Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gut conditions, affecting around 15% of Malaysians. It often appears in people under 45 and is more common among women [1]. While stress can make IBS worse, it’s not the main cause. The real culprit lies deeper — in your gut barrier.
The Hidden Link: IBS and a “Leaky” Gut Barrier
The gut barrier is like your body’s internal security gate — keeping toxins, pathogens, and undigested food out of your bloodstream.
When that barrier becomes damaged, it allows harmful substances to leak through, causing inflammation, bloating, pain, and even mood changes. This condition is known as “leaky gut”, or scientifically, increased intestinal permeability.
Many IBS sufferers experience:
- Bloating or gassiness
- Diarrhea or constipation (or both)
- Mucus in stools
- Tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete emptying of bowel motion)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden changes in weight
IBS can also cause brain and mental-related problems like migraines, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety or depression.
These aren’t just “tummy issues” — they’re signs your gut ecosystem is out of balance.
Why Gut Repair Matters
A damaged gut barrier doesn’t just cause IBS symptoms — it sets the stage for chronic inflammation and other digestive disorders. Repairing this barrier and restoring microbiome balance is the foundation of long-term gut health.
That’s why Prof. Chan and his team at CUHK developed SMT04—a revolutionary, treatment-grade precision synbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) designed to target the root causes of IBS and leaky gut.
How SMT04 Repairs Your Gut Barrier
When your gut barrier becomes “leaky,” harmful substances like toxins and undigested food slip into the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation, bloating, and discomfort — the key drivers behind IBS symptoms.
SMT04 was designed to directly repair this intestinal barrier, creating the foundation for lasting gut health.
Leaky Gut — Strengthening the Gut’s Natural Shield
SMT04 targets the root of the problem: a weakened gut lining.
Here’s how it helps your barrier heal and stay strong:
- Reduces intestinal permeability by 33.3%, sealing microscopic gaps in the gut wall [2].
- Lowers gut inflammation and protects against immune over-activation.
- Boosts production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — the natural fuel that nourishes gut lining cells and promotes tissue repair [3].
- Supports gut structure and integrity through its prebiotic component, tara gum, which works in synergy with Streptococcus thermophilus to restore the intestinal barrier.
- Improves stool regularity and comfort, helping IBS sufferers experience more predictable, balanced digestion.
What’s So Special About SMT04?
SMT04 is a next-generation gut repair formula that doesn’t just replace good bacteria — it rebuilds your gut barrier and restores balance from within.
It contains:
- 4 probiotic strains, including 3 proprietary SIM01 strains and Streptococcus thermophilus with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- 4 prebiotic blends, including tara gum, which strengthens the intestinal lining and supports microbial growth.
- Patented Italian Microencapsulation Technology that protects live bacteria from stomach acid, enhancing delivery efficacy by up to 500%.
“We’ve identified specific bacterial strains that suppress harmful gut inflammation and promote long-term gut resilience. Early trials are very promising.”
Prof. Chan, CUHK
The Bottom Line
- IBS isn’t “just stress.”
It’s a sign your gut barrier needs repair — and addressing this root cause is the key to lasting relief. - SMT04 offers a science-driven way to restore gut balance, heal leaky gut, and support your gut-brain connection — helping you feel better from the inside out.
References:
[2] Del Piano et al., J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014
G-NiiB data on file
[3] Venegas et al., Front Immunol. 2019
Zeng et al., Cells. 2023
Lau et al., Lancet Infect Dis. 2024