Probiotic bacteria are micro-organisms that help maintain the
natural balance of healthy organisms, the "good" bacteria, in the digestive
tract. This balance can be upset by certain antibiotic drugs and other factors,
which can result in gastrointestinal disturbances. You can buy a probiotic supplement, but probiotics are
also found naturally in many fermented foods, including yogurt, certain juices
and soy products, like miso and tempeh.
Define probiotics
Prebiotics are nondigestible food
ingredients that beneficially affect host health by selectively stimulating the growth
and/or activity of bacteria in the colon. The prebiotic, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), is found naturally in many foods, such as wheat, onions,
bananas, honey,
Garlic, or leeks. They can also be isolated from chicory root or
synthesized enzymatically from sucrose. Fermentation of FOS in the colon results in a
large number of physiologic effects including increasing the numbers of bifidobacteria in
the colon, increasing calcium absorption, increasing fecal weight, shortening of
gastrointestinal transit time, and possibly lowering blood lipid levels. The increase in bifidobacteria has been assumed to benefit human health by producing compounds to inhibit
potential pathogens, by reducing blood ammonia levels, and by producing vitamins and
digestive enzymes.
Click here to buy Probiotic supplements.
See also information on
acidophilus supplements.
TH-1 Probiotic, 60 Servings, Net Wt
300 grams (10.5 oz)
TH-1 Probiotic contains tyndallized (heat killed)
probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum. Organic
Fermented Soy Milk and live Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (Morinaga strain). The
metabolites of tyndallized Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum
bacteria have been shown to support the production of certain cytokines (cell
messengers) related to the TH-1 immune response, such as gamma interferon and
interleukin 12 (lL-12).
Organic Soy Milk (GMO-free), fermented by Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus
plantarum contains substantial amounts of beneficial metabolites of these
immune-supporting bacteria. These metabolites include lactic acid,
peptidoglycans, plantaricin and other bacteriocin compounds. After fermentation
of the organic soy milk, additional tyndallized (heat killed) L. plantarum and
L. casei are added.
L. plantarum is one of the major Lactobacillus species found in the human gut
(mean counts are between 107 to 109 per gram).
Tyndallized L. plantarum enhances the production of gamma interferon and
interleukin-12. L. casei has been documented in experimental studies. L. casei
is naturally found in the mouth and digestive tract, and is a lactic acid
bacteria utilized worldwide for fermentation of milks.
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 was originally isolated from a healthy infant and
its effects have been extensively studied for thirty years documenting its
numerous benefits in maintaining healthy flora in the lower intestine. BB536
reduces putrefactive bacteria in the intestines by producing lactic acid, acetic
acid and bacteriocins. Also, BB536 competitively decreases pathogenic bacteria
such as Bacteroides, Clostridium, Candida, Pseudomonas and Streptococci. BB536
is also an important stimulant of the immune system, by its effects on
immunoglobulin A (lgA). Furthermore, BB536 is supportive of detoxification
processes in the body by its effects on lowering enzymes such as urease and
deaminase.
Benefits
Antibiotic use and probiotics
Patricia Raymond, M.D., board-certified gastroenterologist, assistant professor
at Eastern Virginia Medical School and medical consultant for Florastor,
believes antibiotics kill’ healthy microorganisms, along with the
illness-causing bacteria: Patricia Raymond, M.D., says, "As antibiotics work to
treat a disease, they also kill off healthy micro-organisms in the
gastrointestinal tract, paving the way for harmful bacteria to take over.
Ongoing antibiotics make it
difficult for the intestine's healthy flora to re-establish themselves, which
opens the door for 'bad' bacteria to take over and cause diarrhea. Taking a
probiotic before and during antibiotic treatment can reduce the incidence of
antibiotic associated diarrhea." Florastor is a probiotic made of live freeze
dried yeast cells of the species Saccharomyces boulardii. Each packet of
Florastor has 250 mg of S. boulardii in it.
Allergy help
Certain probiotic mixtures could become a weapon in the frontline of the battle
against allergies. Ingredients supplier Danisco and Turku University in Finland
have published what they say is the first study to demonstrate that dietary
supplementation with probiotic cultures may relieve the symptoms of birch pollen
allergy, a condition estimated to affect 100 million people worldwide. Forty
seven children aged between four and 13 years old and diagnosed with birch
pollen allergy participated in the study. Starting a month before the onset of
the birch pollen season, they were given a daily dose of either a placebo or the
probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium
lactis B1-04.A daily dose of the two probiotic cultures, combined at a specific
ratio, was found to reduce the inflammatory response in the nasal mucus
membranes to birch pollen and produced indications that respiratory symptoms,
such as a runny nose and nasal blocking, were alleviated by approximately 20%
each. Danisco said the findings were a promising first step towards developing a
probiotic alternative or supplement to traditional antihistamine treatments,
which can occasionally give side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth."
Previous studies have combined probiotic strains at a ratio of 1:1," said Dr
Arthur Ouwehand, leader of the research team at Danisco Health & Nutrition. "The
innovative aspect of our study was that we used an adapted ratio in an attempt
to find the right probiotic mix." Meanwhile, a study backed by functional dairy
giant Danone suggests a synbiotic mixture of pre- and probiotics strains may
reduce allergic responses to cows' milk. Mice were fed diets containing a
prebiotic mixture (Immunofortis), a probiotic strain [Bifidobacterium breve
M-16V], or combining both while undergoing oral sentisiation with whey. The
researchers wrote: "In mice fed the synbiotic mixture, the allergic skin
response and the anaphylactic reaction were strongly reduced compared with whey-sensitised
mice fed the control diet. Immunofortis or B. breve M-16V alone were
significantly less effective in reducing the allergic skin response than the
synbiotic diet and did not reduce the anaphylactic reaction."
Probiotic supplements for children
Many infants and children may be
lacking beneficial bacteria, and
supplements could potentially help them
get fewer infections. Compared with standard formulas, those containing
beneficial "probiotic" organisms seem to reduce the number and duration of
diarrhea episodes in infants attending childcare centers. Of two types of
probiotics tested -- Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium lactis --
Lactobacillus may be the better supplement, according to the report in the
medical journal Pediatrics. Probiotic supplements
affect the immune response by improving the
intestinal microbial balance leading to enhanced antibody production.
Another study indicates that children who take probiotic
supplements suffer fewer respiratory
infections.
Colic
Treatment with the
probiotic organism Lactobacillus reuteri may improve colicky
symptoms in infants. Infant colic is defined as excessive crying in
otherwise healthy, well-fed infants. Although the cause of colic is unknown, it
is thought to be associated with painful stomach gas. The study, described in
the journal Pediatrics, involved 90 exclusively breastfed colicky infants of
similar age, birth weight, gender and times spent crying. They were randomly
assigned to treatment with the anti-gas agent simethicone or with L. reuteri.
Forty-one probiotic-treated and 42 simethicone-treated infants completed the
28-day trial, report Dr. Francesco Savino and colleagues from Regina Margherita
Children's Hospital in Turin, Italy. Within 7 days of treatment, L reuteri
improved colicky symptoms significantly, compared with simethicone. The
investigators found that 95 percent of infants had a therapeutic response to L
reuteri compared with only 7 percent of the infants in the simethicone group. L.
reuteri therapy was associated with a marked drop in crying times.
Parent-reported crying times in the probiotic and simethicone groups were 51 and
145 minutes per day, respectively, on day 28. Exactly how L. reuteri works is
not fully understood, the authors note. "It's possible that L. reuteri promotes
an anti-inflammatory tone in the intestines," which has beneficial effects on
the immune response and movement of the gut. The researchers also point out that
the mothers in the study maintained a low-allergen diet, which also may have
contributed to the reduction in colic symptoms. Pediatrics, January 2007.
Diarrhea
Probiotic supplements may help remedy
certain types of diarrhea caused by the use of antibiotics.
Probiotics may be used prophylactically to prevent or reduce symptoms of
"traveler's diarrhea."
Use of probiotic
Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with
antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial.
BMJ. 2007 Jul 14;335(7610):80.
Nutrition and Dietetic Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial
College, London W12 0HS.
To determine the efficacy of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus
for the prevention of any diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and that
caused by Clostridium difficile. Hospital patients (mean age 74) taking
antibiotics. Exclusions included diarrhea on admission, bowel pathology
that could result in diarrhoea, antibiotic use in the previous four weeks,
severe illness, immunosuppression, bowel surgery, artificial heart valves,
and history of rheumatic heart disease or infective endocarditis.
Consumption of a 100 g (97 ml) probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus
casei, L bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus twice a day during a
course of antibiotics and for one week after the course finished. The
placebo group received a longlife sterile milkshake. Twelve percent of the
probiotic group developed diarrhea associated with antibiotic use compared
with 34% in the placebo group. Consumption of a probiotic drink containing
L casei, L bulgaricus, and S thermophilus can reduce the incidence of
antibiotic associated diarrhoea and C difficile associated diarrhoea. This
has the potential to decrease morbidity, healthcare costs, and mortality
if used routinely in patients aged over 50.
Probiotics and prebiotics
for children with excema
A review of studies examining the usefulness of prebiotics and probiotics in
preventing the development of allergic disease and food hypersensitivity in
high-risk infants found some evidence suggesting that prebiotics added to infant
formula may lower the risk of eczema but it was less certain if probiotics would
offer the same benefits. More research is needed. The Cochrane Library, October
2007.
Immune system
Probiotics enhance systemic cellular immune responses and may be useful as a
dietary supplement to boost natural immunity in otherwise healthy adults.
Children who take probiotic containing milk may suffer fewer respiratory
infections.
TH-1 Probiotic contains tyndallized (heat killed)
probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum. Organic
Fermented Soy Milk and live Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (Morinaga strain). The
metabolites of tyndallized Lactobacillus casei and
Lactobacillus plantarum
bacteria have been shown to support the production of certain cytokines (cell
messengers) related to the TH-1 immune response, such as gamma interferon and
interleukin 12 (lL-12).
Immune system, benefit for respiratory infections
Probiotics bacteria such as Lactobacilli or
Bifidobacteria are believed to positively affect the immune response by improving the
intestinal microbial balance leading to enhanced antibody production and phagocytic
(devouring or killing) activity of white blood cells. Bifidobacterium lactis could be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing
some aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly.
Probiotics enhance systemic cellular immune responses and may be useful as a
dietary supplement to boost natural immunity in otherwise healthy adults.
Children who take probiotic containing milk have fewer respiratory
infections.
Effect of a probiotics supplementation on
respiratory infections and immune and hormonal parameters during intense
military training.
Mil Med. 2007 Sep;172(9):1006-11. IMASSA, Département Physiologie, BP
73, 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France.
This study examined the effect of a probiotics supplementation on respiratory
tract infection and immune and hormonal changes during the French Commando
training (3-week training followed by a 5-day combat course). Cadets received
either a probiotics or a placebo supplementation over the training period. We
found no difference in the respiratory tract infection incidence between groups
but a significantly greater proportion of rhinopharyngitis in the probiotic
group. Among immune parameters, the major finding was an immunoglobulin A
decrease after the combat course only in the placebo group, but the difference
between the two groups was not significant. A greater increase in
dehydroepiandrostane sulfate was observed in the probiotics group after the
combat course. This study suggested that the benefits of a probiotics
supplementation in a multistressor environment relied mainly on its capacity to
prevent the infection to spread throughout the respiratory tract.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease,
Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis,
Probiotics may be helpful in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis is a severe inflammatory disease of the colon that
produces bloody diarrhea. Researchers from the University of Alberta
in Edmonton, Canada enrolled 34 patients with active ulcerative colitis
who were then treated with a probiotic mixture twice daily for 6
weeks. A variety of standard treatments had been tried on the patients
first, with no help. The probiotic mixture contained four strains of Lactobacillus, three strains of Bifidobacterium
and one strain of Streptococcus salivarius -- all well-known species of
good bacteria. Remission occurred in 53 percent of the
patients and an additional 24 percent experienced some degree of
improvement in symptoms. A few patients experienced no improvement or
worsening of their symptoms. The only apparent side effect from the probiotic mixture was increased bloating. Testing of sampled colonic tissue provided
direct evidence that the probiotic bacteria had, in fact, reached the
diseased sites of the colon. In brief, taking a mixture of several probiotic
bacteria reduces symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis that doesn't
respond to conventional medications.
Crohn's disease
Researchers at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, Japan. used a combination
of probiotic and
prebiotic supplements in the treatment of active
Crohn's disease in ten
young Crohn's disease
patients who had not benefited from aminosalicylates and prednisolone. Patients were
started on both probiotics (75 billion colony forming units daily) and prebiotics (psyllium 10 grams
daily). Probiotics were mainly in the form of Bifidobacterium and
Lactobacillus bacteria. After about a year, six patients
had a complete response, one had a partial response, and three were
non-responders. Two patients were able to discontinue their prednisolone
therapy, while four patients decreased their dosage. The researchers says.
"A high dose of a probiotic
and prebiotic combination can be safely and effectively used for the
treatment of active
Crohn's disease."
This was a small study of only 10 people, but it is
encouraging and hopefully studies with larger groups of patients will be
done soon. The probiotic dosage was quite high, and perhaps lower amounts
would also be helpful.
High dose probiotic and prebiotic cotherapy for
remission induction of active Crohn's disease.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Aug;22(8):1199-204. Third Department of
Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Clinical trials of probiotic treatment for Crohn's disease have yielded
conflicting results. This study assessed the clinical usefulness of combined
probiotic and prebiotic therapy in the treatment of active Crohn's disease. Ten
active Crohn's disease outpatients without history of operation for Crohn's
disease were enrolled. Their main symptoms presented were diarrhea and abdominal
pain. Patients' initial therapeutic regimen of aminosalicylates and prednisolone
failed to achieve remission. Patients were thus initiated on a synbiotic
therapy, consisting of both probiotics (75 billion colony forming units [CFU]
daily) and prebiotics (psyllium 9.9 g daily). Probiotics mainly comprised
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Patients were free to adjust their intake of
probiotics or prebiotics throughout the trial. The duration of the trial was 13
months. High-dose probiotic and prebiotic cotherapy can be safely and
effectively used for the treatment of active Crohn's disease and can provide a
benefit to many patients.
A pilot trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in ulcerative colitis.
Guslandi M, Giollo P Raffaele University Hosptial, Milan, Italy. Eur J
Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2003 Jun;15(6):697-8.
Probiotics can be useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel
disease. In a previous report, the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii
was found to be beneficial in the maintenance treatment of Crohn's disease. The
aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of S. boulardii in ulcerative
colitis patients. A group of 25 patients with a mild to moderate
clinical flare-up of ulcerative colitis received additional treatment with S. boulardii 250 mg three times a day for 4 weeks during maintenance treatment with
mesalazine. These patients were unsuitable for steroid therapy. Before and after
treatment, Rachmilewitz's clinical activity index was calculated. The probiotic
treatment was considered a therapeutic success only when the final score was
lower than 6. Of the 24 patients who completed the study, 17 attained
clinical remission; this was confirmed endoscopically. Our
preliminary results suggest that S. boulardii can be effective in the treatment
of ulcerative colitis. Controlled studies with this probiotic agent are
warranted.
Otitis media
Treatment of acute otitis media with probiotics in otitis-prone
children-A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study. Clin Nutr.
2007 Mar 10; Valio Ltd, R&D, P.O. Box. 30, FIN-00039 Helsinki, Finland; Division
of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central
Hospital, P.O. Box.348, FIN-00029 Helsinki, Finland.
To examine whether probiotics would reduce the occurrence or duration of acute
otitis media (AOM), or the nasopharyngeal carriage of otitis pathogens in otitis-prone
children. During this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, 24-week
intervention, 309 otitis-prone children (10 months-6 years) consumed either one
probiotic capsule (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and LC705, Bifidobacterium breve
99 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii JS) (n=155) or placebo (n=154) daily.
Probiotic treatment did not reduce the occurrence or the recurrence ( three) of
AOM episodes. There was a tendency showing a reduction in the occurrence of
recurrent (4 to 6) respiratory infections in the probiotic group. Probiotics did
not affect the carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae,
but increased the prevalence of Moraxella catarrhalis. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics
did not prevent the occurrence of AOM or the nasopharyngeal carriage of otitis
pathogens in otitis-prone children. A tendency showing a reduction in recurrent
respiratory infections must be confirmed in further studies.
Pregnancy
- Allergy prevention in babies
Perinatal supplementation with probiotics can help prevent IgE-associated
allergy for several years in high-risk children delivered by cesarean section.
In children delivered vaginally, this beneficial effect is not seen. Dr. Mikael
Kuitunen, from Helsinki University Central Hospital, reviewed the allergy
outcomes of 1220 infants who, along with their mothers, were randomized to
receive a probiotic mix or placebo. All of the infants were considered to be at
high risk for allergy due to having at least one parent with asthma, allergic
rhinitis, or atopic eczema. The probiotics were given during the last month of
pregnancy and for infants, it was given from birth until 6 months of age. The
probiotic mixture contained two strains of lactobacilli and one strain each of
bifidobacteria and propionibacteria. No difference in allergy rates was noted
between children in the probiotic and placebo groups at 5 years. The
corresponding rates of IgE-associated allergic disease were 29% and 26%.
Allergic sensitization was noted in 41% of subjects in each group. The groups
also had comparable rates of eczema, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, and
asthma. However, in subjects delivered via c-section, probiotic use did seem to
offer a benefit. In this group, the rate of IgE-associated allergic disease was
24% in probiotic users compared with 40% in non-users. Journal of Allergy and
Clinical Immunology 2009;123:335-341.
Probiotics given during pregnancy to the mother and then post-natally to the child substantially reduce the incidence of eczema in those children at 2 years of life.
Probiotics use in hospitals
Therapy with viable probiotics stimulates the function of the immune system in
critically ill patients in intensive care.
Live probiotics bacteria are effective in enhancing immune activity in patients
at risk of developing sepsis, suggesting that viable probiotics preparations may
be effective as adjunctive therapy under a variety of clinical conditions.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is a major cause of mortality in intensive
care units. The onset of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is preceded by a
breakdown in the gut's barrier function along with dysfunction of the immune
system. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2007.
Vancomycin resistant germs
Probiotic
treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci: a randomised controlled trial.
Med J Aust. 2007 May 7;186(9):454-7. Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria,
Australia.
To determine whether eating Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic in the
form of commercially available yoghurt improves clearance of vancomycin-resistant
enterococci (VRE). To our knowledge, this is the first description of a
probiotic therapy to successfully treat gastrointestinal carriage of VRE in
renal patients. Further investigation of the use of probiotic supplements in VRE-positive
patients is warranted.
Probiotic nose spray
A nose spray containing a naturally occurring probiotic bacteria may be an
effective treatment for children with chronic secretory otitis media -- a
condition involving persistent drainage of fluid from the ear that usually
results from ear infections. In a study, the probiotic nose spray got rid of all
or nearly all of the ear fluid present in a significant number of children with
the problem. Archives of Disease in Childhood, January 2009.
Organic Soy Milk (GMO-free), fermented by Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus
plantarum contains substantial amounts of beneficial metabolites of these
immune-supporting bacteria. These metabolites include lactic acid,
peptidoglycans, plantaricin and other bacteriocin compounds. After fermentation
of the organic soy milk, additional tyndallized (heat killed) L. plantarum and
L. casei are added.
L. plantarum is one of the major Lactobacillus species found in the human gut
(mean counts are between 107 to 109 per gram).
Tyndallized L. plantarum enhances the production of gamma interferon and
interleukin-12. L. casei has been documented in experimental studies. L. casei
is naturally found in the mouth and digestive tract, and is a lactic acid
bacteria utilized worldwide for fermentation of milks.
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 was originally isolated from a healthy infant and
its effects have been extensively studied for thirty years documenting its
numerous benefits in maintaining healthy flora in the lower intestine. BB536
reduces putrefactive bacteria in the intestines by producing lactic acid, acetic
acid and bacteriocins. Also, BB536 competitively decreases pathogenic bacteria
such as Bacteroides, Clostridium, Candida, Pseudomonas and Streptococci. BB536
is also an important stimulant of the immune system, by its effects on
immunoglobulin A (lgA). Furthermore, BB536 is supportive of detoxification
processes in the body by its effects on lowering enzymes such as urease and
deaminase.
Probiotics Research study
and vaginal infection
Orally administered lactobacilli is able to restore and maintain a normal urogenital
flora. This may be beneficial to women with frequent vaginal infections.
Probiotic supplement questions
Q. I have a 6 month old baby that suffered from eczema. Is the probiotic
supplement that you mention at the top of the page safe for infants?
A. This probiotic supplement is made for adults, but if your doctor
approves, you can open a capsule and give a tiny amount mixed with food. The
actual probiotic dose for infants is not well known.
Q. I have been reading about the use of Inulin to help my puppy with
Boxer Colitis issues. He eats Eagle Pack Holisitc pet foods which contain some
probiotics and Inulin. Can you advise me if an additional dose would be
beneficial and safe? He is currently on probiotics and digestive enzymes with
some benefits.
A. We are not in a position to give individual advice, all we can
do is recommend general research info.
Q. Can a person take probiotics with an ounce of
Aloe-Vera juice? How about with alfalfa?
A. These combinations should be okay.
Q. I just thought you might be interested that after a year or more of suffering with irritable bowel syndrome IBS, I tried probiotics and in two weeks have suffered no further symptoms.
Q. How soon could I hope to see positive effects from
taking probiotics supplements?
A. It depends on the condition being treated, the severity, and
your individual response. It is impossible to give definite answers.
Q. Does
tongkat
ali herbal extract interfere with probiotic supplement use?
A. Probably not.
Q. Do probiotic supplements interfere with the benefit
of yohimbe bark extract use?
A. We don't see any reason why they would interfere.
Q. I understand probiotics
include lactobacilli in yoghurt but which strain of probiotics are best to use?
A. We suggest using supplements that have a variety of probiotic
strains as opposed to just one or two.
In an effort to improve what I can about the health of my family, about 2 years ago, I started making my own yogurt. A new product came out on the market that claimed to improve digestive health. I always thought yogurt did that anyway, but, after I researched it further, I found that some (few) yogurts contain 3 different types of "good probiotic bacteria" that can help with digestive health (bifidus, lactobacillus acidophilus and lactobacillus casei). So, I found a yogurt maker, a recipe, and a starter and now make my own plain flavored yogurt. I flavor it myself with pure fruit and little sugar to entice the boys in my life.
I have had tons of bloating and rippling gas for about
two weeks. The MD I went to attributes it to stress but I do not agree.
Something is creating it over and over, I do take Pro biotics and Digestive
Enzymes, at the moment I take Hydrochloric Acid for digestion, could this be a
problem?
It is not easy to know without doing a full medical history
and review and evaluation of test studies, knowing the brands, the dosages, your
diet, and many other factors that influence such symptoms.