Daily Archives: July 31, 2022

Vitamin B1 is another name for thiamine. Some foods, such as pork, salmon, and black beans, naturally contain this nutrient, while manufacturers enrich other foods with it.

Vitamin B1 is an essential nutrient. This means the body cannot make it and humans must get it from their diet. Like all the other B vitamins and vitamin C, it is a water-soluble vitamin.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B1 for adults aged 19 years and up in the United States is 1.2 milligrams (mg) for males and 1.1 mg for females. The RDA increases to 1.4 mg during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some foods are naturally high in vitamin B1.

Individual vitamins within the B-vitamin group work together to exert health-promoting effects such as energy production. This is why many of these vitamin B1-rich foods contain a combination of the B vitamins and other nutrients.

Read on for a review of some key vitamin B1 foods to consider including in a diet.

A 100-gram (g) serving of broiled or baked pork chop contains 0.565 mg of vitamin B1.

A pork chop is also a source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin), as well as a range of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of cooked wild Atlantic salmon has 0.275 mg of vitamin B1.

Salmon is also a source of all the B vitamins, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids, and it contains a range of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of canned black beans contains 0.196 mg of vitamin B1.

Canned black beans are also a source of vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K (phylloquinone). Additionally, they provide the essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of steamed mussels contains 0.303 mg of vitamin B1.

Steamed mussels also provide vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, along with the essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of cooked brown rice contains 0.177 mg of vitamin B1.

Cooked brown rice is also a source of vitamins B2, B3, B6, E, and K, as well as folate. It provides the essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Every 100 g of sunflower seeds contains 0.106 mg of vitamin B1.

Unsalted sunflower seeds also contain a range of other essential nutrients, including vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K; folate; and beta carotene. Additionally, they contain the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of green peas, cooked from frozen, contains 0.282 mg of vitamin B1.

Cooked frozen green peas also contain vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K, as well as folate and beta carotene. The body can potentially turn beta carotene into vitamin A.

Green peas provide the essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

A 100-g serving of unsalted pecans contains 0.64 mg of vitamin B1.

Pecans also contain a range of other nutrients, including vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K; folate; and beta carotene. Additionally, pecans provide the essential minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Rather than being naturally high in vitamin B1, some vitamin B1 foods are high in the nutrient as a result of enrichment. Breakfast cereals and white rice are examples of these foods.

Brown rice naturally contains much more vitamin B1 than white rice. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), non-enriched white rice has only one-tenth of the vitamin B1 content of non-enriched brown rice. Food producers often enrich white rice with vitamin B1.

Around 80% of the vitamin B1 in an adults body takes the form of thiamine diphosphate (TDP). This form of vitamin B1 provides essential support to five enzymes stimulators of chemical reactions in the body needed to metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Because of this important role in energy metabolism, vitamin B1 is also essential for cell growth, development, and function.

The body stores vitamin B1 in the liver, but in only small amounts (2530 mg). Vitamin B1 stays in the body for only a short time, so humans need to take in a continuous supply of it from food and, in some cases, from supplements.

Learn more about vitamin B1 here.

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient, meaning that humans need to get it from their diet to maintain good health.

Some foods, like pork and brown rice, are naturally high in vitamin B1. Food manufacturers enrich other foods, such as white rice and breakfast cereals, with vitamin B1.

This nutrient is important for energy metabolism and, therefore, for the growth, development, and functioning of cells.

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Vitamin B1 foods: Naturally high and enriched options - Medical News Today

Whatever the cause(s) of inflation in food priceseconomic crisis, supply chain chaos, the disruptions of war, corporate profiteeringthe effects can be quite grim. Especially amongst the poor.And especially amongst the poorest of the poor.

High and increasing food prices generate an immediate threat to the security of a familys food supply, thereby undermining population health, write scholars Hyun-Hoon Lee, Suejin A. Lee, Jae-Young Lim, and Cyn-Young Park. They analyzed a panel dataset that covered ninety-five developing countries between 2001, when global food prices were at a historic low, and 2011. This date range spans the startling upsurge of food prices in 2006 and the global food crisis of 2008 and its aftermath. Their lessons may be a window into the results of current and future global food price surges. As they note,

Rising food prices have a significant detrimental effect on nourishment and consequently lead to higher levels of both infant and child mortality in developing countries, especially in least developed countries (LDCs).

While this may seems obvious, especially for countries with precarious food securitypoverty and dependence on food importation are a dangerous combinationthe authors argue that their study was the first to attempt to assess the precise effects of food price inflation on child health in developing countries.

Short-term effects arent the only issue. In addition to the immediate threat to food security, malnutrition and undernutrition can retard human development and lower labor productively for the economy in the long term.

Fifty percent of childhood mortality is attributed to undernutrition. Maternal nourishment, meanwhile, is key to a childs development. Low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, also known as fetal growth restriction, FGR), all put babies at greater than-normal risk for a variety of health problems before and after birth. Such outcomes include increased risk to infectious disease, another reminder that public health depends on the health of all members of the public. Micronutrient deficiency is another factor to consider. Supplements of Vitamin A can reduce childhood mortality thirty percent and supplements of zinc van reduce the mortality of onethree-year-olds by eighteen percent.

Protecting the health status of infants and children in developing countries may become especially important during periods of concurrent economic downturn and high food price inflation, writes Lees team.

A governments strong commitment to public health is especially crucial to improving child health. The international communitys enhanced efforts to provide food and health aid to these countries are in great need during these difficult periods.

Bertolt Brechts infamous remark that famines do not occur, they are organized by the grain trade may be simplistic, but it does point to the truth that theres plenty of food in the world. Its the distribution of that food that is telling.

The research team studied developing countries, but their findings should be considered in light of conditions in the poorest regions of so-called developed countries, especially those marked by great wealth disparities, massive inequality, and undeveloped or nonexistent social safety nets. With consumer prices, including for food, reaching a four decade high in the US, and the continuing war in Ukraine undermining the global wheat market, the price of food isnt just a matter of politics. Its also health, welfare, and life itself.

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JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. JSTOR Daily readers can access the original research behind our articles for free on JSTOR.

By: Hyun-Hoon Lee, Suejin A. Lee, Jae-Young Lim and Cyn-Young Park

The European Journal of Health Economics, Vol. 17, No. 5 (June 2016), pp. 535551

Springer

By: W. Thwaites

The Agricultural History Review, Vol. 33, No. 2 (1985), pp. 119131

British Agricultural History Society

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Food Price Inflation and Health - JSTOR Daily

ReportLinker

Report Scope: The report will provide an updated review of the global probiotics market, focusing on its genus, function, end-use, application, and sales channel. Conclusive and detailed estimates and forecasts of the global probiotics market are provided, followed by a detailed analysis of regions, countries and manufacturers.

New York, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Probiotics in Food, Beverages, Dietary Supplements and Animal Feed" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05835682/?utm_source=GNW

The genus segment of the global probiotics market is further segmented into Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacillus and others.Based on the application, the market is segmented into food and beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed and others.

The global probiotics market based on end use is segmented into probiotics for humans and probiotics for animals.Based on function, global probiotics market is segmented into regular probiotics and therapeutic probiotics.

Based on sales channels, the market is segmented into hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialty stores, pharmacies, online and others.

The report will include the COVID-19 impact analysis on the probiotics market at a global level. The impact analysis will consist of the impact on demand, supply and prices.

The market size and estimations are provided in terms of value (USD millions), considering 2021 as a base year, and a market forecast will be provided from 2022 to 2027.Regional market size with respect to the application will be provided.

COVID-19s impact will be considered while the marketing estimation.

The report includes an analysis of major players across each regional probiotics market.The report explains the major drivers and regional dynamics of the global probiotics market and current trends within the industry.

The report focuses on the vendor landscape and includes detailed profiles of the major vendors in the market.Major companies in the global probiotics market include Chr.

Hansen Inc., Nestle Inc., Danone Inc., Probi AB Inc., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. and Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd.

Report Includes:- 280 data tables and 66 additional tables- An up-to-date overview of the global market for probiotics in food and beverages, dietary supplements, and animal feed applications- Analyses of the global market trends, with sales data for 2021, estimates for 2022, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2027- Evaluation and forecast the market size for probiotics, projected growth trends, and corresponding market share analysis by type, genus, function, application, end use (human/animals), sales channel, and region- Updated information on market opportunities and drivers, key shifts, regulations and industry specific challenges, and other factors that will shape this market demand in the coming years (2022-2027)- Highlights of the impact of COVID-19 on the global probiotics market, along with its implications on demand and supply of probiotics, price impact, and various government strategic decisions- Discussion of the importance of scientific research, product innovation, consumer awareness and preferences, and regulatory requirements for probiotics- Review of patent data and new developments regarding various categories and sub-categories of probiotics- Key merger and acquisition deals, partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures as well as other strategic alliances within the food and beverages industry- Market share analysis of the key market participants offering probiotic-enhanced products, their research priorities, product portfolios and the competitive landscape- Descriptive company profiles of the leading global players, including Abbott, Chr. Hansen Inc., DSM, Kerry, Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Nestle Inc. and Wallaby Yogurt Co.

Summary:The word probiotics derived from Latin word pro, which means for, and Greek word bios, which means life.The term first used in 1965 by Lilly & Stillwell.

FAO and WHO joint working group defined probiotics as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that balance the gut flora. The growing awareness of the benefits of healthy bacteria for both humans and animals has driven the demand for probiotics over the years. Additionally, the increasing demand for functional foods and dietary supplements is driving the growth of the global probiotics market.

Probiotics are consumed to ensure bacterial balance in the body.Probiotics are consumed via dietary supplements for the prevention of constipation, diarrhea and other infections.

Probiotics are used to produce feed for poultry, cattle, swine and pets.Probiotics boost the overall health and productivity of animals.

Commercial animal production is driving the consumption of animal feed, which is expected to drive the probiotics market during the forecast period.

Based on the genus of the probiotic, the global market of probiotics can be categorized into Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacillus and others.During the forecast period, Lactobacillus is estimated to account for the highest share of the overall market.

It is also expected to be the fastest-growing segment from 2022 to 2027 among all probiotics. The market demand for Lactobacillus is mainly driven by the fact that it is the most commonly used probiotic genus across a wide range of human and animal products.

By application, the global probiotics market can be categorized into food and beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed and others.During the forecast period, the food and beverage segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global probiotics market.

Demand is driven by the growing consumption of fortified and functional foods to promote gut health, physical appearance and overall well-being.

Based on the end use, the global market of probiotics can be categorized into probiotics for humans and probiotics for animals.During the forecast period, the human probiotics segment is estimated to account for a dominant share of the market.

It is primarily driven by the growing consumption of dairy products, infant formula, meat products and dietary supplements across the world, especially in the developing economies.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05835682/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Probiotics in Food, Beverages, Dietary Supplements and Animal Feed - Yahoo Finance

This article was published in the June 2022 issue ofPet Food Processing. Read it and other articles from this issue in ourJune digital edition.

The trend toward solution-based formulations has as much to do with consumer perception and evolving pet owner demands as it does with pet health and wellness. The humanization of pets has undoubtedly spurred growth in this category, as several ingredients seen in healthy food and nutritional supplements for people have now made their way into the pet aisle.

Take probiotics as one example. A survey commissioned by Milwaukee-based Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition in December 2020 found pet owners who take probiotics themselves are more likely to feed their furry companion probiotics as well. According to the research, 61% of pet owners associate probiotics with digestive health, 59% with immune health, 58% with healthy aging, 52% with skin health, and 50% with oral benefits.

According to Joe Toscano, vice president and director, trade and industry development, Nestl Purina North America, St. Louis, roughly 40% of pet owners are willing to pay more for a pet food product tailored to their pets needs. With this apparent demand, the onus is on pet food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to understand the nuances and needs behind solution-based formulas.

We believe nutrition starts with understanding nutrients, not just ingredients, Toscano said. The best ingredients are the ones that work together to enhance one anothers performance. A smarter nutrient blend is more digestible and effective for a pet than a single ingredient.

Solution-based pet nutrition means different things to different companies, but the overall goal is to use nutrition to aid an animal with a certain condition, according to Kent Cooper, co-owner, Evolve Consulting Group, Fremont, Neb. The complexity of these formulations ranges from the inclusion of specific ingredients like sources of Omega fatty acids or certain vitamins and minerals to veterinary diets backed by thorough research and testing.

Feeding pets healthy, balanced diets is essential to their health and wellbeing, yet no pet diet, supplement or treat is the same, said Megan Passman, global insights manager, Corbion, Lenexa, Kan. It is essential to recognize the complexity in todays consumer and their desire for transparency and traceability in everyday life, which includes their pet.

Kambria Newton, trade marketing manager, Petcurean, Chilliwack, British Columbia, noted from Packaged Facts Pet Food in the US report in 2020 that 18% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners switched to a weight management formula over the previous 12 months, while 9% of cat owners and 15% of dog owners switched to recipes that address digestive health issues.

Clearly, pet owners are asking more of the products they feed their pets and the industry is delivering.

The category is

Solution-based formulas cover the gamut from species-specific concerns and conditions to broader targeted solutions that can improve a pets quality of life. Some of the most common pet ailments being addressed include mobility, digestion and gut health, immunity, skin and coat health, weight control, dental health, and anti-inflammatory support, but there are many others on the table.

There are a wide variety of solution-based formulations, said Lisa Schole, co-owner, Evolve Consulting Group. It is very common to have a formulation that targets multiple solutions, such as digestive health and skin and coat.

Passman noted obesity, pancreatitis and gastroenteritis as major health issues being addressed by solution-based nutrition. The category also extends to performance diets for active dogs, hairball and urinary health formulas for cats, calming products to address behavior, and life-stage formulations speaking to the unique nutritional needs of growing puppies and kittens and aging animals.

Like their human counterparts, young dogs and cats have specific nutrition requirements to support their rapid growth and development, Toscano said. Puppies and kittens bodies are fast-growing but, unlike babies, they pack all their growth into a few short years. Puppies and kittens need higher levels of calories and protein, DHA, antioxidants and bioactive substances for the first one to two years.

Additionally, some brands are using exotic or non-traditional protein sources such as insects, venison, kangaroo, alligator, pheasant, bison, goat, elk and others, or developing limited-ingredient diets to address food sensitivities in pets.

Nearly universally, solution-based formulas target the current cadre of pet parents who want to provide what they believe to be the best possible food to their pet babies, at nearly any price, said Steve Lerner, Ph.D., head of North America marketing and product management, Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition. This trend of exotic and expensive is better is likely to continue until the science of solution-based nutrition catches up to the market.

Solution-based formulas target the current cadre of pet parents who want to provide what they believe to be the best possible food to their pet babies, at nearly any price, said Steve Lerner, Ph.D., Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition.

Pet owners can also use solution-based treats, toppers and supplements to add functional nutrition to an already complete-and-balanced diet.

The diet is important for overall macro nutrient supply and digestion, and treats and supplements can serve as added bonuses to help pet owners show increased love and support for their animal, said Ryan Boldt, product manager, The Peterson Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.

VICTOR, a line by Mount Pleasant, Texas-based Mid America Pet Food, has built its brand specifically on super-premium nutrition for performance dogs who require science-backed and field-proven nutrition, according to Michael Keith, senior vice president of nutrition and supply chain at Mid America Pet Food.

Keith highlighted hip and joint support, skin and coat health, and gut health as three of the most common health concerns for dogs being addressed through nutrition.

Because we know how important these functional benefits are to pet parents, weve developed our proprietary VPRO Blend that is included in every bag of VICTOR and was created to specifically address digestibility, immune system function, healthy skin and coat and effective metabolism, he said.

Supporting actors

Essential vitamins and minerals have always played a role in dog and cat food. With solution-based formulas, they are being fine-tuned to address specific health issues. Some brands are optimizing mineral sources to support paw pad integrity and skin and coat health, Schole shared, and the inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and other nutraceuticals is rising to meet gastrointestinal and immune health demands.

Just like with humans, probiotics can be beneficial to both cats and dogs, Toscano said. Probiotics are live microorganisms, similar to those found naturally in the intestines, which help maintain balance in the digestive tract. After being consumed, they help to inhibit harmful pathogens from colonizing the GI tract.

Purina offers several solutions incorporating probiotics to this end, including Purina ONE with Microbiome Balance, Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora and Purina Pro Plan Calming Care Veterinary Supplements. The companys Pro Plan Calm & Balanced dog food also contains targeted levels of fish oil to deliver EPA and DHA, which have been shown to provide behavioral and physical health benefits for dogs.

Superfoods are another tool in the arsenal of solution-based ingredients. Common superfood ingredients seen in the market today include pumpkin, blueberries, flaxseed, turmeric, and other fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds.

Lidiia Alaverdova, DVM, head of global marketing and pet portfolio manager of commercial development, Chr. Hansen, noted these ingredients work best in a healthy microbiome, and therefore may need to be combined with probiotics or other functional ingredients to support the release of nutrients and bioactives hidden within these superfoods.

Superfoods are ingredients that provide extra nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, that are not usually found in meats and grains, she said. We focus on the power of good bacteria to unlock the potential of some of these superfoods by supporting a healthy digestion.

VICTORs VPRO Blend features prebiotics, probiotics, selenium yeast, organic trace minerals and mineral complexes formulated at or above recommended rates to support the health of working dogs. The brand ensures each ingredient in the blend is peer-reviewed and backed by scientific research, Keith noted.

The extensive scientific support of these ingredients allows us to give confidence to our consumers that the VICTOR formula theyre feeding is delivering for their pet, he said.

Open Farm includes turmeric, apple cider vinegar, chamomile, passion flower and vitamin C in its supplement formulas, all of which are natural ingredients intended to serve a solution-based purpose. The companys Supplements for Dogs contain 100% human-grade, non-GMO and fully traceable ingredients and target five key health concerns in dogs: mobility, skin and coat health, immunity, calming, and probiotic support.

We at Open Farm see transparency as the biggest emerging opportunity in the solution-based formulations space, said Kristen Hatton, brand manager, Open Farm, Toronto. By putting an emphasis on the transparency of ingredients used, consumers can be more confident in what they are feeding their beloved pets.

The Peterson Company offers proteins with low molecular weight, which work well in hypoallergenic diets, as well as ingredients that contain collagen, an emerging ingredient gaining traction as a rawhide alternative for pet chews or to provide bone and joint support in food and treats.

Another hot topic in this category is the inclusion of Omega fatty acids. According to Corbion, fermented microalgae can be a source of Omega 3 fatty acids in a pet nutrition product. The company is also exploring long chain Omega 3 fatty acids to help manufacturers realize functional formulations.

Its important to understand the function of ingredients in a recipe both how they work together and how they can benefit the pet, Hatton said.

Petcureans GO! WEIGHT MANAGEMENT + JOINT CARE formulas include controlled fat levels and functional ingredients to address mobility and weight in adult and senior dogs and cats, Newton shared. Ingredients in this diet include a fiber-rich psyllium husk and flaxseed to help with satiety, L-carnitine to support heart health and the conversion of fat into energy, and supplemental sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to fortify overall health and wellness in dogs.

The companys GO! DIGESTION + GUT HEALTH formulas also include functional ingredients, including dried chicory root and a three-yeast blend alongside ancient grains, psyllium husk and a patented probiotic bacterium, to support gut health, digestion and stool quality at all life stages.

In the future, I think we will continue to see more solution-oriented recipes emerge that prioritize other common issues pet owners deal with, such as animal protein allergies, heart health, anxiety and stress and breed-specific issues, among other things, Newton added.

Hidden challenges

The inclusion of nutraceuticals begs the question of resilience. Can fragile ingredients such as probiotics survive through high-heat processing steps all the way to a pets bowl?

When it comes to living probiotic ingredients, there are age-old misconceptions that these beneficial bacteria dont survive the manufacturing process to be effective in the digestive systems of our pets, Lerner shared. Reputable providers of those probiotic products, like Chr. Hansen, diligently find and test those strains of bacteria that can survive in pet food, and that are active and effective in the gut.

Aside from processing considerations, Theresa Lantz, MSc, companion animal nutritionist, Petcurean, said marketing claims can be another pressure point for brands in the solution-based arena. She cautioned processors against moving forward with a grandiose claim until proper research can be conducted on the products efficacy.

Marketing claims should always be backed by scientific evidence, said Kristen Hatton, Open Farm.

Wording is also very important in this industry when making marketing claims, Lantz added. Changing even the slightest wording without triple-checking how this may affect the meaning or intention from a regulatory standpoint can be a source of confusion.

Boldt also noted cost and reliability along the supply chain as two major challenges. While innovation is important for the industry, novel ingredients with functional benefits should be vetted by research, verified as safe, and backed up by a consistent supply before they are used widely in the market.

The pet industry, among many others, continues to be affected by inflation and ongoing supply chain issues which can make the procurement of specialty ingredients, such as the ones included in our recipes, challenging, Newton said. While these challenges are not specific to solution-based formulas, we continue to work closely with our trusted network of suppliers to ensure that we are able to produce our formulations and keep our pricing competitive, even during these uncertain times.

Keith reiterated this point in reference to VICTORs VPRO blend, which includes ingredients that often come at a premium price.

Utilizing these premium quality ingredients allows us to deliver the super-premium nutrition that we do, but it is challenging on the operations side when costs rise like they have been with inflation, he said.

As with any new product, safety and efficacy should be reflected first and foremost in a formulation, and brands competing in this category must prioritize the science behind pet nutrition and wellness above all else.

It is sometimes the case, particularly in markets where considerations of safety as opposed to efficacy are the top priority of regulatory authorities, that marketing claims of new, unique, sustainable, fresh, alternative, innovative, immune-boosting, etc. win the hearts and minds of targeted consumers with a limited amount of corresponding evidence of true efficacy for a stated purpose, Alaverdova said. Luckily for the consumer, there is so much interest in the pet food industry in finding alternatives to better meet the nutritional needs of our pets that the proper, essential investments in research and science are being made.

Read more aboutproduct development, ingredients and formulation.

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Fueling functional formulations with on-trend, science-backed ingredients - Pet Food Processing

You might be surprised to learn that gut health is the latest buzzy topic on TikTok.

Under hashtags like #guttok, #guthealth and #guthealing, influencers and every day users alike are posting thousands of videos, sharing stories about their gut health struggles and remedies.

And they've raked in a little over a billion views.

Like with anything that skyrockets on TikTok, gut health's popularity on the app can be attributed in part to the ease with which content creators can churn out quick and relatable videos about topics like how to reduce bloating or prevent symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Another factor is that as users are looking to become more informed about their health on the app, they're also looking for solutionsand the gut health community is offering them up. Health and wellness brands are listening and learning as well.

For example, this year, a cleaner and easier way to get gut health information was launched by Thorne, a science-driven wellness company that supports healthy aging.

Testing your gut health typically requires pooping in a bucket or on a piece of paper, then scooping a sample of your own stool into a container to ship it to a lab. "You get a lot of information from doing these gut health tests, but one issue is that the collection process just isn't the greatest experience," says Nathan Price, chief scientific officer at Thorne.

Thorne's test offers an alternative that seems tailor-made for the TikTok generationa microbiome wipe, which is used just like toilet paper after going to the bathroom. You place the wipe in a container, send it off and you're done.

"It's just like what you do every single day," Price says. "We just thought that is the simplest way we can possibly think of that you can collect a microbiome sample."

The simplicity of the test, plus the actionable steps provided with the results, has the potential to really resonate with creators and followers on TikTok.

But the sheer amount of information, advice and remedies on social media can be a lot to wade through. There is so much coming your way that you may not be able to distinguish the myths from the facts, or even understand why gut health is so important in the first place.

Thankfully, we spoke to a gastroenterologist about what exactly gut health is, how it affects other parts of your body and how you can improve it. Here's what he had to say:

Gut health is a term used to describe how the gut interacts with the rest of the body and overall health, including how you digest and absorb substances, according to a 2011 study in BMC Medicine.

The key to all things gut health is the microbiome, according to Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at the Digestive Health Center at the University of Washington Medical Center, and chief medical and science Officer at Supergut. You could think about the microbiome as the 'tamagotchi of our gut,' Damman says.

"You have to keep the tamagotchi happy to keep your whole body happy," Damman says.

The microbiome is filled with microbes, and there's a very important reason why they live in your gut, Damman says. He encourages you to think about microbes as a nutrient factory that makes the things your body needs, using the food we eat. Many of those nutrients aren't present in the food itself.

You have to keep the tamagotchi happy to keep your whole body happy.

Christopher Damman

Gastroenterologist, Digestive Health Center at the University of Washington Medical Center

"They're not just there as innocent bystanders, but they're actually conspiring towards our health and we're conspiring towards their health. We have a mutual relationship with them," he says.

Here are some things that your microbes do for your body, according to Damman:

When your gut health is imbalanced, it can affect the rest of your body as well, he says. And it's not always the usual suspects like diarrhea, constipation or abdominal discomfort.

"Skin can be tied back to gut health. Your mental health, and neuroinflammation is the cause of that, can be tied back to gut health. The list goes on and on," Damman says, "Sleep even, and mood."

Research shows that there are also health benefits of having a diverse microbiome, which can be affected by your diet, he says. Unique microbiomes were associated with healthy aging and increased survival rates, according to a 2021 study published in Nature Metabolism.

Some experts would argue that tests like Thorne's, while effective, are unnecessary. Your body will likely tell you when your gut health is imbalanced by way of a number of symptoms including digestive problems, acne, brain fog and lower moods.

Fortunately there are easy, natural things you can do to support or improve the balance of your gut. Most important is improving your diet, and for this, Damman encourages you to consider these four:

Fiber is what he recommends above all else because it is the preferred food source of microbes of the gut.

And of the TikTok crazes, kombucha, yogurt and apple cider vinegar are the only ones slightly backed by evidence because they're fermented foods, he adds.

Having a diet rich in fermented foods correlated with a more diverse microbiome and a decrease of inflammation, according to a small 2021 study done by researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine.

But it's important to be mindful about choosing fermented foods with low sugar. "For kombucha specifically, there's a lot of sugar in it. Sugar is probably one of the things that's contributing to poor gut health," Damman says.

Damman also warns you to be careful of Keto diets because while they may help you lose weight, they typically don't include enough fiber and can put stress on your liver and kidneys.

"Shift back to a truly healthy diet which has more balance to it," Damman says. "The balance that we've been missing is whole foods and fiber, and I think that's where supplements can really fill a nice niche on the backend."

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#Guttok has over 500 million views on TikTok: Why gut health keeps trending and why its important - CNBC

The best time to take your vitamins is whatever time you'll actually stick to moving forward. After all, consistency is key when it comes to an impactful supplement routine. "We have daily micronutrient requirements, not weekly or monthly, for an entire array of essential vitamins and minerals, including those all-important B vitamins," nutrition scientist Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, explains.

Some vitamins are water-soluble, while others are fat-soluble (i.e., vitamins A, D, E, and K). B vitamins are water-soluble by nature. So you might assume that you'll reap the most benefits taking your B complex on an empty stomach with a wonderfully hydrating glass of water, right?

While that might be a fine practice (perhaps even first thing in the morning for ease of routine), Ferira says it's a nutrition misnomer that water-soluble vitamins require an empty stomach and water.

"Yes, B vitamins are soluble in water; that's their biochemical design. Thankfully, the body and its cells and organs are made up of lots of water. That's why daily hydration goals are so important," she says.

"In fact, B vitamins' water-soluble nature means they dissolve with ease, absorb with ease, and excrete with ease (i.e., when our body has gotten its fair share). It also means they don't store in our adipose tissue, aka body fat, so you have to be even more cognizant of replenishing them daily," Ferira says. "You can take B vitamins on an empty or full stomach, with water or any beverage that delights you."

Another nutrition expert we chatted with prefers to incorporate "B complex supplements an hour before or two hours after a meal, though it can be taken with a meal if you experience queasiness taking it without food," notes registered dietitianJess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN.

And if you take medication, always check with your doctor before integrating a B vitamin complex. As Cording notes, B vitamins may affect your ability to absorb certain medications, and therefore should be spaced away from them sufficiently. That's where personalized nutrition and supplement timing comes in.

Speaking of supplement timing, it's important to differentiate between an exclusive B complex (i.e., only B's), versus a multi-nutrient complex that also features some B vitamins. "If the supplement you are taking only has B vitamins in it, then there is no specific indication to take with or without a meal," echoes registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin, MPH, R.D., and founder of BZ Nutrition. If, however, your B complex also contains zinc, you'll definitely want to pair this supplement with a meal, as zinc may cause queasiness on an empty stomach.

Indeed, some people are more sensitive to supplements than others. While B vitamins are generally known to be gentle on the stomach, everyone is unique. "If your B vitamin complex is actually woven into a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral supplement, aka a multi, then it's actually way more likely that some of the minerals might contribute to stomach unease if taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning," shares Ferira.

If that's the case, you would be better served by pairing your B-complex-infused multivitamin with a meal. "In fact, the limiting factor of a multivitamin for optimal absorption are the fat-soluble vitamins anyway, so most people would benefit from taking their multi with or soon after a meal or snack," Ferira adds.

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