Digestive remedies continue to experience stable demand due to a common diet that is high in sugar, fats, refined carbohydrates and low in fibre. As more consumers opt for fast food options and maintain poor diets, they will continue to reach for products that offer them fast relief from the resulting symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Before the pandemic, the digestive health sector benefited from consumer preferences shifting towards preventative health remedies. Digestive remedies benefited further from a small boost as stomach upset and diarrhoea were declared symptoms of Covid-19 and consumers bought preventative products.

IBS, which is characterised by abdominal pain, excess gas and diarrhoea or constipation, is becoming a common gastrointestinal disorder in Ireland. The condition is predominantly seen in young and middle-aged females as women are twice as likely to experience IBS as men.

The Finalists in this Category are:

Udo’s Choice Ultimate Digestive Enzyme Blend

Founder of the Udo’s Choice range, Udo Erasmus’ pioneering mission to change the health industry started in the 1980s. The Ultimate Digestive Enzyme Blend is designed to effectively address the most problematic digestive issues.

Udo’s Choice chose only plant-based enzymes for the digestive enzyme formula because animal-based enzymes are less effective, less versatile, and less sustainable. And, instead of packaging the digestive enzyme blends in plastic, they are packed in sustainable, recyclable glass.

The Ultimate Digestive Enzyme Blend from Udo’s Choice is a unique blend of 7 plant-based digestive enzymes to assist in the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fibre.

Optibac Every Day EXTRA

Optibac Every Day EXTRA is an advanced digestive supplement containing 20 billion friendly bacteria, proven to reach the gut alive and support digestive health. Expertly formulated with high-quality probiotic strains, shown to support digestion, occasional bloating, immune and skin health, energy levels and well-being.

Each easy-to-take capsule contains 4 extensively researched probiotic strains which naturally occur in the digestive tract, and target both the small (Lactobacillus) & large (Bifidobacterium) intestines. The probiotic strain combination includes Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, the most researched acidophilus strain in the world, clinically trialled and shown to support immune health and overall digestion. Despite its powerful strength, this highly researched supplement is safe and suitable for use from the age of 4 years, including pregnant women and older people, in one convenient daily dose. The prebiotic-free formula is particularly suitable for low-FODMAP diets and those looking for a probiotic without added prebiotics, such as IBS sufferers.

Alflorex®

Alflorex® is the leading probiotic for IBS, a condition that affects up to 1 in 7 people in Ireland every day. This probiotic is taken daily to manage and prevent recurrence of IBS symptoms. It costs approx. ¤1/day and reduces ALL of the symptoms of IBS including:

• abdominal pain

• bloating & gas

• unpredictable bowel movements like alternating diarrhoea and constipation

The unique 35624® culture in Alflorex is a naturally occurring bacterial strain found in the human gut. This Bifidobacterium longum culture is part of the family of bacteria given by mother to baby at birth.

The main long-term aim for Alflorex is to strive to have all IBS patients in Ireland take Alflorex for 1 month. The product conversion score is more than 80% (continued usage) and with a high percentage of this group needing direction and treatment we believe Alflorex can change their lives.

DiaCare

DiaCare is a unique oral electrolyte solution which contributes to electrolyte balance, normal digestion and absorption of water. Suitable for children 3+ and adults suffering from diarrhoea, fever or other conditions which can cause loss of body fluids.

DiaCare a is scientifically balanced blend of glucose electrolytes, minerals and probiotic fibres (Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG). An orange flavour food supplement which is suitable for vegans, gluten free, good for the gut and good for the stomach.

It contains Magnesium which contributes to electrolyte balance. DiaCare contains Chloride which contributes to normal digestion by production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Carbohydrate electrolyte solutions enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise.

Suitable for vegans, gluten free, good for the gut, good for the stomach, for adults and children, suitable for ages 3+ years, exercise support, orange flavour.

Alflorex® Dual Action

Alflorex® Dual Action is a unique combination of two PrecisionBiotic®® cultures (35624® and 1714 – Serenitas® A clinical study confirmed the combination of the 35624® and 1714Serenitas® strains were synergistic.

This product was developed in line with Rome IV criteria, which now defines Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as a ‘disorder of gut-brain interactions’. Two individual strains, two different modes of action both targeting key mechanisms in IBS together, this specific combination of strains targets the gut-brain axis and helps manage both the gut and psychological symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Alflorex® Dual Action also contains selected B vitamins, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, to reduce tiredness and fatigue* and contains calcium to support normal digestion*