The evidence base behind PhytoBiome®.

PhytoBiome® is one of the most extensively researched prebiotic ingredients in Australia. Over 10 years and multiple institutions, the evidence base covers clinical human trials, in vitro fermentation studies, animal models, and systematic reviews — across bowel health, IBS, IBD, weight management, metabolic markers, and microbiome diversity.

We welcome collaboration with R&D teams, researchers, and clinical scientists.

If you are exploring prebiotic applications in therapeutic nutrition, functional food, or clinical practice — the data is here.

The below research represents the full efforts of Health Food Symmetry and sugarcane fibre research in scientific and clinical spaces. This should not be viewed as the available suite of health claims related to PhytoBiome® — the Food-Health Relationships available for claims and marketing are identified clearly in the certifications section.

View the 14 FSANZ notified Food-Health Relationships

What the research covers.

Bowel regularity and constipation

human clinical studies

Indigestion and bloating

double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial

IBS and Low FODMAP

Monash University human study

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

University of Tasmania animal models

Weight management

independent 90-participant human trial

SCFA production and fermentation kinetics

University of Queensland in vitro

Microbiome diversity

Macquarie University in vitro comparative study

Diabetic bowel function

human clinical trial (51 patients)

Chemical composition and phytonutrient profiling

ARL Lab, Southern Cross University

Current research:

nausea and appetite control in chemotherapy patients

Sugarcane fibre research — by health area.

Regularity and Constipation

92%

30-day consumer study (50 participants): 92% felt more regular bowel movements in frequency and consistency.

Monash University IBS study:

Stool output was 50% higher during the fibre-supplemented period vs control diet. Sugarcane fibre was well tolerated by IBS patients on a low FODMAP diet.

Indigestion and Bloating

36%

30-day consumer study (50 participants): 56% felt less bloated after 2 weeks. 36% of indigestion sufferers experienced relief within 2 weeks.

Placebo-controlled clinical trial (University of Tasmania):

20–25% reduction in indigestion and bloating symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, total symptom score) within 3 weeks.

IBS / Low FODMAP

Monash University:

Supplementing sugarcane fibre with a low FODMAP diet improved bowel habits — increasing stool output by 50% vs control diets and normalising stool water content. Well tolerated by IBS patients.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

University of Tasmania (mouse models):

PhytoBiome® reduced inflammation in both acute and chronic IBD models. Increased SCFA production, improved colonic histology, and boosted Akkermansia — a beneficial anti-inflammatory bacteria.

Weight Management

76%

Independent 8-week trial (90 participants): 76% greater weight plan success in females on PhytoBiome® vs control (10.06kg vs 5.7kg). 

56% greater weight plan success in males (9.97kg vs 6.4kg). Also demonstrated reductions in waist and abdominal circumference, and improvements in HbA1c, LDL-C, and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP).

30-day consumer study: 32% reported reduced feelings of hunger throughout the day. 56% reported weight plan success after 1 month of use.

Microbiome Diversity

Macquarie University (in vitro comparative study):

PhytoBiome® preserved microbial diversity compared to wheat dextrin and psyllium, which reduced it. Showed the highest polyphenol availability, antioxidant potential, and supported Bifidobacterium growth.

SCFA Production

University of Queensland (in vitro fermentation):

PhytoBiome® produced significantly higher butyric acid output compared to other fibre substrates — linked to reduced inflammation and weight control. Demonstrated steady, sustained fermentation and SCFA production supporting anti-inflammatory effects.

Diabetic Bowel Function

Human clinical trial (51 patients):

Sugarcane fibre supplementation improved bowel function and diabetes management.

Chemical Composition

ARL Lab, Southern Cross University:

Confirmed PhytoBiome® is rich in insoluble fibre, lignin, and micronutrients — particularly chromium and silicon. Identified potential to reduce risk of diet-related diseases including type 2 diabetes, IBD, and cardiovascular disease.

Current Research Areas

  • Nausea and appetite control in chemotherapy patients
  • Microbiome interactions and profile changes
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Acid Reflux / GORD
  • General digestive health / Low FODMAP
  • Blood glucose modulation and natural GLP-1 signalling enhancement
  • Fibre reclassification and health implications

Research Partners

University of Tasmania

IBD models, GORD/acid reflux clinical trial, satiety systematic review

University of Queensland

University of Queensland — SCFA production and in vitro fermentation kinetics

Monash University

Monash University — Low FODMAP certification, IBS bowel habits study

RMIT University

Scientific advisory (Professor Raj Eri), $13M ARC grant application partnership

Southern Cross University (ARL Lab)

Chemical composition and phytonutrient profiling

Macquarie University

Microbiome diversity in vitro study

How PhytoBiome® compares to other fibres in gut health.

The table below compares PhytoBiome® against major prebiotic and fibre ingredients across eight performance and credentialing categories. Green = optimal, amber = moderate or contextual, red = limited or negative.

  Vegetable fibre Mechanism Hind Gut Fermentation Fermentation rate Indigestion & Bloating Phytonutrients / Chromium BGLs / Satiety
Total Dietary Fibre Vegetable Cellulosic Prebiotic Fibre
Microbiome Mechanism
From fore-gut to Hind-gut
Uniform Fermentation
Low viscosity;
heat stable
Total Dietary Fibre Vegetable Cellulosic Prebiotic Fibre
Passive gelling mechanism + SCFAs
No
Rapid Fermentation in fore-gut
Rapid Gas Production can cause bloat
No Phytonutrients
NO Isolated Soluble Fibre
Passive gelling mechanism
No
None to Minimal Fermentation varied opinions
Gelling can cause feelings of bloat
Minimal Phytonutrients

Protected innovation.

Patents granted: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

National filings in progress: 
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

14 FSANZ notified Food-Health Relationships: three
supporting systematic reviews with independent scientific review

TGA ingredient ID: 
herbal & food (#95640 & #83538) — TGO100 compliant

Chemical-free: 
Proprietary chemical-free manufacturing process

Selected as industry partner 
In a $13M ARC grant application via RMIT University

Explore a research partnership.

We actively collaborate with research institutions, clinical teams, and corporate R&D departments. If you are interested in accessing our data, exploring a joint research study, or working with PhytoBiome® in a clinical context