12 Innovations To Improve The Gut-Brain Connection
You are what you eat.
Our body is the only place where we are compelled to reside.
Every day, the phrase above echoes in my mind, serving as a reminder to prioritize my gut health. To achieve this, I employ various strategies such as incorporating fermented foods like kombucha or plain yogurt into my diet, regularly taking probiotic supplements, especially when confronted with substantial dietary changes during travel, and consciously steering clear of artificial sweeteners and processed foods.
The human gut serves as the habitat for trillions of microorganisms, not limited to the stomach but also extending to the intestines, throat, mouth, skin, eyes, and nasal passages. These diverse microbiota play a vital role in sustaining our immune system, brain function, and hormonal balance. They actively produce chemicals that directly impact the overall functioning of our body, including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Consequently, it becomes crucial to actively nurture and support these living microorganisms in order to effectively promote both our mental and physical well-being.
An intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.
The Problem
Over 332 million people are estimated to be living with a digestive disorder in the European region, according to a report from United European Gastroenterology.
60-70 million Americans are suffering from gastrointestinal diseases that can create serious disruptions to daily life, per NIH.
The Market Size
The global market for probiotics is projected to reach $123 Billion by 2030
Similarly, the market for the human microbiome is expected to reach $3 billion worldwide by 2029.
What are some innovative solutions available to enhance microbial diversity and improve overall gut health, thereby benefiting the body and brain?
In recent years, startups have been focusing on the gut as a potential avenue for improving digestive well-being and addressing long-term ailments.
1. Digital Solutions:
Salvo Health, an app-based specialty care provider focusing on chronic gut conditions raised $10.5M in a Seed round (August 2022)
Vivante Health: all-in-one digital solution for gut health and disease. The company has raised a $16 million Series A funding round led by 7wireVentures (March 2022)
Ayble Health, a clinically-backed digital health platform that provides holistic care for people with GI conditions has raised $4.6M Seed funding.
Berlin based Cara Care is a digital gut health platform that offers an app-based treatment to help patients with chronic gastrointestinal problems. Cara Care has raised a total of $16M in funding over 6 rounds.
2. Probiotics & Individualised Supplements:
Sun Genomics provides personalised probiotic solutions based on AI and whole-genome sequencing of the microbiome. The company has raised a $12.2 million Series B with the participation of Danone Manifesto Ventures.
Seed Health, a microbial sciences company that develops applications of bacteria to improve human and planetary health. Initially the company sold probiotics, and now with $40M in new funding, the company is accelerating its consumer health efforts while expanding into clinical research and novel therapeutics.
FitBiomics™ is a sports biotechnology company that spun out of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Fitbiomics develops performance-enhancing probiotics based on the microbiome of an elite athlete.
Pendulum: develops novel interventions that target the human microbiome to improve the lives of patients suffering from a variety of diseases. The company has raised $111 million from Meritech Capital, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures and others 7 investors.
3. At-Home Test & Personalised Nutrition:
ZOE, an at-home test looking at gut health, blood sugar, and blood lipids. Results are then used to develop a dietary program, where users log their meals and track their wellness score. The company has raised $83.7 million to date for its large-scale consumer study. Venture firm Accomplice led the round, with participation from Balderton Capital, Ahren, Daphni and private equity firm L Catterton.
Viome, DTC healthcare test that analyzes microbial and human gene expressions in order to provide individuals with health insights and the nutrition they need. Viome has raised a total of $169.5M in funding over 6 rounds.
Digbi Health is a testing and coaching program. Digbi Health has raised a total of $12.4M in funding over 8 rounds.
Stockholm based Alba Health provides digital gut health support to children based on AI and gut microbiome testing. Alba Health has raised a total of €2.4M in funding lead by Voima Ventures.
Enbiosis uses AI-powered microbiome analysis for personalized diet plan.
In this article you can have an overview of the main Investors betting on Microbiome Technology
Towards the Future
As our understanding of the gut-brain connection deepens, it becomes clear that personalized nutrition goes beyond simply following a "healthy" diet. The future lies in psychobiome optimization, a comprehensive approach to personalized nutrition that encompasses targeted supplements, convenient meal kits, and dedicated coaches who focus specifically on optimizing gut health.
By unraveling the mysteries of the gut-brain connection, we stand to revolutionize not only our understanding of mental health but also our approach to overall well-being. With ongoing research and advancements, we have the potential to unlock transformative solutions that bring us closer to achieving a harmonious balance between our gut and brain.
+ endurance is good,
Martin
P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Globalventuring.com (2) Crunchbase (3) Pitchbook