In an in vitro study that utilized the M-SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model, a 2.5-gram dose of a blend of fibers and polyphenols marketed by FutureCeuticals as Organic Natureknit exerted stronger and more sustained prebiotic effects than purified fibers. The findings were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The study was conducted in partnership with ProDigest, a microbiome research organization based in Ghent, Belgium. It demonstrates that Organic NatureKnit induced more significant measures of metabolic activity and modulated the microbiome more comprehensively than common purified organic fiber ingredients. This was the first time that the effects of Organic NatureKnit were observed on a model of the human microbiome.

A 2.5-gram dose of the ingredient had a slow, gentle fermentation profile and a sustained, long-lasting prebiotic effect, the authors reported. Specific variables that had a greater effect over 48 hours included total abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, bacterial species richness, and total short-chain fatty acids.

“Our NatureKnit portfolio represents an exciting fusion of our passion for creating natural, sustainable ingredients with state-of-the-art scientific research methods,” said Brendan Kesler, innovation director at FutureCeuticals and postgraduate researcher at The Rowett Institute. “This new research demonstrates that our patented blend of diverse fruit and vegetable fibers, along with naturally occurring fiber-bound polyphenols, delivers a greater and more sustained prebiotic effect compared to purified fibers within the human gut microbiome.”

“It’s an exciting development for the nutrition industry, because Organic NatureKnit goes beyond popular purified fibers to deliver several key attributes consumers are seeking in gut health products,” Kesler added. “It’s fully organic and sustainable, gentle, and offers a comprehensive microbiome benefit much broader than purified fibers.”