Digestive health is one of the most important functions in our body and needs to be considered daily. As a result health products for that area are becoming a more important part of the popular understanding of healthcare, with the market set to grow markedly over the 2017-22 period. Here are 12 ingredients that can help with digestive care.
1. Oat Beta Glucans
Oat beta glucans are known as a prebiotic. This means they supply important nutrients to good bacteria and facilitate their health and growth. Good bacteria break down and activate certain nutrients, create necessary nutrients for the body, help to improve immune function, fight off harmful microbes, and supply fuel to the cells that line the intestines.
2. Vitamin B
Essential B vitamins for the digestive system include: B1, also known as thiamine. B1 helps transform carbohydrates into energy for cells; B3, also known as niacin. This vitamin is important for many digestive tract functions, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol; B6, also known as pyridoxine. B6 helps process protein; Biotin, this B vitamin helps the digestive system produce cholesterol and process proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids; B12, also known as cobalamin. B12 plays a role in the nervous system, the production of blood cells, and the body's use of folic acid and carbohydrates, according to the ACS.
3. Vitamin C
This essential vitamin aids digestion by supporting healthy teeth and gums and helps the body absorb iron, according to the NIH.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium and plays a key role in how your nerves, muscles, and immune system function, according to the NIH. What’s more, healthy levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk for colon cancer, according to a 2015 study published in Gut.
5. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved primarily in boosting vision, bone, and reproductive health, as well as helping the immune system, according to the NIH. Although vitamin A is not directly involved in digestion, some gastrointestinal diseases can leave you vulnerable to a vitamin A deficiency.
6. Liquorice Extract
Not many people know this but liquorice extract, or deglycyrrhizinated, is actually a great supplement for supporting digestive health. Liquorice extract supports the overall health of the gastrointestinal system and lines the stomach and intestinal tract.
7. Probiotics
Probiotic, a type of digestive health supplement promotes digestive health and improves the immunity among infants and children. Probiotics are the type of digestive heath supplements consumed after the intake of antibiotics.
8. Senna Leaf Extract
The best-known use of the Senna plant is as a laxative, because it is believed to stimulate the muscles of the large intestine for quick expulsion of faecal matter. The purgative properties of the Senna leaf can improve digestion by facilitating a gastric emptying of the stomach and soothing of the intestinal tract. It may also assist in the control of flatulence and provide relief from nausea.
9. Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamon soothes irritable stomachs and digestive tracts.
10. Rosemary Extract
Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomachs, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem. It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.
11. Rhubarb Extract
Rhubarb can be used to treat digestive issues and gastrointestinal disorders. A compound in the plant called rhein is known to promote bowel movements. Tannins are anti-diarrheal compounds, and a recent study showed that rhubarb extract also helps to regulate the absorption of water in the digestive tract which helps to prevent diarrhea.
12. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is a well-known digestive stimulant. It reduces intestinal gas and may even support digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. Catechins found in green tea can help increase the activity of a digestive enzyme called pepsin, allowing the digestive system to better and more efficiently extract nutrients from consumed foods.
Major players in digestive health supplements market include Nestec, Alimentary Health Limited and Nutrica. Kangcare Bioindustry, as one famous bioactive ingredients supplier, provides high quality ingredients, like Oat Beta Glucans, Vitamins and Plant Extracts, to supplements manufacturers, which would contribute a lot to the global digestive health market.
