European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Gut health is a crucial component of overall well-being, influencing digestion, nutrient absorption, metabolism, immune function, and even mental health.1 The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota, which play a significant role in maintaining physiological balance. A well-balanced gut microbiome contributes to effective digestion, prevention of infections, and modulation of the immune system.2 However, disturbances in the gut microbiota—caused by factors such as poor diet, stress, antibiotic usage, and environmental influences—can lead to various health complications, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity, diabetes, and weakened immunity.3

Given the growing awareness of gut health and its impact on overall health outcomes, probiotic supplementation has emerged as a popular strategy to restore microbial balance. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, primarily by enhancing gut flora, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive efficiency.4,5 Hetafu Gut Drink is a probiotic-rich supplement designed to support digestive health by replenishing beneficial bacteria in the gut. With an increasing demand for probiotic-based interventions, it is essential to evaluate the efficacy of such products through scientific inquiry.

This study aims to assess the effects of Hetafu Gut Drink on gut health by examining its impact on digestive function, immune response, and overall well-being. The research focuses on key factors such as dietary habits, pre-existing medical conditions, probiotic consumption experiences, and self-reported health improvements. By investigating changes in symptoms related to bloating, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and immune function before and after consuming the drink, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation.

Furthermore, this study seeks to analyze the role of demographic characteristics, dietary restrictions, and medical history in shaping participants’ responses to Hetafu Gut Drink. Understanding how different population groups experience probiotic consumption can inform targeted dietary recommendations and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on gut health management.

Through a structured approach, this study contributes to the scientific understanding of probiotics and their role in enhancing digestive and immune health, offering practical implications for individuals seeking natural solutions to improve gut function and overall wellness.

This study employed a quantitative research design to assess the impact of Hetafu Cut G Drink on gut health over a period of three months. A total of 250 participants were recruited from diverse demographic backgrounds, ensuring a broad representation in terms of age, gender, occupation, and education level. Data collection was conducted through structured surveys and self-reported health assessments, administered both before and after the intervention period.

Study Design and Participant Selection

Participants were instructed to consume Hetafu Cut G Drink daily for three consecutive months, following standardized consumption guidelines. This approach allowed for consistent exposure to the probiotic formulation, enabling reliable evaluation of its effects.

Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18 to 61 years, without severe gastrointestinal disorders or underlying conditions that could confound the outcomes. Exclusion criteria involved individuals with known allergies to probiotic ingredients, those undergoing long-term antibiotic therapy, or those diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal diseases requiring specialized medical care.

Data Collection and Measures

Comprehensive data were collected to evaluate multiple dimensions of health related to gut microbiota and overall well-being. The key parameters included:

• Demographics: Age, gender, occupation, and education level.
• Dietary Habits: Type of diet (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, low fiber), dietary restrictions, and fermented food intake frequency.
• Medical History: Presence of digestive issues, immune-related conditions, oral health concerns, and medication usage.
• Probiotic Consumption Experience: Ease of use, taste perception, and reported side effects during and after the intervention.
• Health Improvements: Changes in symptoms such as bloating, constipation, burping, and abdominal pain, along with self-perceived improvements in immune function and oral health post-consumption.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive and comparative statistical methods were applied to analyze the collected data. Techniques such as means, standard deviations, percentage distributions, and cumulative frequencies were used to summarize the findings. Data were tabulated to visualize participant trends and group differences. Comparative analyses before and after the three-month consumption period were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Hetafu Cut G Drink in improving health outcomes.

Ethical Considerations

All participants provided informed consent before participation. The study maintained strict confidentiality and anonymity of responses, and participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any stage without any consequences. Ethical guidelines for research involving human participants were strictly followed throughout the study duration.

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics of Age

This table presents the descriptive statistics for the age variable in a sample of 250 individuals. The minimum recorded age is 18 years, while the maximum is 61 years. The mean age of the sample is 37.50 years, with a standard deviation of 12.615, indicating the extent of variation in ages within the dataset

Table 2: Demographic Characteristics of the Sample

This table presents the demographic characteristics of a sample of 250 individuals, categorized by gender, occupation, and education level. The sample consists of 52.8% females and 47.2% males. Among occupations, the most common category is "Other" (37.6%), followed by professionals (24.8%), students (19.2%), and homemakers (18.4%). In terms of education, the highest percentage of respondents have a primary-level education (26.0%), followed by postgraduate (22.4%), graduate (18.8%), secondary (16.8%), and other (16.0%).

Table 3: Dietary Habits and Fermented Food Consumption

This table provides an overview of dietary habits, dietary restrictions, and the frequency of fermented food consumption among 250 individuals.

• Overall Diet: The most common diet category is "Other" (22.8%), followed by "Low fiber" (22.0%) and "Balanced" (20.8%). Diets high in fat (18.0%) and sugar (16.4%) are also observed.
• Dietary Restrictions: A quarter of respondents follow a vegan diet (25.2%), while 20.0% are vegetarian. Some follow gluten-free (17.6%) or other dietary restrictions (17.6%), while 19.6% have no restrictions.
• Fermented Foods Consumption:2% of individuals consume fermented foods daily, while 25.6% consume them weekly. A smaller portion never (21.6%) or only occasionally (21.6%) consumes fermented foods.

Table 4: Medication Usage Among Participants

This table presents data on medication usage among the participants. Out of the total 250 respondents, 171 (68.4%) reported that they do not take any medications, while 79 (31.6%) indicated that they do. This data provides insight into the proportion of individuals who may have existing medical conditions requiring medication.

Table 5: Medical History of the Sample

This table presents the medical history of 250 individuals, including digestive issues, dental health, immune-related conditions, and other medical conditions.

A significant portion of participants reported pre-existing health concerns prior to consuming Hetafu Cut G Drink. Specifically, 50.8% had a history of digestive issues, indicating a substantial need for gut health support within the sample. Similarly, 54.4% had experienced gum disease or dental caries, suggesting oral health concerns were common. In terms of immune function, 45.6% of individuals reported immune-related conditions, while the remaining 54.4% did not, showing a fairly balanced distribution. Regarding other health issues, the most commonly reported were categorized as "Other" (30.4%), followed by none (24.8%), asthma (23.2%), and allergies (21.6%). These findings highlight the diverse medical backgrounds of participants and reinforce the relevance of evaluating probiotic interventions like Hetafu Cut G Drink across multiple health domains.

Table 6: Probiotic Consumption Experience

Table 6 presents data on participants' experiences with probiotic consumption across three key categories: ease of consumption, side effects, and taste/palatability rating.

Regarding ease of probiotic consumption, the majority of participants (35.2%) found it very easy, while 33.2% had a neutral experience, and 31.6% found it easy, indicating that most participants did not face significant difficulty consuming probiotics.

When assessing side effects, an overwhelming 88.8% of participants reported no side effects, while 8% experienced mild bloating, and a small proportion (3.2%) reported other minor effects. These findings suggest that probiotics were well-tolerated by most individuals.

In terms of taste and palatability, 37.2% of participants rated it good, while 31.6% found it average, and 31.2% rated it excellent. The relatively even distribution indicates that while some found the taste favorable, there is room for improvement in enhancing palatability.

Overall, the data suggests that probiotic consumption was largely well-accepted, with minimal side effects and a generally positive taste experience.

Table 7: Health Improvements

Table 7 presents the reported health improvements among participants after probiotic consumption, focusing on digestive health, oral health, and immune function.

Following the three-month consumption of Hetafu Cut G Drink, participants reported notable health improvements across various domains. In terms of digestive health, 56.8% experienced slight improvement, while 43.2% reported significant improvement, indicating broad effectiveness of the probiotic formulation. Abdominal pain relief was significant for 54.8% of participants, with an additional 36.0% noting slight relief and only 9.2% reporting no change. Similar trends were observed for bloating, where 50.8% experienced significant improvement and 39.2% reported slight improvement, leaving just 10.0% with no noticeable change. For burping, 48.8% noted significant relief and 41.6% reported slight improvement, while 9.6% experienced no change. Constipation relief was particularly prominent, with 55.2% of participants reporting significant improvement and 34.0% slight improvement; only 10.8% observed no difference. Improvements in oral health were also widespread, as 48.8% of participants experienced significant benefits, while the remaining 51.2% reported slight improvements. Lastly, immune health showed substantial gains, with 54.0% of participants reporting significant enhancement and 46.0% experiencing slight improvement. These results underscore the broad-spectrum health benefits of Hetafu Cut G Drink, especially in promoting gastrointestinal comfort, oral hygiene, and immune resilience.

Overall, the majority of participants reported positive health outcomes, particularly in digestive, oral, and immune health, indicating potential benefits of probiotic consumption.

Table 8: Overall Perception and Challenges

Table 8 summarizes participants' overall perception of probiotics, including health improvements, preferred aspects, challenges, and additional feedback.

Participants’ overall perceptions of Hetafu Cut G Drink were overwhelmingly positive. A majority (51.2%) reported significant overall health improvement, while the remaining 48.8% experienced slight improvement, underscoring the drink’s broad health impact. When asked about the most liked aspects, convenience was the top-rated benefit (39.2%), followed by health benefits (31.2%) and taste (29.6%), indicating that both functional and sensory attributes contributed to user satisfaction. While 50.4% of participants faced no challenges, 49.6% mentioned that remembering to take the drink regularly was the primary difficulty—highlighting a potential area for adherence support strategies. Impressively, 100% of participants stated they would recommend probiotics to others, reflecting strong consumer confidence. In the open-ended feedback, 36.0% described the product as highly effective, 30.8% shared that they had a great experience, and 33.2% reported no issues at all. These responses further support the acceptability, ease of use, and perceived efficacy of Hetafu Cut G Drink. Overall, the findings indicate a positive perception of probiotics, with most participants experiencing benefits, appreciating their convenience, and recommending them to others. The main challenge noted was adherence to regular consumption

Demographic Characteristics

The sample consisted of 250 individuals, with a nearly equal distribution of gender (52.8% female, 47.2% male). The participants had diverse occupations, with the largest category classified as "Other" (37.6%), followed by professionals (24.8%). Education levels varied, with the highest percentage having only primary education (26.0%), followed by postgraduate (22.4%). The variation in demographics suggests that the findings on dietary habits and probiotic consumption are representative of a diverse population.

Dietary Habits and Fermented Food Consumption

Participants exhibited a wide range of dietary habits, with 22.8% reporting an "Other" diet, while 22.0% had a low-fiber diet. Balanced diets were reported by 20.8% of the sample. Notably, 25.2% of respondents adhered to a vegan diet, and 20.0% were vegetarian. The high proportion of dietary restrictions may have influenced nutrient intake, potentially impacting gut microbiota composition.

Fermented food consumption was relatively common, with 31.2% consuming them daily and 25.6% weekly. This suggests a considerable level of exposure to probiotics from natural dietary sources, which may have influenced health outcomes. Regular consumption of fermented foods has been linked to enhanced gut health and microbiome diversity, which could explain some of the reported health benefits observed in this study.

Medication Usage and Medical History

A significant proportion (68.4%) of respondents reported not using any medication, while 31.6% did. This relatively low medication usage suggests that most participants were in general good health. However, 50.8% reported digestive issues, 54.4% had a history of gum disease or dental caries, and 45.6% had immune-related conditions. These findings suggest that while the majority were not reliant on medication, there was a notable prevalence of digestive and immune-related concerns that could be influenced by probiotic consumption.

The high prevalence of digestive issues aligns with modern dietary patterns, where processed foods, low fiber intake, and high sugar consumption contribute to gastrointestinal problems. Similarly, the presence of immune-related conditions could be associated with gut microbiome imbalances, as the gut plays a crucial role in immune function. Given this, probiotics—known for their role in supporting gut flora—may have contributed to symptom relief.

Probiotic Consumption Experience

Most participants found probiotics easy or very easy to consume (66.8%). Side effects were minimal, with 88.8% experiencing none, and only 8% reporting mild bloating. This suggests that probiotics were well tolerated and accepted among the participants, with few barriers to regular consumption. The minimal side effects reported could be due to the gradual adaptation of the gut microbiome to probiotic strains.

In terms of palatability, 37.2% rated probiotics as good, indicating a generally positive taste experience. Taste perception can influence adherence to probiotic intake, and the generally favorable response suggests that taste was not a major deterrent. Future formulations could focus on enhancing palatability to further increase compliance.

Health Improvements After Probiotic Consumption

The majority of participants reported positive health changes, The improvements in digestive health can be attributed to the role of probiotics in restoring beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion, and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. Probiotics help in breaking down food, improving nutrient absorption, and preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can contribute to bloating, burping, and constipation relief.

Oral health improvements may be linked to the antimicrobial properties of certain probiotic strains, which help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing gum disease and dental caries. Similarly, immune health enhancement could be due to probiotics’ ability to modulate immune responses, reducing inflammation and improving resistance to infections.

Overall Perception and Challenges

A strong majority (51.2%) reported significant overall health improvement, while 48.8% experienced slight improvement. The most appreciated aspects of probiotics were convenience (39.2%), health benefits (31.2%), and taste (29.6%). The main challenge faced was remembering to take them regularly (49.6%).

The high recommendation rate (100%) suggests strong confidence in probiotic benefits. Forgetting to take probiotics was the main barrier, indicating that future interventions could explore strategies such as reminders or incorporating probiotics into routine dietary habits.

Comparison with Previous Studies

The findings of this study align well with existing research on the health benefits of probiotic consumption. The reported improvements in digestive health, including significant relief from bloating (50.8%), constipation (55.2%), and abdominal pain (54.8%), are consistent with prior studies demonstrating that probiotics can enhance gut motility, reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, and promote overall digestive well-being. These effects are often attributed to the restoration of gut microbiota balance and the production of beneficial metabolites that aid digestion.

The observed enhancement in immune health (54.0%) supports the growing body of evidence indicating that regular probiotic intake can positively influence immune function. Probiotics have been shown to modulate immune responses, enhance mucosal barrier function, and reduce the incidence and severity of infections, particularly in individuals with immune-related conditions.²

Improvements in oral health (48.8%) are also in line with current findings suggesting that specific probiotic strains exert antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens, contributing to reduced gum inflammation, plaque formation, and dental caries. This supports the role of probiotics as a potential adjunct in maintaining oral hygiene.³

The high level of tolerability, with 88.8% of participants reporting no side effects, corresponds with existing safety profiles documented for commonly used probiotic strains. Furthermore, the strong acceptance of the product, high adherence, and favourable perceptions regarding taste and convenience reflect consumer trends observed in other studies, where palatability and ease of integration into daily routines were key factors influencing compliance and sustained use.⁵

Overall, the results of this study reinforce and extend previous findings, highlighting the efficacy and acceptability of probiotic products like Hetafu Cut G in promoting digestive, immune, and oral health among diverse populations.

Strengths and Limitations

One of the key strengths of this study is its diverse participant sample, which included individuals with a wide range of dietary habits, medical histories, and frequencies of probiotic consumption. This diversity enhances the generalizability of the findings to broader populations. Additionally, the study employed a comprehensive analytical approach, evaluating not only the health outcomes associated with probiotic intake but also examining participants’ dietary practices and the challenges they faced in maintaining regular consumption. Another notable strength is the high response rate, with complete data obtained from all 250 participants. This contributes to the reliability and robustness of the study's results.

However, the study is not without limitations. A primary concern is the reliance on self-reported data, which introduces the possibility of recall bias or subjective interpretation of health improvements and dietary intake. Moreover, the study was conducted over a relatively short time frame, thereby limiting the ability to assess long-term effects of probiotic use.

To address these limitations, several future research directions are recommended. Longitudinal studies that track participants over time would provide a clearer picture of the sustained health impacts of probiotics. Incorporating randomized controlled trials with placebo groups could offer stronger evidence of probiotic efficacy. Strategies to improve adherence, such as integrating probiotics into daily routines or using reminder systems, should also be explored to enhance user compliance.

The findings indicate a high level of acceptance and positive health outcomes associated with probiotic consumption. The reported improvements in digestive, oral, and immune health underscore the potential benefits of regular probiotic intake. Given the high prevalence of digestive and immune-related conditions among participants, the results suggest that probiotics may be an effective adjunctive strategy for managing these health concerns.

In particular, the use of Hetafu Cut G drink demonstrated notable benefits, with participants reporting significant improvements in bloating, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and overall immune function. The product was well tolerated, with minimal side effects, and was widely appreciated for its convenience and taste—factors that likely contributed to its high adherence and acceptance rates.

While minor challenges in daily adherence were observed, the overwhelmingly positive response supports the inclusion of Hetafu Cut G as a valuable component of daily health regimens, especially for individuals with digestive or immune issues. Future studies should focus on assessing the long-term efficacy of this formulation, identifying the most effective probiotic strains it contains, and exploring how individual dietary and lifestyle factors may influence its impact.

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