White pills arranged in the shape of the intestinal system against a blue background.

The Role of Prebiotics and Other Gut-Friendly Ingredients in Nutraceuticals

As research continues on the digestive system, the idea that gut health is central to overall health is quickly gaining traction, with Food Insight reporting that nearly one in four consumers in the United States consider digestive health to be the most important aspect of their overall health. With the rising interest in probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fiber supplementation, Nutrition Business Journal projects the gastrointestinal health supplement category to grow up to 7% by 2027e. They also report that between 2017 to 2025e, the probiotic category is projected to increase from $1.5 billion to $1.67 billion, with prebiotics going from $38 million to approximately $210 million. Even further, according to MDVIP, two-thirds of Americans are living with gut issues, with 75% of women experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms at least a few times a month. With all this being said, the growth of the digestive health supplement market is promising.

Supporting digestive health through prebiotics, probiotics, and other gut-friendly ingredients can positively impact multiple areas of health, from immunity to mental well-being. With digestive health remaining a top concern for U.S. consumers, it’s worth it for manufacturers to take a good look at the market potential for gut health products.

The Central Role of Digestive Health in Overall Wellness

Gut health not only affects digestion, but other important bodily systems and functions. “One statement that has always resonated with me was made by a health professional who said, ‘health begins in the gut,’” said Mark Becker in his article on digestive health. “Better digestive health equals better overall health—period.”

The Gut, the Body’s Second Brain

The gut-brain axis refers to the communication system between the gut and the brain, and they are both connected physically (through the vagus nerve) and biochemically (through neurotransmitters). The vagus nerve is responsible for the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs important bodily functions such as mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. Regarding the digestive system, it keeps inflammation in check, maintains intestinal homeostasis, and regulates food intake, satiety, and energy homeostasis. Biochemically speaking, around 95% of serotonin and 5-HTP (serotonin’s precursor), the mood-regulating neurotransmitter, is made in the gut, and serotonin availability in the body can potentially affect mental health. Other neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are also produced by the microbes in the gut.

Models of a brain and stomach inside of a white bowl.

Immunity and the Gut

The immune system and digestive system are also linked together. During vaginal birth, a newborn is exposed to the mother’s gut microbiome, which ultimately influences the microbial colonization of the newborn’s intestines. Immune cells, of which 70% are housed in the gut, interact with the microbiome; the bacteria in the gut directly influences whether immune cells can function properly. The microbiota helps maintain the gut barrier and provides short-chain fatty acids to the intestinal cells and assists in shaping immune responses.

One of the best ways to boost the immune system is to help balance the microbiota in the intestines. This results in good digestion, detoxification, protection against germs, and general regulation of the immune system.

Nutrient Absorption

Good digestive health also directly ensures efficient nutrient absorption. Nutrients, from the foods people eat, are consumed by the mitochondria in the cells; nutrients are needed to produce energy. Without proper absorption of nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the cells’ ability to create energy is impaired, which results in fatigue and lowered mood. A well-balanced gut microbiome supports nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body has the necessary fuel it needs to function.

How Prebiotics Contribute to Holistic Health

Prebiotics and probiotics are similar in name, but have different roles in digestive health. Prebiotics are consumed non-digestible fibers in the stomach that feed probiotics, which are the live bacteria in certain food or supplements. Prebiotics ensure that the probiotics function properly, so that they can contribute to overall digestive health.

Mental Health Benefits

Prebiotics can potentially benefit mental health. In one study, individuals with depression or anxiety showed a decrease in symptoms by mitigating inflammation and increasing serotonin availability in the gut. There have also been studies that suggest prebiotics may have a role in decreasing stress, a major negative contributor to mental health.

Immune System Support

As mentioned earlier, one of the key aspects of good digestive health is immune system support. They assist with intestinal inflammation by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria and strengthening the intestinal barrier. The good bacteria encourages a gut environment in which bad bacteria can’t flourish, preventing immunological reactions to chronic inflammation.

A woman meditating with her eyes closed and hands crossed on her chest.

Examples of Prebiotic Ingredients

There are many ingredients for supplements that are prebiotics themselves or possess prebiotic attributes:

Inulin is one of the most well-known prebiotics, being a form of fiber that acts as a food source for beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Jerusalem Artichoke Fiber is another rich source of inulin. It can help digestion, support bowel health, and enhance the absorption of nutrients in the gut.
- Chicory Root Powder is also high in inulin, making it an excellent prebiotic. It supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and helps improve digestion and overall gut health.
Psyllium Husk is a soluble fiber with prebiotic effects that help nourish beneficial microbes in the gut. It also supports digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements.

The Impact of Probiotics and Other Gut-Friendly Ingredients on Various Health Aspects

Prebiotics are an important part of supporting digestive health, but it is also worth examining other players in supplements that benefit digestion, such as probiotics, postbiotics, digestive enzymes and other gut-friendly ingredients.

The Beneficial Role of Probiotics in the Body

Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microbes that have beneficial effects on the body, supporting bodily functions and health. As briefly touched on before, probiotics are the good bacteria that are fed by prebiotics. They keep the normal healthy bacteria balanced in the gut, particularly in its lining which contains the microbiome.

In some research, probiotics have been shown to help with:

Oral health
Urinary and vaginal health
Preventing allergies and colds
Skin conditions (e.g. eczema)

Unbalanced gut bacteria are commonly found in people with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gut infections, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, urinary tract infections, and even psychiatric disorders like depression.

Gut-Friendly Ingredients for Good Digestion

Other than prebiotics and probiotics, there are a number of other ingredients that can be used in supplements to aid gut health.

Ginger Extract has the ability to alleviate nausea and improve digestion, soothing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing bloating.
Glutamine helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining, preventing conditions like leaky gut and supporting overall digestive health.
Garlic Powder has prebiotic and antimicrobial properties, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria while aiding in the prevention of harmful pathogens being introduced in the gut.
Aloe Vera can have a soothing effect on the digestive system by helping to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux while encouraging a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Chamomile has been traditionally used to assist with digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, and bloating and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.
Licorice Root Powder has been used to relieve digestive discomfort and inflamed stomach lining and is particularly beneficial for ulcers or inflammation in the digestive tract.

These ingredients not only support digestive health but also have a broader impact on overall wellness. Incorporating these ingredients into formulations can offer holistic health benefits, making them valuable for manufacturers aiming to create comprehensive wellness products.

Postbiotics and Digestive Enzymes

In addition to prebiotics, probiotics, and gut-friendly ingredients, manufacturers should also keep in mind two more considerations for digestive health products: postbiotics and digestive enzymes.

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotics when they consume prebiotics in the gut. Postbiotics include short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, and peptides. Some of their health benefits are reducing inflammation, improving the gut barrier, and supporting the immune system.

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They aid in efficient digestion and prevent issues like bloating and indigestion.

A person holding a paper drawing of the intestinal system.

The Synergistic Effects of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Gut-Friendly Ingredients

Although prebiotics, probiotics, and gut-friendly ingredients possess their own individual benefits to the human body, they can work together to provide a robust, comprehensive solution to gut health and balancing the microbiome.

Prebiotics like Inulin act as food for probiotics. By feeding these probiotics, prebiotics enhance their growth and activity, allowing them to more effectively colonize the gut and provide their health benefits. This relationship is important because, without enough prebiotic intake, probiotics may struggle to thrive, limiting their positive impact on digestion and overall health.

Besides the prebiotic-probiotic synergy, other gut-friendly ingredients further support digestive health. For instance, Glutamine plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, which is essential for preventing conditions like leaky gut syndrome. Psyllium Husk not only acts as a prebiotic but also aids in bowel regularity and overall gut function. These ingredients work together to create a comprehensive approach to gut health, where each component enhances the effectiveness of the others.

Why Manufacturers Should Focus on Digestive Health Products

The digestive health market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the importance of gut health for overall well-being. Consumers are becoming more educated about the gut microbiome’s role in digestion, immunity, and mental health, leading to a rising demand for products that support these areas.

Consumer Insights

In the same consumer survey by Food Insight mentioned in the beginning of this article, two in three respondents (67%) said they were familiar with probiotics, and 32% said they actively try to consume them. Just over half (51%) of survey-takers who consume probiotics said they do so to support their gut health, followed by supporting general health and wellness (38%), to support immune health (33%), and finally to support their mental health (13%). This shows the prevalence of gut health and the ingredients to support it in the respondents’ awareness and the potential demand for gut health products that manufacturers can meet.

A close-up of a person's hands encircling their stomach.

Product Development

Digestive health products present an exciting opportunity for manufacturers. To capitalize on this trend, product development should focus on the inclusion of high-quality ingredients known for their gut health benefits. Prebiotics like Inulin and Psyllium Husk are essential components in supporting a healthy gut microbiome. These fibers not only feed beneficial bacteria but also enhance bowel regularity and improve nutrient absorption. Including these in products can help address common digestive issues while supporting long-term gut health. Products combining prebiotics and probiotics, known as synbiotics, are particularly effective as they ensure that the introduced probiotics have the nourishment they need to thrive.

Gut-friendly ingredients, like Ginger Extract and Garlic Powder, not only support digestion but also contribute to broader health benefits, including improved immune function and mental well-being. For manufacturers looking to differentiate their products, combining these ingredients into formulations that target multiple aspects of health can create comprehensive wellness solutions that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

As the importance of digestive health continues to gain recognition, the market for gut health supplements seems ready for significant growth. Consumers are increasingly aware of the critical role the gut plays in overall wellness, driving demand for products that support not only digestion but also immunity, mental health, and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics, probiotics, and other gut-friendly ingredients have become essential components in the development of comprehensive wellness products.

For manufacturers looking to stay ahead of this trend and meet consumer demand, choosing high-quality ingredients is of the utmost importance. Vivion offers a wide range of bulk prebiotics and gut-friendly ingredients, including Inulin (as well as Jerusalem Artichoke Powder), Psyllium Husk, Ginger Extract, and Glutamine, all of which are vital to creating effective and innovative digestive health products. With a commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the nutraceutical market, Vivion is your trusted partner in developing products that deliver real health benefits to your customers.

We want to be your single solution for your production. Contact Vivion today to explore our comprehensive selection of prebiotic and gut-friendly ingredients and take the next step in creating products that support the growing demand for cultivating holistic health and wellness through supporting digestion and the gut.