Darmboost

Prebiotics are important in steering the intestinal microbiota composition, and by doing so they can play an important role in the relief of ‘general’ gut complaints (not linked to a specific disease). Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) is a lactose derived prebiotic and fermented in particular by, and thus stimulating, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Besides a possible effect on gut complaints, emerging evidence finds a link between microbiota and brain function, known as the microbiome-gut-brain axis, affecting the regulation of the stress hormone cortisol and sleep quality. GABA produced by bifidobacterial and lactobacilli could play an important role in this process. Limited studies on the effect of GOS on general gut complaints have been performed in humans, whereas the combination of gut complaints, stress and sleep probably is unique. The primary objective is to assess the effect of 21 days of consumption of 5.5 g GOS powder on the gut comfort component score (based on 5 questions), as compared to a control group receiving maltodextrin (control product). Component scores are the average impression of the previous 7 days regarding bloating, flatulence, stomach ache, constipation and diarrhea at baseline and after 21 days. For this double-blind placebo controlled intervention study, 80 apparently healthy female human volunteers of 25-45 years with gut complaints (based on the component score of gut comfort ≥6) without a medical diagnosed disease as underlying cause will be included.

We hypothesize that after 21 days of consuming GOS the component score of gut comfort in female adults of 25 – 45 years of age with self-reported gut related complaints is significantly lower (mean difference of at least 2 or more on the component score of gut comfort) compared to the control group.

Baseline, day 4, day 14, day 21

The intervention group receives 5.5g GOS. The control group receives the same amount of maltodextrin powder. Both groups need to use these powder supplements, portion packed in sachets, daily for 21 days. The powders can be added to a dairy product (e.g. yogurt, quark) or to a glass of water, juice, tea or coffee, and have to be consumed with the first meal of the day.