symptoms by 23% from baseline, with significant improvements in constipation and indigestion. Participants experienced noticeable relief within just two weeks.
§ Increased Microbial Diversity in the Gut, Crucial for Overall Health. ZenGut increased the richness of microbial species or taxa and the evenness of gut microbial distribution (Shannon’s Index), suggesting a prebiotic effect.
§ Better Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being. Participants reported feeling less distressed, afraid, irritable, hostile, nervous, and upset, contributing to greater emotional balance and gut-brain axis support. Biomarker analysis validated these improvements, as measured by a 36% decrease in plasma chromogranin A, a stress biomarker, compared with only 3% in the placebo group.
“With clinically supported efficacy, a low 250 mg dose, and a broad range of health benefits, ZenGut presents exciting product innovation opportunities,” said Christel Lemaire, Microphyt Marketing Manager, Nutraceutical Ingredients.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Technology is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
