What if a healthier heart began in the gut? This idea sparked a groundbreaking collaboration between Teagasc, UCC and Tate & Lyle through APC Microbiome Ireland. Together they set out to transform how heart health is supported. The result? Come and find out!
Challenge: Improving heart health by modulating the gut microbiome
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death, with risk factors such as obesity and poor diet placing growing pressure on public health systems. This collaboration between Teagasc, UCC, and Tate & Lyle through APC Microbiome Ireland explored an emerging opportunity: improving heart health by modulating the gut microbiome, shifting the paradigm from traditional blood pressure-focused strategies to innovative gut-targeted approaches.
Solution: Developing a novel synbiotic
The research team developed a novel synbiotic, combining a Teagasc/UCC-developed probiotic with Tate & Lyle’s prebiotic fibre. Results showed the synbiotic significantly reduced inflammation and heart muscle damage in a large animal model of diet-induced cardiac disease.
Key outcomes included:
– Improved gut barrier function
– Reduced inflammation markers
– Demonstrated protection against heart damage
– Validation of gut–heart axis as a therapeutic target
This work created new opportunities for functional foods and personalised nutrition strategies that support cardiovascular health.
Impact: Food-based heart health solutions.
– Scientific Impact: First evidence that synbiotics can positively influence heart function via the gut microbiome.
– Public Health Impact: Potential to reduce population-level CVD risk and healthcare costs.
– Industry Impact: Opens new directions for functional ingredients and food-based heart health solutions.
– Economic Impact: Positions Ireland as a global leader in microbiome innovation and science-based nutrition.
The synbiotic formulation patent has been granted in Europe, supporting commercialisation
“This study highlights the critical role the gut microbiome plays in our health and physiology. Our results are a testament to the power of harnessing gut microbes to protect against some chronic diseases like heart failure. It’s an exciting step forward in personalised nutrition and health.” — Prof. Catherine Stanton, Teagasc
