Targeted root-cause approach, backed by scientific research from leading experts.
At FOCUL®, every formula is built with intention and guided by research. Gut + Mind is designed around the gut-brain connection, using carefully selected nutrients and functional compounds chosen for their role in supporting digestive health, mental clarity and nervous system balance. Each ingredient serves a purpose - grounded in science, not trends - to support the systems that influence how you feel, think and function every day.
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Prebiotic Fibre
Our formula is anchored by a prebiotic base of chicory-root-derived inulin. Inulin is a well-researched prebiotic fibre that supports gut microbiome diversity, contributing to improved digestion and a balanced inflammatory response.
Inulin
Supports gut microbiome diversity:
Inulin is a well-researched prebiotic fibre that selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping to support a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.
Supports normal bowel function:
Inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency when consumed in adequate amounts, supporting regularity and digestive comfort.
Supports immune function:
By supporting the gut microbiome, inulin plays an indirect role in maintaining normal immune function, as a significant proportion of immune activity is linked to the gut.
Digestive comfort and reflux context:
Gut health and digestive symptoms such as reflux can be influenced by microbiome balance, digestion, and stress. Inulin's role in supporting overall gut function and microbiome balance may be relevant for digestive wellbeing.
Source(s):
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1902
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8970830/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/fibre/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/inulin
Amino Acids
L-Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a key role in supporting gut health by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining and contributing to normal digestive function.
L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that supports relaxation and stress response, helping to promote calm focus and gut–brain balance during periods of physical or mental stress.
L-Glutamine
Supports gut barrier integrity: L-Glutamine is a primary fuel source for intestinal cells and helps maintain the gut’s mucosal lining, which is important for normal barrier function.
Contributes to normal immune function in the gut: It supports immune cells and mucosal immunity that help protect the gastrointestinal tract.
May support mucosal healing: Some preclinical and clinical studies indicate that glutamine can aid repair processes in the gut lining following injury or stress.
Source(s): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/
L-Theanine
L-Theanine supports relaxation and stress reduction:
L-Theanine has been shown in human studies to promote a relaxed but alert mental state by influencing alpha brain wave activity and neurotransmitters involved in stress regulation.
Helps regulate the stress response:
By supporting the body’s response to stress, L-Theanine may help reduce the physiological effects of stress that can negatively impact digestive comfort and gut function.
Supports gut–brain communication:
Emerging research suggests L-Theanine may support intestinal barrier function and inflammatory balance, reinforcing the connection between psychological stress and digestive health.
Source(s):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8475422/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/l-theanine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9014247/
Minerals
Magnesium Bisglycinate is a highly bioavailable, gentle form of magnesium that supports nervous system function, muscle relaxation, and digestive comfort, while being well tolerated by the stomach.
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports digestive enzyme activity, neuromuscular function, and overall gastrointestinal comfort. Calcium lactate is a well-tolerated, non-acidic form of calcium that is gentle on the stomach.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports immune function, cellular repair, and normal digestion. Zinc citrate is a well-absorbed, gentle form of zinc that is suitable for everyday gut and immune support.
Magnesium Bisglycinate
Gentle on the stomach and supports digestive comfort:
Magnesium bisglycinate is a chelated form bound to the amino acid glycine, making it easier to absorb and less likely to cause gastrointestinal irritation compared to other forms of magnesium.
May support gut and stomach lining health:
Magnesium plays a role in cellular repair and inflammatory balance. Adequate magnesium status has been associated with maintaining normal gastrointestinal function, which may be relevant for individuals experiencing stress-related digestive discomfort.
Stress, gut health and reflux context:
Stress is a recognised contributor to digestive symptoms, including reflux. By supporting the stress response and nervous system balance, magnesium may indirectly support digestive comfort via the gut–brain axis.
Source(s):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452224/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25076314/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/magnesium-benefits/
Calcium (Lactate)
Contributes to normal digestive enzyme function:
Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes, supporting efficient digestion and nutrient utilisation within the gastrointestinal tract.
Supports normal muscle and nerve function:
Calcium contributes to normal muscle function and normal neurotransmission, both of which are important for coordinated digestive activity and gut motility.
Gentle on the stomach:
Calcium lactate is a water-soluble, non-acidic form of calcium that is generally well tolerated and less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort compared to some other calcium salts.
Supports bone health and cellular signalling:
Calcium is required for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and plays a key role in cellular signalling processes throughout the body, including those involved in gut and nervous system function.
Reflux, gut health and wellbeing context:
Digestive symptoms such as reflux are influenced by factors including digestion, stress, and neuromuscular regulation. By supporting digestive enzyme activity, muscle function, and nervous system signalling, calcium may indirectly support digestive comfort.
Source(s):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1741
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21737095/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/calcium-lactate
Zinc (Citrate)
Contributes to normal immune system function:
Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system and plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Supports normal cognitive and psychological function:
Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function and normal psychological function, supporting mental wellbeing and resilience during periods of stress.
Supports normal digestion and gut lining integrity:
Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis and cell division, processes that are essential for maintaining the integrity and renewal of the gastrointestinal lining.
Well tolerated and gentle on the stomach:
Zinc citrate is an organic, water-soluble form of zinc that is generally better tolerated than some other zinc salts, making it suitable for individuals sensitive to digestive discomfort.
Reflux, gut health and stomach comfort context:
Zinc plays a role in cellular repair and immune balance within the gastrointestinal tract. Adequate zinc status is important for maintaining normal stomach and gut lining function, particularly during periods of stress or digestive strain.
Source(s):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/zinc/
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/181
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17490954/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/zinc-citrate
Adaptogens & Botanicals
Bacopa Monnieri is a traditional adaptogenic herb used to support cognitive function, mental wellbeing, and the body’s response to stress, with emerging links to gut–brain communication.
Panax Ginseng is a traditional adaptogenic herb used to support energy, cognitive performance, and the body’s response to physical and mental stress.
Bacopa Monnieri
Supports cognitive function and mental performance:
Bacopa monnieri has been studied for its role in supporting memory, learning, and cognitive performance, particularly during periods of mental demand.
Supports psychological wellbeing and stress resilience:
Traditionally used as an adaptogen, Bacopa monnieri may help support the body’s response to stress, contributing to emotional balance and mental clarity.
Gut-brain axis context:
Psychological stress is known to influence digestive comfort and gut function. By supporting stress regulation and nervous system balance, Bacopa monnieri may indirectly support digestive wellbeing via the gut–brain axis.
Antioxidant and cellular support:
Bacopa contains naturally occurring compounds (bacosides) with antioxidant properties, which support cellular health and protection from oxidative stress.
Digestive comfort context:
Its role in stress modulation and antioxidant support may be relevant for individuals experiencing stress-related digestive discomfort.
Source(s):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18611150/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746242/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/bacopa-monnieri
Panax Ginseng
Supports mental performance and cognitive function:
Panax ginseng has been studied for its role in supporting mental performance, focus, and cognitive function, particularly during periods of fatigue or increased demand.
Supports energy and vitality:
Traditionally used to combat tiredness, Panax ginseng may help support physical and mental energy levels, contributing to overall vitality.
Supports the stress response:
As an adaptogen, Panax ginseng may help the body adapt to stress, supporting psychological wellbeing and resilience during periods of pressure.
Gut-brain axis context:
Stress and fatigue can influence digestive comfort and gut function. By supporting stress regulation and energy balance, Panax ginseng may indirectly support digestive wellbeing via the gut–brain axis.
Digestive comfort context:
Its role in stress modulation and systemic balance may be relevant for individuals experiencing stress-related digestive discomfort.
Source(s):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659633/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20336280/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452224/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/panax-ginseng
Functional Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a functional mushroom traditionally used to support cognitive health, mental clarity, and nervous system balance, with emerging links to gut–brain communication.
Lion's Mane
Supports cognitive function and mental performance:
Lion’s Mane has been studied for its role in supporting memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, particularly during periods of mental demand.
Supports nervous system health:
Compounds naturally present in Lion’s Mane (including hericenones and erinacines) have been researched for their role in supporting normal nerve function and neurological health.
Gut-brain axis context:
The gut and brain are closely connected via neural and biochemical pathways. Emerging research suggests Lion’s Mane may support gut–brain communication, which is relevant for both digestive wellbeing and mental clarity.
Digestive and stomach comfort context:
Traditional use and early research suggest it may support overall gastrointestinal wellbeing and mucosal balance, particularly where digestive comfort is influenced by stress.
Antioxidant and cellular support:
Lion’s Mane contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that help support cellular health and protection from oxidative stress.
Source(s):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hericium-erinaceus
Vitamins
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is an essential B vitamin that supports energy metabolism, mental performance, and the body’s response to stress.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, supporting the body’s ability to convert food into energy.
Supports mental performance:
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance, helping to support focus and cognitive function.
Supports the synthesis of key hormones and neurotransmitters:
Vitamin B5 contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and some neurotransmitters, which are involved in stress regulation and nervous system function.
Fatigue and stress context:
By supporting energy metabolism and hormone synthesis, vitamin B5 plays a role in helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue, particularly during periods of physical or mental stress.
Gut–brain axis context:
Stress and fatigue can influence digestive comfort. By supporting normal nervous system and hormonal function, vitamin B5 may indirectly support digestive wellbeing via the gut–brain axis.
Source(s):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1751
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21840663/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/
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