Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a targeted dietary fiber blend that improves gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome following a low-FODMAP diet.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects nearly 11 percent of Australians and millions of people worldwide. The condition disrupts normal intestinal function, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Stress, infections, and certain medications are potential triggers, while inadequate sleep, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle factors can aggravate symptoms.
Low-FODMAP Diets May Reduce Beneficial Gut Bacteria
People managing the condition are frequently advised to follow a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates. While this approach helps control uncomfortable digestive flare-ups, restricting these foods creates an unintended consequence for the gut microbiome over time.
“For years we’ve known that a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) can relieve symptoms, but they can also reduce beneficial gut bacteria and negatively impact fiber intake over time.”
The research team at the university’s Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute wanted to find a way to build better gut health without abandoning dietary symptom management.
Psyllium Husk Slows Resistant Starch Breakdown in the Colon
The newly tested supplement, branded as ur gut®, combines high-amylose maize resistant starch with psyllium husk powder. Normally, fermentable fibers present a challenge for patients because bacterial fermentation in the colon produces excess gas and discomfort.
The team discovered that psyllium appears to slow down the breakdown of resistant starch by gut bacteria. This delaying action allows the starch to travel deeper into the colon before fermentation occurs, which enhances the production of beneficial metabolites that support intestinal health.
“Traditionally, fermentable fibers can be difficult for people with IBS because they can increase gas production and discomfort.”
Fiber Blend Improves Gut Microbiota and Anxiety Levels
In a clinical trial published in the European Journal of Nutrition, participants consumed the blend while following a low-FODMAP diet. The intervention changed bacterial populations without increasing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
“What’s exciting about this study is that participants maintained stable symptoms while showing meaningful improvements in their gut microbiota as well as in their gut-related anxiety.”
“Changes of this magnitude are rarely seen with such a short intervention. The study demonstrated that our targeted dietary fiber blend positively reshaped the gut microbiome in people with IBS following a low-FODMAP diet, supporting beneficial bacteria linked to gut and mental health. This was great to see.”
Rebuilding Gut Health Beyond Symptom Avoidance
The findings point toward new dietary strategies that complement existing clinical care by shifting the focus from merely avoiding trigger foods to actively rebuilding the microbiome.
The ur gut® supplement is already available for purchase, accompanied by a dedicated cookbook designed to help patients incorporate the fiber blend into their daily meals.
