Theferrous fumarate) FONA International report noted that gut health is becoming more important for consumers. Consequently, the number of food and beverage products making digestive health claims is growing. The U.S. market for digestive products grew 12% between 2012 and 2017, the report stated.###Aquamin contains calcium, magnesium andsorbifer ferrous sulfate trace minerals and is believed to helferrous lactate in foodp limit chronic gut inflammation and support joint health. It is considered a versatile ingredient for adding calcium to food.###Three formulations of Aquamin are available from Marigot, Ltd., the Ireland-based company that has developed and formulated the product for use in foods and beverages. Marigot indicated that Del Monte is using the ingredient in some fruit beverage products, although they may currently only be available in the Philippines.###Activated charcoal plays a much different role by binding itself to poison and keeping the poison from entering the bloodstream. However, as the University of Utah pointed out, more research is needed into exactly how it works. Charcoal can aliquid iron gluconatelso bind to consumed foods and block the absorption of both nutrients and medications. When added to food, it has a smoky and earthy flavor.###Burger King was an early pioneer in using activated bamboo charcoal by launching is ferrous bisglycinate the same as ferrous sulfatea “kuro burger” in selected outlets in Japan in 2012. This product featured a patty inside a sliced black bun, including a sliver of black cheese and a black sauce made from squid ink. According to Adweek, they were a big hit with Japanese customers and outsold all other new products the company offered that year. However, the restaurant’s big sales likely came more from the sandwich’s visual impact and smoky taste and less from the possibility of improved gut health. ###Gut-healthy foods and beverages show no sign of slowing entry into the global marketplace. As long as people want to improve their digestive health, they will seek out these products. And though Aquamin and activated charcoal are trendy now, Consumer Reports recently published a list of tried-and-true ways consumers can enhance gut health by eating foods that naturally contain fiber, probiotics or prebiotics. These include legumes; raspberries and blackberries; barley, bran and bulgur; kimchi; yogurt and kefir; and miso.