Study shows Organic NatureKnit enhances gut microbiome activity and diversity

Supplementation with Organic NatureKnit from FutureCeuticals demonstrates a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome through prebiotic and metabolic activity, a recently published study shows.¹ Organic NatureKnit is a blend of fruit and vegetable fibers containing a significant amount of bound polyphenols, the study explains.

The study, “Effects of NatureKnit™ organic, a blend of organic fruit and vegetable fibers rich in naturally occurring bound polyphenols, on the metabolic activity and community composition of the human gut microbiome using the M-SHIME® gastrointestinal model,” was published in Frontiers in Nutrition in January 2026.

Study design

The study compared the gut microbiome modulation effects of Organic NatureKnit with two organic prebiotic fibers, inulin and psyllium husk. A negative control was also used for comparison. Fermentation characteristics and effects on the metabolism and composition of the gut microbiota were the main focus of the analysis.

NatureKnit contained organic apple, grape, and blueberry fibers, plus organic whole spinach and carrot, at least 40% dietary fiber, and 1–4% of naturally occurring fiber-bound polyphenols. The dose corresponded with the targeted human dose of 2.5 g.

Microbiome research organization ProDigest collaborated on the study, with its Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME) model used to observe the effects of Organic NatureKnit on the human microbiome with a simulation of the gastro-tract and microbial system.

The effects were measured in a short simulation model (48 hours) with samples from nine healthy adult fecal donors.

Study results:

Following the fermentation of the test products, the main measurements were for pH, gas pressure, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and microbial community composition. SCFA were increased in all test products compared with the control and abundances in the mucosal compartments were similar.

Highlighted results include:

• NatureKnit demonstrated slower fermentation kinetics and sustained decrease in pH than with the purified fibers
• A more pronounced increase in SFCA levels was seen in the NatureKnit supplementation than with the negative control
• Luminal bacterial abundance was increased more with NatureKnit and with psyllium
• A significant increase in bacterial species richness was seen with NatureKnit compared to the negative control, which was not seen in the purified fibers

These results supported and built upon findings from previous research establishing NatureKnit as a prebiotic. “Overall, the in vitro study findings suggest that NatureKnit™ Organic may have a greater and gentler prebiotic effect than organic inulin or psyllium, which might predict, but does not confirm, reduced intestinal side effects in humans,” the researchers concluded. “These effects should therefore be further addressed in human clinical trials.”

"Our NatureKnit portfolio represents an exciting fusion of our passion for creating natural, sustainable ingredients with state-of-the-art scientific research methods," stated Brendan Kesler, innovation director at FutureCeuticals and postgraduate researcher at The Rowett Institute, in a January 21, 2026 press release from FutureCeuticals.² "This new research demonstrates that our patented blend of diverse fruit and vegetable fibers, along with naturally occurring fiber-bound polyphenols, delivers a greater and more sustained prebiotic effect compared to purified fibers within the human gut microbiome."

Impact on gut health supplementation

Over 90% of adult Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of fiber, the study notes, due to a lack of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in diet. It also notes a growing interest in organic food products and fiber supplements.

"It's an exciting development for the nutrition industry, because Organic NatureKnit goes beyond popular purified fibers to deliver several key attributes consumers are seeking in gut health products," Kesler added. "It's fully organic and sustainable, gentle, and offers a comprehensive microbiome benefit much broader than purified fibers."

References

1. FutureCeuticals Inc. New Study Reveals Organic NatureKnit® Provides Greater Prebiotic Benefits Than Purified Fibers. January 21, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-reveals-organic-natureknit-provides-greater-prebiotic-benefits-than-purified-fibers-302665612.html (Accessed 2026-01-22).
2. Govaert, M.; Duysburgh, C.; Kesler, B.; Marzorati, M. Effects of NatureKnit™ organic, a blend of organic fruit and vegetable fibers rich in naturally occurring bound polyphenols, on the metabolic activity and community composition of the human gut microbiome using the M-SHIME^® gastrointestinal model. Front. Nutr. 2026. 12:1740906. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1740906