Brightseed Launches Bio Gut Core to Enhance Gut Health
[Disclosure: AgFunderNews’ parent company AgFunder is an investor in Brightseed.]
Brightseed, an innovative startup leveraging artificial intelligence to uncover beneficial plant bioactives, has introduced Bio Gut Core. This new nutraceutical product contains NCT and NFT, two bioactive compounds shown to enhance gut barrier function in a recent human clinical trial.
A weakened gut barrier can lead to conditions popularly termed as “leaky gut,” which Brightseed correlates with issues such as dysbiosis, inflammation, inadequate nutrient absorption, and symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. According to Brightseed, “The gut barrier functions like a protective shield, sustaining a healthy environment for the gut microbiome, optimizing nutrient absorption, and filtering out toxins.”
Innovative Solutions for Gut Health
Traditionally, supplements aimed at improving gut barrier function required impractically large doses using typically 3-5g per serving. In contrast, Bio Gut Core presents a clinically-backed alternative with a significantly lower dose of just 120mg. This improvement not only makes it easier to consume but also presents a more feasible option for formulation across various products.
The new product is a high-purity powder blend of the compounds NFT and NCT, produced through precision fermentation, thus broadening its application range within food, beverage, and supplement industries. A spokesperson noted, “Bio Gut Core features enhanced potency, optimized for effectiveness, and is easily formulated into capsules, tablets, soft gels, and ready-to-mix products.”
Strong Pre-Launch Demand
Interest from both existing and potential customers has been robust, even before the official launch, surpassing Brightseed’s expectations. “The demand has exceeded our projections from innovators in the food, beverage, supplement, and digestive health sectors,” the spokesperson remarked.
Understanding Leaky Gut
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial—set to be published in a peer-reviewed journal this summer—indicates that NCT and NFT play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier. Preliminary findings suggest these compounds facilitate nutrient absorption while preventing unwanted pathogens from entering the system.
Participants reported less bloating and reduced abdominal pain following a three-week regimen of Bio Gut Core, receiving a daily dose of 120mg.
When discussing potential product claims, the spokesperson indicated that while specific claims are subject to evaluation by each customer, examples may include: “Clinically shown to improve gut barrier integrity compared to placebo in less than a month” or “Bio Gut Core is clinically proven to strengthen the gut barrier and alleviate bloating and abdominal discomfort within three weeks.”
Pioneering AI-Powered Discovery
Founded in 2017 by Sofia Elizondo, Dr. Lee Chae, and Dr. Jim Flatt, Brightseed has developed an extensive database of plant-based compounds linked to various biological targets. The company’s AI-powered Forager platform predicts the health benefits of lesser-known plant components while aiding in the optimal commercial sourcing or production of these compounds.
This approach may involve extracting elements directly from plants or deciphering their metabolic pathways to guide the precision fermentation process.
To fully harness its potential, Brightseed is actively creating its own bioactives, such as NFT and NCT, while collaborating with various partners, including Haleon, Ocean Spray, and Danone, on diverse projects aimed at discovering and commercializing new bioactive compounds and analyzing the health benefits of existing products.
“Some partners seek to uncover and leverage new bioactives, while others want to explore the value of items already within their portfolios,” CCO Sofia Elizondo shared in an interview. “It’s about understanding the hidden value in their products and realizing its full potential.”
