Researchers tested a special nutrient drink called Fortasyn Connect to see if it could help people with early Alzheimer’s disease by improving their gut bacteria. They used two approaches: first, they tested it in a lab simulator using bacteria from Alzheimer’s patients, and second, they gave it to 22 real patients and tracked changes. The results showed the supplement increased helpful bacteria, reduced inflammation in the gut, and improved how the body processes nutrients. These changes may help protect brain health through the connection between gut bacteria and the brain.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a special nutrient supplement (Fortasyn Connect) could improve gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
- Who participated: 22 people with early Alzheimer’s disease, split into two groups—some received the supplement and some did not
- Key finding: People taking the supplement had more helpful bacteria in their gut, less inflammation, and better nutrient absorption compared to those who didn’t take it
- What it means for you: This suggests that nutritional supplements may help support brain health in early Alzheimer’s by improving gut health, though more research with larger groups is needed before making it a standard treatment
The Research Details
The researchers used two different methods to test the supplement. First, they created a lab model that mimicked how the human digestive system works, using actual bacteria from Alzheimer’s patients’ stool samples. This allowed them to see directly how the supplement affected the bacteria without the complexity of a living human body. Second, they gave the supplement to 22 real patients with early Alzheimer’s disease—some received it and some didn’t—and measured changes in their gut bacteria, inflammation levels, and nutrient absorption over time.
This combination approach is smart because the lab test shows what the supplement can do to bacteria in a controlled setting, while the patient study shows whether those benefits actually happen in real people. The researchers measured many different things: the types and amounts of bacteria, inflammation markers, nutrient levels in the blood, and special molecules that help with digestion and brain health.
Understanding how supplements affect gut bacteria is important because scientists have discovered that gut health is connected to brain health through what they call the ‘gut-brain axis.’ This is like a two-way communication system between your digestive system and your brain. If we can improve gut bacteria and reduce inflammation, it might help slow down or support treatment of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This study has both strengths and limitations. The strength is that it combined lab testing with real patient observations, giving a more complete picture. However, the sample size is small (only 22 patients), which means the results might not apply to everyone. The study was observational, meaning researchers watched what happened rather than randomly assigning people to groups, so we can’t be completely certain the supplement caused the changes. The results are promising but need to be confirmed with larger, more rigorous studies.
What the Results Show
In the lab simulator, the supplement increased two types of helpful bacteria called Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and boosted production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial compounds that feed gut cells and reduce inflammation.
In the 22 patients taking the supplement, researchers found similar results: more Bifidobacterium bacteria and another helpful bacteria called Christensenellaceae. The patients also showed lower levels of inflammation markers (calprotectin and myeloperoxidase), which are signs of gut irritation. Additionally, butyrate levels—a type of short-chain fatty acid that’s especially good for brain health—increased in the supplement group.
The supplement also appeared to improve how the body processes fats and proteins. Researchers found increased levels of secretory IgA, which is an immune protein that protects the gut lining. Blood tests showed higher levels of important nutrients like iron, folate, and vitamin B12, suggesting the supplement helped with nutrient absorption.
These changes are significant because they target multiple pathways that scientists believe are involved in Alzheimer’s disease development, particularly through improving the gut-brain connection.
Additional analysis of fecal samples showed improved lipid (fat) digestion, which is important because the brain relies on healthy fats for proper function. The researchers also found changes in host proteins—the body’s own proteins—that are linked to maintaining a healthy gut-brain barrier. This barrier is like a protective wall that controls what gets from the gut into the bloodstream and eventually to the brain. Improved barrier function could mean better protection against harmful substances reaching the brain.
This is the first study to show that Fortasyn Connect specifically can improve gut bacteria and immune function in Alzheimer’s patients through the gut-brain axis. Previous research has suggested that gut bacteria play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and that certain nutrients support brain health, but this study directly connects the supplement to measurable changes in both gut bacteria and inflammation markers in actual patients. The findings align with growing evidence that the gut microbiome is important for brain health and that nutritional interventions may help manage neurodegenerative diseases.
The main limitation is the small number of participants (22 people), which makes it harder to be confident the results apply to everyone with early Alzheimer’s. The study was observational rather than randomized, meaning researchers couldn’t control all variables that might affect the results. We don’t know how long the benefits last or whether they continue if someone stops taking the supplement. The study didn’t include a placebo group (fake supplement), so some improvements might be due to the placebo effect. Finally, this was a relatively short-term study, so we don’t know about long-term effects on actual Alzheimer’s progression or cognitive decline.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, Fortasyn Connect appears promising as a potential supportive tool for early Alzheimer’s disease management, particularly for improving gut health and reducing inflammation. However, confidence level is moderate because the study is small and needs to be repeated with more people. This should not replace standard Alzheimer’s treatments but may be considered as a complementary approach. Anyone interested should discuss it with their doctor first, especially since it contains specific nutrients that may interact with medications.
This research is most relevant to people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers managing Alzheimer’s patients. It may also interest people concerned about brain health and aging, though more research is needed before recommending it for prevention. People with specific nutrient deficiencies or those taking medications that interact with B vitamins, iron, or folate should consult their doctor before starting any supplement.
Changes in gut bacteria can happen relatively quickly—sometimes within weeks—but the effects on brain health and cognitive function would take much longer to measure, likely months to years. Don’t expect immediate improvements in memory or thinking. The supplement appears to work by supporting long-term brain health through gradual improvements in gut health and inflammation reduction.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly gut health markers: bowel regularity (1-7 scale), bloating or discomfort (1-10 scale), and energy levels (1-10 scale). Also log supplement adherence (did you take it today: yes/no) to correlate with symptom changes.
- Set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day (ideally with a meal). Use the app to log when you take it and note any changes in digestion, energy, or cognitive symptoms. This creates accountability and helps identify patterns.
- Create a monthly summary view showing supplement adherence percentage, average gut comfort scores, and any cognitive or mood changes. Share monthly reports with your healthcare provider to track whether the supplement is working for your specific situation. Set a 3-month review point to decide whether to continue based on your personal results.
This research is preliminary and based on a small study of 22 people. Fortasyn Connect is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and should not replace standard medical treatment. Always consult with your doctor or neurologist before starting any new supplement, especially if you have Alzheimer’s disease, take medications, or have other health conditions. This supplement may interact with certain medications or medical conditions. The findings suggest potential benefits but require confirmation through larger, more rigorous clinical trials before being recommended as standard treatment. Individual results may vary significantly.