Bio X4 Vs. Total Restore – Which Is Better For Gut Health?

Two prominent natural product industry competitors, both focused on gut health and the microbiome, market their best-selling products differently, segmenting the market and differentiating their offerings through formulations and health claims. Nucific, maker of Bio X4, and Gundry MD, manufacturer of Total Restore, have much in common, from their go-to-market strategies to customer engagement and nearly identical sales and pricing tactics. In fact, both companies offer additional, directly competitive products. 

In this article, we review their similarities in corporate policies and practices, but our priority is to contrast the approaches of Bio X4 vs. Total Restore. Although the products have secondary benefits in common, their primary reasons for being are different; weight loss for Bio X4 and protecting your gut lining, thus preventing leaky gut syndrome in Total Restore. Bio X4 also lists digestive health as a benefit, and Total Restore mentions a potential weight management benefit. This article will provide recommendations on which product you should consider based on your specific health goals. 

We do an in-depth analysis of each product’s ingredients and special blends. The main components in Bio X4 are the probiotic blends; the company refers to it as a “four-in-one probiotic product.” Total Restore uses sixteen all-natural “gut hero” ingredients, including minerals, aminos, polyphenols, and herbs, but no pre-, pro-, or postbiotics. The different formulas and approaches support the primary product claims segmenting the target audience for the two products. We do a short review of the weight management role of the compounds in Bio X4 and a bit deeper explanation of leaky gut in the product segments.

The Companies Behind Bio X4 and Total Restore

We highlight the companies, their founders and faces of the brands, their corporate policies, and go-to-market strategies.

Nucific

Dr. Amy Lee founded Nucific in 2014. In the ensuing years, the company, now headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, has developed a solid reputation for its high-quality supplements. Her credentials include:

• An undergrad degree from the University of Washington.
• An M.D. from the University of Illinois.
• A residency at USC.
• A clinical nutrition fellowship at UCLA.

 She is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. As the face of the company, Dr. Lee is integrally involved in Nucific’s research and development and product formulation.    

The company adheres to many of the best-in-class practices in the industry, including FDA-registered, cGMP manufacturing facilities, third-party testing for quality and purity, natural and organic ingredients, patented and trademarked components, gluten-free, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. 

Nucific products are marketed online via the company’s sophisticated website. Although its products are also available at Amazon.com and Walmart.com, the company does not appear to offer its products through brick-and-mortar retailers.  

Gundry MD

Like Nucific, Gundry MD’s founder is a well-respected physician with an impressive CV. Dr. Steven Gundry was one of the world’s pre-eminent experts in heart surgery before pivoting to focus on nutrition and diet. He is a cum laude graduate from Yale and an Alpha Omega Alpha graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. He did his residency at the University of Michigan. Today he is a New York Times best-selling author and one of the industry’s most respected authorities on gut health and the microbiome. 

GundryMD.com markets supplements, skin and hair care products, foods, and books on its sophisticated website. Most Gundry products are only available on the site, no distribution in brick-and-mortar stores, and limited item availability on Amazon.com. Gundry also adheres to the best practices in the industry with products manufactured in the US in cGMP-certified facilities. Products are doctor-formulated, with quality, natural, organic ingredients, patented and trademarked components from industry-leading ingredient manufacturers, third-party tested, and covered by a money-back guarantee. 

Both companies may occasionally use proprietary blends; however, we are comfortable with the transparency of ingredients and detect no “fairy dusting” or other abuses in labeling. The practices listed above for these companies are those we typically recommend to consumers when considering a new supplement for their regimen.

Bio X4 from Nucific

Bio X4 is a dietary supplement in veggie capsule form, positioned by the company as a four-in-one probiotic for weight management. There are four primary blends:

• Probiotic Blend, 4 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units) per capsule
• Digestive Enzyme Blend, 43 mg
• Weight Management Blend, 100 mg
• Craving Control Blend, 166 mg

Each capsule is designed to help balance your gut microbiome and improve your digestive system, stimulate your metabolism, and control unhealthy cravings, to support your weight loss efforts. The Craving Control Blend consists of only one ingredient, Slimaluma, a patented, trademarked compound from Gencor Pacific, prevalent in weight loss products from a highly respected manufacturer. The EGCG from Green Tea Extract enhances metabolism, stimulates fat-burning, and increases energy. Bio X4 is gluten, allergen, and lactose-free. 

The product is targeted and marketed very specifically to a weight loss audience but also promises improved digestion.  

The company recommends one capsule with each meal, three times per day. Thus a 90-count bottle of Bio X4 is, in effect, a typical thirty-day supply.

We delve into the various components in each blend in greater detail in the formulation segment. 

Total Restore from Gundry MD

Total Restore is a doctor-formulated nutritional supplement in vegetable capsule form. The proprietary formula designed to fight leaky gut syndrome contains sixteen carefully selected, scientifically supported, all-natural ingredients to support a healthy gut lining. 

The term “leaky gut” refers to increased intestinal permeability, basically, holes in your intestinal lining that allows dangerous particles, like toxins and waste, to pass into the bloodstream. This condition causes gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, gas, irregularity, fatigue, and weight gain.

Ironically, when speaking of Total Restore, Dr. Gundry has stated, “personally, I don’t consider our product to be just a “healthy gut blend” at all. It’s really a 4-in-1 formula that can help you feel energized, meet your weight loss goals, and promote healthy gut bacteria.” Sound familiar? A digestive aid product that promises energy, and the same weight loss benefit as Bio X4. 

Another similarity is serving size, three capsules per day. Dr. Gundry recommends all three capsules at your largest meal; however, taking a single capsule with each meal is permissible. Each bottle of Total Restore contains ninety capsules, a thirty-day supply.  

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: How They Compare

The marketing and websites of Nucific and Gundry MD are eerily similar. Both use identical pricing strategies with a published price, bundle offers (special three-pack and six-pack pricing), membership pricing for subscriptions, and 90-day money-back guarantees. Should you leave the site without purchasing and return, both brands offer “Internet Only” special prices, again with bundle alternatives and first-time purchase offers. Both companies feature their founders prominently in YouTube videos extolling the science behind the products and the health benefits of adding the product to your supplement regimen. 

We’ve already addressed the similarities in business best practices that are nearly identical between Nucific and Gundry MD:

• Doctor formulated products – produced in cGMP-certified facilities and independent third-party testing for quality and purity.
• Transparency – in ownership, founders, and ingredients in the Supplement Facts
• Natural, organic ingredients, including patented compounds clinically tested to support structure-function claims

So, as we proceed, our basis of comparison will focus on formulations, key ingredients, cost value relationships, and which product might best serve specific needs. Spoiler alert, we do not declare a clear winner. The products feature different compounds, address different issues, and offer varying primary benefits. What we do address is which product might be best for which consumer.

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: The Formulations

Bio X4

Since Bio X4 is positioned as a probiotic product, let’s first address the Probiotic Blend, which contains five strains and 4 billion CFUs. Probiotics are typically measured by two key factors, potency, that is, the number of live cultures, and the number of strains – multiple strains mimic the natural diversity in your gut. Given Bio X4’s recommended dosage of three times per day, the total number of CFUs would be twelve billion per day. Strains include a Lactobacillus blend (L-acidophilus, L-rhamnosus, and L-Plantarum) and a Bifidobacterium blend (B-lactis and B-animalis).

Lactobacillus probiotics aid in digestion and the absorption of nutrients and support the immune system. Bifidobacterium are other good bacteria popular in probiotic products. They help digest dietary fiber, beneficial for weight loss, and other complex carbohydrates, bolster the immune system and produce vitamins and important chemicals. 

The 43 mg Digestive Enzyme Blend consists of Amylase, Lipase, and Bromelain, enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and proteins into nutrients the body can absorb and use for essential processes.

As previously noted, the Weight Management Blend consists of one ingredient, 100 mg of Green Tea Extract, which is 50% EGCG. This compound is shown in clinical trials (in doses ranging from 100 – 420 mg) to aid in weight loss by increasing the body’s fat-burning capacity. EGCG is also a powerful antioxidant.

The Craving Control Blend is also a single ingredient, Gencor’s proprietary and patented Caralluma Fimbriata extract, in a 166 mg dose. Slimaluma is a popular appetite suppressant component in many branded weight loss supplements.

Total Restore

The comprehensive Total Restore formula comprises sixteen all-natural ingredients, two of which are patented formulas, PepZin GI and VitaBerry. Pepzin GI, a blend of L-Carnosine and zinc, is clinically proven to protect the stomach lining, reducing gastrointestinal distress. The Vita Berry component is a 22mg blend of organic berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, tart cherry, elderberry, and cranberry. 

Other essential ingredients include:

• L-Glutamine, an amino acid, is frequently used in sports nutrition products for its ability to help in recovery from exercise, but also known for its gut health properties. 
• Grapeseed, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps protect the gut from a high fat/high carbohydrate diet. 
• Licorice, Wormwood, Grapefruit, Marshmallow Root, and Cinnamon each play essential roles in gut health and protecting the stomach lining. 
• N-acetyl D-glucosamine is generally used for joint health yet also helps absorb lectins in the gut. 
• Maitake Mushrooms have pre-biotic components, encouraging healthy and attacking unwanted bacteria in the stomach. 
• Black Pepper and Berberine, often used in supplements to enhance the absorption of nutrients, also adds healthy bacteria.
• Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, prevents constipation, and promotes regularity.

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Dosage Comparison

Bio X4

The recommended dosage is one capsule, three times per day, after meals, delivering a total of twelve billion CFUs of probiotics. The Nucific site states that you can take up to 2 capsules per meal; however, it cautions against more than six capsules per day. 

Total Restore

Dr. Gundry recommends three Total Restore capsules each day, taken with eight fluid ounces of water at your largest meal of the day. The Doctor takes his Total Restore with breakfast to start his day. 

Alternatively, like Bio X4, you can take a single capsule with each meal if you’d prefer.

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Benefits of Each Brand

Bio X4

Nucific positions Bio X4 as a “digestive health” supplement, first and foremost, a probiotic that supports weight loss through appetite suppression, reduced cravings, increased metabolism, fat-burning, and a healthier gut. Secondarily, Bio X4 will improve energy and vitality, eliminate gastrointestinal issues, and minimize bathroom visits. Note how the addition of Slimaluma reinforces the appetite and cravings claims, while the EGCG supports benefits relative to fat-burning and metabolism.

Total Restore

Very specifically positioned to address leaky gut syndrome by protecting the stomach lining and targeted to consumers who experience digestive issues such as bloating, embarrassing gas, irregularity, and fatigue. Additional purported health benefits of Total Restore include more comfortable body weight, reduced cravings (attributed to the L-glutamine), and better joint health (glucosamine). 

Once again, we see product differentiation in the primary benefits, weight loss versus addressing a digestive issue (leaky gut), and yet the secondary benefits reverse the priority with digestive health for Bio X4 and weight loss for Total Restore. 

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Price Value Comparison    

Bio X4

$99.00 is the published price for one bottle, 90-count Bio X4 on the Nucific website. The serving size is one capsule equating to ninety servings per bottle; however, dosage instructions recommend three capsules per day, equating to a thirty-day supply. A three-pack is $87.12 per bottle, and a six-pack is $81.18. 

Upon re-entering the site, I received an “Internet Only” offer for $49.00 per bottle, $43.00 for a three-pack, and $40.00 for a six-pack. There is also a Nucific New You Club which offers special discounts for members. The 90-capsule bottle is also available on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

Total Restore

The published price on the site is $69.95 or $49.95 with a free Gundry membership account – with discounts for three or six-bottle bundles. 

As with Bio X4, upon re-entering the Gundry MD site, I was offered an “Internet Only” price of $49.95 per bottle, $44.95 for a three-pack, and $42.45 for a six-pack. Amazon.com was $57.10. 

Note the similarities in marketing and customer engagement tactics. A relatively expensive list price, savings with a company membership and subscription, re-targeting with a special “Internet Only” offer, and more bundle discounts. 

Cutting through all the noise, the cost per serving on Bio X4 at $49.00 or the Total Restore at $49.95 equates to a difference of $.95 per bottle, stated differently, one penny per serving.  

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Customer Reviews

Bio X4

Customer reviews on Amazon.com, as well as the Nucific site, were overwhelmingly positive. One review summarized the responses nicely, “craving suppression, fat burning, ease of digestion – this product works.” Most of the reviews mention weight loss, with many also citing improved digestion. Those few reviews that were negative tended to focus on lack of weight loss, usually after only the first thirty days. 

Total Restore

Positive responses on the Gundry MD site focused on the relief of symptoms of “leaky gut” such as bloating and gas. The product also received consistently high marks for increased energy. Those that mentioned weight typically mentioned feeling leaner due to decreased stomach bloat versus citing pounds lost. As expected, most reviews on the site were very positive.

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Other Considerations

Both companies are reputable, the faces of the company are respected and very knowledgeable, and the formulations are comprehensive, with quality ingredients. We believe both products will deliver on the promised health benefits. 

When comparing the two products, the central point of differentiation is the promised primary benefit. Cost is obviously not a determining factor. 

If you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, digestive discomfort, flatulence, bloating, constipation, or irregularity, we suggest you make Total Restore your first option. You may see additional benefits in energy, less joint stiffness, improved cognition, and perhaps even some weight loss. 

If, however, your primary focus is digestive health with accompanying weight loss, we recommend you try Bio X4. The addition of Green Tea and Slimaluma to a quality probiotic product should accelerate weight loss while also providing energy and addressing digestive issues. 

It’s a matter of degrees in terms of your goals, objectives, and priorities. It seems the marketers at Nucific and Gundry.MD would concur. 

Bio X4 vs. Total Restore: Our Final Opinion

Both products support digestive health and relieve gastrointestinal issues. For those with more severe digestive problems, the Total Restore formulation promises to address “leaky gut,” strengthen the stomach lining and relieve those symptoms. The focus on appetite suppression, fat-burning, and metabolism in Bio X4, when used in conjunction with an otherwise healthy diet, exercise, and moderate lifestyle, will produce weight loss if used consistently.

One last note – although we mentioned the availability of Total Restore on Amazon.com, you should be aware that GundryMD does not condone third-party sellers, including Amazon. If you wish to ensure you are getting the safest, freshest, authentic product, you will need to purchase on GundryMD. Gundry’s 90-day money-back guarantee does not protect products purchased from third-party sellers.