PRODUCT PICKS

Bio-Kult Original

Bio-Kult is a multi-strain supplement with 14 probiotic strains. Its formulation targets the digestive tract. Each capsule contains a minimum of 2 billion microorganisms per capsule, equivalent to 10 billion microorganisms per gram.

High Time for Fiber

Eating a high-fiber diet is known to promote bowel movements and regularity, but it may also lower cholesterol, inflammation and risk of complications and cancer of the colon, according to Mayo Clinic.

Following colonoscopies and endoscopies, fiber often becomes front and center in the minds of patients, Machin said. “People are coming out of those visits and saying, ‘I need a better solution long term,’ a high-fiber diet, et cetera, and that’s helping drive sales in the category,” he said.

NuSyllium Organic Natural Fiber Products

The first fiber product made with USDA Organic psyllium fiber, NuSyllium utilizes Perfect Grind technology for smooth mixing. The product line includes NuSyllium Ultra Sugar Free Fiber, NuSyllium Sugar Free Vegan Fiber Capsules, NuSyllium Orange Fiber and NuSyllium Unflavored Fiber.

Psyllium husk is one type of fiber that helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and improve heart health, and may help control appetite, according to research from Australia’s Curtin University published in Obesity Reviews. Psyllium fiber, ground from the seeds of the psyllium (or Plantago ovata) plant, is the active ingredient in Lifelab Health’s NuSyllium product line.

Across retail, supply chain disruptions have limited product inventory, Machin said, so customers are choosing whichever items are on the shelf rather than their preferred brands. That hasn’t been an issue with NuSyllium, he said: “Over 70% of consumers repurchase NuSyllium once they try it the first time. We’ve also had really solid service levels all year, so we have not been affected by supply chain issues.”

Wonderbelly Antacid

Wonderbelly Antacid fights heartburn, acid indigestion, sour belly and related upset stomach. Each bottle contains 60 chewable tablets, each with 1,000 milligrams of calcium carbonate. Wonderbelly is free from talc, dyes, parabens, and artificial sweeteners and is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. It’s available in four flavors.

Meanwhile, Machin said sugar-free NuSyllium Ultra appeals to customers on a low-carb ketogenic diet. “We’re kind of unique in that we get the traditional digestive fiber demographic, the middle age and up, where it’s recommended to them by their doctor, but we also get the younger consumer who is active and following that kind of a regimen,” he said.

Lifelab Health recently released a daily corn-based prebiotic fiber powder called NuFiber to support healthy gut bacteria. Free of sugar and gluten but also clear and taste-free, Machin said, “You could pour this over your cereal, and you’re going to have a tough time figuring out you did that.”