TECHNICAL INFORMATION
There are numerous species and strains of bacteria that reside in and are
essential for normal gastrointestinal function. Certain species of these
bacteria have been consistently promoted to restore the balance of beneficial
bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. Due to the large number of
different species present throughout the GI tract, the use of a broad spectrum
flora complex, containing a large number of species may be more successful at
restoring bacterial balance than a single probiotic.[5]
Promotion of beneficial bacteria balance
Bifidobacteria breve has been found
to inhibit several detrimental bacteria including Escherichia coli,[6]
Enterococcus,[7] Gardnerella vaginalis[8] and Pseudomonas species.[8]
Lactobacillus acidophilus may exert anti-microbial activity as well as provide a
protective effect against invasion of organisms such as E. coli.[9, 10]
Lactobacillus gasseri is a probiotic strain of human
origin, which has been shown to suppress Helicobacter pylori.[11, 12]
Diarrhoea
In conjunction with L. acidophilus supplementation, Lactobacillus casei has been
found to significantly reduce duration of diarrhoea and vomiting in
children.[13] Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to prevent paediatric
antibiotic associated diarrhoea, reduce viral diarrhoea and up-regulate
intestinal mucin secretions in vitro.[14] A randomized controlled trial has
shown therapy with L. gasseri in combination with Bifidobacterium longum to
shorten the duration and decrease the severity of acute diarrhoea in adults.
Antibiotic Side effects
A recent randomized clinical trial has demonstrated the benefits of
Streptococcus thermophilus (in a formula with Bifidobacteria) in preventing
antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD) in infants. There was a significant
difference in the incidence of AAD in the children receiving probiotic-supplemented
formula (16%) than those receiving a nonsupplemented formula (31%).[16]
Consumption of Lactobacillus bulgaricus in combination
with L. casei and S. thermophilus reduced the incidence of antibiotic associated
diarrhoea, in a randomized controlled trial of patients taking antibiotics.[17]
Candida
In vitro studies showed significantly enhanced Candida albicans growth with
tetracycline. L. plantarum, when given after tetracycline, markedly reduced C.
albicans cell counts.[18]
Immune function
L. casei may increase secretory IgA concentrations. IgA is one of the most
important first line of defence mechanisms of the immune system (humoral
immunity) in the mouth, digestive system, lungs, urinary tract and other body
cavities. Infants supplemented with a strain of L. casei have enhanced
concentrations of circulating IgA, which correlates with a shortened duration of
rotavirus-induced diarrhoea.[19] L. casei may also contribute to immune function
by stimulating macrophages.[20]
L. plantarum enhances immune function by modulating the
expression of Interleukin-10 and Interleukin 12. In this way it plays a role in
the regulation of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines.[21]
B. longum may exert some of its protective effects in the
gut via the production of IgA. Mice fed with B. longum were found to have
significantly increased IgA in the small intestines and in the Peyer's patches.
This suggests that B. longum may protect the intestinal mucosa from dietary
antigens that escape enzymatic digestion.[22]
Consumption of B. lactis has also been shown to increase
the proportions of total helper and activated T lymphocytes and natural killer
cells, enhancing cellular immunity in the elderly.
