Personalised nutrition for the symptomatic but otherwise healthy

For so many women and men, bloating is an all too frequent source of frustration. While generally harmless and temporary for most, it can be disruptive to daily activities. As a result, individuals are constantly searching for ways to alleviate this uncomfortable symptom and return to feeling their best. The effect of dietary collagen on managing digestive symptoms is currently lacking in the literature. In this recent study conducted by Qina we discuss the effect of collagen on bloating on otherwise healthy women. The study was also featured on the Mindbodygreen blog

Objective: 

To gain a better understanding of this issue, Qina in partnership with Rousselot and other stakeholders conducted a 2-phase mixed methods study. A mixed-methods study helps to provide a consumer-centric approach to conducting research that really has impact.

Methods: 

Phase 1 was a mixed methods design to explore current attitude and practice among consumers and health care practitioners. The findings were used to design an 8-week phase 2 digital study called Gutme! conducted in the United States in healthy female volunteers (BMI>25 kg/m²). Our aim was, first, to determine the feasibility of conducting a fully digital mixed methods study; second, the study explored the effect of an 8-week daily supplementation of 20 g dietary collagen peptide (Peptan) on digestive symptoms. Phase 2 was a prospective, open-label, longitudinal, single-arm study.

Participation involved 2 weeks of baseline tracking (digestive symptoms, mood, stool, and lifestyle) using an app, followed by 8 weeks of tracking and taking 20 g collagen peptide supplement split into 2 dosages per day. Participants were required to complete a web-based symptom questionnaire at baseline, week 2, and week 8, as well as participate in 2 scheduled video interviews.

Results: 

Phase 1 revealed that consumer awareness of collagen for digestive health is low (64/204, 31.4%). Among the dietitians prescribing collagen for their patients, the most common dosage was 20 g a day with notable effects after 6 weeks of intake. Within the phase 2 study, of the 40 recruited participants, 14 (35%) completed the full course of supplementation. The findings indicate that 93% (13/14) of those who completed the study experienced a reduction in digestive symptoms, which included bloating.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that a mixed methods digital study design is feasible and acceptable for collecting relevant data in a real-life setting. Additionally, the use of a 20 g daily collagen peptide supplement may reduce bloating and improve mild digestive symptoms in otherwise healthy female adults in the absence of any other dietary or lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that digital studies are a promising new avenue for conducting research on supplements and their potential effects on health outcomes.

The study was conducted with Rousselot, you can read the full study here

To discuss your ideas for a consumer study for your ingredient of digital health solution, get in touch!

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