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Glossary of Probiotic Terms

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus)

Acidophilus is one of the more well-known species of probiotic.  As it belongs to the Lactobacillus genus, acidophilus is generally situated in the small intestine within the gut.  Acidophilus is known especially for its beneficial effects in preventing traveller’s diarrhoea, Candida overgrowth, and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or thrush.

For further information read more on Probiotic Strains.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition characterised by spots. Acne and spots are caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, often due to infection from pathogenic bacteria. Acne is therefore often linked to dysbiosis.

Antibiotic - associated diarrhoea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, or ADD, refers to diarrhoea that occurs as a result of an antibiotic course. Because antibiotics do not distinguish between good and bad bacteria, in many cases they kill off significant amounts of the body’s natural friendly bacteria, often leading to an upset stomach.

Recent research shows that up to 1 in 5 people stop their course of antibiotics early because they have antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and similar microorganisms. Antibiotics are often prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections. As they work against all bacteria in the body, antibiotics destroy good bacteria in the system as well as bad.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutrients that decrease or slow oxidation, thereby protecting cells from free radicals which can cause degeneration to the body's cells. Antioxidants are therefore thought to protect the heart, arteries, and other tissues, as well as to boost the immune system.

Autism

A neural development disorder which affects the way in which a person relates to, communicates with, and views other people and the world around them.  Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the condition will affect different people in diffierent ways; some autistic people will live relatively 'normally' whilst others will have accompanying learning disabilities and require more support.

Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism; typically associated with fewer learning difficulties, and above average intelligence.  The range of related disorders including autism and Aspergers is called the 'autism spectrum' and people with the disorder are often referred to as having 'Austim Spectrum Disorder' (ASD).  Autism is thought to affect up to 1 in 100 children, and is four times more common in boys than girls.  

It has been suggested, and somewhat documented, that children and adults with autism have a higher than average number of gastrointestinal problems. 

Bacteriocin

A bacteriocin is a substance expressed by certain species of bacteria to kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria of the same family. Examples include Staphylococcin produced by Staphylococcus aureus and colicin, produced by Esherichia coli.

Barrier Effect

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus adhere to the epithelial cells that cover the gut wall lining. The good, probiotic bacteria decrease the amount of available space for pathogens (harmful bacteria) to bind, effectively creating a protective barrier against pathogens; resulting in what is known in microbiology as the 'Barrier Effect'.  The Barrier Effects is one key way in which probiotics are thought to be good for immunity.

Bifidobacteria / Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium (singular) or Bifidobacteria (plural) is a genus, or family, of bacteria generally found in the large intestine. Types, or species, of Bifidobacteria include bifidum, infantis and breve. Over the age of 60, levels of Bifidobacteria in particular are thought to largely deplete in the gut.

Bifidobacterium bifidum

bifidum is a probiotic species belonging to the Bifidobacterium family. Bifidobacterium bifidum will naturally reside in the large intestine. Different strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum will have different properties, for example Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 is β-galactosidase positive (β-galactosidase is an enzyme required for the digestion of lactose.) It is particularly resistant to gastric acidity at a pH over 4, which is why it is recommended to take it at mealtimes.


Bifidobacterium breve

Bifidobacterium breve is a probiotic species believed to have particular benefits in the inhibition of pathogens. Different strains of breve are sourced from different mediums and can have different qualities.  The strain Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70 for example is a strict anaerobic, gram-positive rod of human origin. This specific strain is both β-galactosidase positive and a-glucosidase positive.

Bifidobacterium infantis

'infantis' is a probiotic species belonging to a family of bacteria called Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacterium infantis can be found in the microbiota of infants, children and adults, although it is found in higher concentration in infants and is thought to be beneficial for  childrens' wellbeing and immunity. Interestingly, breast-fed infants have shown higher volumes of Bifidobacterium infantis in the faeces than children who were bottled-fed.

As for all probiotics, it is important to look at the specific strain within the infantis species in order to determine its qualities. Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell-33 for example is an anerobic, gram-positive rod isolated in pairs or short chains.

Bifidobacterium longum

'longum' is a probiotic species from the Bifidobacteria genus, residing in the large intestine. Different strains of Bifidobacterium longum have different properties, for example Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 has been found in in-vitro tests to resist gastric acidity at a pH over 3. This particular strain seems to show ability to modulate some immunological parameters of inflammation; in vitro tests on human epithelial cells show Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 to downregulate TNF-β and Rantes.

Bifidogenic

The term 'bifidogenic' describes substances with stimulate the growth of probiotics, in particular Bifidobacteria.  Prebiotics should therefore be Bifidogenic in order to fulfil their role. The action of prebiotics on probiotics in the gut is often referred to as the 'bifidogenic effect' or sometimes as the 'bifidus effect'.

Biofilm

A biofilm is a collection of microorganisms that have adhered to each other upon a surface. The formation of biofilms can occur on living and non-living surfaces and is often a reactionary response to the microorganisms environment. Biofilms are thought to be responsible for most microbial infections in the human body.

Bloating

Bloating is a feeling of tightness and fullness in the abdomen, often causing a visible protrusion of the abdominal region or tummy. Bloating affects both men and women, and can be caused by excessive intestinal gas, the menstrual cycle, or overeating.  It is also thought to be a symptom of dysbiosis.

Broad Spectrum Antibiotics

Broad Spectrum Antibiotics are antibiotics that work on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These can therefore be used for a variety of bacterial infections.

Caesarean Section

Also known as a Cesarean section (American spelling) or a C-section (abbreviation), a caesarean section is the name given to the procedure in which the baby is delivered by surgical extraction from the uterus, as opposed to vaginal birth. C-sections are normally performed when complications arise in pregnancy or labour meaning that vaginal birth is no longer the safest option for mother and/or baby.

Interestingly, a direct positive correlation has been shown between babies born by caesarean-section and babies and infants with digestive problems; possibly due to the fact that caesarean babies do not absorb friendly bacteria from the mother's birth canal during the birthing process.

Candida albicans (C. Albicans)

Candida albicans (often simply referred to as Candida) is a yeast-like fungus which feeds on sugar.  It can be found in the flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract and vagina; many people have small amounts of Candida albicans in the body without experiencing any negative side effects or symptoms. When allowed to overgrow however, Candida albicans can cause inflammation and itching, leading to infections such as thrush.  Candida overgrowth cannot be treated by antibiotics as it is fungal, therefore doctors often prescribe anti-fungal medicines, or opt for natural supplements including probiotics.

Clostridium difficile

Also called C. diff or C. difficile, Clostridium difficile is a bacteria that occurs in small amounts in many people's large intestine. If the number of Clostridium difficile bacteria increases greatly however, it can lead to infection. People suffering from C. difficile infection experience varied symptoms, from mild or severe diarrhoea to severe inflammation of the bowel. In some cases, particularly amongst the elderly, it can cause death. C. difficile infection is often thought to be caused by antibiotics, which can diminish probiotic levels in the gut and allow for overgrowth of C. difficile. The bacteria can be contagious and is often referred to as a superbug.

For more information, see http://www.cdiff-support.co.uk/

Colic

Infant Colic is a general term for a condition where the baby cries very often, for long periods of time, with no obvious reason as to why. Colic is often associated with digestive problems such as indigestion, food allergies, gas or intestinal cramps.

Constipation

Constipation is defined as having difficulty in passing stools, or having hard and dry stools.  Many people now define constipation as having less than 3 bowel movements per week. Constipation is thought to be caused by factors such as lack of fibre in the diet, lack of physical activity, lifestyle changes such as pregnancy, stress and ageing, and by dysbiosis.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which parts of the digestive tract become swollen and develop ulcers. Generally located in small intestine and/or colon, Crohn's can in fact develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder particularly affecting women, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination as well as a frequent need to urinate. Cystitis is usually caused by pathogenic bacteria such as E. Coli entering the urethra and travelling to the bladder. Evidence suggests that maintaining healthy levels of friendly bacteria help promote balanced levels of vaginal flora.

Diarrhea/Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is defined as frequent, loose and watery stools or bowel movements.  Diarrhoea can be caused by numerous factors including food poisoning, IBS and Colitis.

(Diarrhea is the American spelling)

Dietary fibre

Dietary fibre refers to indigestible components of fruits and vegetables. Dietary fibre is often classified into two groups:

Soluble fibre (including prebiotics) - which is digested by the microbes of the body and fermented in the colon, creating gas and physiologically active byproducts.

Insoluble fibre - aids defecation by absorbing water as it passes through the digestive system.

Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is a condition that can occur when the walls of the colon become weakened, sometimes due to long term constipation which exerts pressure on the walls of the gut. Diverticulosis refers to the formation of small pockets or pouches in weak points of the intestine; pouches known as 'diverticula'. Diverticulitis is the disease in which the diverticula (pouches) become inflamed or infected. Diverticulitis is much more common in older people.

Research suggests that having a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the gut can reduce the risk of diverticulosis and diverticulitis.

Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis, Dys-symbiosis, or dysbacteriosis is the condition which describes an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the body.  Dysbiosis is often caused by factors such as antibiotics, which kill off both good and bad bacteria in the system.

Eczema

Eczema is a type of dermatitis (inflammation of the upper layers of the skin.) The symptoms of eczema include itching, scaling, dryness and redness of the skin.  Eczema has been linked to food allergies and dysbiosis.

Enterotype

The word 'enterotype' refers to a category of bacterial organisms, based on the balance of various kinds of bacteria in the human microbiome.  A study published in Nature¹ in April 2011 announced the discovery of three human enterotypes; defined by the bacterial family which dominates within the group, whether that be Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, or Prevotella bacteria.  

Further research published in September 2011² has now suggested that one's dietary habits may affect one's enterotype.

References:

1. Arumugam, Manimozhiyan, Raes, Joroen, et al. (April 2011). Enterotypes of the human gut micobiome.  Nature. doi: 10.1038/nature09944.

2. Wu, G.D., Chen, J., Hoffman, K., Bittinger, Y, Chen, Y., et al Linking long-term dietary patterns with gut microbial enterotypes' Science. doi: 10.1126/science.1208344

Esophagus

American spelling for Oesophagus.

Firmicutes

Firmicutes are a phylum, a large family, of bacteria. The Lactobacilli and Clostridia generas both belong to this phylum.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) is one of the most well-known prebiotics. Naturally occurring in foods such as chicory root, the prebiotic FOS has a slightly sweet taste and can be used as a natural sweetener instead of sugar. Unlike sugar however, prebiotics such as FOS cannot be digested or absorbed by the human body, and therefore pass through the digestive tract to the large intestine where they act as a food source for probiotics.  FOS has been shown to stimulate certain types of beneficial bacteria more than others, often those of the Bifidobacteria genus in particular.

GALT (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue)

The Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue, or GALT, comprises of several types of lymphoid tissue that work to protect the body from invasion. These lymphoid tissues include Peyer's patches, tonsils and adenoids.

Gastro-intestinal tract

The gastro-intestinal tract, or simply 'gut', refers to the entire passage between a human's mouth and anus, including the oesophagus and stomach. This system of organs takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), or simply acid reflux disease, is caused by stomach acids escaping the stomach into the oesophagus, causing mucosal damage of the oesophagus lining or chronic symptoms; the most common being frequent heartburn.

The condition usually occurs due to a spontaneous and unnecessary opening of the barrier muscles between the stomach and oesophagus. Possible reasons for this have been cited as; a hiatal hernia or abnormal relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or gastric flu, is an infection of the gut (usually the stomach or intestines). The infection can be viral, bacterial or parasitic; and is often caused by consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting.

Having a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the gut is thought to lessen the risk of gastroenteritis, as well as relieving symptoms and quickening recovery.

Genus

A genus is a group of related or similar organisms, and can be referred to as a 'family'. A genus contains one or more species. Examples of probiotic genera include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed Extract is made up of natural derivatives from whole grape seeds, usually containing the antioxidants oligomeric proanthocyanidins, (OPCs). Grape Seed Extract has been linked to numerous possible benefits, including lowering blood pressure and destroying cancer cells.

For further information on Grape Seed Extract, please see this article by the BBC: - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7803619.stm

Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract is a powerful antioxidant, thought to be more than 200 times more potent than vitamin E in tackling free radicals. Many people take Green Tea Extract to reduce the risk of cancer or infection, or to maintain normal cholesterol and to support slimming.

Gut Flora

'Gut flora' refers to the microorganisms that live within the body's digestive tract, mostly comprised of bacteria, including both probiotics and pathogenic bacteria.

Haemorrhoids/Piles

Haemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anal canal and rectum. Haemorrhoids can be external (occuring outside the anal verge) or internal (occuring inside the rectum). Symptoms of haemorrhoids include swelling, pain, itching, irritation, and bright red blood. Piles or haemorrhoids are thought to be caused by excessive straining during bowel movements; often due to constipation.

Factors such as increased fluid intake, more exercise, and eating high fibre diets are thought to help prevent the development of haemorrhoids.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori, usually just referred to as H. pylori, is a pathogenic bacteria that grows in the stomach and is the main cause of many ulcers and stomach inflammation. H. pylori can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, leaving it vulnerable to digestive acids and consequent irritation. Many people carry small amounts of the bacteria in their system to no ill-effect but lifestyle factors such as consumption of alcohol, coffee and smoking increase the risk of a H. pylori instigated ulcer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; both of which cause intestinal inflammation and symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

For a unique probiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, see Saccharomyces boulardii.

Inulin

Inulin is a prebiotic, and a natural polysaccharide (several simple sugars linked together) occurring in the roots and tubers of certain plants such as chicory.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterised by varying symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort; accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation or alternation between the two.

For IBS sufferers we recommend taking For daily wellbeing and also For bowel calm when needed.

Jejunum

The jejunum is part of the small intestine which lies between the duodenum and the ileum. The jejunum alone is roughly 9 feet in length, and is key in the absorption of nutrients during digestion.

Kefir

Kefir is a thick, fermented milk originating from the Caucasian mountains, made with kefir grains; a combination of bacteria, yeast and polysaccharides. Kefir is a probiotic as it contains bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the body.

Lacidofil

'Lacidofil' is a probiotic blend of two well-researched strains from the Institut Rosell; Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-33.  The two strains together have been researched and praised for a few various health applications, including; antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, H. pylori eradication, acute gastroenteritis in children and digestive health support.  Where can you find 'Lacidofil' ? Right here at OptiBac Probiotics of course! In 'For those on antibiotics'.

Lactobacilli/Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus  (singular) or Lactobacilli (plural) is a genus, or family, of bacteria including probiotic species such as acidophilus or rhamnosus. Species of the Lactobacillus genus naturally tend to reside in the small intestine. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid and are key in the production of fermented foods such as yoghurt and cheese.

Lactobacillus casei

The probiotic species 'casei' belongs to the Lactobacillus genus; like acidophilus or rhamnosus. Lactobacillus casei is a probiotic species widely found in dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese.  As always, one should look at a probiotic strain and not simply  the species; an example of a strain of Lactobacillus casei is Rosell-215.

Lactobacillus paracasei

Lactobacillus paracasei is a species of probiotic that belongs to the Lactobacilli genus. Lactobacillus paracasei will naturally reside in the small intestine and different strains of L. paracasei will have different properties. For example, L. paracasei Lpc-37 has shown particular strength in inhibiting pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escheria coli and Listeria monocytogenes. L. paracasei Lpc-37 has shown to stimulate a specific immune response of the cell wall lining of the gut known to ward off viruses and support anti-allergy responses.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a naturally occuring probiotic species of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota.  It is thought to reside primarily in the small intestine with similar species such as acidophilus. One specific strain of rhamnosus is Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, which has shown strong capability to adhere to intestinal cell linings.

Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis is a probiotic species of bacteria that has been used for many years in the meat industry thanks to its ability to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic bacteria which degrades meat. Rosell 1058 is a specific strain of Lactococcus lactis which has been isolated from a kefir culture. It is both β-galactosidase positive and a-glucosidase positive.

Lumen

In biology, a lumen refers to the space inside of a tubular structure such as the oesphagus, arteries, veins or intestines.

Lyophilisation

Lyophilisation is a sophisticated form of freeze drying cell structures without harming them. The process is used for materials such as; food, blood, human tissue, pharmaceuticals or, in our case, probiotics.

Here at OptiBac all of our probiotics are lyophilised and it is partially this process that makes them shelf stable with no need of refrigeration.

Microbiota

'Microbiota' refers to the microorganisms (both probiotic and pathogenic) residing in the gastrointestinal tract. An imbalance in the microbiota is known as dysbiosis.

Microflora

Microflora generally refers to the microorganisms (including both good and bad bacteria) that reside in the digestive tract. As the term 'flora' refers to plants, however, the term microbiota is now considered to be more correct than microflora.

Mucosa

Mucosa, also known as the mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of internal, hollow organs such as the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Necrotising Enterocolitis

Necrotising enterocolitis is a condition occurring when part of the intestine is swollen or inflamed due to damage of the lining, often due to obstructed blood or oxygen flow during the perinatal period. Necrotising enterocolitis is the most common gastrointestinal surgical emergency in premature babies.

Nosocomial Diarrhoea

Nosocomial diarrhoea is diarrhoea occurring due to an infection acquired in hospital. Nosocomial diarrhoea is specifically not present prior to the patient's admittance to hospital, but occurs within 72 hours of being in hospital. C. difficile is recognised as the biggest cause of nosocomial diarrhoea.

Oesophagus

The oesophagus is the passage in the body where food passes from the pharynx to the stomach, aided by peristalsis - muscle contractions through the digestive tract.

Pathogenic bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria, or pathogens, are harmful bacteria that cause disease or illness. Well-known pathogens include Salmonella or most types of E. coli.

Pine Bark Extract

Pine Bark Extract is a derivative specifically extracted from bark of the pine tree, usually of the Pinus Maritima. Pine Bark Extract is often classified as a superantioxidant, and is beleived to have numerous benefits on the body including improved circulation, reduced period pain, as well as anti-ageing properties.

For further information, see antioxidants.

Pouchitis

Pouchitis, with symptoms such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain, is an inflammation of the ileoanal pouch, a bowel pocket created to hold bowel movements in patients with ulcerative colitis who have had their large intestine or colon removed. Whilst antibiotics are often used as treatment for pouchitis, research shows that people with pouchitis have lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their system.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics such as Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be found naturally in certain foods such as leeks and chicory root. Prebiotic fibres are a food source for probiotics to grow, multiply and survive in the gut; in particular stimulating growth of probiotics from the Bifidobacteria genus. For further detail into prebiotics, see What are Prebiotics?

Premature

A premature, or preterm, baby is one that is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms, usually bacteria, that have proven health benefits - for the digestive and immune systems in particular. Different probiotic strains have been shown to demonstrate different beneficial effects on the body.  Although probiotics are commonly referred to as 'friendly bacteria', probiotics can be other microorganisms, for example the probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii.

For more information, see What are Probiotics?

Pseudomembranous Colitis

Pseudomembranous Colitis is an infection of the colon commonly, but not exclusively, caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile in the large intestine. An overgrowth of C. difficile is commonly attributed to the taking of antibiotics. Known symptoms of Pseudomembranous Colitis include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and a severe inflammation of the inner lining of the colon.

Rectum

The rectum is the space between the colon and the anus, where faeces are stored before bowel movements.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii (or S. boulardii) is a unique probiotic yeast originally extracted from lychee fruit. It has a different biological make-up and differing actions from other probiotics species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Saccharomyces boulardii has undergone rigorous clinical research demonstrating its ability to bind to and flush out pathogens in the body, thereby helping with conditions such as diarrhoea. Newer research shows that Saccharomyces boulardii has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and may even be used to crowd out Candida albicans in the body.

Saccharomyces boulardii can be found in For bowel calm (5 billion microorganisms of pure S. boulardii per capsule) and For travelling abroad (1 billion microorganisms of S. boulardii per capsule, combined with other strains).

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurochemical and hormone found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets. It is believed to play a key role in emotional behaviour and moods, and is often attributed to happiness. Many people do not know that most of the body's serotonin is located in your gut.

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) usually occurs when part of the small intestine has been removed for surgical reasons, such as to treat necrotising enterocolitis or Crohn's disease. On the other hand, infants can sometimes be born with a congenital short bowel. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, cramping, bloating and fatigue. No cure is currently known for short bowel syndrome. As most absorption of food and nutrients occurs in the small intestine, people with short bowel syndrome are unable to absorb sufficient volumes of water & nutrients from food to sustain life.

We do not recommend probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 for infants for those with Short Bowel Syndrome.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), also known as Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SBBO), refers to a condition in which abnormal amounts of pathogenic bacteria are present in the small intestine.   It is generally caused by a lack of muscular activity in and around the small intestine, meaning that bacteria is not swept away into the colon as it should be. SIBO is associated with various digestive or even muscular conditions, including diverticulosis.  Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Species

'Species' refers to a type of probiotic existing within a genus or family. For example, acidophilus is the name of a species within the Lactobacillus genus. Different species within the same genus (eg. acidophilus and rhamnosus) are generally considered to be more closely related to each other than species from other genera (for example acidophilus is not closely related to the infantis species in the Bifidobacteria genus).

Various probiotic manufacturers use probiotics from the same genus and species, however one should always note the different strains used as well.

Strain

A probiotic 'strain' is a specific biological variety of a species. For example, although many probiotic products contain the species Lactobacillus acidophilus, different manufacturers use different strains of acidophilus; and it is therefore important to select a robust, clinically-trialled strain. In the probiotic 'Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11' Lactobacillus is the genus, rhamnosus is the species, and Rosell-11 is the specific strain.

For more information, see Our Probiotic Strains.

Strain-Specificity

In probiotics, a strain refers to a certain variant within a species. An example of a species is 'acidophilus', and an example of an acidophilus strain is 'Rosell-52'. The strain tells you where a particular probiotic originated, what it was cultured on, and arguably the most important factor; what research has been conducted on that particular probiotic variant.  

Therefore 'strain-specificity' refers to the concept that the different effects of probiotics are variable right down to the level of the strains (and not just different familes or species of bacteria).  This argument hence states that any health benefits from probiotics should be acknowledged right down to a particular strain. 

Symbiotic

The term 'symbiotic' refers to the combination of more than one strain of probiotic. As different probiotic strains have different properties and settle in different areas of the gut, it is often beneficial to take more than one strain, unless seeking one specific probiotic strain in particular.

The word 'Symbiotic' should not be confused with 'Synbiotic', which refers to a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics. 

Synbiotic

The term 'Synbiotic' refers to a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection almost always caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Symptoms of thrush include white spots in the mouth, sometimes accompanied by pain. Alternatively, see Vaginal Thrush.

Transient

'Transient' refers to something that is temporary; remaining for a short period of time. A transient probiotic strain is therefore one that passes through the gut without adhering to the gut wall lining.

Adhesion to the gut wall lining is often considered an important factor in determining probiotic quality, as a probiotic that adheres can in turn colonise the digestive tract and have a longer lasting effect on the body. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 undergo tests with the Institut Rosell to ensure their adhesion to the epithelial cells of the gut.  

Certain probiotic species are, however, transient by nature. For example the unique Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic.  A probiotic can be transient, and yet still have a positive effect on the human body.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which provokes inflammation and sores, or ulcers, in the rectal and colonic lining. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Vaginal Thrush

Thrush, Also known as Candidiasis or a yeast infection, occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast in the body, usually Candida albicans. Symptoms include mild to severe itching and soreness in and around the vagina.