Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta A Biotech Probiotic to Enhance Fiber - Dr. Zack Abbott
Nov 2, 2025
Dr. Zack Abbott, CEO of ZBiotics and microbiologist, dives into the fascinating world of engineered probiotics designed to enhance gut health. They tackle the staggering fiber deficiency affecting 95% of Americans and explain how innovative probiotics can convert sugars into dietary fiber right in your gut. Zack shares insights on the science of levansucrase and its benefits for microbial diversity and gut integrity. With future possibilities for probiotics, they discuss addressing modern health challenges from dietary gaps to toxin detoxification.
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First Product Reduced Alcohol Aftereffects
- ZBiotics' first product is a Bacillus subtilis probiotic that expresses an enzyme to break down acetaldehyde from alcohol.
- They launched in 2019 and have sold over 10 million bottles, which Zack calls "10 million mornings saved."
Widespread Fiber Deficiency Harms The Microbiome
- 95% of people in the U.S. fail to meet recommended dietary fiber intake and average about half the recommended amount.
- Low fiber reduces microbiome diversity and deprives humans of short-chain fatty acids and other microbial functions.
Different Fibers Deliver Different Benefits
- Soluble fermentable fiber feeds gut bacteria that produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids and support gut integrity.
- Insoluble fiber aids regularity and can blunt sugar spikes and help lipid handling.