| PROBIOTICS BENEFITS updated on March 2009 |
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Probiotics are bacteria that, while passing through the intestine, may exert specific
beneficial effects on the host's physiology. In general, probiotics are members of
the group of the lactic acid-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS?
The potential health benefits of probiotics include alteration of the intestinal micro-
flora balance, inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria, promotion of good
digestion, boosting immune function, and increased resistance to infection [1-4].
HOW DOES PROBIOTICS KILL GERMS?
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are believed to produce beneficial compounds such
as B vitamins, lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid to lower the pH of the
intestine as to inhibit the growth of the harmful bacteria [5,6]. They also produce
bacteriocins or natural antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria [7].
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS THAT PROBIOTICS MAY OFFER?
Study has showen that other Lactobacillus species such as L. rhamnosus and L.
plantarum are involved in the production of several nutrients such as short-chain
fatty acids and amino acids [8]. They may also help detoxify the gut [9]. Twice daily
probiotics supplementation has been shown to enhance immune function [ [10,11].
IS THERE A DEPLETION OF PROBIOTICS?
People using antibiotics, eating a poor diet, or suffering from diarrhea are likely to
have depleted colonies of probiotics. Diarrhea flushes probiotics out of the GI tract,
leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections (by the harmful bacteria).
Antibotics may kill the good bacteria as well.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TOF TAKING PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTS?
Replenishing the beneficial bacteria may help prevent the opportunistic infections.
Use of probiotics supplements may prevent traveler's diarrhea, caused by the
harmful bacteria in drinking water or raw foods [12]. They are also important in the
colonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Finally, probiotics
supplements may also aid digestion since some of them produce lactase to digest
milk sugar. Probiotics may be helpful to lactose-intolerant people as they are in lack
of this enzyme [13].
WHAT IS PREBIOTICS?
Prebiotics is a recent novel food concept that includes food ingredients that are not
digested in the human upper intestinal tract and hence arrive in the colon where
they are selectively fermented by a limited number of colonic bacteria. It was
demonstrated that prebiotic carbohydrates and probiotics consistently reduced
processes of carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis.
ARE THERE ANY SCIENTIC SUPPORTS FOR PROBIOTICS BENEFIT CLAIMS?
There are limited studies to support the claims and the key studies are summarized
as follows:
Inflammatory bowel disease Â
Feillet H et al, Necker Hospital, Paris, France suggested that colitis onset could be
prevented by bacteria, bacterial extracts, or helminthes from murine studies. Pena
JA et al, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, reported Probiotic Lactobacillus spp.
diminish Helicobacter hepaticus-induced inflammatory bowel disease in interleukin-
10-deficient mice. [14,15]
Phagocyte Enhancement
Lee Y and Lee TS, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, enhanced ex vivo phagocytic
capacity of peritoneal leukocytes in mice by oral delivery of various lactic-acid-
producing bacteria. [16]
Hepatic Encephalopathy / Liver Cirrhosis
Jia L and Zhang MH, First People's Municipal Hospital of Guangzhou, China found
that probiotics may be safe and useful for the long-term treatment of minimal
hepatic encephalopathy from their study using rats. [17] Zhao HY et al, Beijing
Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, found
Probiotics effectively increased the Bifidobacterium count and reduced the level of
fecal pH and fecal and blood ammonia from their clinical studies.[18]
Colon Cancer
Approximately 70% of colorectal cancer is associated with environmental factors,
probably mainly the diet. Saikali J et al, Nutrition Research, Palaiseau Cedex,
France, reported the protective role of milks fermented with probiotic cultures in
colon cancer risk reduction in their review article. [19] Rafter J., Karolinska Institute,
Sweden, also got similar results. [20]
Marotta F et al, University of Milan, Italy, found probiotics might exert significant
antimutagenic properties against colon cancer via decreased fecal pH, specific
reduction of carcinogenetic bacterial enzymes, modulation of gut-associated and
systemic immune system from their animal studies [21]
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD patients have been shown to have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory
cytokines, increased oxidative stress, altered gastrointestinal (GI) function, and
lowered micronutrient and omega-3 fatty acid status. Logan AC et al, Nutrition
Research Consulting, New York, suggested probiotics have the potential to lower
systemic inflammatory cytokines, decrease oxidative stress, improve nutritional
status, and correct small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Consequently, probiotics
can be used as an adjuvant therapy for people suffered from MDD. [22]
Abdominal bloating / Intestinal Gas
People have an imbalance in their normal colonic flora, as some bacterial taxa are
more prone to gas production than others. Upon colonization of probiotics, the
probiotics seemed to be able to reduce gas formation. Two studies are outlined as
below:
Functional abdominal bloating is a condition dominated by a feeling of abdominal
fullness or bloating and without sufficient criteria for another functional
gastrointestinal disorder. Di Stefano M et al, University of Pavia, Italy, suggested
that the administration of probiotics to modify the composition of colonic flora and
thus the production of intestinal gas. [23]
Nobaek S et al, Lund University Hospital, Sweden, reported that oral administration
of Lb. plantarum with known probiotic properties decreased pain and flatulence in
patients with irritable bowel syndrome. [24]
References
[A1] Sartor RB Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2003 Jul;19(4):358-65][A2] Fedorak RN and Madsen
KL Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2004 Mar;20(2):146-55] 1. Smirnov VV, Reznik SR, VÂ’iunitskaia VA,
et al. Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 1993;55:92–112. 2. Mel’nikova VM, Gracheva NM, Belikov GP,
et al. Antibiotiki i Khimioterapiia 1993;38:44–8. 3. De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. Int
J Immunother 1993;9:23–8. 4. Veldman A. Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 1992;117:345–8.
5. Kawase K. Jpn J Dairy Food Sci 1982;31:A241–3. 6. Rasic JL. N Eur Dairy J 1983;4:80–8.7.
Barefoot SF, Klaenhammer TR. Appl Environ Microbiol 1983;45:1808–15. 8. Bengmark S. Clin
Nutr 1996;15:1–10. 9. Bengmark S. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95(1 Suppl):S5–7 [review].10.
Arunachalam K, Gill HS, Chandra RK Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:263– 11. Perdigon G, Alvarez S,
Rachid M, et al J Dairy Sci 1995;78:1597–606. 12. Scarpignato C, Rampal P. Chemotherapy
1995;41:48–81. 13. McDonough FE, Hitchins AD, Wong NP, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:570–
4. [14] The protective effect was exerted via regulatory cytokines as observed from studies on cell
cultures. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2004 Nov;20(6):560-4] Â [15] Infect Immun. 2005 Feb;73(2):
912-20] Â Food [16]Curr Microbiol. 2004 Dec 21][17] World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Feb 14;11(6):
908-11] [18] Chin J Dig Dis. 2004;5(2):64-7].[19] Nutr Cancer. 2004;49(1):14-24] [20] Best Pract
Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2003 Oct;17(5):849-59].[21] Hepatogastroenterology. 2003 Nov-Dec;50
(54):1914-8] [22]Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(3):533-8] [23] J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004 Jul;38(6
Suppl):S102-3].[24] Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 May;95(5):1231-8] 9B1) Peral MC, Martinez MA,
Valdez JC. Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus plantarum in burns. Int Wound J. 2009 Feb;6(1):73-
81.
Probiotics are bacteria that, while passing through the intestine, may exert specific
beneficial effects on the host's physiology. In general, probiotics are members of
the group of the lactic acid-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS?
The potential health benefits of probiotics include alteration of the intestinal micro-
flora balance, inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria, promotion of good
digestion, boosting immune function, and increased resistance to infection [1-4].
HOW DOES PROBIOTICS KILL GERMS?
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are believed to produce beneficial compounds such
as B vitamins, lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid to lower the pH of the
intestine as to inhibit the growth of the harmful bacteria [5,6]. They also produce
bacteriocins or natural antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria [7].
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS THAT PROBIOTICS MAY OFFER?
Study has showen that other Lactobacillus species such as L. rhamnosus and L.
plantarum are involved in the production of several nutrients such as short-chain
fatty acids and amino acids [8]. They may also help detoxify the gut [9]. Twice daily
probiotics supplementation has been shown to enhance immune function [ [10,11].
IS THERE A DEPLETION OF PROBIOTICS?
People using antibiotics, eating a poor diet, or suffering from diarrhea are likely to
have depleted colonies of probiotics. Diarrhea flushes probiotics out of the GI tract,
leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections (by the harmful bacteria).
Antibotics may kill the good bacteria as well.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TOF TAKING PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTS?
Replenishing the beneficial bacteria may help prevent the opportunistic infections.
Use of probiotics supplements may prevent traveler's diarrhea, caused by the
harmful bacteria in drinking water or raw foods [12]. They are also important in the
colonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Finally, probiotics
supplements may also aid digestion since some of them produce lactase to digest
milk sugar. Probiotics may be helpful to lactose-intolerant people as they are in lack
of this enzyme [13].
WHAT IS PREBIOTICS?
Prebiotics is a recent novel food concept that includes food ingredients that are not
digested in the human upper intestinal tract and hence arrive in the colon where
they are selectively fermented by a limited number of colonic bacteria. It was
demonstrated that prebiotic carbohydrates and probiotics consistently reduced
processes of carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis.
ARE THERE ANY SCIENTIC SUPPORTS FOR PROBIOTICS BENEFIT CLAIMS?
There are limited studies to support the claims and the key studies are summarized
as follows:
Inflammatory bowel disease Â
Feillet H et al, Necker Hospital, Paris, France suggested that colitis onset could be
prevented by bacteria, bacterial extracts, or helminthes from murine studies. Pena
JA et al, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, reported Probiotic Lactobacillus spp.
diminish Helicobacter hepaticus-induced inflammatory bowel disease in interleukin-
10-deficient mice. [14,15]
Phagocyte Enhancement
Lee Y and Lee TS, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, enhanced ex vivo phagocytic
capacity of peritoneal leukocytes in mice by oral delivery of various lactic-acid-
producing bacteria. [16]
Hepatic Encephalopathy / Liver Cirrhosis
Jia L and Zhang MH, First People's Municipal Hospital of Guangzhou, China found
that probiotics may be safe and useful for the long-term treatment of minimal
hepatic encephalopathy from their study using rats. [17] Zhao HY et al, Beijing
Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, found
Probiotics effectively increased the Bifidobacterium count and reduced the level of
fecal pH and fecal and blood ammonia from their clinical studies.[18]
Colon Cancer
Approximately 70% of colorectal cancer is associated with environmental factors,
probably mainly the diet. Saikali J et al, Nutrition Research, Palaiseau Cedex,
France, reported the protective role of milks fermented with probiotic cultures in
colon cancer risk reduction in their review article. [19] Rafter J., Karolinska Institute,
Sweden, also got similar results. [20]
Marotta F et al, University of Milan, Italy, found probiotics might exert significant
antimutagenic properties against colon cancer via decreased fecal pH, specific
reduction of carcinogenetic bacterial enzymes, modulation of gut-associated and
systemic immune system from their animal studies [21]
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD patients have been shown to have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory
cytokines, increased oxidative stress, altered gastrointestinal (GI) function, and
lowered micronutrient and omega-3 fatty acid status. Logan AC et al, Nutrition
Research Consulting, New York, suggested probiotics have the potential to lower
systemic inflammatory cytokines, decrease oxidative stress, improve nutritional
status, and correct small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Consequently, probiotics
can be used as an adjuvant therapy for people suffered from MDD. [22]
Abdominal bloating / Intestinal Gas
People have an imbalance in their normal colonic flora, as some bacterial taxa are
more prone to gas production than others. Upon colonization of probiotics, the
probiotics seemed to be able to reduce gas formation. Two studies are outlined as
below:
Functional abdominal bloating is a condition dominated by a feeling of abdominal
fullness or bloating and without sufficient criteria for another functional
gastrointestinal disorder. Di Stefano M et al, University of Pavia, Italy, suggested
that the administration of probiotics to modify the composition of colonic flora and
thus the production of intestinal gas. [23]
Nobaek S et al, Lund University Hospital, Sweden, reported that oral administration
of Lb. plantarum with known probiotic properties decreased pain and flatulence in
patients with irritable bowel syndrome. [24]
References
[A1] Sartor RB Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2003 Jul;19(4):358-65][A2] Fedorak RN and Madsen
KL Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2004 Mar;20(2):146-55] 1. Smirnov VV, Reznik SR, VÂ’iunitskaia VA,
et al. Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 1993;55:92–112. 2. Mel’nikova VM, Gracheva NM, Belikov GP,
et al. Antibiotiki i Khimioterapiia 1993;38:44–8. 3. De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. Int
J Immunother 1993;9:23–8. 4. Veldman A. Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 1992;117:345–8.
5. Kawase K. Jpn J Dairy Food Sci 1982;31:A241–3. 6. Rasic JL. N Eur Dairy J 1983;4:80–8.7.
Barefoot SF, Klaenhammer TR. Appl Environ Microbiol 1983;45:1808–15. 8. Bengmark S. Clin
Nutr 1996;15:1–10. 9. Bengmark S. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95(1 Suppl):S5–7 [review].10.
Arunachalam K, Gill HS, Chandra RK Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:263– 11. Perdigon G, Alvarez S,
Rachid M, et al J Dairy Sci 1995;78:1597–606. 12. Scarpignato C, Rampal P. Chemotherapy
1995;41:48–81. 13. McDonough FE, Hitchins AD, Wong NP, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:570–
4. [14] The protective effect was exerted via regulatory cytokines as observed from studies on cell
cultures. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2004 Nov;20(6):560-4] Â [15] Infect Immun. 2005 Feb;73(2):
912-20] Â Food [16]Curr Microbiol. 2004 Dec 21][17] World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Feb 14;11(6):
908-11] [18] Chin J Dig Dis. 2004;5(2):64-7].[19] Nutr Cancer. 2004;49(1):14-24] [20] Best Pract
Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2003 Oct;17(5):849-59].[21] Hepatogastroenterology. 2003 Nov-Dec;50
(54):1914-8] [22]Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(3):533-8] [23] J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004 Jul;38(6
Suppl):S102-3].[24] Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 May;95(5):1231-8] 9B1) Peral MC, Martinez MA,
Valdez JC. Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus plantarum in burns. Int Wound J. 2009 Feb;6(1):73-
81.
| Prebiotics benefits may include the prevention and treatment of Crohn disease, pouchitis, and possibly ulcerative colitis. And, these benefits may arise from its modulation of mucosal and systemic immune activities. [A1,A2] |
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Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
Recent Research Researchers from Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, applied
lactobacilli as probiotics in burn treatment (to prevent the colonization of pathogenic
bacteria). The result is encouraging but the number of patient did not enable the application
of a power statistical tests. [B1]
lactobacilli as probiotics in burn treatment (to prevent the colonization of pathogenic
bacteria). The result is encouraging but the number of patient did not enable the application
of a power statistical tests. [B1]