Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Livaux

Also known as: Livaux, Livaux®, gold kiwifruit powder, New Zealand gold kiwifruit powder, Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis (Livaux®)

Overview

Livaux® is a proprietary freeze-dried powder derived from the New Zealand gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis). It functions as a prebiotic dietary supplement, specifically designed to promote gut microbiota health. Its primary use is to increase the abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prau), a beneficial butyrate-producing gut bacterium associated with improved gut health and bowel function. Livaux is unique in its ability to increase F. prau levels, which are often depleted in gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory conditions. As a prebiotic fiber, Livaux is not absorbed in the small intestine but fermented by colonic bacteria. Early clinical research includes some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and post-hoc analyses, showing emerging evidence that requires further investigation.

Benefits

Livaux supplementation has demonstrated a significant increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance in both healthy individuals and those with functional constipation. Specifically, a subgroup of responders (74% of healthy subjects) experienced a 16.5% increase in weekly bowel movements compared to washout (p = 0.001) when taking 2,400 mg of Livaux daily. Clinical studies also report improvements in quality of life and gastrointestinal symptoms following Livaux supplementation. Furthermore, potential modulation of gut microbiota linked to reduced severity of inflammatory bowel disease and possibly COVID-19 severity, through increased F. prau levels has been observed. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with occasional constipation or functional bowel irregularities.

How it works

Livaux acts as a prebiotic substrate that selectively stimulates the growth of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a key butyrate-producing bacterium in the colon. By increasing F. prau, Livaux enhances butyrate production, which supports colonocyte health, reduces inflammation, and improves gut barrier function. As a prebiotic fiber, Livaux is not absorbed in the small intestine but fermented by colonic bacteria. This fermentation process leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which have various beneficial effects on gut health.

Side effects

Livaux is derived from a natural food source (kiwifruit) and appears safe based on available clinical data. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the clinical studies reviewed. However, caution is advised in individuals with a known allergy to kiwifruit or related fruits, as it is a contraindication. Limited data are available regarding the use of Livaux in pregnant or lactating women and children, so caution is advised in these populations. No known drug interactions have been reported, but it is always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medications.

Dosage

Clinical trials have used 2,400 mg of Livaux daily to achieve significant effects on bowel movements and F. prau abundance. This dosage appears effective, but further dose-ranging studies are needed to confirm optimal levels. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but no adverse effects have been reported at the studied doses. Daily intake is recommended, but the timing relative to meals has not been specifically defined. Livaux is available in freeze-dried powder form, and as a prebiotic fiber, absorption is not a primary factor; fermentation by gut microbiota is key. No specific cofactors are required for its activity.

FAQs

Is Livaux safe for daily use?

Yes, current evidence suggests it is safe for daily use, with no significant side effects reported in clinical studies. However, individuals with kiwifruit allergies should avoid it.

How soon can results be expected?

Improvements in bowel movements and gut microbiota changes, such as increased F. prau levels, have been observed within weeks of consistent daily intake.

Can Livaux be used with probiotics?

Likely yes, as Livaux promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, complementing probiotic supplementation. However, specific studies on combined use are currently lacking.

Is Livaux effective for severe gastrointestinal diseases?

Evidence is preliminary; benefits are clearer for functional constipation and gut microbiota modulation. More research is needed to assess its efficacy in severe GI conditions.

Research Sources

https://hermes-consilium.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/LivauxWhitePaper.pdf – This white paper summarizes clinical studies on Livaux, highlighting its ability to increase Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance and improve bowel function. It presents data from RCTs and post-hoc analyses, supporting Livaux's prebiotic effect on gut motility and overall gut health. The paper emphasizes the potential benefits of Livaux for individuals with occasional constipation or functional bowel irregularities.
https://www.xtend-life.com/blogs/health-articles/meet-butyrate-your-guts-best-friend – This article discusses the importance of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, for gut health. It explains how butyrate supports colonocyte health, reduces inflammation, and improves gut barrier function. While not directly studying Livaux, the article provides context for understanding the clinical relevance of increasing butyrate production through prebiotics like Livaux.
https://livaux.com/low-f-prau-linked-covid-19-severity/ – This article suggests a link between low levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prau) and increased severity of COVID-19. It highlights the potential role of F. prau in modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. While not a direct study on Livaux, it contextualizes the potential benefits of increasing F. prau levels through supplementation with prebiotics like Livaux in relation to immune health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6683038/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the role of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It supports the importance of this bacterium in gut health and inflammation modulation, showing that reduced levels of F. prau are associated with IBD. While not directly studying Livaux, this review contextualizes the clinical relevance of increasing F. prau via prebiotics like Livaux in managing gut inflammation.
https://livaux.com/science-story/ – This page summarizes the science behind Livaux, detailing its origin from New Zealand gold kiwifruit and its prebiotic effects. It highlights clinical studies demonstrating significant increases in F. prau abundance in both healthy and functionally constipated individuals after Livaux supplementation, with associated improvements in quality of life and symptoms. These studies provide mechanistic support for Livaux's benefits but require independent verification.