The Science Behind ARK Fusion
Evidence‑led gut health, formulated with integrity
ARK Fusion is built on the idea that gut health products should be more than marketing. Our formulations are based on peer‑reviewed research conducted by our founders and collaborators, and we make our science transparent. Below you’ll find the researchers behind ARK Fusion, the themes that drive our work, and summaries of published studies that inform our products. Each entry links to the original article so you can explore the evidence yourself.
Meet the researchers
Amanda Kearns, PhD(c), MPH, MBS, BSc.
Research focus: digital health communication, obesity and mental health. Amanda’s peer‑reviewed research examines how digital technologies (web platforms, social media, video calls and messaging) support health professionals communicating with people facing obesity and mental‑health challenges. The study identifies benefits and limitations of digital tools and emphasises the need for personalised, empathetic support. Although not directly about gut health, this work reflects ARK Fusion’s commitment to clear, accessible health communication.
➡️ ORCID: 0000‑0001‑8540‑3885
Rowan Kearns, PhD, MSc. BSc.
Research focus: gut microbiota, gut permeability, inflammation and the gut–brain axis in sport and health. Rowan’s publications span gut health in elite athletes, probiotic supplementation, and review articles on molecular pathways such as NF‑κB and the kynurenine pathway. His work highlights how diet, exercise and microbial metabolites influence intestinal integrity and systemic inflammation, providing a scientific foundation for ARK Fusion’s targeted formulations.
➡️ ORCID: 0000‑0002‑9428‑8273
Research themes and publications
1. Gut health & sports nutrition
These studies explore how gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, nutrition knowledge and probiotics affect athletes. They highlight the prevalence of gut issues in sport and provide evidence for using targeted probiotics to support performance.
Dietary Information for Gut Endurance Sport Testing (DIGEST) – 2025
Journal: Sport Sciences for Health
Citation: Kearns R., Dooley J., Matthews M., McNeilly A. (2025) Dietary Information for Gut Endurance Sport Testing (DIGEST): exploring the relationship between gut health, sports nutrition knowledge and nutritional practices in elite sport. Sport Sciences for Health 21, 2921–2935.
Abstract (key points): A cross‑sectional questionnaire of 400 elite athletes and coaches assessed GI complaints, sports nutrition knowledge (SNK), probiotic usage, diet and training practices. GI complaints were common (35.5 % diagnosed with a GI condition; stomach cramps most prevalent), especially in endurance sports. No significant correlation was found between SNK scores and GI complaints, but SNK scores were sub‑optimal (athletes 59 %, coaches 58 %)link.springer.com.
Plain‑English summary: Athletes often experience gut issues that can impair performance. In this study, a new questionnaire (DIGEST) surveyed athletes and coaches about GI symptoms and nutrition habits. More than a third reported a diagnosed GI condition; endurance sports saw the highest rates of stomach cramps and other complaints. Nutrition knowledge was low and did not correlate with symptoms.
Why this matters: Understanding how diet, probiotics and knowledge relate to GI distress helps identify gaps in nutrition education and informs products that support gut integrity and reduce athlete discomfort.
Do probiotics mitigate GI‑induced inflammation and perceived fatigue in athletes? – 2024
Journal: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Citation: Kearns R.P., Dooley J.S.G., Matthews M., McNeilly A.M. (2024) “Do probiotics mitigate GI‑induced inflammation and perceived fatigue in athletes? A systematic review.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 21(1): 1–18.
Abstract (key points): A systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trials examined probiotic supplementation (single or multi‑strain) on fatigue, inflammatory markers and performance. Ten studies reported benefits such as improved endurance performance, reduced anxiety/stress and fewer GI symptoms; probiotic supplementation (≥15 billion CFUs for ≥28 days) improved lactate, creatine kinase and ammonia levelspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Plain‑English summary: This review pooled evidence from clinical trials to see whether probiotics help athletes. Most studies found that daily probiotics reduced GI symptoms, lowered inflammation markers and enhanced endurance or stress resilience. Improvements in maximal oxygen uptake weren’t consistent, but muscle‑damage markers were better in probiotic groups.
Why this matters: Quality probiotics may support athletes’ gut health, reduce inflammation and improve recovery, underscoring ARK Fusion’s emphasis on clinically relevant doses and strains.
2. Gut microbiota & inflammation
These reviews delve into molecular pathways and systemic effects linking gut microbes to inflammation, cancer and neurological disorders. They highlight mechanisms that guide ingredient selection and dosages in our products.
Gut modulation to regulate NF‑κB in colorectal and gastric cancer therapy and inflammation – 2025
Journal: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
Citation: Kearns R. (2025) Gut modulation to regulate NF‑κB in colorectal and gastric cancer therapy and inflammation. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy 74, 264.
Abstract (key points): The nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) pathway drives cancer progression and inflammation. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can activate NF‑κB, contributing to tumour growth and therapy resistance. This review discusses how microbial metabolites (short‑chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides) influence NF‑κB and evaluates gut‑targeted interventions—probiotics, prebiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation and diet—to modulate NF‑κB and improve cancer therapy outcomeslink.springer.com.
Plain‑English summary: NF‑κB is a protein that controls inflammation and is overactive in many cancers. Imbalances in gut bacteria can trigger NF‑κB, worsening cancer and making treatments less effective. The review explains how adjusting the gut microbiota—through probiotics, prebiotics or faecal transplants—might help regulate this pathway and support cancer therapies.
Why this matters: It underscores the importance of a balanced microbiome for controlling inflammation and suggests that gut‑modulating supplements may complement medical treatments. While ARK Fusion products are not cancer therapies, understanding NF‑κB informs our focus on ingredients that support healthy inflammatory responses.
The Kynurenine Pathway in Gut Permeability and Inflammation – 2025
Journal: Inflammation
Citation: Kearns R. (2025) The Kynurenine Pathway in Gut Permeability and Inflammation. Inflammation 48, 1063–1077.
Abstract (key points): The gut–brain axis links the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The kynurenine pathway metabolises tryptophan into compounds that influence brain function. Dysbiosis can increase gut permeability, leading to systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. The review examines how probiotics modulate the kynurenine pathway, potentially reducing neuroinflammation and balancing neurotoxic versus neuroprotective metaboliteslink.springer.com.
Plain‑English summary: This paper explores how the gut and brain communicate. When the gut barrier becomes “leaky,” inflammatory substances can reach the brain and disturb mood or cognition. The kynurenine pathway—how the body breaks down tryptophan—produces chemicals that can be either helpful or harmful to the brain. Probiotics may shift this balance toward beneficial compounds, reducing inflammation.
Why this matters: Ingredients that support gut barrier integrity and regulate tryptophan metabolism could help maintain the gut–brain axis, guiding ARK Fusion’s inclusion of strains and nutrients that target gut permeability and neuroinflammation.
Gut–Brain Axis and Neuroinflammation: The Role of Gut Permeability and the Kynurenine Pathway in Neurological Disorders – 2024
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Citation: Kearns R. (2024) Gut–Brain Axis and Neuroinflammation: The Role of Gut Permeability and the Kynurenine Pathway in Neurological Disorders. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 44, article 64.
Abstract (key points): Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis are linked to dysregulated gut permeability and the kynurenine pathway. Compromised gut barriers allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, provoking systemic inflammation via the gut–brain axis. Dysbiosis and an overactive kynurenine pathway produce neurotoxic metabolites; interventions—including diet, probiotics, lifestyle changes and inhibitors of the enzyme indoleamine‑2,3‑dioxygenase—may help reduce neuroinflammationlink.springer.com.
Plain‑English summary: This review describes how gut health influences brain diseases. When the gut lining fails, harmful substances can enter the body and trigger inflammation that affects the brain. The kynurenine pathway’s imbalance can create toxic by‑products that damage neurons. The paper suggests that improving gut microbiota with diet and probiotics, and targeting specific enzymes, could support brain health.
Why this matters: It reinforces the concept that gut health is integral to neurological wellness. Our products emphasise ingredients that maintain barrier function and support beneficial gut bacteria, which may have downstream benefits for brain health.
3. Digital health & communication
This research theme reflects ARK Fusion’s broader commitment to accessible, empathetic health education. While not directly about gut health, it informs how we communicate evidence to our community.
Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication – 2025
Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Citation: Kearns A., Moorhead A., Mulvenna M., Bond R. (2025) Assessing the uses, benefits, and limitations of digital technologies used by health professionals in supporting obesity and mental health communication: scoping review. J Med Internet Res 27:e58434.
Abstract (key points): The scoping review analysed eight studies on digital tools—web platforms, social media, video calls, SMS and email—used by health professionals to support people with obesity and mental‑health issues. Benefits included enhanced access, personalised support, reduced stigma and improved weight‑loss outcomes. Limitations were engagement barriers, misinterpretation of SMS messages and minimal improvement in mental health outcomespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Plain‑English summary: The study looked at how doctors, dietitians and therapists use digital tools to help people struggling with obesity and mental‑health problems. Online platforms, texting and video calls made it easier for patients to get support and reduced the embarrassment some feel when seeing a clinician in person. However, digital communication sometimes led to misunderstandings, and mental‑health improvements were limited.
Why this matters: Effective communication is essential when educating about gut health and lifestyle changes. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of digital tools helps ARK Fusion provide educational content that is clear, supportive and accessible.
How our research informs ARK Fusion products
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Evidence‑based formulations: Each ARK Fusion product is built around mechanisms discussed in the literature above—gut permeability, microbiota composition, inflammation pathways and the gut–brain axis. We select probiotic strains and functional nutrients supported by clinical trials (e.g., dosing ≥15 billion CFUs in our athlete‑oriented formulations)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
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Targeted benefits: Insights from DIGEST and the athlete systematic review inform our focus on reducing GI discomfort and supporting endurance, while reviews on NF‑κB and the kynurenine pathway shape our approach to inflammation and neuroinflammation. Our supplements are designed to support gut integrity, immune balance and cognitive resilience without overstating benefits.
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Transparent communication: Amanda’s work on digital health underscores the importance of clear, empathetic communication. We strive to present scientific findings in plain language and make all research sources accessible, reinforcing trust and meeting Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards.
Disclaimer
ARK Fusion products are designed to support general health and wellbeing. We do not diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.