Gut health

Overview

SupplementDEX lists 3 supplements studied for gut health across 4 trials. The strongest indexed signals include Kombucha, Iron, N-Acetyl Cysteine. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full ratings across all supplements.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Kombucha	★★★★★	Low
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Iron	★★★★★	Very Low / None

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

3 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

KombuchaView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustLow

Evidence Review

There is not enough evidence to determine if kombucha has any benefit for gut health.

Browse 2 studies

RCTEffect of fiber-modified kombucha tea on gut microbiota in healthy population: A randomized controlled trial (RCT)2025n=60

In 60 healthy adults, fiber-modified kombucha for several weeks shifted gut microbiota composition versus control, supporting prebiotic effects of the formulation.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 250 mL/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 60
Avg age: 39.79±14.58

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Open-labelEvaluation of the Efficacy of Kombucha-Based Drink Enriched with Inulin and Vitamins for the Management of Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Females: A Randomized Pilot Study2023

In IBS-C patients, a kombucha-based drink with inulin and vitamins improved constipation symptoms and bowel habits versus control in an open-label evaluation.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 220 mL/day
Population: Women

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IronView supplement →

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Early research on gut health is limited.
A secondary analysis of a double-blind randomized controlled trial investigating how oral iron supplementation alters gut microbial composition in women of reproductive age.
More studies are needed before any benefit can be considered reliable.

Browse 1 study

RCTThe Effect of Oral Iron Supplementation on Gut Microbial Composition: a Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial among Cambodian Women of Reproductive Age2023n=172

In 172 Cambodian women of reproductive age, 12 weeks of ferrous sulfate or ferrous bisglycinate did not change gut microbial diversity but increased Enterobacteriaceae abundance and EPEC virulence genes with ferrous sulfate.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 12 weeks
Population: Women
Participants: 172
Ages: 18–45

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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

There is not enough evidence to determine if N-acetyl cysteine has any benefit for gut health.

Browse 1 study

RCTEvaluating the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in diminishing the duration and frequency of rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis: a preliminary randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial2025n=71

A 4-month RCT of 71 children found NAC (60 mg/kg) reduced duration and frequency of respiratory infections versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 4 months
Dose: 60 mg/kg
Population: Children/adolescents
Participants: 71
Ages: 6 months–2 years

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Evidence visualised

Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.

Purchase-guidance distribution

How many supplements fall in each purchase band

Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 3 supplements for gut health (4 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Share
Kombucha	★★★★★40%	2	50%
Iron	★★★★★32%	1	25%
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★32%	1	25%

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Overview

Effect graph

Relevant supplements

Studies

Evidence visualised

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