Development of novel nutriceuticals for gut health

Recent studies showed an interaction between the composition of the human gut microbiome and diseases like obesity. In our present study, the vitamin niacin has been shown to beneficially affect the gut microbiome, which was associated with an improvement of biomarkers for insulin sensitivity and metabolic inflammation. This indicates a future therapeutic option for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. To target the region in the gut, where most of the microorganisms are located (ileocolon), a protection for the encapsulated niacin was developed. Previous in vitro studies as well a human in vivo study confirmed a sufficient niacin release in the desired region, while avoiding negative side effects. All of the used materials are food-grade, which would enable permission as a niacin nutraceutical.