Is BDNF useful for gut health?

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is primarily known for its role in brain health, but it is also expressed in the gut and may influence the gut-brain axis. Some research suggests BDNF can affect gut motility, inflammation, and the enteric nervous system. However, the evidence for using BDNF as a direct marker for gut health in consumer tests is weak and mostly mechanistic. Genetic variants like rs6265 (Val66Met) are associated with altered BDNF secretion, but their impact on gut health is not clinically validated. Therefore, the evidence level is mechanistic/unclear. Consumers should not rely on BDNF genotyping to assess or manage gut health without further clinical context.