By Linda Woolven and Ted Snider, The Natural Path
A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly being shown to be crucial for an expanding variety of reasons. This new study suggests a novel way of getting there.
This double-blind study gave a placebo or one of two blends of probiotics to 54 generally healthy people. Both probiotic blends were enhanced by the addition of dandelion root and citrus bioflavonoids. The study lasted 8 weeks.
People who took the supplement experienced significant improvement in the proportion of normal stools, while the placebo group did not improve at all.
Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate and acetate levels, increased significantly in the supplement group while they decreased in the placebo group. SCFAs, especially butyrate, contribute to intestinal barrier integrity.
The probiotic-phytonutrient supplement also increased indole metabolites compared to placebo. Indoles also help regulate intestinal permeability.
Zonulin is a key marker of intestinal integrity and permeability. Levels showed a trend toward improvement in the supplement group that reached significance in people with higher body mass index.
This study suggests that probiotics combined with dandelion root powder and citrus bioflavonoids improves bowel function and gut integrity and permeability.
Source
Nutrients. 2026;18(13):2085.
Find it at Nutrition World
Probiotics and dandelion root on our shelf:
- Probiotics: Ancient Nutrition SBO Ultimate Probiotic and Bluebonnet Women's Probiotic 35 Billion CFU (compare the strains and CFU count on the label)
- Dandelion root: NOW Foods Dandelion Root 500 mg and Nature's Way Dandelion Root (one of the plant ingredients in the study blend)
Browse the full probiotics collection, or stop by the store at 2401 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens and we'll help you compare labels. Questions? Call (561) 626-4377.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.