medium chain triglycerides
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are saturated fatty acids with 6–12 carbon atoms, predominantly caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs are hydrolyzed rapidly and absorbed directly into the portal circulation without requiring bile salts or chylomicron formation, making them clinically useful in any condition that compromises the normal digestive pathway for fat. Research suggests MCTs may support gut microbiome health — caprylic and capric acids demonstrate antimicrobial activity against pathogenic organisms including Candida species in vitro. MCTs are routinely incorporated into enteral nutrition formulas for IBD patients because they provide calories efficiently even when fat malabsorption is present. Clinical nutrition guidelines recommend MCT oil as a calorie supplement in IBD-related malabsorption.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the human body and serves as the primary fuel source for intestinal enterocytes. A landmark RCT (Zhou et al., Gut 2019, n=106) showed that 79.6% of IBS-D patients receiving 15 g/day of L-glutamine achieved significant symptom reduction versus 5.8% with placebo. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that doses above 30 g/day significantly reduced intestinal permeability markers. Research suggests L-glutamine supports gut barrier integrity by maintaining tight junction proteins, may modulate gut microbiota composition by reducing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and is used as supportive therapy in SIBO protocols to repair intestinal barrier integrity compromised by bacterial overgrowth. It also supports immune function as a fuel for lymphocytes and immune cells.
L-proline
L-proline is an amino acid essential for collagen synthesis. Together with hydroxyproline, it makes up approximately 25% of collagen content — the primary structural protein supporting connective tissues throughout the body, including the intestinal extracellular matrix and lamina propria. Collagen-derived proline-rich peptides have been shown in cell models to support intestinal epithelial tight junction integrity. L-proline is traditionally associated with gut healing through collagen-rich foods such as bone broth and gelatin, and it is a key amino acid in collagen protein that supports mucosal structural integrity.
l-Aspartic acid
L-Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid involved in the urea cycle, energy metabolism via the malate–aspartate shuttle, and nucleotide biosynthesis. It participates in gluconeogenesis and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other amino acids. Under physiological conditions, most dietary L-Aspartic acid is utilized within intestinal cells for synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and ATP.
L-serine
L-serine is a polar amino acid with roles in protein synthesis, phospholipid and sphingolipid biosynthesis, and one-carbon metabolism supporting nucleotide synthesis and methylation reactions. Once considered non-essential, L-serine is now recognized as conditionally essential for the brain, where it serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter co-agonist D-serine and contributes to maintaining neuronal and glial homeostasis.
Potassium citrate
Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte critical for maintaining cellular function, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) is a recognized complication of Crohn's disease caused by chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal fluid losses. Adequate Potassium supports the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump essential for proper cellular electrochemical gradients and is fundamental to cardiovascular and neuromuscular health.
L-arginine hydrochloride
L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid and the sole precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in humans, which promotes angiogenesis and collagen deposition for wound healing. Multiple RCTs confirm arginine supplementation accelerates wound healing, particularly in pressure ulcers and surgical wounds. L-arginine is also integral to immune function — a 2014 meta-analysis of 11 RCTs found that supplementation significantly increased CD4+ T-cell proliferation and reduced infectious complication rates.
L-alanine
L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid central to the glucose-alanine cycle, which shuttles nitrogen from muscle to the liver for disposal while providing a gluconeogenic substrate. It plays a role in energy metabolism, nitrogen transport, and has been investigated as an enhancer of intestinal Sodium and water absorption in oral rehydration solutions for diarrheal disease.
disodium phosphate
Sodium is an essential nutrient required for electrolyte homeostasis, nutrient absorption, maintenance of cell plasma volume, acid-base balance, and transmission of nerve impulses. In the context of this elemental diet, Sodium supports fluid balance and helps maintain the osmotic gradients necessary for nutrient absorption in the small intestine.
L-leucine
L-leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and a key activator of the mTORC1 signaling pathway, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Research suggests leucine helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes growth of muscle and bone tissues. It serves as an important amino acid substrate during periods when caloric and protein intake may be limited.
L-lysine hydrochloride
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that plays fundamental roles in protein synthesis, collagen crosslinking and formation, Calcium absorption, carnitine biosynthesis for fatty acid metabolism, and immune function. Research suggests L-lysine may enhance intestinal Calcium absorption and improve renal Calcium conservation, contributing to a positive Calcium balance.
L-valine
L-valine is an essential branched-chain amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis, energy production, and gluconeogenesis. As a BCAA, valine is metabolized primarily by peripheral tissues such as muscle rather than the liver and supports tissue repair. Research suggests BCAA supplementation may reduce muscle soreness and support post-exercise recovery.
L-glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino acid and a conditionally essential nutrient. It is a major component of collagen (comprising approximately one-third of all amino acid residues), one of three amino acids required to synthesize glutathione (the body's primary intracellular antioxidant), and a conjugate of bile acids essential for fat digestion and absorption. Studies suggest glycine inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production including TNF-alpha and IL-6 and supports gut mucosal integrity. Glycine is included in evidence-based gut-healing amino acid protocols alongside glutamine and proline.
Calcium glycerophosphate
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with over 99% stored in bone as hydroxyapatite. It is essential for skeletal health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and cell signaling. Calcium deficiency is well-documented in Crohn's disease, driven by malabsorption, avoidance of dairy, and corticosteroid-induced bone loss. Calcium supplementation combined with Vitamin D is recommended by gastroenterologists and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to support bone health in CD.
tricalcium phosphate
An additional Calcium source providing both Calcium and Phosphorus — essential minerals for bone mineralization, cellular energy production (ATP), and maintaining the structural integrity of DNA, RNA, and cell membranes. Phosphorus is a component of every cell in the body and works alongside Calcium to support skeletal strength.
L-isoleucine
L-isoleucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis, hemoglobin formation, energy production, and immune defense. Research suggests isoleucine may enhance glucose uptake into muscle cells independently of insulin. Supplementation with L-isoleucine has been postulated to induce antimicrobial peptides in the intestine that have activities against enteric bacteria and viruses.
Choline bitartrate
Choline is an essential nutrient required for cell membrane integrity (phosphatidylcholine synthesis), cholinergic neurotransmission (acetylcholine synthesis), and methyl group donation via betaine for one-carbon metabolism. It is also critical for liver health, as adequate Choline is needed for VLDL assembly and secretion to prevent fat accumulation in the liver.
L-threonine
L-threonine is an essential amino acid critical for intestinal mucosal integrity and barrier function. A large proportion of dietary threonine is utilized for intestinal-mucosal protein synthesis, especially for mucin synthesis — the secreted glycoproteins that form the protective mucus layer throughout the GI tract. Animal studies consistently show that threonine deficiency specifically impairs intestinal mucin synthesis, increases paracellular permeability, and compromises gut barrier function. Threonine is also a structural component of collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel protein.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid and the precursor for the catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as thyroid hormones and melanin. Research suggests that supplementation may help support cognitive performance under conditions of acute stress, as catecholamine-containing neurons under high demand may require more precursor tyrosine for transmitter synthesis.
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium deficiency is prevalent in Crohn's disease — a 2024 systematic review confirmed significantly lower serum Magnesium in CD patients versus controls. Meta-analyses of RCTs show Magnesium supplementation significantly decreases serum C-reactive protein (CRP), supporting an anti-inflammatory effect. The small intestine is the principal site of Magnesium absorption.
L-phenylalanine
L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and a direct precursor to L-tyrosine, from which the body synthesizes catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), thyroid hormones, and melanin. As a proteinogenic amino acid, it contributes approximately 4–5% of the amino acid composition of most proteins.
L-methionine
L-methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid and the precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the principal biological methyl donor required for DNA methylation, phospholipid synthesis, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Through the transsulfuration pathway, methionine contributes to the synthesis of cysteine and subsequently glutathione, the body's primary intracellular antioxidant.
L-histidine
L-histidine is an essential amino acid with unique proton-buffering, metal-ion-chelating, and antioxidant properties attributable to its imidazole ring. Human trials have demonstrated reductions in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and CRP upon supplementation. L-histidine is also the precursor of histamine, which regulates gastric acid secretion, and of carnosine, a dipeptide that supports intracellular pH buffering and may protect gastric and intestinal mucosa.
Magnesium glycerophosphate
An additional Magnesium source contributing to the product's mineral profile. Magnesium is essential for ATP synthesis, immune competence, and over 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium deficiency promotes a pro-inflammatory state and is associated with increased cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-α. Adequate Magnesium also supports gut motility and intestinal absorption.
L-cysteine hydrochloride
L-cysteine is a semi-essential sulfur-containing amino acid and the rate-limiting precursor for glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis — the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. Increasing intracellular L-cysteine availability raises GSH levels, which defend against oxidative stress, support detoxification of xenobiotics, and regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune function.
Potassium Chloride
An additional Potassium source helping maintain electrolyte balance. Potassium is essential for cardiac rhythm, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction via the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump. It is particularly important in GI conditions where chronic diarrhea or vomiting can deplete Potassium stores.
L-tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and the sole precursor for serotonin and melatonin synthesis. Approximately 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, where it orchestrates peristalsis, secretion, and gut-brain signaling. Tryptophan metabolism by gut microbiota produces indole derivatives that regulate intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, immune response, and protection against pathogens. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that tryptophan supplementation at doses of 1 gram or more significantly reduced wakefulness after sleep onset.
L-carnitine l-tartrate
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for β-oxidation and energy production. It is particularly concentrated in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. The L-tartrate salt form is commonly used in nutritional formulations for its absorption profile.
d-alpha tocopheryl acetate
The natural-form ester of Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membrane lipids from peroxidation by scavenging free radicals. Research suggests Vitamin E reduces key biomarkers of chronic inflammation — CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α — through antioxidant-mediated suppression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. The acetate ester form is used to protect antioxidant properties during shelf life; it is hydrolyzed and converted to active free alpha-tocopherol prior to intestinal absorption.
ferrous gluconate
Iron is an essential trace mineral required for hemoglobin and myoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, energy metabolism (cytochromes), and immune function. Iron deficiency anemia is among the most common complications of Crohn's disease and IBD overall, arising from chronic intestinal blood loss, malabsorption, and reduced dietary intake. Iron supplementation is a standard, universally recommended nutritional intervention in IBD, endorsed by the ECCO guidelines and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
l-Taurine
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino sulfonic acid abundant in electrically excitable tissues including the heart and brain. It functions in bile acid conjugation for fat digestion, osmoregulation, Calcium homeostasis, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant defense. Taurine and its metabolites Taurine-chloramine and Taurine-bromamine inhibit NF-κB signalling, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. Clinical RCTs demonstrate significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers with Taurine supplementation.
Zinc sulfate
Zinc is an essential trace element required for the activity of over 300 enzymes, immune function, wound healing, and intestinal barrier integrity. Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in IBD, affecting up to 45% of some cohorts. Research suggests Zinc supports intestinal tight junction integrity — a 2025 clinical study showed that orally administered Zinc gluconate induced tight junctional remodeling and reduced passive transmucosal permeability in human intestinal mucosa. The WHO recommends Zinc supplementation for acute diarrhea management in children.
Calcium d-pantothenate
The Calcium salt form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), an essential nutrient and precursor to coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is central to energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the TCA cycle. Pantothenic acid contributes to the synthesis of acetylcholine and is involved in adrenal steroidogenesis.
beta carotene
Beta-carotene is the most significant provitamin A carotenoid in the human diet. It is converted to Vitamin A (retinol) in the body, which plays essential roles in vision, immune function, intestinal mucosal integrity, and cellular differentiation. Vitamin A deficiency impairs intestinal barrier competence and increases susceptibility to enteric infections.
niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is the amide form of niacin and a precursor to the coenzymes NAD⁺ and NADP⁺, which are required by more than 400 enzymes catalyzing reactions in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. Niacinamide does not cause the flushing associated with nicotinic acid.
Sodium selenite
Selenium is an essential trace element incorporated into 25 selenoproteins in humans, including glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases that defend against oxidative stress, and iodothyronine deiodinases required for thyroid hormone metabolism. Clinical evidence from RCTs and meta-analyses shows Selenium supplementation may reduce circulating inflammatory markers, particularly CRP and IL-6, in populations with elevated baseline inflammation.
Manganese citrate
Manganese is an essential trace element and a cofactor for enzymes including Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) — a key mitochondrial antioxidant — glycosyltransferases required for cartilage and bone proteoglycan synthesis, and arginase in the urea cycle. It supports antioxidant defense, bone formation, and carbohydrate/protein metabolism.
phytonadione
Phytonadione (vitamin K1) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, X) and for the activation of osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein involved in bone metabolism and vascular health. Vitamin K deficiency is recognized in Crohn's disease due to fat malabsorption and intestinal surgery.
pyridoxal-5'-phosphate
The biologically active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6, serving as a cofactor for more than 140 enzyme reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine), homocysteine metabolism, heme biosynthesis, and immune function via the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and interleukin-2 production.
cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble prohormone that undergoes sequential hydroxylation to form the active hormone calcitriol, which regulates Calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and immune modulation via the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Crohn's disease and IBD and is linked to disease severity and relapse risk. Research suggests Vitamin D influences intestinal barrier function through VDR-mediated tight junction protein expression and mucosal immune signaling.
riboflavin-5'-phosphate
The phosphorylated, water-soluble coenzyme form of vitamin B2. As FMN, it serves as a prosthetic group for NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and is essential for energy production, fatty acid oxidation, and the functional activation of other B vitamins — including the conversion of Vitamin B6 to its active form PLP.
thiamine hydrochloride
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for carbohydrate metabolism as the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase. Thiamine also directly supports intestinal motility and gut barrier function via enteric cholinergic mechanisms. The small intestine is the primary site of thiamine absorption.
Copper sulfate
Copper is an essential trace element required for the function of over 30 proteins including cytochrome c oxidase (cellular respiration), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), ceruloplasmin (Iron metabolism), and lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin crosslinking). Copper deficiency may occur in individuals with malabsorption conditions such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease.
Quatrefolic® ((6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt)
Quatrefolic® provides the biologically active, circulating form of folate (vitamin B9) as a stabilized glucosamine salt. Unlike folic acid, this form does not require enzymatic conversion by MTHFR, making it suitable for individuals with reduced MTHFR enzyme activity. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, one-carbon metabolism, homocysteine remethylation, and red blood cell formation.
d-biotin
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a cofactor for five carboxylases catalyzing critical steps in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids — including gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and branched-chain amino acid catabolism.
Sodium molybdate
Molybdenum is an essential trace element that functions as a cofactor for sulfite oxidase (critical for sulfur amino acid metabolism), xanthine oxidase (purine catabolism), and aldehyde oxidase. Molybdenum is efficiently absorbed from the digestive tract and is required for normal enzymatic processing of dietary sulfites.
Potassium iodide
Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate growth, development, metabolic rate, and neurological function. Adequate Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function and is especially important during periods of nutritional restriction.
Methylcobalamin
The metabolically active coenzyme form of Vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin serves as a cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine — a reaction essential for DNA synthesis, methylation, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a clinically recognized complication of Crohn's disease, particularly when the terminal ileum (the exclusive site of B12 absorption) is inflamed or resected.
