India has a significant diabetes burden, with over 101 million people affected by the disease. Recently, there has been a growing trend in the sales of anti-diabetic medications in the country. Additionally, lifestyle diseases are becoming more prevalent globally, emphasizing the importance of maintaining gut health in preventing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
A pioneering clinical trial conducted by Leucine Rich Bio in Bangalore utilized their BugSpeaks technology to analyze gut microbiome profiles and offer personalized nutritional recommendations based on individual gut microbiota. This research highlighted the critical role of the human microbiome in health maintenance, digestion, immunity, and central nervous system regulation. The study indicated that personalized diets tailored to individuals based on their gut microbiota profiles resulted in significant improvements in health parameters over a 90-day period.
The lead author of the study, Debojyoti Dhar, stated that participants who received personalized dietary recommendations showed notable enhancements in various aspects of health. For instance, their HbA1c levels dropped from 8.30 to 6.67, systolic blood pressure decreased by 14%, and C-reactive protein levels reduced by 20%. The research, which is currently undergoing peer review for publication, demonstrates the potential benefits of gut microbiota-based personalized nutrition in managing conditions like type-2 diabetes.
The study not only observed positive impacts on health indicators but also noticed a twofold increase in beneficial microorganisms and a decrease in non-beneficial species within the gut microbiota. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiota is crucial as an imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to or exacerbate various health issues, including digestive disorders, mental health conditions, and menstrual problems. Leucine Rich Bio's BugSpeaks test, which initially cost around Rs 35,000, now costs approximately Rs 10,000, with plans to lower the price further to Rs 5000-6000 per test in the near future.
Established in 2014, Leucine Rich Bio, a microbiome-based company, transitioned its focus to gut microbiome solutions, launching the BugSpeaks test in 2018. The firm analyzes microbial profiles from stool samples to evaluate an individual's gut health using the Rych index and assess the risk of contracting various diseases. Based on the specific gut bacteria composition, the test provides recommendations for probiotics, prebiotics, and personalized dietary guidelines. Over the years, Leucine Rich Bio has observed an increase in the number of tests conducted monthly, indicating a growing awareness and adoption of microbiome-based healthcare solutions in India.