GutMe!: exploring collagen and consumer gut health in a digital setting

Recently published in the peer-reviewed JMIR Publications, GutMe! was a 10-week, decentralized digital study that looked at the potential of digital consumer research, while investigating the gut health potential of collagen.(1)  Featuring Rousselot’s Peptan collagen peptides, the innovative study enabled researchers to explore the implications of a digital consumer study, while examining the impact of Peptan on gastrointestinal symptoms in a real-life environment. The study had two focuses:

  1. The first priority was to examine the ‘feasibility of conducting a fully digital mixed methods study’;
  2. The second was for researchers to examine the perception and potential of collagen peptides on digestive health – a research topic that has rarely been investigated in the literature.

The study was performed in collaboration with Qina, a digital platform service provider that specializes in personalized nutrition.

Designing a digital gut health study

When planning this study into collagen and gut health, researchers used mixed methods across two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Collecting generic consumer data digitally

Firstly, they surveyed US-based practicing dieticians and collagen supplement consumers to understand the current perception of collagen for digestive health. This survey’s scope included the frequency, dosage, and common formats of supplementation. Following the theme of the study, responses were gathered with Streetbees, a digital survey platform with 24/7 live sharing, a Q&A system, photo support, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for advanced analytics, including the keywords used by participants. This data was then used to optimize an ideal patient profile for Phase 2.

Phase 2: collecting candidates’ data with an app

Following this, researchers recruited candidates, looking for US-based healthy female adults between 35-65 years old, in line with the survey results. Next, these participants used the personalized nutrition app Cara Care for two weeks to track a baseline level for several categories, including digestive symptoms, mood, stool, and lifestyle. By using the free version of Cara Care, researchers could ensure the highest level of accessibility. Following this 2-week period, and over the next 8 weeks, participants took a 20g daily dose of Peptan collagen peptides without any other change in their lifestyle. During this time, they recorded changes they observed in the app each day. The app also offered a symptom score to help them chart these changes. 

Tracking, talks, videos, and questionnaires

Alongside tracking results, Cara Care gave participants the option to talk to a nutritionist. This phase also included digital methods for follow-up, such as video conferences and daily notifications or reminders. At different times during Phase 2, participants were required to complete an online symptom questionnaire as well as two video interviews. Throughout, researchers used the digital platform ProofPilot, ensuring compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), guaranteeing data security for participants.

Digital studies: the future of consumer research

At Rousselot, developing new ways of researching into collagen is an essential part of our pursuit of innovation. It ties in with wider trends across the health and nutrition industry, where our understanding of consumer science is shifting. More and more, pioneering research methodologies that take advantage of digital tools are supplementing, and sometimes replacing, traditional study formats. The data confirm this shift: GlobalData estimated that around 1,300 trials would feature a decentralized or virtual element across 2022 – an almost 30% increase from 2021.(2)

Several factors are driving this change:

  • Studies that adopt digital tools are highly convenient and cost-effective;
  • They provide insight into consumers in a real-world environment;
  • With smartphone support, accessibility and participation are easier than ever, which means researchers can more easily access consumer groups to collect relevant data. 

The GutMe! featuring Rousselot’s Peptan collagen peptides confirms this shift – and has provided us with an outstanding first step into this new world.

 

In our next blog article, we will discuss the study and its results in more detail, exploring the initial findings on collagen and gut health, while also hearing from participants and Rousselot staff about how they view this pioneering research.


(1) Abrahams, M. et al., 2022. Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2022;6(5):e36339; doi: 10.2196/36339.

(2) Clinical Trials Arena, 2022 forecast: decentralized trials to reach new heights with 28% jump, December 2021, 


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