Future of women’s health: Gut microbiome, mitochondrial function and female-focused research

Experts are increasingly pointing to the gut microbiome’s crucial role in women’s health throughout various life stages while focusing on hormonal balance and skin vitality. As demands increase for research specific to women, industry leaders advocate for personalized, science-based strategies to meet evolving health needs.

Nutrition Insight sits down with Balchem, HTBA, IFF Health Sciences, and Kaneka Nutrients Europe to discuss the latest innovations and trends in this ever-evolving space.

We previously spoke to the companies in honor of Women’s Health Month to uncover the top nutrition gaps that hold them back. Also, we examined trending mood-boosting postbiotics, menopause solutions, and botanical nutricosmetics with ADM, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Sirio Pharma, and Finzelberg.

Maider Gutierrez, business development lead, Women’s Health & Healthy Aging at IFF, says recent scientific research reveals a significant connection between gut health and women’s overall well-being. 

“The gut microbiome plays a vital role not only in physical health but also in emotional well-being. Maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria can improve digestive health, support immune function, and contribute to a healthier state of mind.”

“For women specifically, gut health has profound implications across various life stages, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, largely because of its impact on hormonal balance.”

She also sees emerging research on the “gut-skin axis” and its links to aging and inflammation. Gut health is vital for regulating metabolism and maintaining a healthy weight. 

“Overall, the evidence suggests that fostering a healthy gut microbiome is key to enhancing women’s digestive health, emotional resilience, hormonal harmony, skin vitality, and metabolic wellness — making it a cornerstone of overall well-being,” continues Gutierrez.

Gut health impacts hormones, mood, skin, and metabolism, central to women’s well-being at every life stage.Filip Van Hulle, general manager at Kaneka Nutrients Europe, adds that although ubiquinol is not a direct probiotic, it helps gut health by reducing oxidative stress, which can harm the integrity of the gut lining.

“Furthermore, the healthy energy metabolism and cellular DNA protection facilitated by ubiquinol can benefit the gut epithelium, which requires ongoing cellular renewal.”

Future research: Inclusive testing

Looking ahead, experts discuss their expectations for the future focus of women’s health, which will shift in the coming years.

“The next five years in women’s health research must prioritize closing the knowledge gap that currently exists to inform both brands and consumers about the types of ingredients that can effectively support women’s health at specific life stages,” says Lauren Eisen, senior marketing and business development manager, Minerals and Nutrients at Balchem Human Nutrition & Health.

“Much of the clinical nutrition research has been completed based on assumptions with male-centric studies and then applied to make the work generalizable to women. The exciting shift we’re now witnessing, with increased funding for female-specific clinical trials, particularly across key life stages like pregnancy and post-menopause, needs to be amplified.” 

Most health research still relies on male subjects, leaving a critical gap in understanding women’s unique physiological needs.She believes that examining the direct link between nutrients and women’s health is not only important but also a crucial first step in recognizing and addressing their specific needs.

“This surge in targeted research presents a significant opportunity for brands like ours. As women become increasingly informed and actively seek reliable guidance, sometimes navigating a landscape of social media and influencer opinions, we have a responsibility to be a trusted source of science-backed information,” Eisen continues. 

“Our focus should be on translating robust research findings into clear, accessible education about the efficacy of specific ingredients, such as having bioavailable forms. Going forward, as an industry, we can do more to educate consumers about the benefits specific ingredients can offer to target women’s health.”

Tom D’Hoore, chief commercial officer of HTBA, notes progress on women’s health in conversations. However, more dedicated research is required. Echoing Eisen, he says studies largely rely on male participants to test the efficacy of ingredients, which overlooks women’s biological factors such as hormonal cycles, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Future health solutions may be personalized, using genetic, microbiome, and lifestyle data to tailor care for women.“To truly advance care and improve outcomes, we need more inclusive, female-specific clinical trials that reflect the complexities of women’s physiology. This is essential to better understand how nutrients, bioactives, and lifestyle interventions can effectively support women’s health across all life stages.”

Future research: Gut microbiome and mitochondrial health

Gutierrez from IFF believes that future research should better understand the gut microbiome and hormonal health connection, which she calls a breakthrough that could transform health management.

“Equally important is tackling the complex challenges of menopause and aging, empowering women to navigate these transitions with confidence and vitality.”

“And the future is personalized: by harnessing biohacking techniques based on genetic, microbiome, and lifestyle data, we can unlock tailored health solutions like never before. These areas have the potential to greatly improve women’s well-being and quality of life over the next five years,” she shares.

Meanwhile, Van Hulle of Kaneka Nutrients Europe believes that future research should focus on mitochondrial health because it helps energy levels, heart health, cognitive function, and cellular protection.

“As scientific studies in this area continue to advance, we will no doubt gain a greater understanding of how nutrients like ubiquinol could support a wide range of women’s health concerns. This will provide brands with the vital scientific substantiation to create effective and impactful women’s health solutions,” he concludes.