Estonia's groundbreaking gut simulator revolutionizes digestive health research

Estonia's first intestinal simulator has arrived at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The device will help researchers study digestion, gut gases, and the health benefits of food by-products without needing human trials. Experiments using the simulator are set to begin in March.

The simulator mimics the human gut by using stool samples and microbiota. It can analyse how different foods and compounds behave in younger and older digestive systems. This allows scientists to test prebiotics, probiotics, and starter cultures used in food production.

One key advantage is the ability to repeat experiments easily. Unlike human trials, the lab-based system provides consistent results. Researchers plan to focus on identifying prebiotics suited to specific consumer groups based on their gut bacteria.

The device also examines the formation of intestinal gases and health-promoting compounds from food waste. While similar simulators exist worldwide, this is the only one of its kind in Estonia.

The simulator will support research into personalised nutrition and gut health. By testing compounds from food by-products, scientists aim to develop targeted prebiotics for different age groups. The first experiments will launch in March, marking a step forward in digestive health studies.