A supplement combining curcumin, green tea extract, and Vitamin D has demonstrated a significant reduction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to a recent clinical trial. The study, funded by supplement manufacturer AltruVita, involved 78 participants with mild to severe IBS and found that those taking AltruVita's Healthy Gut supplement experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in symptom severity over eight weeks, compared to a placebo group.
Claire Smith, a 37-year-old nursery practitioner, shared her experience, stating that the supplement transformed her life after years of struggling with debilitating IBS symptoms. Smith reported experiencing severe bloating, fatigue, anxiety, and frequent trips to the toilet, which significantly impacted her daily life and ability to parent her three children. After trying various over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications, including loperamide, which she found worsened her bloating and caused side effects, Smith discovered the Healthy Gut supplement via an Instagram advertisement in October 2025.
Within a month of taking the supplement, Smith noticed reduced bloating, and over eight months, her chronic cramps diminished, and her energy levels and confidence increased. "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," Smith said.
The twice-daily pill, costing approximately 40p per day according to Smith's estimate, contains ingredients that researchers believe may support gut health by influencing the gut microbiome. Professor Martyn Caplin, a gastroenterologist and lead study investigator, suggested that curcumin and green tea extract might inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, creating more space for beneficial bacteria. Registered nutritionist Rob Hobson added that these ingredients, along with Vitamin D, have plausible mechanisms for supporting gut health and the gut barrier. Vitamin D, in particular, plays a role in immune regulation and has been linked to IBS in some individuals.
The trial, conducted by the Functional Gut Health Clinic, employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, where neither researchers nor participants knew who received the active supplement or the placebo. The IBS Symptom Severity Score was used to track symptom severity, encompassing bowel movements, abdominal pain, and quality of life. The findings indicated a 54-point reduction in symptom severity for those taking the Healthy Gut supplement, a result considered a significant improvement, while the placebo group showed negligible change. The supplement was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. Nutritionist Kate Cook described the results as encouraging and a promising addition to nutritional approaches for managing IBS.