ConsumerLab’s Review of ION* Gut Support

Answer:

ION* Gut Support (by Biomic Sciences) is a liquid humic extract supplement promoted for gut health. The product was previously called Restore, but, according to the company’s website, the formula for the product has not changed.

As discussed below, although laboratory research and two preliminary clinical trials published on the product website suggest humic extract, as found in ION* Gut Support, may have a beneficial effect on human colon cells, and may decrease urinary levels of glyphosate in healthy people, there do not appear to be any published studies on the effects of ION* Gut Support for use in any digestive or immune disorder, or inflammatory condition.

Ingredients

ION* Gut Support contains 5 mg of a humic extract (Terrahydrite) per 1 teaspoon (5 mL) serving diluted in a purified water and a “dash” of sea salt (the amount of sodium is not listed on the label).

Humic substances, such as humic and fulvic acid (also found in shilajit supplements), are formed during the natural decomposition of organic matter in soil, although the product label does not list the amount of humic or fulvic acid in the ION* Gut Support extract. (For comparison, ConsumerLab tests found that the amount of fulvic acid in shilajit supplements ranged from 6.9 mg to 2,206 mg per serving, although as also discussed in the Shilajit Supplements Review, there is little clinical evidence supporting any purported health benefits of fulvic acid/shilajit).

Depending the soil from which it is sourced, humic extract may also contain trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, although amounts of minerals in the product are not listed and website notes that all of the trace minerals in the extract are "well below the RDI," (i.e., Recommended Daily Intake) and "not meant to be used as supplementary to any deficiencies."

According to the product website, ION* Gut Support contains "zero bacteria" and is not a prebiotic, probiotic, or a direct source of enzymes.

Evidence

According to the company's website, the humic extract in ION* Gut Support has been shown to "promote the strengthening" of the gut barrier (the lining of the gut), and that this, in turn, "helps with inflammatory response, enhancing mental clarity, promoting immune function, supporting digestion, and alleviating gluten sensitivity." The website also states that ION* Gut Support "acts as a carrier molecule, binding to nutrients to help deliver them to the cells. This helps to optimize cellular function, support energy, and improve overall health and wellness." However, there is no strong evidence supporting the use of ION* Gut Support for these purposes.

The claim that ION* Gut Support may promote the strengthening of the gut barrier seems to be based on two laboratory studies that found the humic extract in ION lessened the decrease in epithelial "resistance" in human colon cells caused by exposure to either gluten or glyphosate (Gildea, J Nutr Food Sci 2016; Bush, Int J Clin Nutr Diet 2017).

A study published on the company’s website (but apparently not in a peer-reviewed journal) among 26 healthy adults, shows that 5 mL of ION* Gut Support taken three times daily with meals for two weeks, without any changes to the diet, appeared to increase urinary levels of the amino acid L-lysine compared to placebo, but the study did not measure any clinical outcomes and little data is presented. The website also shows results of a study (which may have been the same study) that suggests that the product modestly reduced levels of the herbicide glyphosate in the urine compared to placebo. Urinary levels of a protein that regulates intestinal permeability (zonulin) were decreased from baseline, but this decrease did not appear to be statistically significant compared to placebo, and supplementation did not decrease two markers of inflammation (TNFa and IL-6), compared to placebo. Again, the study did not measure any clinical outcomes, only biochemical changes. The study is noted as being "peer-review publication pending."

There do not appear to be any published clinical trials investigating the effects of ION* Gut Support supplementation in people with digestive or inflammatory disorders, or any other condition.

Dosage

The directions for use state that one teaspoon of ION* Gut Support should be taken three times per day, 30 minutes before meals. It can be taken alone, or added to water, smoothies, or coffee.

Safety and side effects

The product label states that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people who are allergic to trace minerals, or who have any chronic or reoccurring symptoms or illness should consult their doctor before using. The product is not intended for children under the age of 4.

According to the product website, some people may experience tiredness, headache, bloating/increased gas, or bowel changes, and that individuals who experience may want to start more slowly, with a 1/8 teaspoon dose.

The website also recommends taking this supplement at least 30 minutes apart from ASEA, a thyroid supplement, iodine, or other supplements containing "binders" such as clay, charcoal, or zeolites.

ConsumerLab.com received a report from a CL member in September 2018 stating that, after two weeks of using Restore (the name of ION* Gut Support at the time of the report), a family member experienced symptoms including red scaly skin around mouth, swollen, dry lips, "hot breath," and a feeling of burning in the mouth which resolved after stopping supplementation.)

Be aware that humic substances can contain toxic heavy metals (Hussain, Biol Trace Elem Res 2024), although the ION* website states that it tests ION* Gut Support for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury to be in compliance with California Prop 65 and posts its latest tests on its FAQ page showing amounts of these metals were far below Prop 65 limits for which a warning label is required, although the date of the testing is not provided.

Cost

A 16-oz. bottle of ION* Gut Support (a one-month supply) costs $52.