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27 November 2009 - Microbial colonisation of gut at early age influences adult microbial diversity and natural immune responses.
Recent population studies have stated that excessive hygiene during childhood is a significant risk factor for development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Authors of this study hence looked at the probiotic & pathogenic bacteria of genetically related pigs, housing them in either indoor or outdoor environments or in experimental isolators. Major differences were found in the microbiota of pigs even as adults; differences attributed to their varying early-life environments. The animals kept in natural outdoor environments showed dominance of Firmicutes, in particular Lactobacillus, whereas animals in the hygienic indoor environments had reduced levels of Lactobacillus as well as higher numbers of potentially pathogenic phylotypes. Authors concluded that early-life environment significantly affects microbial composition of the adult gut as well as mucosual innate immune function. Microbiota with higher levels of Lactobacilli may function to maintain mucosal immune homeostasis and limit pathogen colonisation. Source: 'Environmentally acquired bacteria influence microbial diversity and natural innate immune responses at gut surfaces' Mulder IE et al - BMC Biol. 2009 Nov 20;7 (1):79
10 November 2009 - 'No, probiotics aren't a waste of money - and here's why...'
Angela Dowden begins with the contradicting news and reviews on probiotics, as well as their widespread consumption - (nearly 60% of UK households regularly buy probiotics.) Dowden's conclusion is that probiotics are surely worth their monetary cost as, amongst other positive effects, they can ease constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Professor Glenn Gibson points out that probiotics 'should benefit people who are travelling abroad and coming into contact with different bugs that might upset their system'. The article also looks at new evidence into probiotics and immunity; 'some probiotics may simulate cells of the gut immune system, possibly causing them to secrete molecules which than enter the bloodstream, improving immune response." Source: The Daily Mail
6 November 2009 - Experts map the body's bacteria
Scientists are looking into the different types of bacteria (including probiotics and pathogens) that live in different areas of the body. Researchers at the University of Colorado examined 27 areas on the bodies of nine healthy volunteers, and were surprised to find large variations in bacterial communities from person to person. The BBC pointed out that the 'estimated 100 trillion microbes living on or inside the human body... are thought to play a key role in many physiological functions, including the development of the immune system, digestion of key foods and helping to deter potentially disease-causing pathogens.' Many questions remain unanswered; for example 'Do we each have distinct microbial signatures at birth, or do they evolve as we age?' Scientists hope to further such research to a point when it will may be possible to find gentic biomarkers for disease. Source: BBC News
October 2009 - 'Tackling protozoal parasites: a guide to practitioners'
Dr Brian McDonogh explains that parasitic infections such as Giardia lamblia or Entamoeba histolytica are far more common than we think. Last but not least on his list of recommendations for treatment are probiotics. McDonogh suggests recolonising the gut with strong probiotics which are resistant to stomach acidity and biliary salts. Saccharomyces boulardii is highlighted in particular for its use in cases of Giardiasis; and its anti-inflammatory properties in the bowel. Furthermore boulardii "prevents pathogenic yeast overgrowth and increases secretory IgA levels, thereby improving local immunity." Source: Advancing Nutrition for professionals; the new journal from Higher Nature
8 October 2009 - 'It's what's inside that counts' - The Times looks into the gut
Mark Henderson, Science Editor for the new Times magazine, Eureka, delves into the complex make-up of the human body, correctly stating that we humans "are mostly bacteria." Different people have unique gut microbiomes, which can affect predisposition to certain diseases and conditions, as well as susceptibility to drugs. The balance between probiotic and pathogenic bacteria in the gut can even seemingly influence diverse conditions such as schizophrenia, hospital superbugs, obesity and autism. Henderson furthermore states that gut bacteria may be another contributor to the ever-rising prevalance of obesity these days. The article goes on to promote the use of prebiotics, which selectively stimulate the groth of Bifidobacteria in the gut. Source: Eureka magazine, The Times
29 September 2009 - Probiotics: Looking Underneath the Yogurt Label.
Tara Parker-Rope discusses the difficulty of knowing the right probiotic from the wrong one. To our delight, Parker-Rope quickly states that 'different probiotic species and strains confer different health benefits.' The article selected a few scientific studies, and looked specifically into the benefits of probiotics for the immune system. It concluded that "consumers interested in probiotics should look for products that list the specific strain on the label and offer readers easy access to scientific studies supporting the claims." Source: The New York Times
19 May 2009 – Probiotics are “Miracle Bugs” – from fighting colds to controlling your weight.
Jerome Burne opens by asking “Unimpressed by all the hype over ‘good’ bacteria…? So were the experts. But now there’s hard scientific evidence about the extraordinary powers of probiotics”. Pointing out that different strains have different effects on the body, Burne cites various research on the use of probiotics as antibiotics, as antiseptics, as tools in managing weight, and in reducing colds. Guidelines warn that probiotic yoghurt drinks can contain very high amounts of sugar. It recommends looking for products with at least 10 million micro-organisms, with both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, as well as added prebiotics. And last but not least, Burne advises the consumer to do his or her research. Source: Daily Mail
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15 May 2009 – Synbiotics in For your child’s health may cut childhood infections: A study at the Institut Rosell.
A new study by the Institut Rosell found that the probiotics and prebiotics in OptiBac Probiotics For your child’s health could reduce infant infections by about 25%. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in France recruited 135 school-age children who had suffered from at least three episodes of ENT (ear-nose-throat,) bronchopulmonary or gastric disorder during the last winter, and assigned children either the synbiotic supplement or a placebo, for a period of three months. Half of the children given For your child’s health resisted all of these disorders during the winter of the study, compared to only 33% of children receiving the placebo. Henri Durand, scientific director for Lallemand, explained how progressive clinical research led to the development of the children’s synbiotic, concluding that “not all probiotics are the same, and each strain has its own benefits.”
8 May 2009 - A probiotic yoghurt a day could help mothers shed baby fat
Finnish researchers at the University of Turku discovered that pregnant women who took probiotic supplements found it easier to get their figure back after giving birth than women who did not supplement their levels of friendly bacteria. The probiotics are thought to break down sugars and carbohydrates so that they are not stored in the body as fat. Researchers tracked the health and weight of 256 women from three months of pregnancy to a year after birth. The women given probiotics were much less likely to have a pot belly, had lower levels of central obesity, and lower body fat percentages than those not given probiotics. Experts warned that up to half of the probiotic products on the market do not work as they contain either insufficient bacteria or the wrong types. Source: Daily Mail
20 April 2009 – ‘Probiotic Beauty’, in the Daily Mail.
Claire Coleman introduces the concept that probiotics and prebiotics can be beneficial for the skin, by balancing the skin ‘microflora’ or microbiota. Coleman cited research published in the British Journal of Dermatology suggesting that patients’ eczema improved after exposure to a probiotic cream. The Journal of Dermatological Science more recently reported a small study which showed prebiotics to lessen the levels of acne-causing bacteria. Emma Newman, from the probiotic skincare brand Nude, affirms that friendly bacteria furthermore help to protect the skin from ageing. Dr Nick Lowe, spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists is less convinced however. “Until more microbiological studies can prove it”, he states, “I’ll continue eating my yoghurt rather than smearing it on my face”.
OptiBac says: No need to smear yoghurt on your face, treat your skin from the inside-out, with For daily wellbeing.
April 2009 – Probiotics ease chronic fatigue.
This study was prompted by preceding research suggesting that people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have alterations in their intestinal microbiota, and that gut bacteria could influence mood-related symptoms and even behaviour in humans. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled pilot study involved 39 CFS patients, and administered either Lactobacillus casei or a placebo daily for two months. The results found a significant increase in both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in patients taking the probiotics, and also a notable decrease in anxiety symptoms amongst those taking probiotics as opposed to the controls.
To read the entire study, see probiotics & fatigue
13 January 2009 - Probiotics show potential for improving health in alcoholics.
According to a pilot study from Russia and the US, supplementing with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum could improve the health of an alcoholic’s liver. Irina Kirpich, lead author of the study, highlighted the enormous potential of the results, stating that this was the largest study to demonstrate specific changes in the gut flora of alcoholics. The gut microbiota of the alcoholics before the study contained significantly less probiotics than that of the healthy controls. Probiotic supplementation was associated with an increase of faecal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as improvements in levels of certain enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Source: Nutraingredients.com
01 January 2009 – Grape Seed Extract can destroy leukaemia cells.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky found that within 24 hours of exposure to Grape Seed Extract, 76% of leukaemia cells died through a process of natural self-destruction called apoptosis. This research could possibly open doors for new treatments for leukaemia, a disease affecting more than 24,000 people annually. Grape seeds contain numerous antioxidants including resveratrol, known for its anti-cancerous properties. Grape Seed Extract has previously been shown to reduce the size of breast tumours in rats and skin tumours in mice. Head researcher, Professor Xianglin Shi commented, “What everyone seeks is an agent that has an effect on cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone, and this shows that grapeseed extract fits into this category.” Source: The Daily Telegraph
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