Health Benefits of Probiotics
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is populated with trillions of bacteria, including over 400 different species. These organisms exist throughout the intestinal tract and are crucial for proper nutrient metabolism and utilization, as well as gastrointestinal and immune health. Probiotic supplements provide these live beneficial bacteria, usually in amounts ranging from 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU).*
The GI flora provide important nutritional benefits through a wide-range of activities. They promote digestion, secreting enzymes that help to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as increasing the bioavailability of minerals in foods. They also produce certain nutrients, including vitamin K, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, they play a role in cholesterol metabolism, helping to hydrolyze cholesterol esters and bile salts.*
Probiotics are key players in gastrointestinal health, promoting intestinal integrity and comfort. Supplement use supports healthy gut ecology and yeast balance. By competing for nutrients and attachment sites, they promote colonization of the GI tract. In addition, they produce different organic compounds, such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, which increase the acidity of the GI tract to maintain a population of friendly flora. They also produce compounds which limit the ability of certain microbes to adhere to the GI epithelium.*
These organisms are also integral to immune health, stimulating antibody production and cell-mediated immunity. Research indicates that probiotics may enhance B cell, T cell and NK cell function, phagocytic capacity and activity, and healthy cytokine production.*
References
1. O'Mahony L, McCarthy J, Kelly P, et al. Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles. Gastroenterology. 2005 Mar;128(3):541-51.
2. Plummer S, Weaver MA, Harris JC, Dee P, Hunter J. Clostridium difficile pilot study: effects of probiotic supplementation on the incidence of C. difficile diarrhoea. Int Microbiol. 2004 Mar;7(1):59-62.
3. Madden JA, Plummer SF, Tang J, et al. Effect of probiotics on preventing disruption of the intestinal microflora following antibiotic therapy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Jun;5(6):1091-7.
4. De Simone C, Ciardi A, Grassi A, et al. Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus on gut mucosa and peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1992;14(1-2):331-40.
5. Lee JW, Shin JG, Kim EH, et al. Immunomodulatory and antitumor effects in vivo by the cytoplasmic fraction of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum. J Vet Sci. 2004 Mar;5(1):41-8.
6. de Vrese M, Winkler P, Rautenberg P, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3, B. bifidum MF 20/5 on common cold episodes: a double blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug;24(4):481-91.
7. Arunachalam K, Gill HS, Chandra RK. Enhancement of natural immune function by dietary consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019). Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000 Mar;54(3):263-7.
8. Schiffrin EJ, Rochat F, Link-Amster H, Aeschlimann JM, Donnet-Hughes A. Immunomodulation of human blood cells following the ingestion of lactic acid bacteria. J Dairy Sci. 1995 Mar;78(3):491-7.
9. Salminen E, Elomaa I, Minkkinen J, Vapaatalo H, Salminen S. Preservation of intestinal integrity during radiotherapy using live Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures. Clin Radiol. 1988 Jul;39(4):435-7.
10. Shalev E, Battino S, Weiner E, Colodner R, Keness Y. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus compared with pasteurized yogurt as prophylaxis for recurrent candidal vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Arch Fam Med. 1996 Nov-Dec;5(10):593-6.
11. Lievin V, Peiffer I, Hudault S, et al. Bifidobacterium strains from resident infant human gastrointestinal microflora exert antimicrobial activity. Gut. 2000 Nov;47(5):646-52.
12. Isolauri E, Arvola T, Sutas Y, Moilanen E, Salminen S. Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy. 2000 Nov;30(11):1604-10.
13. Savino F, Bailo E, Oggero R, et al. Bacterial counts of intestinal Lactobacillus species in infants with colic. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2005 Feb;16(1):72-5.
14. Chen CC, Louie S, Shi HN, Walker WA. Preinoculation with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus early in life effectively inhibits murine Citrobacter rodentium colitis. Pediatr Res. 2005 Dec;58(6):1185-91.
15. Jirapinyo P, Densupsoontorn N, Thamonsiri N, Wongarn R. Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants by probiotics. J Med Assoc Thai. 2002 Aug;85 Suppl 2:S739-42.
16. Witsell DL, Garrett CG, Yarbrough WG, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal morbidity: a prospective randomized trial. J Otolaryngol. 1995 Aug;24(4):230-3.
17. Phuapradit P, Varavithya W, Vathanophas K, et al. Reduction of rotavirus infection in children receiving bifidobacteria-supplemented formula. J Med Assoc Thai. 1999; 82 Suppl 1:S43-8.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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