The research YOU make possible!

Since we were founded in 1971, we’ve invested more than £16million into research. We’ve backed over 450 research projects so far and we won’t stop there. With your support, we’ll continue to fund life-changing, life-saving digestive research. To ensure earlier diagnosis, kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure.

What research into the digestive system does Guts UK support?

Let’s take a look at the phenomenal facts and figures that you’ve made possible:

The liver

The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. From processing the body’s waste products to producing bile that helps us digest certain foods and minerals, the liver has an important job!

To date, Guts UK has supported 115 research projects and provided £1.98m in funding into the liver.

The pancreas

The pancreas is a gland that produces the digestive enzymes which are crucial for turning food and liquid into the building blocks our body needs to function effectively. It also produces hormones, including insulin, which regulate the body’s total energy resources and blood sugar levels.

Research into the pancreas has been underfunded for decades. We’re proud to fund research that helps better understand underfunded conditions and diseases that affect the pancreas, so that people can get the care and support they need.

To date, Guts UK has supported 41 research projects and funded £1.63m into research of the pancreas.

The gut

When we speak of the gut, we are referring to the organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract: the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel, rectum and anus. With around 25ft of guts to get to grips with, you won’t be surprised to know that our guts have been misunderstood, undervalued and underfunded for years. We exist to change that.

To date, Guts UK has supported 132 research projects into the gut, investing £4.25m into research in this area.

Digestive cancers

This covers the stomach, bowel, liver and oesophagus. Many digestive cancers are considered less survivable, so it’s vital that we back research that targets earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.

To date, Guts UK has supported 56 research projects focused on digestive cancers, with £4.1m in funding provided.

Nutrition

We also fund research into nutrition, to help better understand the impact our diet has on digestive symptoms and conditions.

To date, Guts UK has supported 28 research projects into diet and nutrition, with £630,000 invested into this area of digestive health.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Three main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis. These conditions cause long-term (chronic) inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause is still unknown, along with a lot of other digestive conditions, so it’s vital that we better understand this.

To date, Guts UK has supported 104 research projects into IBD, providing £3.44m of funding.

 

Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system from top to tail: the gut, liver and pancreas.

Our mission at Guts UK is to:

• Provide expert information: We believe that information is power. When armed with the right information, patients can take control of their health and make informed decisions.
• Raise public awareness: Our research shows that 58% of people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive condition or symptoms and 51% of people delay seeking advice for their symptoms for over 6 months. We empower people to speak up and seek help. 
• Fund life-changing, life-saving research: We are the only UK charity funding research into this misunderstood and underfunded area of health. It’s time the UK got to grips with guts.