NUTRA Probiotic supplies essential intestinal bacteria to support gastrointestinal and immunity health. The GI tract is composed of more than 400 species that are essential to human development and wellbeing. Unfortunately, these levels become depleted from poor nutrition, antibiotics, stress, and other factors. Individuals with deficient levels of microflora are more susceptible to illness. Replenish your gut with vital intestinal bacteria to promote overall health.
Description
NUTRA Probiotic is a high-potency, broad-spectrum, multispecies probiotic supplement containing 12 certified probiotic species. The synergistic blend is formulated with InTactic® acid-stable technology to protect microorganism potency. The probiotic species in NUTRA Probiotic are supplied in a base of inulin derived from chicory root and encapsulated in a Kosher-certified vegetarian capsule. Each vegetarian capsule contains 25+ billion Colony-Forming Units. A small amount of L-Leucine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is used as an encapsulation aid for the NUTRA Probiotic capsules.
The probiotic species in NUTRA Probiotic are supplied in a base of inulin derived from chicory root and encapsulated in a Kosher-certified vegetarian capsule. The InTactic® acid-stable delivery technology, a proprietary hypoallergenic polysaccharide complex, protects microorganism potency during transit through the acidic gastric environment. NUTRA Probiotic is a hypoallergenic product free of common allergens, including dairy products, casein, gluten, corn, soy, egg, sugar, yeast, and maltodextrin. No artificial additives, colorings, flavoring, preservatives or salicylates are used. A small amount of L-leucine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is used as an encapsulation aid for the NUTRA Probiotic capsules.
Overview
The gastrointestinal tract microflora is composed of more than 400 identified species and at least another 400 yet uncultured species. This highly complex community is integral to normal human development and health. The gastrointestinal microflora mostly consists of indigenous native species and healthful microorganisms that colonize the bowel only when they are consumed on a regular basis. A small percentage of the microflora has the potential to cause disease. All these microorganisms normally coexist in a balanced, complex community and promote normal gastrointestinal function, provide protection from infection, supply nutrients and vitamins, facilitate mineral absorption, modulate immune function, and metabolize cholesterol, bile salts, hormones and drugs. However, this delicate microecological balance can be disrupted by an array of factors including inadequate dietary intake of essential probiotics, nutritional deficiencies, chronic overgrowth of pathogenic microbes, stress, toxins, and the use of medications including antibiotics, immunosuppressants and proton pump inhibitors. Once the normal intestinal microflora is disrupted, a person becomes susceptible to a variety of infectious, allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.
Probiotics are mainly living lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that have beneficial effects on the health and well-being of their host. Probiotics promote a more favorable balance of intestinal microflora by reducing populations of harmful microorganisms including a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as yeast. This task is accomplished primarily through the production of substances toxic to pathogenic organisms such as lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins. Probiotics compete with pathogens for niches and nutrients. They can inhibit pathogenbinding to enteric mucosal cells. Substantial evidence associates probiotic bacteria with boosting both innate and acquired immune responses by increasing circulating lymphocyte levels, stimulating antigen-specific antibody secretion, and enhancing phagocyte and natural killer (NK) cell activity. Probiotics ferment a variety of sugars, digestible and non-digestible carbohydrates, and amino acids into short-chain fatty acids such as formate, lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These short-chain fatty acids nourish colonic mucosal cells, stimulate their growth, and contribute to normal colon function. They also facilitate the absorption of salt and water by the colon, stimulate colonic absorption of calcium, magnesium and potassium, increase colonic blood flow, enhance tissue oxygenation, and augment transportation of nutrients. The proteolytic enzymes probiotics secrete provide digestive support by metabolizing various dietary proteins, including gluten and casein, that can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals. In addition, many Probiotics breakdown mutagenic compounds and reduce activities of hydrolytic and reductive fecal enzymes involved in the production of tumor promoters, mutagens, and carcinogens from undigested dietary substrates and endogenous residues. Probiotics synthesize significant amounts of vitamin K and B vitamins including folates, thiamin, biotin, and vitamin B12. High Potency Probiotics with InTactic®
Research suggests that higher potency probiotic formulations offer clinical benefits that lower potency preparations do not. The percentage of ingested probiotics that survive the passage through the stomach and duodenum to reach the jejunum alive and viable is estimated to be between 10 and 40%. With bacterial concentrations in the colon as high as 1 trillion CFUs/gram of colon contents, it has been suggested that at least 10 billion viable microorganisms reaching the small bowel may be required to provide microecological benefit to the host. Clinical studies have demonstrated both the enhanced efficacy and safety of higher potency probiotic formulations, including their safety in immunosuppressed people. Attaining these high numbers requires high potency formulations or technology that ensures probiotic survival and viability. Formulated with over 100 billion CFUs per 1/4 teaspoon of powder and over 25 billion CFUs per capsule combined with InTactic® acid-stable technology, NUTRA Probiotic utilizes both strategies to assure the arrival of a high number of living, viable microorganisms in the small intestine. InTactic® is a highly purified polysaccharide material of marine origin that on exposure to gastric acid forms a gel-like matrix that surrounds and protects the probiotic bacteria. The InTactic® shield facilitates the survival of the probiotics while passing through the stomach. In the small intestines, the InTactic® shield dissolves releasing high numbers of viable, intact probiotics to begin exerting their health promoting functions.
Multispecies Probiotics
Closely related probiotic species often exhibit vastly different physiological properties and diverse probiotic species may interact synergistically with one another. Laboratory experiments have shown that combined Lactobacillus species are more effective at inhibiting pathogenic bacterial growth than is each species alone. Animal studies have consistently demonstrated that multispecies probiotic formulations are more effective than mono-, bi-, and multistrain preparations. In children receiving antibiotics, a multispecies probiotic preparation was shown to reduce the number of stools per day compared to mono- and multistrain preparations. There are a number of ways in which different probiotics may interact that make multispecies formulations more consistently beneficial than mono- or multistrain preparations. The mutually beneficial interaction between Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus has been called “protocooperation” and is the best documented example of probiotic synergy. L. bulgaricus contains a cell wall proteinase that supplies critical amino acids to S. thermophilus. S. thermophilus, in turn, produces pyruvate, formate, and carbon dioxide that stimulate the growth of L. bulgaricus. S. thermophilus may synergistically facilitate the growth of other probiotics. S. thermophilus is an oxygen scavenger and may help create the anaerobic conditions in which strict anaerobes, such as Bifidobacterium species, thrive. Lactobacillus species replicate well in the small intestines at the prevalent pH of 6-7. As the lactobacilli multiple, they produce lactate and other organic acids that lower ambient pH enabling the growth of probiotics requiring lower ambient pH. Certain Lactobacillus strains have been shown to more than double the mucosal adhesion of Bifidobacterium species. In turn, the Bifidobacterium species, B. animalis, promotes the growth of L. acidophilus through the production acetate. The greater array of antimicrobial capabilities expressed by the different microorganisms may explain the documented synergy of multispecies probiotics’ enhanced antagonism to pathogenic microbes. The greater antagonism may also be in part explained by an increased uptake of diverse nutrients, a well documented mechanism by which probiotics control gastrointestinal pathogens. S. thermophilus produces organic acids that stimulate the growth of certain Lactobacillus species. In turn, lactobacilli produce peptides and amino acids that stimulate S. thermophilus growth. The combination of 12 well-researched and clinically-documented probiotics in NUTRA Probiotic synergistically provides optimal, essential probiotic support.
LACTOBACILLUS SPECIES
Lactobacillus species are Gram-positive, non-spore forming rods or coccobacilli. They are facultative anaerobes characterized as homofermentative, meaning they produce primarily lactic acid as a fermentation end-product, or heterofermentative, meaning they produce lactic acid, carbon dioxide, ethanol, and acetic acid as principal fermentation end-products. There are presently over 50 Lactobacillus species. Since the advent of current gene typing and hybridization technologies, classification of lactobacilli has been rapidly evolving. Where L. acidophilus was once thought to be indigenous to the human gastrointestinal tract, it has been separated into six homology groups. L. acidophilus is now known not to be indigenous to the bowel, but species previously classified as L. acidophilus, such as L. gasseri, L. crispatus, and L. johnsonii, are indigenous. Classification of Lactobacillus species, and other microorganisms, is likely to continue to evolve. Lactobacillus is usually the predominant microbial genus in the small intestines. Most Lactobacillus species used as Probiotics are not indigenous to the human gastrointestinal tract, but colonize the intestines when regularly consumed. Vegetarians and people ingesting traditional plant-based diets have high colonization rates of certain lactobacilli such as L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus. Colonization rates with these important microorganisms are low in individuals consuming a standard Western diet consisting of highly processed foods. Lactobacillus species display many important features that make them beneficial microflora. These include production of enzymes to digest and metabolize proteins and carbohydrates, synthesis of B vitamins and vitamin K, hydrolysis of bile salts, antagonism of a wide range of microbial pathogens, enhancement of innate and acquired immunity, and inhibition of inflammatory mediators.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
L. acidophilus is a widely recognized, highly prevalent probiotic. It is highly resistant to gastric acid, bile, pepsin, and pancreatin. L. acidophilus possesses more than 20 known peptidases and hydrolyzes casein and gluten. It ferments lactose, glucose, and raffinose and metabolizes a variety of other polysaccharides to aid digestion and absorption. It produces primarily the D(-) and L(+) isomers of lactate as its fermentation end product. It antagonizes a wide range of pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Listeria, and Helicobacter species. As part of a multispecies probiotic formula, L. acidophilus has been shown to improve parameters of ulcerative colitis and prevent flare-ups of chronic pouchitis. L. acidophilus reduces flatulence, retards colonic transit time, and relieves abdominal bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It has been shown to reduce intestinal concentrations of carcinogenic enzymes and in the laboratory decreases leptin production by adipocytes. Studies have shown L. acidophilus reduces cholesterol levels.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Once classified as L. casei and then as a subspecies of L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus strains are possibly the most extensively clinically studied of all probiotics. L. rhamnosus is a transient microorganism that colonizes the intestines when regularly consumed. It produces more peptidases than any other Lactobacillus. Although possessing both a- and b-galactosidase activity, L. rhamnosus does not effectively ferment lactose. It produces a variety of fermentation end-products. L. rhamnosus favorably enhances and modulates innate and acquired immunity. It increases phagocytic activity in peripheral blood polymorpho-nuclear cells and killing activity in NK cells. It induces hyporesponsiveness in CD4+ T cells by regulation of dendritic cell function and inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-a and interferon-g. L. rhamnosus has outstanding adherence to colon epithelial cell lines and suppresses the internalization of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, the cause of foodborne toxic E. coli infections. Clinical studies have found that L. rhamnosus strains can prevent and shorten the duration of rotavirus diarrhea, reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and improve outcomes in Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. In a pilot study, L. rhamnosus significantly improved clinical status and intestinal permeability in children with stable Crohn’s disease, although its effect on inducing and maintaining remission is uncertain. Trials have also found that L. rhamnosus strains may have a supportive role for infants with allergies to cow’s milk, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. L. rhamnosus has shown promise in the support of people with food allergies. In healthy elderly subjects, L. rhamnosus has been shown to increase stool frequency and decrease fecal activity of the carcinogenic enzyme azoreductase.
Lactobacillus casei
L. casei is a hardy, adaptive transient species. L. casei is naturally found in raw, fresh, and fermented dairy and plant products. It makes a number of proline-specific peptidases including proline iminopeptidases, x-prolyl dipeptidyl peptidase, and post proline endopeptidase, which make L. casei particularly effective at breaking down casein, casein-derived polypeptides, and gluten. L. casei beneficially modulates cells associated with the innate immune response. It enhances the number of IgAproducing cells supporting appropriate intestinal mucosa responses to immunological challenges. It has been shown to regulate the oxidative burst capacity of monocytes and increase the tumoricidal activity of natural killer cells indicating it may support immune competence during ageing. L. casei strains support the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, decrease the secretion of TNF-a from the inflamed ileums of people with Crohn’s disease, inhibit the ability of adherentinvasive E. coli derived from patients with Crohn’s disease to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells, and decrease inflammation in Shigella-infected intestinal epithelial cells. The consumption of L. casei has been shown to significantly increase the number of bowel movements and improve stool consistency in patients with chronic constipation. Consumption of L. casei has also been shown to reduce fecal activity of b-glucuronidase and b-glucosidase, enzymes that catalyze the production of many carcinogens.
Lactobacillus salivarius
L. salivarius is indigenous to the intestinal tract and other mucosal surfaces. It is a biochemically complex Lactobacillus allowing it to ferment a variety of mono- and disaccharides and secrete several antimicrobial agents. L. salivarius has been shown to reduce interleukin-8 secretion, a powerful leukocyte and lymphocyte chemoattractant. It attenuates the inflammatory responses to Salmonella typhimurium and stimulates the secretion of interleukin-10, a cytokine that inhibits the inflammatory response to bacterial DNA. Although it stimulates the production of TNF-a by intestinal dendritic cells, in animal models of colitis L. salivarius reduces colonic TNF-a levels. It also decreases the expression of colonic inducible nitric oxide synthase. It significantly reduces the extent of colonic necrosis and inflammation in the animal colitis model. L. salivarius enhances intestinal calcium uptake and, compared to other lactobacilli, significantly increases intestinal cell transepithelial electrical resistance, a powerful measure of intestinal barrier function.
L plantarum
L. plantarum is a transient bacteria readily isolated from plants, fruits, and vegetables. It is nearly universally present in the intestinal microflora of people consuming traditional plant-based diets and commonly found in vegetarians. L. plantarum is generally lacking in the gut microecology of people consuming a standard Western diet. L. plantarum is aerotolerant and can respire oxygen turning it into hydrogen peroxide. It ferments multiple carbon sources. A very hardy species, it is highly resistant to gastric acid and bile salts. L. plantarum exerts numerous favorable effects on the immune system by down-regulating interleukin-8, an inflammatory cytokine and facilitating induction of the central regulatory cytokine, interleukin-12. It reduces the induction of the inflammatory mediators, interleukin-6 and -10, as well as pro-inflammatory TNF-a and interferon-g. L. plantarum has been shown to support intestinal barrier function in animals and reduce translocation of bowel microflora to mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. Clinical studies have found that L. plantarum can reduce the risk of recurrent C. difficile diarrhea and diminish gastrointestinal symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. In multispecies probiotic formulations, L. plantarum has been shown to improve parameters of active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and to maintain remission in patients with recurrent pouchitis.
Lactobacillus paracasei
L. paracasei is a transient bacteria that colonizes the intestines when regularly consumed in the diet. It has excellent acid-tolerance and is highly resistant to pancreatin. It is one of four Lactobacillus species able to ferment inulin and phleins (plant fructans). L. paracasei produces high levels of lactic acid. It antagonizes C. difficile and S. aureus as well as other pathogens. It contributes to a healthy vaginal microflora. Studies have found supportive benefit of L. paracasei in clinical conditions ranging from allergic rhinitis to nonrotavirus diarrhea in children.
BIFIDOBACTERIUM SPECIES
Bifidobacterium species are non-motile, non-sporulating, Gram-positive rods that often have a Y-shape. They are fastidious and difficult to culture. Bifidobacterium species are strictly anaerobic producing the L(+) isomer of lactic acid and other short-chain fatty acids as fermentation end-products. They are highly adapted to the colonic environment where they vie for predominance with Bacteroides species. They constitute 95% of the intestinal microflora in healthy, breastfed infants. Among the first colonizers of the sterile gastrointestinal tract of newborns, they appear to play a pivotal role in the development of the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Bifidobacterium populations significantly decline with advancing age. Bifidobacterium species metabolize substrates that cannot be digested by the host and microorganisms in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The short-chain fatty acids produced by Bifidobacterium are essential nutrients to the colonic mucosa and modulate colonic blood flow and motility.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
B. bifidum is among the many Bifidobacterium species normally found in large numbers in a healthy colon microflora. Its populations are reduced in allergic infants and decline significantly in the elderly. B. bifidum has been strongly linked with modulating the immune response. Studies have reported that allergic infants have lower intestinal populations of B. bifidum than do healthy infants. Animal studies have found that oral intake of B. bifidum can suppress total and antigen-specific IgE production and enhance IgM and IgG responses to select antigens. It can activate B cells making them more responsive to transforming growth factor-b1 and interleukin-5 for IgA secretion. B. bifidum enhances IgA response to C. difficile toxin A and in a pilot study along with L. acidophilus was found to reduce antibioticassociated diarrhea and the incidence of positive testing for C. difficile-associated toxins. Supplementation with B. bifidum enhances leukocyte phagocytic activity.
Bifidobacterium longum
B. longum is often the dominant Bifidobacterium species found in people. It is exceedingly well adapted to the colonic microenvironment fermenting a broad spectrum of oligosaccharides and is resistant to high concentrations of bile salts. B. longum secretes a specific serpin that inhibits pancreatic and white cell elastases. Its inhibition of human neutrophil elastase is thought to be important to innate immunity and may attenuate harmful intestinal inflammation. It produces a protein that prevents the binding of enterotoxigenic E. coli to gangliotetraosylceramide receptors and in animal models inhibits the translocation of E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract to the mesenteric lymph nodes and other organs. B. longum augments the intestinal IgA secretory response to dietary protein antigens providing possible immunological protection against allergic reactions to undigested dietary antigens. Clinical studies have found that B. longum can favorably modulate inflammatory cytokine response to respiratory antigens, initiate resolution of colonic inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis, and improve lactose digestion. Administration of B. longum has also been shown to reduce fecal bacterial b-glucuronidase activity an enzyme, that generates carcinogens, suggesting B. longum influences the metabolic activity of certain types of intestinal microflora involved in the production of bglucuronidase.
Bifidobacterium lactis
B. lactis is a hardy species with unusual resistance to acid and high tolerance of oxygen. Worldwide it is the most widely used Bifidobacterium probiotic. B. lactis has excellent adherence to intestinal mucin and produces a variety of polyamines with anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic activities. It produces endopeptidases that digest proteins rich in proline such as casein and gliadin and in cell cultures B. lactis inhibits the cytotoxic effects of gliadin. B. lactis reduces white cell production of interleukin-2 in healthy adult volunteers. In elderly adults, supplementation with B. lactis has been shown to reduce constipation and improve immune status increasing numbers of helper and activated T cells and natural killer cells. It increases phagocytic activities of monocytes and polymorphonucleocytes. Added to infant formulas, B. lactis has been found to reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea in childcare centers. In infants suffering from early onset atopic eczema, it alleviates allergic symptoms. Long-term administration of B. lactis together with Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in formula reduces colic and irritability and is associated with a lower incidence of antibiotic usage. B. lactis expresses oxalyl coenzyme A decarboxylase suggesting it has a potential role in breaking down intestinal oxalate.
Bifidobacterium breve
B. breve is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract and is the most common species of Bifidobacterium found in the gut of breastfed infants. It secretes compounds, such as lactosidase, that favorably modify intestinal microflora by reducing Bacteroides and Clostridium populations and degrading mucin. Of the many commensal Bifidobacterium strains tested, B. breve has been shown to induce higher quantities of IgA in intestinal mucosal cells. Its prevalence in the infant bowel may act to increase resistance to infections in addition to priming the infant immune system. It enhances the immune response of Peyer’s patch cells in laboratory experiments stimulating B cell proliferation and antibody production. Animal studies have found that B. breve administered orally increases antibody response to oral influenza vaccine. Clinical studies have found that B. breve eliminates Campylobacter jejuni from the stools of patients with campylobacter enteritis restoring normal intestinal microflora, but it is not effective at decreasing the duration of diarrhea. B. breve has been shown to decrease rotavirus shedding and reduce the risk of rotavirus-induced diarrhea in infants. Administration of B. breve has been shown to inhibit fecal mutagenic enzymes including b-glucuronidase and tryptophanase.
TRANSIENT MICROORGANISM STRAINS
Transient microorganisms do not colonize the mucosal membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Instead they exert beneficial functions as they pass through the small and large intestines. The two most recognized transient bacteria with a very long history of use are Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These two species are the primary cultures used for yogurt and many types of cheese production. They metabolize lactose improving lactose intolerance and produce a variety of fermentation end-products. These two microorganisms display a well-documented synergistic cooperation. Streptococcus thermophilus
S. thermophilus is an aerotolerant anaerobic, Gram-positive coccus highly adapted to metabolizing lactose to L(+)-lactate as well as alternative fermentation end-products including formate, acetoin, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, and acetate, which inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. Its production of bgalactosidase is greater in the small intestine than in the cecum. As a component of experimental infant formulas, long-term consumption in healthy infants reduced the severity of acute diarrhea, colic or irritability, and lowered the frequency of antibiotic use. S. thermophilus has been shown to diminish DNA damage and reduce formation of premalignant lesions in animals by protecting against heterocyclic aromatic amines, carcinogenic compounds produced from amino acids in meat during cooking. In animal models of methotrexateinduced small intestine mucositis, oral S. thermophilus administration reduces the severity of the inflammation. Clinical trials have found that S. thermophilus administration together with other probiotics has benefit in conditions ranging from prevention of rotavirus diarrhea in infants to maintaining remission in recurrent or refractory pouchitis, a complication of surgery for ulcerative colitis.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
L. bulgaricus, a subspecies of L. delbrueckii, is a highly adapted transient Lactobacillus closely related to L. acidophilus. L. bulgaricus has been demonstrated to have high immunopotentiating activity and yogurt fermented with L. bulgaricus stimulates the systemic immune system. In a model of inflammatory bowel disease, L. bulgaricus significantly repressed secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and NF-kB by intestinal epithelial cells. Ileal specimens from patients with Crohn’s disease had significantly reduced levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a and CD4 lymph cells when cultured with L. bulgaricus. In patients with acute mild-tomoderate ulcerative colitis, a probiotic formula including L. bulgaricus in combination with conventional treatment was significantly superior in obtaining remission, reducing stool frequency, and improving endoscopic and histological disease-rating scores.
INULIN OLIGOSACCHARIDE BASE
Inulin is a natural, non-digestible oligosaccharide derived from the chicory root vegetable. Inulin is known as a prebiotic, a material that is used as a fuel source by beneficial bacteria stimulating their growth. Inulin is especially used by the Bifidobacterium species that vie for predominance in the colon antagonizing the growth of pathogenic microbes. Inulin is difficult for pathogens to metabolize and, unlike some highly processed, long chain fructooligosaccharides, less likely to be used as a food source by pathogenic bacteria. This naturallyderived base ingredient is generally well-tolerated by the highly sensitive patient. It is used in place of cornor wheat-derived maltodextrin, commonly used as a base ingredient in the majority of probiotic supplements.
Indications
NUTRA Probiotic is indicated as the foundation to support gastrointestinal health to reestablish or maintain a normally balanced, healthful intestinal microflora. Anyone primarily consuming a standard Western diet should consider supplementing with NUTRA Probiotic. As individuals age, there is loss of essential probiotic bacteria. NUTRA Probiotic can support a normal intestinal microflora against age-related changes. NUTRA Probiotic may be used in conjunction with medications known to adversely affect the intestinal microflora such as antibiotics, immunosuppressant, and agents blocking stomach acid production.
NUTRA Probiotic may be used to support maintenance and reestablishment of the intestinal microflora during the management of intestinal dysbiosis, increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, diarrhea syndromes (antibiotic-associated, traveler’s, C. difficile), constipation, food allergies, sinusitis, eczema, yeast vaginitis, vaginal dysbiosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis.
Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions
Suggested Use: One capsule daily or as directed by a physician or health practitioner. The capsules may be pulled apart and the contents taken separately as a powder if so desired.
Adverse Reactions: None reported.
Contraindications: Individuals sensitive to chicory root, the source of inulin, may wish to avoid this product.
Drug Interactions: None reported.
Storage: Probiotics are sensitive to warm temperatures and moisture. Keep refrigerated with the lid tightly shut to minimize entry of moisture into the bottle *Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
Altermann E, Russell WM, Azcarate-Peril MA, et al. Complete genome sequence of the probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005;102:3906-12.
Anderson JW, Gilliland SE. Effect of fermented milk (yogurt) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus L1 on serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic humans. J Am Coll Nutr 1999;18:43-50.
Arvola T, Laiho K, Torkkeli S, et al. Prophylactic Lactobacillus GG reduces antibioticassociated diarrhea in children with respiratory infections: a randomized study. Pediatrics 1999;104:e64.
Bäckhed F, Ley RE, Sonnenberg JL, Peterson DA, Gordon JI. Host-bacterial mutualism in the human intestine. Science 2005;307:1915-20.
Bai AP, Ouyang Q, Zhang W, Wang CH, Li SF. Probiotics inhibit TNF-alpha-induced interleukin-8 secretion of HT29 cells. World J Gastroenterol 2004;10:455-7.
Bengmark S. Bioecological control of the gastrointestinal tract: the role of flora and supplemented probiotics and synbiotics. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2005;34:413-36.
Bengmark S. Colonic food: pre- and probiotics. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95(Suppl):S5-7.
Borruel N, Carol M, Casellas F, et al. Increased mucosal tumour necrosis factor alpha production in Crohn's disease can be downregulated ex vivo by probiotic bacteria. Gut 2002;51:659-64.
Claesson MJ, Li Y, Leahy S, et al. Multireplicon genome architecture of Lactobacillus salivarius. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006;103:6718-23.
Clancy R. Immunobiotics and the probiotic evolution. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 2003;38:9-12.
Coconnier MH, Lievin V, Bernet-Camard MF, Hudault S, Servin AL. Antibacterial effect of the adhering human Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1997;41:1046-52.
Deutsch SM, Molle D, Gagnaire V, Piot M, Atlan D, Lortal S. Hydrolysis of sequenced beta-casein peptides provides new insight into peptidase activity from thermophilic lactic acid bacteria and highlights intrinsic resistance of phosphopeptides. Appl Environ Microbiol 2000;66:5360-7.
Federici F, Vitali B, Gotti R, et al. Characterization and heterologous expression of the oxalyl coenzyme A decarboxylase gene from Bifidobacterium lactis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004;70:5066-73.
Furrie E, Macfarlane S, Kennedy A, et al. Synbiotic therapy (Bifidobacterium longum/Synergy 1) initiates resolution of inflammation in patients with active ulcerative colitis: a randomised controlled pilot trial. Gut 2005;54:242-9.
Gaon D, Garcia H, Winter L, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus strains and Saccharomyces boulardii on persistent diarrhea in children. Medicina (B Aires) 2003;63:293-8.
Gilman J, Cashman KD. The effect of probiotic bacteria on transepithelial calcium transport and calcium uptake in human intestinal-like Caco-2 cells. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 2006;7:1-5.
Gupta P, Andrew H, Kirschner BS, Guandalini S. Is lactobacillus GG helpful in children with Crohn's disease? Results of a preliminary, open-label study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2000;31:453-7.
Hirano J, Yoshida T, Sugiyama T, Koide N, Mori I, Yokochi T. The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection of human intestinal cells in vitro. Microbiol Immunol 2003;47:405-9.
Hols P, Hancy F, Fontaine L, et al. New insights in the molecular biology and physiology of Streptococcus thermophilus revealed by comparative genomics. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2005;29:435-63.
Hosoda M, Hashimoto H, He F, Morita H, Hosono A. Effect of administration of milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-2 on fecal mutagenicity and microflora in the human intestine. J Dairy Sci 1996;79:745-9.
Hotta M, Sato Y, Iwata S, et al. Clinical effects of Bifidobacterium preparations on pediatric intractable diarrhea. Keio J Med 1987;36:298-314.
Ingrassia I, Leplingard A, Darfeuille-Michaud A. Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 inhibits the ability of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli isolated from Crohn's disease patients to adhere to and to invade intestinal epithelial cells. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005;71:2880-7.
Isolauri E, Arvola T, Sutas Y, Moilanen E, Salminen S. Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy 2000;30:1604-10.
Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Arvilommi H, Kero P, Koskinen P, Isolauri E. Probiotics in primary prevention of atopic disease: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2001;357:1076-9.
Kim HJ, Camilleri M, McKinzie S, et al. A randomized controlled trial of a probiotic, VSL#3, on gut transit and symptoms in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003;17:895-904.
Kitajima H, Sumida Y, Tanaka R, Yuki N, Takayama H, Fujimura M. Early administration of Bifidobacterium breve to preterm infants: randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 1997;76:F101-7.
Klaenhammer T. Discovering lactic acid bacteria by genomics. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2002;82:29-58.
Kleerebezem M, Boekhorst J, van Kranenburg R, et al. Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003;100:1990-5.
Koebnick C, Wagner I, Leitzmann P, Stern U, Zunft HJ. Probiotic beverage containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation. Can J Gastroenterol 2003;17:655-9.
Kulkarni N, Reddy BS. Inhibitory effect of Bifidobacterium longum cultures on the azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci formation and fecal bacterial betaglucuronidase. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1994;207:278-83.
Leblanc J, Fliss I, Matar C. Induction of a humoral immune response following an Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection with an immunomodulatory peptidic fraction derived from Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2004;11:1171-81.
LeBlanc JG, Matar C, Valdez JC, LeBlanc J, Perdigon G. Immunomodulating effects of peptidic fractions issued from milk fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus. J Dairy Sci 2002;85:2733-42.
Lee MC, Lin LH, Hung KL, Wu HY. Oral bacterial therapy promotes recovery from acute diarrhea in children. Acta Paediatr Taiwan 2001;42:301-5.
Lindfors K, Blomqvist T, Juuti-Uusitalo K, et al. Live probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria inhibit the toxic effects induced by wheat gliadin in epithelial cell culture. Clin Exp Immunol 2008;152:552-8.
Majamaa H, Isolauri E. Probiotics: a novel approach in the management of food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:179-85.
Mastretta E, Longo P, Laccisaglia A, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus GG and breastfeeding in the prevention of rotavirus nosocomial infection. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2002;35:527-31.
McCarthy J, O'Mahony L, O'Callaghan L, et al. Double blind, placebo controlled trial of two probiotic strains in interleukin 10 knockout mice and mechanistic link with cytokine balance. Gut 2003;52:975-80.
McNaught CE, Woodcock NP, MacFie J, Mitchell CJ. A prospective randomised study of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299V on indices of gut barrier function in elective surgical patients. Gut 2002;51:827-31.
Mimura T, Rizzello F, Helwig U, et al. Once daily high dose probiotic therapy (VSL#3) for maintaining remission in recurrent or refractory pouchitis. Gut 2004;53:108-14.
Morimoto K, Takeshita T, Nanno M, Tokudome S, Nakayama K. Modulation of natural killer cell activity by supplementation of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei in habitual smokers. Prev Med 2005;40:589-94.
Nagao F, Nakayama M, Muto T, Okumura K. Effects of a fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on the immune system in healthy human subjects. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2000;64:2706-8.
Naruszewicz M, Johansson ML, Zapolska-Downar D, Bukowska H. Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on cardiovascular disease risk factors in smokers. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1249-55.
Nobaek S, Johansson ML, Molin G, Ahrne S, Jeppsson B. Alteration of intestinal microflora is associated with reduction in abdominal bloating and pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1231-8.
O'Mahony L, McCarthy J, Kelly P, et al. Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles. Gastroenterology 2005;128:541-51.
Orrhage K, Sillerstrom E, Gustafsson JA, Nord CE, Rafter J. Binding of mutagenic heterocyclic amines by intestinal and lactic acid bacteria. Mutat Res 1994;311:239- 48.
Ouwehand AC, Lagstrom H, Suomalainen T, Salminen S. Effect of probiotics on constipation, fecal azoreductase activity and fecal mucin content in the elderly. Ann Nutr Metab 2002;46:159-62.
Park HY, Bae EA, Han MJ, Choi EC, Kim DH. Inhibitory effects of Bifidobacterium spp. isolated from a healthy Korean on harmful enzymes of human intestinal microflora. Arch Pharm Res 1998;21(1):54-61.
Peant B, LaPointe G, Gilbert C, Atlan D, Ward P, Roy D. Comparative analysis of the exopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters from four strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Microbiology 2005;151(Pt 6):1839-51.
Pedone CA, Arnaud CC, Postaire ER, Bouley CF, Reinert P. Multicentric study of the effect of milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei on the incidence of diarrhoea. Int J Clin Pract 2000;54(9):568-71.
Pena JA, Versalovic J. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG decreases TNF-alpha production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophages by a contact-independent mechanism. Cell Microbiol 2003;5(4):277-85.
Peran L, Camuesco D, Comalada M, et al. Preventative effects of a probiotic, Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salivarius, in the TNBS model of rat colitis. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11(33):5185-92.
Plummer S, Weaver MA, Harris JC, Dee P, Hunter J. Clostridium difficile pilot study: effects of probiotic supplementation on the incidence of C. difficile diarrhoea. Int Microbiol 2004;7(1):59-62.
Reuter G. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium microflora of the human intestine: composition and succession. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 2001;2(2):43-53.
Roller M, Pietro Femia A, Caderni G, Rechkemmer G, Watzl B. Intestinal immunity of rats with colon cancer is modulated by oligofructose-enriched inulin combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Br J Nutr 2004;92(6):931-8.
Saavedra JM, Abi-Hanna A, Moore N, Yolken RH. Long-term consumption of infant formulas containing live probiotic bacteria: tolerance and safety. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79(2):261-7.
Saavedra JM, Bauman NA, Oung I, Perman JA, Yolken RH. Feeding of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in hospital for prevention of diarrhoea and shedding of rotavirus. Lancet 1994;344(8929):1046-9.
Salazar-Lindo E, Miranda-Langschwager P, Campos-Sanchez M, Chea-Woo E, Sack RB. Lactobacillus casei strain GG in the treatment of infants with acute watery diarrhea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN67363048]. BMC Pediatr 2004;4:18.
Schell MA, Karmirantzou M, Snel B, et al. The genome sequence of Bifidobacterium longum reflects its adaptation to the human gastrointestinal tract. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002;99(22):14422-7.
Schiffrin EJ, Rochat F, Link-Amster H, Aeschlimann JM, Donnet-Hughes A. Immunomodulation of human blood cells following the ingestion of lactic acid bacteria. J Dairy Sci 1995;78(3):491-7.
Sheih YH, Chiang BL, Wang LH, Liao CK, Gill HS. Systemic immunity-enhancing effects in healthy subjects following dietary consumption of the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20(2 Suppl):149-56.
Shiba T, Aiba Y, Ishikawa H, et al. The suppressive effect of bifidobacteria on Bacteroides vulgatus, a putative pathogenic microbe in inflammatory bowel disease. Microbiol Immunol 2003;47(6):371-8.
Silvestroni A, Connes C, Sesma F, De Giori GS, Piard JC. Characterization of the melA locus for alpha-galactosidase in Lactobacillus plantarum. Appl Environ Microbiol 2002;68(11):5464-71.
Spanhaak S, Havenaar R, Schaafsma G. The effect of consumption of milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on the intestinal microflora and immune parameters in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52(12):899-907.
Takahashi T, Nakagawa E, Nara T, Yajima T, Kuwata T. Effects of orally ingested Bifidobacterium longum on the mucosal IgA response of mice to dietary antigens. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62(1):10-5.
Terahara M, Meguro S, Kaneko T. Effects of lactic acid bacteria on binding and absorption of mutagenic heterocyclic amines. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62(2):197-200.
Thibault H, Aubert-Jacquin C, Goulet O. Effects of long-term consumption of a fermented infant formula (with Bifidobacterium breve c50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) on acute diarrhea in healthy infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2004;39(2):147-52.
Tojo M, Oikawa T, Morikawa Y, et al. The effects of Bifidobacterium breve administration on campylobacter enteritis. Acta Paediatr Jpn 1987;29(1):160-7.
Topping DL, Clifton PM. Short-chain fatty acids and human colonic function: roles of resistant starch and nonstarch polysaccharides. Physiol Rev 2001;81(3):1031-64.
Tursi A, Brandimarte G, Giorgetti GM, Forti G, Modeo ME, Gigliobianco A. Low-dose balsalazide plus a high-potency Probiotic preparation is more effective than balsalazide alone or mesalazine in the treatment of acute mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Med Sci Monit 2004;10(11):PI126-31.
Van de Guchte M, Penaud S, Grimaldi C, et al. The complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus reveals extensive and ongoing reductive evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006;103(24):9274-9.
Woodmansey EJ, McMurdo ME, Macfarlane GT, Macfarlane S. Comparison of compositions and metabolic activities of fecal microbiotas in young adults and in antibiotic-treated and non-antibiotic-treated elderly subjects. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004;70(10):6113-22.
Yamamah GAN. The role of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics in controlling infantile watery diarrhea. Egypt Med J NRC 2005;4(3):29-34.
Yamamoto N, Maeno M, Takano T. Purification and characterization of an antihypertensive peptide from a yogurt-like product fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus CPN4. J Dairy Sci 1999;82(7):1388-93.
Yamamoto N, Ono H, Maeno M, Ueda Y, Takano T, Momose H. Classification of Lactobacillus helveticus strains by immunological differences in extracellular proteinases. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62(6):1228-30.
Yasui H, Kiyoshima J, Hori T, Shida K. Protection against influenza virus infection of mice fed Bifidobacterium breve YIT4064. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 1999;6(2):186-92.
Shop 
