Olympus and Your Gastrointestinal Health

On June 23, a charity event themed "Olympus and Your Gastrointestinal Health" was formally launched in Beijing.The event was held by Olympus, and a

Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActivTM) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActivTM, a novel green kiwifruit extract, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: 41 healthy adults with mild GI discomfort were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either take 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM or a placebo for 6 weeks. Interviews were conducted at baseline, week 3 and week 6, with participants completing questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. Frequency of bowel movements was self-recorded daily. Results: There were no differences in daily and weekly defecation frequency and stool characteristics in either group. The active and placebo groups significantly improve GSRS scores (p , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and PAC-QOL scores (p < 0.05) from baseline. Neither group had changes in sleep quality, quality of life and fatigue, plasma zonulin concentrations or macular pigment optical density scores. The product was well tolerated with no GI disturbances or adverse events being reported. Conclusion: Supplementation of 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM for 6 weeks did not improve defecation frequency or stool composition in healthy adults, but did improve perceived symptoms of GIT function, including symptoms of functional GIT disorders, IBS and constipation. The product was well tolerated and future trials investigating higher doses with more participants and/or a different population would be beneficial.

The Florajen Digestion Balance Patient Experience Study

Background: Antibiotics have long been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects, leading to antibiotic noncompliance, related morbidities and increased costs. Antibiotic-induced disruption of intestinal microbiota has created interest in prophylactic use of probiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated GI side-effects, with recent trials suggesting GI benefits with concomitant probiotic and antibiotic use. The aim of this study was to see if commercially available Florajen Digestion can help maintain GI health during antibiotic regimens in the community. Methods: This prescriber and pharmacist directed, open label, patient experience study took place between September 2018 and January 2019. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients from 40 states participated. Florajen Digestion probiotic was given to patients free of charge through their prescriber or pharmacist when prescribed or dispensed antibiotics. Surveys were completed by HCPs and patients, who reported on antibiotics prescribed/taken, GI upset, compliance and product satisfaction. Results: A total of 839 HCPs and 404 patients completed the study. Although 63% of patients reported prior GI side-effects with antibiotic use, only 12% experienced GI upset with concomitant Florajen Digestion use. Approximately 93% of patients completed their antibiotic regimen, with 77% asserting that Florajen Digestion helped them complete their course of antibiotics and 88% extremely satisfied with the probiotic. Among HCPs, 94% believed reducing side-effects improved antibiotic compliance, with 88% stating that probiotics should be recommended concomitantly with oral antibiotics. Conclusion: The results reveal the GI benefits of concomitant use of Florajen Digestion probiotics with antibiotics and support recommendation of Florajen Digestion by HCPs when prescribing or dispensing antibiotics.