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By Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C |

Do Gut Health Supplements Work?

Reasonable Expectations When Healing Your Gut with Controlled Nutrition 

Do Gut Health Supplements Work
There is an overwhelming amount of information (and disinformation) online about gut health and “gut lining supplements.” It’s easy to get confused or led astray by catchy marketing, influencer trends or anecdotes that don’t apply to your unique biology. What works for one person could be ineffective or even counterproductive for another, especially if underlying conditions are driving your symptoms.
Some of the most common health symptoms we address at Donaldson include bloating, gas, irregular bowel habits, brain fog, skin irritation and mood fluctuations. Each of these can have its own different root cause. But for many patients, that root cause points back to one far-reaching culprit: damage to the gut.
This leads them to ask, “do gut health supplements work?” when it comes to addressing their concerns.

Key Clinical Takeaways

  • Yes, Supplements Can Support Gut Integrity: But they’re part of a bigger picture. Certain ingredients (like glutamine, zinc, targeted probiotics) have data showing support for mucosal health, barrier integrity and microbial balance when used appropriately and under clinical oversight.

  • Not All Supplements Are Created Equal:  Quality, sourcing and formulation matter. Catchy packaging or social media popularity don’t. Poor‑quality products (especially when bought online) can be ineffective or irritating.

  • Gut Health Testing Is Vital for Chronic Gut Issues: By identifying underlying imbalances — whether microbial, inflammatory, digestive enzyme status or lifestyle contributors — healthcare professionals can create targeted plans that outperform “take this magic pill for leaky gut” approaches.

A patient looking at their gut health supplements to see how many are left

What Supplements Work for Gut Health?

Every patient is unique, and the supplements that work best depend on individual needs, test results and clinical context. The following are evidence‑informed supplements our functional medicine team has found effective when appropriately tailored, especially among our Midwest patients.

  • L‑Glutamine: An amino acid that supports enterocyte (intestinal cell) fuel and may assist mucosal health.

  • Biocidin® (Antimicrobial Complex): A multi‑component botanical formula shown in clinical use to help balance microbial populations.

  • Akkermansia Probiotic / Targeted Microbiome Support: Supports microbial diversity and mucin‑layer health — especially when guided by testing and existing baseline intestinal bacteria.

  • Zinc + L‑Carnosine: Emerging evidence for mucosal barrier support and calming of gastric irritation when indicated.

  • Collagen Peptides: Provides foundational amino acids that may support connective tissues of the gut lining.

  • Toxin Binder (with Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate): Used carefully and short‑term to help bind and clear certain metabolites or irritants.

  • Digestive Enzymes (When Needed): Can support breakdown of nutrients to reduce downstream irritation or dysbiosis, especially among patients with malabsorption disorders.

  • Short‑Chain Fatty Acid (Butyrate) Support (Clinical Choice): Fuels colonocytes and supports healthy mucosal immune signaling, with additional health benefits expanding beyond the gut.

Supplement Quality Can Vary Wildly — & That Matters

Not all supplements deliver what they promise. When you’re looking at a label, look for integrity signals like “single sourcing, “third-party testing” and other transparent ingredient labeling that isn’t hidden behind “proprietary blend.”
Gut Health Specialist Tricia Granchi, MSN, posing for a photo in Columbus, Ohio

“Those 2 a.m. impulse buys on Amazon because you just ready about it? I’ve been there. I’m guilty! But these products often skip clinical potency, purity testing or appropriate formulation. That can mean no benefit or even greater digestive irritation.”

-Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C

What to Look for on Supplement Labels

  • Third‑party testing seals (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
  • Clear ingredient sourcing and standardized extracts
  • Clinically studied doses
  • Products formulated for digestive tolerance
  • Professional‑grade designations
  • Dose per serving
  • Standardized extra percentages
  • An absence of unnecessary fillers/fillers that irritate people with sensitivities

Buzzwords That Are Not Backed by Science or FDA-Approval

  • “All‑Natural”
  • “Cleanse”
  • “Detox”
  • “Anti-Aging”
  • “Gut repair formula” (without ingredient transparency)

A patient posing with her fish oil pills, muted brown background

What Supplements Should I Avoid for Gut Health?

There are two reasons to steer clear of certain supplements for gut health. Some simply don’t do anything or have a trivial positive impact. Others can actually irritate the gut, impede digestion and/or interfere with nutrient absorption.

  • Irritating Herbal Laxatives: Can cause dependency, irritation and an unpleasant experience with no benefit

  • Broad‑Spectrum Antimicrobials: Without indication, these can disrupt healthy flora

  • Excessive “Probiotic Blends”:  with dozens of strains at low doses — little evidence

  • Magnesium Overload: Too much magnesium can act more as a laxative than a healing agent

  • “Leaky Gut Repair” Complexes: These often contain proprietary blends with little-to-no transparency

  • Digestive Bitters: Bitters can be effective, but some products are overly acidic digestive bitters and cause issues for sensitive mucosa

  • Low Quality Collagen: Costs less, but is often littered with fillers that can cause discomfort and a diluted amount of collagen

A Note About Protein Supplements & Gut Health

Many low-cost, low-quality protein powders contain fillers, artificial sweeteners or lactose derivatives that irritate the gut, especially in sensitive individuals. Choose protein sources with minimal additives and low‑FODMAP profiles if gut health is a concern.

“Whey protein is widely considered to be ‘the most bioavailable option’ on the market, meaning the body absorbs more of it per unit. But I’ve seen it cause gut health disruption in some of my patients. Plant-based alternatives — like pea, brown rice & pumpkin seed proteins — are some suitable solutions to explore!”

-Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C

When Are Supplements Viable for Gut Health?

Supplements are literally that: a nutritional supplement. They’re not a replacement for whole foods and foundational habits. The goal is always to get nutrients and supportive compounds from a varied, nutrient‑dense diet first. But there are situations when supplements can effectively bridge gaps, including when reversing a chronic imbalance, addressing intense inflammation or when barriers to achieving nutritional goals through food alone.
Targeted supplementation on a routine schedule to maximize impact can support healing while functional lifestyle changes are put into place. Not only can they be used to bridge nutritional gaps, like with fiber supplements, they’re also exceptional at creating an iterative environment with minimal lifestyle disruption.

“Flax seed, lentils, fermented foods — they’re all excellent sources of fiber. But if you’re used to getting 12 grams a day, & now you’re shooting for 30 grams to help with your gut, you’re going to have some discomfort! Supplements can give your body a slower, more controlled introduction to the nutrients it has been missing, with reduced side effects.”

-Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C

A suburban woman preparing a fiber-smart dinner at home

What Can I Expect When Healing My Gut?

Supplements can support gut health, but they are not a magic fix on their own. Significant, lasting improvement usually comes when supplements are paired with lifestyle interventions, such as stress management, sleep optimization, food quality and physical activity.
“I tell my patients that healing the gut is about restoring balance, not just taking a pill. In almost every case, the patient expresses that they want to take back control of their bodies. Supplements can help get them across the finish line, but once they have their nutrition & lifestyle down? Then they’re really off to the races.”
-Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C
A woman in her mid-30s experiencing chronic gut health complications

Should I Get A GI MAP Test?

Yes, especially if you are currently experiencing chronic bloating, fatigue and other symptoms. At Donaldson, we are proponents of comprehensive, clinically validated stool testing like the GI‑MAP when gut concerns are persistent or complex.

At-Home GI Map Tests vs. Clinical GI Map Tests

Many at‑home tests lack accurate detection, appropriate controls or clinically relevant markers. A high‑quality GI‑MAP gives a detailed snapshot of bacterial populations, parasites, biomarkers of inflammation, digestive function and immune activity, which can precisely guide targeted interventions.
Working with a qualified clinician ensures you interpret this data meaningfully.
“Gut health is influenced by more than just what we eat food. Stress, sleep, toxin exposure, immune dynamics — there are so many factors at play, & they don’t always act alone. Certain combinations of causes need to be addressed in a more fine-tuned way to provide real results. Helping patients create that plan is my favorite part of the job!” 
-Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C

About The Author

Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP‑C is an experienced functional medicine provider in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in gut health and gut lining repair. She believes in patient education first and treats the complete person, not just symptoms. While she prefers to help you feel better through nutrition and lifestyle where possible, she uses targeted supplements that genuinely assist, are backed by clinical reasoning and help make gut health optimization feasible within your schedule.

Tricia Granchi, MSN, Author photo

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