A Blend of Probiotics & Phytonutrients Improves Bowel Function & Gut Health

A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly being shown to be crucial for an expanding variety of reasons. This new study suggests a novel way of getting there.

This double-blind study gave a placebo or one of two blends of probiotics to 54 generally healthy people. Both probiotic blends were enhanced by the addition of dandelion root and citrus bioflavonoids. The study lasted 8 weeks.

People who took the supplement experienced significant improvement in the proportion of normal stools, while the placebo group did not improve at all.

Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate and acetate levels, increased significantly in the supplement group while they decreased in the placebo group. SCFAs, especially butyrate, contribute to intestinal barrier integrity.

The probiotic-phytonutrient supplement also increased indole metabolites compared to placebo. Indoles also help regulate intestinal permeability.

Zonulin is a key marker of marker of intestinal integrity and permeability. Levels showed a trend toward improvement in the supplement group that reached significance in people with higher body mass index.

This study suggests that probiotics combined with dandelion root powder and citrus bioflavonoids improves bowel function and gut integrity and permeability.

Nutrients. 2026;18(13):2085.

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