Key to managing leaky gut could lie in common compound we’re already eating

 When the intestinal lining breaks down, harmful gut bacterial antigens can slip into the bloodstream alongside nutrients. This breach in the gut’s protective barrier, known as "leaky gut," is more than a digestive issue – it’s a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been increasingly linked to a number of chronic conditions. 

In a study published formally on May 28 in the journal Nature Communications, the team shares how phytic acid (or InsP6), a natural compound found in whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds, plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. 

“Phytic acid is something many people already consume daily, especially in plant-rich diets,” said Sujan Chatterjee, a UNLV postdoctoral fellow and lead author on the study. “What’s exciting is that it’s beyond just a dietary component; it also functions as a biologically active molecule that supports gut health.”