Intestinal Health - Probiotics and FOS

• Probiotic research studies
• Probiotic Optimizer™

Probiotics and Digestion

Inside each of us is a vast ecosystem, as complex as the soil or the oceans, that helps digest food and contributes to health and well-being. These acids, enzymes and bacteria actually digest your food, while the intestines manage the flow, an orderly sequence of contractions like a wave motion, called peristalsis, and allow absorption of the nutrients which result from digestion by the bacteria. Gene experts, after studying the DNA of hundreds of different kinds of bacteria in the human intestines, have reached the conclusion that the human race survives, even thrives, with the help of millions of bacteria within our bodies.

Reporting in Science, researchers say that the thriving microbiologic community in adults consists of up to 100 trillion bacteria, representing more than 1,000 different species, and include more than 60,000 distinct genes - twice as many as in the human genome. The team suggests that studying bacteria native to our bodies may provide important clues to disease, nutrition, obesity and how well drugs will work in individuals.

Scientists from the Institute for Genomic Research in Maryland say that because bacteria are so important to key functions such as digestion and the immune system that we may be in fact be symbiotic organisms - relying on one another for life itself. This microbial population is what dictates our well-being and any change or shift within this population which may lead to the absence or presence of beneficial microbes, can trigger defects in metabolism and the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Daily supplementation with probiotics will result in reduced production of putrefactive substances and toxic metabolites (such as ammonia, indole, skatol, cresol, phenols and amines). Thus a healthy intestine with adequate and balanced bacteria (probiotics) will provide healthy digestion, minimizing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It will help optimize absorption of the nutrients in your food.

Probiotic Benefits

Most of the bacteria in the gut are anaerobic, i.e., thriving in non- or low-oxygen environments. These flora increase in number and complexity along the length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; the further down the intestines, the greater the number of bacteria. The composition of the intestinal microflora also varies from one individual to another depending on diet, age, medication, stress levels and physiological conditions. Some species or strains (subspecies) of friendly flora "implant," that is, adhere to the intestinal and vaginal mucosa, while others are transient. Transient flora may reproduce while moving through the large intestines, but do not colonize and soon pass out in the stool.

The natural balance maintained within the intestines can become disrupted by a number of factors. Stress affects the gastrointestinal tract. Contaminants such as traces of insecticide, pesticide, and herbicide on foods is disruptive. Many prescription drugs disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the intestine. Antibiotics are notorious, as they were designed to kill bacteria - one just doesn't want to decimate all the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract in order to treat the flu.

In such cases, consuming sufficient probiotic bacteria via fermented foods (such as yogurt) or dietary supplements is essential to encouraging intestinal health. Indeed, the term probiotics is defined as a live microbial supplement that beneficially affects the host by improving its microbial balance. In other words, probiotics provide benefits by improving the health of the host by positively affecting the intestinal tract.

Probiotic Strains

A superior probiotic formulation will provide billions of the two most important groups of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. The intestines range from a relatively alkaline environment (pH) of the small intestine to an increasingly acidic environment in the large intestine. No one strain of bacteria can provide benefits throughout the entire length of the alimentary canal.

Probiotic manufacturers utilize synergistic groups of species that benefit each other. Research has found that supplying multiple groups of lactic acid bacteria together facilitates their replication.

Rejuvenation Science Advanced Probiotic & FOS exclusively utilizes the finest strains from Rhodia Incorporated, the world’s leading supplier of high quality probiotic ingredients, and
is enteric-coated to ensure that the bacteria in this product are not destroyed in stomach acid but reach the small and large intestines where they are most beneficial. Probiotic Optimizer is a vegetarian product that contains virtually no lactose.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus is a well-studied microflora species that’s highly resistant to gastric acidity and is able to proliferate in the presence of bile. Like many probiotic organisms, it also adheres well to intestinal cells, helping to prevent the adherence of certain enteropathogens5.
• Lactobacillus casei is a microflora strain that is found in the human mouth and intestines as well as in fermented vegetables, milk and meat. Recent research has shown that this bacterium is active in the GI tract and may help to modulate the immune system*. It has been the subject of research including minor immunological effects in the GI tract involving the inhibition of pathogens.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, is highly resistant to gastric acidity and proliferates well in bile. This species has greater survivability than L. acidophilus. This strain was discovered and developed by the Institute of Immunobiology and Virology in Belgrade. It produces prodigious amounts of polysaccharides, which aid adherence and stimulate immunity.
• Lactobacillus salivarius is a strain that has proven highly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial species implicated in a number of digestive conditions. Studies have shown that L. salivarius is capable of producing high amounts of lactic acid, which has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth in live subjects. Compared to other Lactobacillus strains, L. salivarius was proven to have the greatest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H. pylori,4 which is why this strain is included in Probiotic Optimizer™.
• Streptococcus thermophilus bacterium are isolated from yogurt and are recommended for lactose intolerant individuals to help digest lactose in the intestines. This strain is included in this formula to assist in the acidification of the intestinal environment, as well as to create a favorable environment for lactic acid bacteria.
• Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the workhorses of the large intestine. It has a high tolerance to gastric acidity, and, like L. acidophilus and many other probiotic organisms, it adheres well to intestinal cells, helping to prevent the adherence of certain enteropathogens5.
• Bifidobacterium longum is a bifidobacterium of human origin that, like lactobacillus, is extremely resistant to gastric acid and bile salts. Because it’s anaerobic (able to live without oxygen) it’s perfectly suited to colonize the colon. Initial studies have shown that this particular strain of bifidobacteria helps to support the immune system*. It also seems to decrease enzymatic activity in feces. Researchers believe enzymatic activity in feces may contribute to carcinogenesis.
• Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the most well-studied strains of probiotic bacteria, with a wealth of peer-reviewed, published research on its benefits. Clinical trials on B. lactis have shown it to be helpful in a number of digestive conditions, including diarrhea and lactose intolerance, as well as immune response modulation.5

Did you know that poor digestive function is a contributing factor in more than ninety percent of America’s serious health issues?! The waiting rooms of doctors are jam packed, in part because so many people are suffering with gastrointestinal problems.

Proteins, the building blocks of life; carbohydrates and fats, your body’s source of energy; vitamins and minerals; and water – all are assimilated through digestion. If you’re not properly digesting the foods you eat, your body isn’t obtaining the nutrients it needs to repair, renew and thrive.2,3.

While there are a multitude of factors involved in healthy digestive function, one of the most important is the delicate balance of bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are three main types of flora in the human GI tract - Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides and Eubacterium. Of slightly less importance are Lactobacilli, Streptococci and Peptococci and other transitory flora1. Our stomachs and intestines are populated by hundreds of billions of these bacteria, or microflora.

While a good balance of these different microflora is necessary, there are many factors that can, and do, disrupt this balance – certain medications, a poor diet, infection, stress, bad bacteria, aging and even the climate. The good news is a rapidly expanding body of research suggests that supplementing the diet with the right mix of microflora can have a beneficial affect on gastrointestinal function, and therefore overall health.

Prebiotics are the Food Source for Probiotics

Prebiotics, such as FOS (FructoOligoSaccharides) are used by the beneficial bacteria residing in the colon as a food source, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, which suppress harmful organisms.

FOS is a pure natural extract of chicory. It provides many health benefits similar to soluble dietary fiber. Being a non-digestible carbohydrate, it is not broken down by the digestive tract and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels in the body. No fermentation of sugar is used during the extraction of FOS, as it is a plant extract.

Different Probiotic Needs Throughout the Intestines

In the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum), the primary lactic flora which can be supplemented are the lactobacilli, although enterococci are also present. The large intestine exhibits a large proportion of bifidobacteria in addition to its components of lactobacilli and enterococci. The typical intestinal and vaginal flora include several species of lactic acid bacteria which perform different activities according to the nature of their enzyme systems.

In the case of carbohydrate processing, for example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus ferments at least 24 different carbohydrates; L. acidophilus, up to 16; and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, 7 different carbohydrates. This means that the lactic bacteria are important for completing the processing of carbohydrates in the gut. Bifidobacteria, which are located mainly in the large intestine, can ferment a variety of undigested carbohydrates, such as lactulose and oligosaccharides, and produce lactic and acetic acids which are effective against pathogens and putrefactive bacteria (such as clostridia). The body's own "friendly" bacteria are its best protection against pathogenic bacterial species and yeasts.

Probiotic bacteria are important aids to normal digestion and assimilation beyond the simple processing of carbohydrates. Some species of lactic acid bacteria contribute to the digestion of proteins, some deconjugate bile salts and lower cholesterol levels, some produce specific antibiotics, while others stimulate the immune system.

Requirements for Multi-Species Probiotic Success

There are several properties that are required from strains of lactic acid bacteria if these are to result in an efficient probiotic. No single strain can easily fulfill all these requirements. A mixture of species, therefore, is usually most suitable for supplementation. The most desirable properties of a good probiotic are:

• Compatibility among the strains
• Ability to survive passage through the digestive tract
• Stable under normal gastric conditions
• Resistant to bile salts
• Adherence to intestinal mucosa
• Colonization of the human intestinal tract
• Safety with regard to human use
• Production of antimicrobial substances
• Antagonism against pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria
• Stability during storage under normal conditions
• Enteric coated to protect against stomach acid

The ability to enteric coat live bacteria is yet another significant advance in the supplementation of probiotic strains for health. The acidity of the stomach forms an important natural barrier against the entry of bacteria and yeasts into the rest of the digestive tract. However, this same barrier can impede probiotic supplementation.

8-Strain Formulation

Advanced Probiotic & FOS is the perfect combination for increasing your intestinal probiotic population and enhancing your health and well-being. Daily supplementation of probiotics will result in reduced production of putrefactive substances and toxic metabolites (such as ammonia, indole, skatol, cresol and phenols and amines). FOS has been shown to enhance the growth of bifidobacteria and production of SCFAs (short chain fatty acids), while lowering intestinal pH, reducing transit time and slightly increasing fecal bulk.

One capsule of Advanced Probiotic & FOS contains approximately 4 billion organisms.

Regular probiotics not produced with special technology to be stable die off rapidly at room temperature. At 70° F, the loss is at least 10 -15% per month. At over 80° F, loss is more rapid. Non-refrigeration for as much as a week will not produce significant loss.

10-Strain Formulation

High Potency Probiotic & FOS is a combination of 10 species of beneficial bacteria. Selected to be resistant to gastric acid, these strains were developed to safely pass the stomach and deliver healthy organisms to the intestines, without need for an enteric coated capsule. This product is formulated to deliver a potency of 25 or 50 billion organisms through the "Best By" date when stored under refrigeration. Ongoing stability testing suggests, however, that the product is also ambient (room) temperature stable. Ambient temperature stability has been tested at 14 months so far, and the product retains its full potency. Thus it may be shipped without expensive cold packaging.

Usage And Safety

Suggested consumption ranges from 1 to 3 capsules per day, taken 20-60 minutes after eating. Some studies have used the equivalent of 4-5 capsules daily. Usage may be modified as directed by your qualified health consultant.

References

Adawi D, Ahrne S, Molin G. Effects of different probiotic strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on bacterial translocation and liver injury in an acute liver injury model. Int J Food Microbiol. 2001 Nov 8;70(3):213-20.

Brudnak, Mark A.; The Probiotic Solution: Nature’s Best-Kept Secret for Radiant Health, Dragon Door Publications, 2003.

Drisko, J. et. al. Probiotics in health maintenance and disease prevention, Alternative Medicine Review, May, 2003.

Easo JG, Measham JD, Munroe J, Green-Johnson JIM. Immunostimulatory actions of lactobacilli: Mitogenic induction of antibody production and spleen cell proliferation by lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Food and Agricultural Immunology 2002;14:73-83.

Gopal PK, et al. In vitro adherence properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus DR20 and Bifidobacterium lactis DR10 strains and their antagonistic activity against an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Int J Food Microbiol. 2001 Aug 5;67(3):207-16

Grill JP, Cayuela C, Antoine JIM, Schneider F Effects of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Bifidobacterium breve on cholesterol. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2000;31:154-156.

Kostrzynska M, Hawke A, Dixon J, and Lepp D. The effect of probiotic microorganisms on the adhesion of E. coli 0157:H7 to intestinal epithelial cells. Presented at the 4th Food Network Meeting, Lacombe, AB Canada on May 30 - 31, 2002.

Kruisselbrink A, et al. Recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum inhibits house dust mite- specific T -cell responses. Clin Exp Immunol. 2001 Oct;126(1):2-8.

Isolauri E, Sutas Y Kankaanpaa P, Arvilommi H, Salminen S. Probiotics: effects on immunity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Feb;73(2 Suppl):444S-450S.

Lievin-Le Moal V, et al. Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain LB) from the resident adult human gastrointestinal microflora exerts activity against brush border damage promoted by a diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli in human enterocyte-like cells. Gut. 2002 Jun;50(6):803-11.

Matsumoto S, Watanabe N, Imaoka A, Okabe Y Preventive effects of Bifidobacterium- and Lactobacillus-fermented milk on the development of inflammatory bowel disease in senescence- accelerated mouse P1 Nit strain mice. Digestion. 2001;64(2):92-9.

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 Dec;76(6):1249-55.

Playne, M. & Salminen, S. Health Benefits of Probiotics: Human studies and clinical trials, Nutrafoods, 2002.

Schiffrin EJ, Blum S. Interactions between the microbiota and the intestinal mucosa. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Aug;56 Suppl 3:S60-4.

Tortora, Gerard J. & Grabowski, Sandra Reynolds; Principles of Anatomy and Physiology – Seventh Edition; Harper Collins, 1993.