The gut-brain axis is a complex, bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The gut microbiota influences the gut-brain axis. Therefore, changes in the gut microbiota due to factors such as diet and stress may lead to gastrointestinal and psychiatric concerns.

The following is an evidence-based eight-week protocol for supporting the gut-brain axis, the gut microbiota, and mental health.

Product descriptions

ZenbiomeDUAL

ZenbiomeTM DUAL contains the novel psychobiotic Bifidobacterium longum 1714™ and the internationally recognized probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 35624™. B. longum 1714™ may help support the cortisol/stress response and promote relaxation and emotional well-being. B. longum 35624™ may help support digestive health and healthy inflammatory levels.* 

Some patients may experience some gut changes or discomfort during the first four weeks. This is temporary and an indication that the probiotic cultures are beginning to take effect.

 

MegaMarine™

MegaMarine™ is a comprehensive, full-spectrum fish oil formulated to support a healthy gut microbiome. It contains a balanced ratio of EPA, DHA, and the “forgotten” DPA to support healthy immune and gut-barrier function.* 

 

Mega IgG2000™

Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins, found in MegaIgG2000™, may help support a balanced immune system and a healthy gut barrier.*

If patients experience diarrhea, increase by two capsules per day to a dose of 5 g, as tolerated.

 

MegaSporeBiotic™

MegaSporeBiotic™ is a 100% spore-based probiotic that supports the gut microbiome by promoting microbial diversity and maintaining health-promoting, commensal gut microbes.* 

 

FODMATE™ 

FODMATE is a FODMAP-specific enzymatic blend to support the digestion of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, and/or monosaccharides.*

Recommend in one- to three-month increments as long-term use will result in decreased microbial diversity.

Dosing schedule

Week 1 Week 2 Weeks 3–4 Weeks 5–8
Zenbiome™ DUAL 2 capsules per day with a meal 
MegaMarine™  2 softgels per day with a meal
Mega IgG2000™  2 capsules twice per day with a meal
MegaSporeBIotic™  1 capsule every other day 1 capsule per day 2 capsules per day 
FODMATE™  2 capsules, 2–3 times per day, 15–30 minutes before meals 

Disclaimer

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This protocol is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Fullscript Integrative Medical Advisory team has developed or collected these protocols from practitioners and supplier partners to help healthcare practitioners make decisions when building treatment plans. By adding this protocol to your Fullscript template library, you understand and accept that the recommendations in the protocol are for initial guidance and may not be appropriate for every patient.

View template in-app
References

References:

  1. Saha L. Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jun 14;20(22):6759-73. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759. PMID: 24944467; PMCID: PMC4051916.
  2. Catinean A, et al. Bacillus spp. Spores—A Promising Treatment Option for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nutrients. 2019; 11:1968;1-10.
  3. McFarlin BK, et al. Oral spore-based probiotic supplementation was associated with reduced incidence of post-prandial dietary endotoxin, triglycerides, and disease risk biomarkers. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2017; 8(3):117–126.
  4. Stein T. Bacillus subtilis antibiotics: structures, syntheses and specific functions. Molecular Microbiology. 2005;56(4):845-857.
  5. Dong T, Van P, Cutting S. Bacillus Probiotics.Nutra Foods. 2009;8(2):7-14.
  6. Suva MA, et al. Novel insight on probiotic Bacillus subtilis: Mechanism of action and clinical applications. Jour Curr Res in Sci Med. 2016; 2(2):65-72.
  7. Shaw AL, Tomanelli A, Bradshaw TP, Petschow BW, Burnett BP. Impact of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate therapy on irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of patient perspective. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2017 May 31;11:1001-1007. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S134792. PMID: 28615929; PMCID: PMC5460652. 
  8. Asmuth DM, Ma ZM, Albanese A, et al. Oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin improves duodenal immune reconstitution and absorption function in patients with HIV enteropathy. AIDS. 2013;27(14):2207-2217. doi:10.1097/QAD.0b013e328362e54c
  9. Prossomariti, et al. Short-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid improves inflammation and affects colonic differentiation markers and microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis. Scientific Reports. 2017; 7: e7458. DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-07992-1
  10. Fonseca, et al. Comparative effects of the ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives resolvins E1 and D1 and protectin DX in models of inflammation and pain. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2017;10:119–133.
  11. Fu Y, Wang Y, Gao H, et al. Associations among Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, the Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal Immunity. Mediators Inflamm. 2021;2021:8879227. Published 2021 Jan 2. doi:10.1155/2021/8879227
  12. Costantini L, Molinari R, Farinon B, Merendino N. Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(12):2645. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.3390/ijms18122645
  13. Pittayanon R, Lau JT, Yuan Y, Leontiadis GI, Tse F, Surette M, Moayyedi P. Gut Microbiota in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome-A Systematic Review. Gastroenterology. 2019 Jul;157(1):97-108. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.03.049. Epub 2019 Mar 30. PMID: 30940523.
  14. Di Stefano, et al. The Effect of Oral α-Galactosidase on Intestinal Gas Production and Gas-Related Symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2006; 52(1):78–83.
  15. Tuck CJ, et al. Increasing Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Symptoms with Ingestion of Galacto-Oligosaccharides Are Mitigated by α-Galactosidase Treatment. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Jan;113(1):124-134
  16. Komericki, et al. Oral Xylose Isomerase Decreases Breath Hydrogen Excretion and Improves Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Fructose Malabsorption – a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2012; 36(10): 980–987.
  17. Chi, et al. Inulinase-Expressing Microorganisms and Applications of Inulinases. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2009.; 82(2): 211-220
  18. Savignac, et al. Bifidobacteria exert strain-specific effects on stress-related behavior and physiology in BALB/cmice. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2014;26(11), 1615-1627.
  19. Wang, et al. Bifidobacterium longum 1714TM Strain Modulates Brain Activity of HealthyVolunteers During Social Stress. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2019; 114(7): 1152-1162.
  20. Stough, et al. The Effect of 90 Day Administration of a High Dose Vitamin B-Complex on Work Stress.” Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 2011; 26(7):470–476
  21. Lopresti, et al. Efficacy of a Standardised Saffron Extract (Affron®) as an Add-on
  22. Sabaté JM, Iglicki F. Effect of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 on disease severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2022; 28(7): 732 744. 
  23. O’Mahony L, et al. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles. Gastroenterology. 2005; 128(3): 541 551. 
  24. Allen AP, et al. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 as a translational psychobiotic modulation of stress, electrophysiology and neurocognition in healthy volunteers. Translational Psychiatry 2016; 6(11): e939.
  25. Wang H, et al . Bifidobacterium longum 1714 ™Strain Modulates Brain Activity of Healthy Volunteers During Social Stress. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2019; 114(7): 1152 11622.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.