What are human strains? Does OptiBac Probiotics use human strains? Are human strains superior?
When discussing probiotics, the term “human strains” is a rather vague one. It typically refers to a probiotic strain that is derived from the human body.
The scientific definition of a probiotic (Live microorganism which when administered in adequate amounts confers a health benefit on the host) does not stipulate that to be a probiotic the microbe must have a human origin, or be a “human strain”. Probiotics must be able to exert their benefits on the host through growth and/or activity in the human body (Collins et al., 1998; Morelli, 2000). It is therefore the action, and not the source of the probiotic microorganism that is a key factor in choosing a probiotic. The ability of a probiotic strain to remain viable at the target site and to be effective in the human gut should always be verified and tested.
There are in fact many examples of effective probiotic strains which are not recognised as normal residents of the human gastrointestinal tract. For example, neither Saccharomyces boulardii nor Bifidobacterium lactis could be described as “human strains”. Strains of these species have nevertheless been shown in numerous clinical trials to benefit human consumers.
[Above Image: Saccharomyces boulardii, originally extracted from fruit]
There is absolutely no existing scientific evidence that human strains are more capable of binding than non human strains. As “human strains” tend to come from the human faeces, this fact in itself acts as evidence of their capability to survive intestinal transit; a key factor when considering a good probiotic. It does not, however, provide evidence that they can adhere to or colonize the human gut more effectively than a strain which is not considered to be of human origin.
In conclusion, the nutritionists and doctors at OptiBac believe that the question of “human strain” is not a relevant criterion for selecting an effective probiotic.
However, for those of you who are still curious, here is a list of our probiotic strains and their specific origins:
Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 Dairy Origin
Lactobacillus casei Rosell-215 Dairy Origin
Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058 Dairy Origin
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-175 Dairy Origin
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 Dairy Origin
Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70 Human Origin
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 Human Origin
Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell-33 Human Origin
Saccharomyces boulardii Fruit Origin
(NB For those concerned about dairy sensitivities, the OptiBac range may contain small traces of dairy and are therefore not recommended for vegans or those who are severely allergic to dairy. We do, however, recommend the range for those who are lactose intolerant, as probiotics aid the digestion of lactose. For further clarification, please see the FAQs.)
For more information on the OptiBac Probiotics strains, see Our Probiotic Strains.
