Gut health remains an important area of consumer interest, with growing awareness of the different ways it connects to overall wellbeing. These connections include the gut-brain, gut-skin and gut-immune axes, reflecting the growing recognition of gut health’s importance for overall wellbeing, with 86% of consumers believing it is important for the whole body.

This growing awareness is also evident in supplement use, with 45% of consumers reporting that they have used supplements to support their gut health. Fibre is particularly relevant with the rise of the ‘Fibremaxxing’ trend gaining attention, especially amongst Gen Z consumers. Key ingredients include fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Inulin alongside other dietary fibres. This presents an opportunity for brands to explore ingredients that support digestive health alongside meeting trends where supplements provide multiple benefits across wider wellness priorities.

Gut Health Beyond Digestion

Immune health remains an important consideration for consumers and is becoming a relevant concern across all age groups with consumers looking for various ways to support their overall health. This brings the gut-immune connection into focus. The gut microbiome plays an important role in the complex relationship between the digestive and immune systems. With growing research exploring this connection, gut health is becoming an increasingly relevant area of interest within the wider wellbeing conversation.

Beyond immunity, growing awareness of the gut-brain axis is highlighting the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive health. Research is exploring how communication between the gut and brain may influence mood, stress and cognitive function, with growing interest in the potential role of probiotics and other gut health ingredients.

These connections reflect a wider shift towards viewing gut health as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing, rather than focusing solely on digestive health. For supplement brands, this presents opportunities to explore ingredients that target specific consumer needs and the benefits communicated are in line with appropriate scientific evidence.

Trending Ingredients to Support Gut Health

With awareness of the importance of dietary fibre growing, consumers are increasingly exploring ingredients associated with gut health and digestive wellbeing.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chicory Inulin: a soluble, plant-produced prebiotic dietary fibre. Native chicory inulin holds an authorised digestive health claim with a daily intake of 12g contributing to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.
  • FOS: A dietary fibre being studied for its interactions with the gut microbiome.
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin D & Zinc: contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Combining trending gut health ingredients with selected vitamins and minerals creates opportunities for brands to develop multifunctional supplement concepts. Nutrients such as Vitamins C, D and Zinc have authorised health claims relating to the normal function of the immune system, allowing brands to communicate additional benefits where relevant conditions of use are met.

How Can Opalbond Support Your Next Gut Health Supplement?

As the interest in gut health grows, this brings opportunities for brands to explore new ingredients and convenient supplement formats that align with evolving consumer needs.

At Opalbond, we offer a range of supplement formats, from tasty gummies to convenient stick packs to help bring your next gut health concept to life. Whether you are exploring a new product idea or expanding your existing range, our team can work with you to find a solution that suits your requirements.

Gummies offer a convenient, consumer-friendly format for selected supplement formulations, while stick packs can provide greater flexibility for powdered ingredients, including fibre-based concepts where larger serving sizes may be required.