Streptocossus thermophilus
Frequently used as a starter culture in the production of yogurt, fermented milk and cheese, S. thermophilus is also a powerful probiotic. The bacterium has been isolated from human feces after oral consumption suggesting that it can survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies show that the bacterium survives the presence of bile salts and absorbs cholesterol, lowering total cholesterol - absorbing more LDL than HDL cholesterol and therefore advantageously targeting the «bad cholesterol». In animal trials, S.Thermophilus positively affected intestinal function and offered protection against enteroinvasive E.Coli, a pathogenic bacteria. This effect was mediated through the enhancement of the intestinal mucosal immunity.
Bifilon-50T
This bifidobacterium has been shown to reduce the symptoms and disturbances associated with seasonal allergies in Japan, normalized the immune system and prevented antigen-induced Th2 immune responses in animal studies. The Th2 immune response is mediated by antibodies and is associated with allergies. Studies have also demonstrated that the bacterium prevents DNA damage induced by heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCA) present in food such as beef mix and barbecued meats. This may explain the reduced colon cancer rates seen in individuals with high lactobacillus counts and high lactobacillus consumption.
L. Acidophilus R-52
This strain of probiotics used in conjunction with the L-Rhamnosus R-11 strain reduced bacterial colonization and gastric inflammation in mice infected with H. pylori. In animals subjected to chronic stress, it was found that the same two bacteria prevent intestinal abnormalities such as bacterial invasiveness and translocation to lymph nodes. Given with S. Thermophilus, the bacteria enhanced the immune response and the weight of the colon in animal that underwent intestinal surgery. The bacterium is a common and naturally present bacteria in the vaginal. Recent studies confirm that L. acidophilus R-52, L. helveticus and L. suntoryeus are synonymous.
L. Rhamnosus R-11
In a study conducted at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, this strain of bacteria was shown to have the most extensive effects on cytokine production in human intestinal mucosal cell lines. It was concluded that the L. Rhamnosus bacteria had the potential to influence the immune response to pathogens and other antigens through its profound impact on the mucosal environment.
L. Casei R-215
This lactic acid producing bacteria is known for its ability to colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that supplementation reduces the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by Candida species and other pathogens.
L. Gasseri
Also shown to survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract, this species of lactobacillus possesses immunomodulatory effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial using L. gasseri and L. coryniformis showed that the probiotic combo increased the proportion of phagocytic cells such as monocytes and neutrophils, two types of white blood cells. The probiotics also increase the proportion of natural killer cells and IgA concentrations and improved intestinal habits in healthy adults. This effect was seen after two weeks of treatment but was greater after 4 weeks of supplementation. In animals, L. gasseri reduced the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
In a study of 531 females, L. gasseri was one of three prevalent lactobacilli colonizing the rectum of 290 females. The study concluded that the presence of lactobacillus species in the rectum contributed to the maintenance of the vaginal microflora and decreased the risk of bacterial vaginosis. The presence of hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli probiotics in the vagina protects women against infections which lead to the production of proinflammatory molecules that are significant to the etiology of preterm birth.
L. Plantarum R-1012
Studies show that some strains of L. Plantarum bacteria prevent the adhesion of intestinal pathogens, making the bacteria a promising candidate for probiotic supplementation. Other studies demonstrate that the bacterium lowers cholesterol levels, but most importantly, L. Plantarum helps to balance the immune system and improves the Th1:Th2 ratio in healthy adults.
The health benefits associated with probiotic supplementation continue to surface. We all know that the wrong bacteria or the presence of bacteria in places where they should be absent can make us sick. However, we must realize that the right bacteria are essential to our health. It has been shown that there are more bacteria in our intestines than there are cells in our body. It stands to reason that having a healthy gastrointestinal microflora is essential to health. It should come as no surprise that the latest research shows that probiotics can help to mobilize and normalize the immune system, can prevent DNA damage thereby reducing cancer rates, prevents infections, reduces the incidence of diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics, reduce cholesterol levels, and of course improves intestinal habits in healthy adults.
References
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Manzoni P, Mostert M, Leonessa ML, Priolo C, Farina D, Monetti C, Latino MA, Gomirato G. Oral supplementation with Lactobacillus casei subspecies rhamnosus prevents enteric colonization by Candida species in preterm neonates: a randomized study. Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Jun 15;42(12):1735-42.
Olivares M, Diaz-Ropero MP, Gomez N, Lara-Villoslada F, Sierra S, Maldonado JA, Martin R, Rodriguez JM, Xaus J. The consumption of two new probiotic strains, Lactobacillus gasseri CECT 5714 and Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT 5711, boosts the immune system of healthy humans. Int Microbiol. 2006 Mar;9(1):47-52.
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