Claire Smith, a 37-year-old nursery practitioner, found significant relief from the debilitating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after incorporating a daily gut health supplement into her routine. Smith described years of experiencing severe bloating, fatigue, and anxiety, which significantly impacted her quality of life and ability to engage with her children. Over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications, including loperamide, offered little improvement and sometimes exacerbated her condition.
"It was prescription after prescription with no noticeable difference," Smith stated. "It made my bloating so much worse because then I would go the other way and be constipated."
In October 2025, Smith began taking AltruVita's Healthy Gut supplement, which contains curcumin, green tea extract, and Vitamin D. After approximately one month, she reported a reduction in bloating, and within eight months, experienced a marked increase in energy levels and a significant decrease in cramping. "I'm cautious of labelling anything a miracle drug – and yes, I do still get the occasional flare-up – but these little supplements have completely changed my life," she said.
AltruVita's Healthy Gut supplement has also been the subject of a clinical trial funded by the company and conducted by the Functional Gut Health Clinic. The trial involved 78 participants with mild to severe IBS. Over an eight-week period, participants taking two capsules of the supplement twice daily showed a statistically significant reduction in symptom severity compared to those taking a placebo. The study, which was double-blind and placebo-controlled, reported a 54-point reduction on the IBS Symptom Severity Score for those taking the supplement, which is considered a clinically meaningful improvement. No serious side effects were reported, and the supplement was found to be well-tolerated.
While the exact mechanism is still under investigation, Professor Martyn Caplin, a gastroenterologist involved in the study, suggested the ingredients likely influence the gut microbiome. "These compounds are almost certainly having an impact on the gut microbiome and the balance of good and bad gut flora that live in the digestive tract," Caplin explained. Registered nutritionist Rob Hobson noted that curcumin and green tea extract may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, while Vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation and has been linked to IBS in some individuals.
IBS is a common digestive disorder affecting up to one in five people in the UK, characterized by intermittent symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. There is currently no cure, and management often involves a combination of medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. Nutritionist Kate Cook described the results as "encouraging" and a "promising addition to the growing evidence around nutritional approaches to managing IBS."