A new phase for intestinal health
Gut health is entering a more sophisticated stage. Today, it's not enough to simply know which bacteria live in the gut—the focus is on understanding what they do, what substances they produce, and how they influence different body systems. This more integrated approach, known as Gut Health 2.0, connects the microbiome not only to digestion, but also to immunity, metabolism, mental health, physical performance, and even bone and cardiovascular health.
Trend 1: Science that reveals connections
Modern tools, such as metagenomics and metabolomics, allow us to see how the microbiota is truly active in the body. This means understanding how microorganisms and the human body exchange signals and substances in two ways. This approach helps researchers and companies develop solutions that seek more practical and personalized results.
Trend 2: Ingredients with well-defined evidence
Many new products are no longer designed in a generic way. The goal now expands to develop formulations with a clear functional target—for example, supporting intestinal function and health through prebiotic effects. In this context, not all fibers work the same way. Studies show that fermentation varies depending on the type of ingredient and even the individual microbiota.
An international scientific association that studies biotics (ISAPP) has defined criteria for an ingredient to be considered a prebiotic, which chicory's inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) fully meet. A recent study showed that these chicory root fibers, in doses starting at 3 g/day, can selectively increase bifidobacteria and benefit intestinal function in both adults and children.
Trend 3: Personalization that goes beyond microbiome testing
There's a lot of talk about at-home microbiome testing (kits that analyze the composition of the microbiota from stool samples), but personalization also requires choosing the right types and amounts of fiber and probiotic strains to generate a specific outcome (e.g., for immunity or mental health). The idea is to reduce the trial and error of random testing, making the portfolio of consumer product solutions smarter and more assertive.
Trend 4: Smart combinations
Synbiotic formulations, which combine prebiotics and probiotics, are gaining ground because they create complementary or synergistic effects. While prebiotics "feed" beneficial bacteria, probiotics occupy niches in the gut and contribute to specific functions.
Trend 5: Gut and mind increasingly connected
The gut-brain axis is another area of focus. Today, there's talk of ingredients designed not only for digestion but also to support mood, sleep, and stress response, expanding the role of gut health in emotional well-being.
Trend 6: Transparency and everyday formats
Consumers want natural ingredients, clean labels, and convenience. This has driven innovative formats such as functional beverages, easy-to-use soluble powders, and enriched snacks. The result is greater adherence to gut health care routines.
The Future of Gut Health 2.0
The future points to increasingly innovative and targeted solutions, based on robust science and aligned with each individual's profile. Monitoring clinical results and consumer experience will be essential to transforming discoveries into real effectiveness.
Gut Health 2.0 is, therefore, the decisive step that brings science into everyday life — transforming knowledge into concrete benefits for health and well-being.
Want to know more?
- Baxter NT, et al. Dynamics of human gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in response to dietary interventions with three fermentable fibers. mBio. 2019;10(1):e02566-18.
- BENEO. Prebiotic chicory root fibers for holistic health. [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.beneo.com/human-nutrition/human-nutrition-benefit/prebiotic
- Gibson GR, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;14(8):491-502.
- Holmes ZC, et al. Microbiota responses to different prebiotics are conserved within individuals and associated with habitual fiber intake. Microbiome. 2022;10(1):114.
- Hutkins R, et al. Classifying compounds as prebiotics – scientific perspectives and recommendations. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;22(1):54-70.
- Innova Market Insights. Fiber & Prebiotic Trends: Global Market Overview. [Internet]. Arnhem (NL): Innova Market Insights; 2025. Available from: https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/fiber-and-prebiotic-trends-global-market-overview/
- Innova Market Insights. Latest Nutrition Trends: Foods Good for Gut Health. [Internet]. Arnhem (NL): Innova Market Insights; 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 17]. Available from: https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/latest-nutrition-trends/
- >Mintel. The future foundation of a healthy gut. [Internet]. London: Mintel; 2024. Available from: https://www.mintel.com/insights/food-and-drink/the-future-foundation-of-a-healthy-gut/
- Nagy DU, et al. Effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on abundance of Bifidobacterium and on bowel function: a systematic review with meta-analyses. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;63(33):12018-35.
About the authors:
Leila Hashimoto is a nutritionist with a PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She coordinates the postgraduate program in clinical nutrition applied to gastroenterology at the LG Institute/PUC-Goiás. She teaches classes and lectures and works in a nutritional practice.
Renata Càssar holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Nutrition from USP, with extensive experience in both B2C and B2B companies. She is currently Nutritional Communications Manager for Latin America at BENEO, where she translates the science of functional ingredients into benefits for end users.
