In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining gut health is more important than ever.
The World Gastroenterology Organization reports that nearly half of all women (49%) and over a third of men (36.6%) experience functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) like constipation, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).¹ These common issues underscore the need for innovative solutions to improve digestive wellbeing.
Our understanding of intestinal permeability, or ‘leaky gut’, has transformed over time. Once doubted, it is now seen as a crucial factor in both gastrointestinal and overall health.
Researchers recognize that stressors like diet and medications can challenge the gut barrier, and maintaining a healthy gut environment is a priority for healthcare professionals aiming to deliver effective care.²
While probiotics have played a role in supporting gut health, they alone are not sufficient.³ Scientists are now focusing on the root of the problem: strengthening the gut barrier and creating a nurturing environment for beneficial gut bacteria.
A promising new approach involves a specially refined colostrum-based ingredient.
From bovine colostrum to precision gut health solutions
Nature’s superfood, bovine colostrum, offers potent health benefits. However, traditional approaches often necessitate cumbersome high doses. Maolac, a pioneering company, is unlocking colostrum’s true potential.
Inspired by the adaptive power of human breast milk, Maolac uses cutting-edge technology to pinpoint specific proteins within bovine colostrum that mirror the beneficial effects of human milk.
Maolac’s commitment to natural, non-GMO sources is unwavering. Leveraging proprietary AI technology, Maolac meticulously identifies and isolates proteins from these sources exhibiting remarkable bio-similarity to those in human breast milk.
This goes beyond amino acid sequence matching; it involves understanding the intricate 3D protein structures dictating functionality. The resulting product, MaolactinGI, is a combination of these carefully selected proteins, delivered at a daily dosage of 330mg.
Strengthening the gut from within
MaolactinGI functions similarly to the proteins in human milk that nurture a baby’s developing gut. It harnesses these naturally occurring proteins, originally designed to build and fortify the baby’s gut barrier. It repairs and strengthens the intestinal barrier in adults.
The mechanism of action is addressing micro-inflammation within the gut epithelium to elevate pH levels and create a more favorable environment for beneficial gut bacteria. The focus isn’t simply on adding more bacteria; it is about optimizing the gut environment to help them thrive.
New research illuminates the ingredient’s potential
The colostrum-based ingredient has shown success in the human double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, ‘Preliminary findings of the effects of Maolactin™ supplementation on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health in adult subjects’.
Interim data from the ongoing study suggests compelling potential benefits of this ingredient. To date, 48 participants have completed this three-arm, parallel-group design study: two active treatment arms (receiving different dosages of the ingredient) and a placebo arm. The twelve-week study incorporated a four-week run-in period. Initial findings from this study suggest:
- Dramatic reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms Participants have reported a notable decrease in both the severity and frequency of common gastrointestinal symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to more significant digestive disturbances. This broad improvement suggests a potential wide application of this novel ingredient.
- Improved digestive regularity Preliminary trends indicate improved bowel regularity, with participants reporting increased regularity and improved comfort. This suggests the ingredient’s potential to effectively address common digestive irregularities.
- Enhanced gut barrier function Measurements of intestinal permeability revealed a significant improvement in gut barrier integrity, indicating a protective role in maintaining gut health.
- Substantial improvement in quality of life The positive effects on digestive health translated to a significant improvement in participants' overall quality of life, with many reporting increased energy levels and a reduced daily burden from digestive discomfort.
The power of bio-similar proteins
The initial findings from the study are novel and promising, and are further supported by a separate home usage test (HUT) involving 100 participants with digestive issues. This real-world setting confirmed the positive trends observed in the pilot study.
Key HUT findings include a significant improvement (p<0.05) in perceived digestive system function (rated on a 1-7 scale, rising from 3.9 to 5.3 over four weeks), and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the intensity of various digestive symptoms. Participants also reported improved bowel regularity and a marked increase in overall quality of life.
Specifically, 70% of participants reported feeling ‘better’ about their bloating symptoms, while 50% reported feeling ‘much better’ regarding gas, and 60% reported experiencing less abdominal discomfort.
Additionally, 65% of participants indicated improved bowel regularity and 75% reported an overall enhancement in their quality of life during the study period. The data from the pilot clinical trial and the home usage test demonstrate the significant potential of this colostrum-based ingredient to improve digestive function and overall wellbeing.
This innovative approach, leveraging the power of bio-similar proteins, represents a promising advancement in gut health solutions, with further research set to solidify its role in proactive digestive care as an innovative approach to gut health support.
References
- World Gastroenterology. The Global Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders – Results of the First Global Study.
- Conlon, M.A.; et al. The impact of diet and lifestyle on gut microbiota and human health. Nutrients. 2014 Dec 24;7(1):17-44
- Martinez, R.C.R.; et al. Scientific evidence for health effects attributed to the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics: an update for current perspectives and future challenges. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;114(12):1993-2015.
