Addressing GI disorders with a focus on the brain [Interview]

Consumers are increasingly aware that alterations in the gut can impact mood, stress, and anxiety. As a result, there are hundreds of products on the market that claim to provide various psychological benefits through modulation of the microbiome.

However, the true bidirectional nature of the gut-brain-axis remains somewhat under-explored. As a result, the ways in which the brain influences and modifies the GI system tend to figure less in both scientific and consumer discourse.

Addressing functional GI disorders

At the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2024 (14-16 May, Geneva), Eric Withee, Director of Ingredient Innovation at the Freemen Nutra Group, intends to shed light on this issue, and identify some key untapped opportunities for the nutraceutical sector.

“Freemen has traditionally been a commodities distributor, but a few years back, we looked to diversify and add specialised areas,” he explains. “This led to the creation of a pre-mix and speciality / branded ingredients division. Right now, we have five ingredients/technologies, but that first one we helped to onboard was Digexin.”

This ingredient breakthrough is supported by research into the true bi-directional nature of the gut-brain axis, and an understanding that the brain plays a significant role in our digestive health. Epidemiological studies show that half of all functional GI disorders begin not with an infection or physical trauma, but with psychological distress. Nonetheless, individual symptoms of GI distress still tend to be viewed as isolated events, rather than as part of a larger, more complex system.

Withee also cites another study showing that one of the best predictors of functional GI disorder relapse – and the intensity of the relapse – is stress. In the study, researchers were able to predict 97% of the variation of the intensity of symptoms, just by looking at stress levels. But while mental health clearly plays a critical role in GI health, Withee argues that targeted, personalised solutions in this space are lacking.

“In the US, around 25% of the population have some functional GI disorder, so this is not exactly niche,” he says. “The research we found – and the lack of viable product solutions on the market – are what really caught our eye.”

Identifying and onboarding speciality ingredients

Freemen Nutra Group’s goal is to identify and onboard speciality ingredients. This is achieved by partnering with people that have innovative solutions, but don’t have the sales force or infrastructure on the commercialisation side. Digexin, for example, was developed by NXT USA with the goal of bringing to market a herbal extract product that works to stimulate peristalsis.

Pre-clinical work has shown that Digexin’s mix of ashwagandha and okra extract can work synergistically to stimulate peristalsis. And two human clinical studies show it increases serotonin production, the likely mechanism for increased peristalsis, but also that it reduces stress and cortisol levels. “We know that indigestion can come from stress,” notes Withee. “Lowering cortisol means helping people get into the parasympathetic state, which is not only good for tackling constipation, but can help the whole digestive system.”

In other words, effectively treating constipation, indigestion, or reflux isn’t just a question of applying laxatives. Constipation is common in depression – low serotonin levels lead to a lack of stimulation of the bowels. Factors like stress, anxiety, sleep, and depression therefore need to be included and addressed in order to provide a holistic solution, and to deliver more effective results.

Let’s talk gut health and mental health

Withee believes that Vitafoods Europe 2024 is an excellent time to talk about these issues. Consumers are interested in both gut health and mental health, and are receptive to learning more.

“There is an opportunity for our industry to meld mental health with gut health, in a way that goes in both directions,” he says. “For sure, some people are constipated because they are not getting enough fibre. But for a lot of the population, the causes can be much more complex.”

Freemen Nutra Group is a platinum sponsor of the Vitafoods Europe Conference under the Immune and Gut Health theme, and will be present at both the Vitafoods Europe 2024 event and at the Conference Theatre.