As we outlined in the first article in this two-part series, the GutMe! study was designed to investigate the gut health potential of Rousselot’s Peptan collagen peptides. A 10-week, decentralized study, it made use of numerous digital applications. These included the Cara Care personalized nutrition app with daily data logging and notifications, video conferences and interviews, and a digital score chart for recording symptom changes perceived by participants taking the collagen peptides.
Affirming collagen’s gut health potential
The outcomes of the study are good news for collagen peptide users and manufacturers of health and nutrition solutions. As an explorative study, merging consumer health research with an examination of new digital methodologies, the initial findings indicate the potential in this area of research. Overall, 95% of participants felt an improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms after 10 weeks of regular collagen peptide intake. The results of the study were recently published in JMIR Publications, a peer-reviewed journal, adding more authority to these initial findings. These results suggest that collagen peptides may improve digestive health, highlighting the need for further research into this topic with larger-scale studies.
A successful study for participants and researchers
Beyond the study’s topic and outcomes, the digitally oriented methodologies deployed to collect data broke new ground for researchers in the health and nutrition field
The GutMe! digital study was a positive experience, say participants
Following its completion, the study’s digital format was universally praised by participants. After a concluding survey, all participants stated they would consider participating in another digital study. Among other things, their answers showed that:
- 64% of participants would continue the study for a longer period;
- 71% of participants said the insight the study gave them into their gut health was the main motivator for them to complete it.
One participant said:
I really loved the video chat with the study. The supplement was easy to take, and I enjoyed paying more attention to what my body was doing.’
As a whole, these results highlight the potential of digital consumer studies.
Digital studies with collagen ‘unlock a world of promising research possibilities’
The success of GutMe! and its look into collagen and gut health highlights the significant impact that digital consumer studies are likely to have on the health and nutrition industry. In the words of Gaetan Noiret, Global Director Rousselot Health & Nutrition: ‘While traditional methods for conducting clinical trials still hold immense value, the results of the GutMe! study hint at the vast potential of digitally focused studies on a global level. From enabling larger sample sizes, to improving participant experience and making decentralized trials easier to conduct and more effective - digital tools unlock a world of promising research possibilities.’
Confirming the personalized nutrition trend
Studies like this one also highlight the development of the personalized nutrition trend, with more consumers turning to apps like Cara Care to find health and wellness products that solve their unique problems and match their lifestyles. By introducing digital tools and tailoring our research methods to contemporary trends like this, we can ensure our products meet the consumer where they want, and need, to be met.
Refining research methods and meeting the modern consumer
Overall, the benefits of a mixed-method digital study like this are clear:
- Relevant and real-life insight into consumer health;
- Cost-effectiveness and efficiency;
- An improved experience for participants, as digital tools make taking part easier and more enriching;
- Better access to consumer groups for collecting relevant data by researchers.
DISCLAIMER:
Rousselot makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, for any information. Use of this information shall be at your discretion and risk. Nothing herein relieves you from carrying out your own suitability determinations and tests and from your obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to observe all third-party rights. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.