A MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF THIS CHAPTER
• Each species of probiotics has its own health benefits.
• Each strain of probiotics has its own characteristics.
• Diseases can be helped by more than one species.
There are many different types of probiotics. Probiotics come from a variety of bacterial and yeast families. A family of microbes has similar characteristics such as shape and the ideal locations for them to live in the body. Each strain has its own ability to affect your health. Researchers are working hard to learn more about each probiotic species. In fact, some researchers are trying to discover more microbes that offer you health benefits.
To date, there is no one “ultimate” probiotic species. Research commonly finds that a combination of a number of different probiotic species offers the best health benefits. Below is a detailed description of most of the probiotic species used in probiotic supplements and foods today. You will discover that some of them are well known to support health and fight some diseases.
BIFIDOBACTERIUM BREVE
B. breve is a gram-positive bacteria which can produce lactic acid. B. breve is found in the lower intestinal tract of infants and in some adults as well as in the adult vagina. This species’ origin is from infant feces. Researchers have found B. breve to be capable of inhibiting E. coli and to be beneficial in people suffering from infectious diarrhea.
BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM
B. bifidum is a dominant species in the mucus membrane that lines the large intestine and vaginal tract. B. bifidum has antimicrobial actions. It prevents the colonization of invading pathogenic bacteria by attaching to the intestinal wall, crowding out and taking nutrients from the bad microbes. B. bifidum is a lactic acid bacterium and as such it produces lactic acid and acetic acids. The production of these acids by B. bifidum lowers the pH of the intestinal environment, further inhibiting the growth of bad microbes. Research on Bifidobacteria has found that these probiotics enhance the assimilation of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which are essential for proper bone health.
BIFIDOBACTERIA INFANTIS
B. infantis is an important probiotic often found in the lower intestinal tract of humans. It has been shown to stimulate the production of immunomodulating agents such as cytokines. It positively influences the immune system. Researchers have also found B. infantis to have an antibacterial effect against pathogens such as Clostridia, Shigella and Salmonella.
BIFIDOBACTERIA LACTIS
B. lactis is a probiotic found in large numbers in the large intestine. Resistant to stomach acid and bile salts, this probiotic is a good candidate for effectively reaching the intestines after oral consumption. Research has found that B. lactis offers beneficial effects in patients with eczema. B. lactis appears to increase T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells and thus beneficially enhances the immune system.
BIFIDOBACTERIUM LONGUM
B. longum is a lactic acid bacteria that can excrete both lactic acid and acetic acid into the environment. Its resistance to acidic pH and bilary salts makes it a great candidate for oral supplementation. In addition, this probiotic is of human origin, which means it is likely to colonize and set up camp in the human intestinal tract to offer maximum health benefits. Known to have antimicrobial effects, it has been found in clinical studies to be effective against diarrhea and other infectious diseases. B. longum can stimulate the immune system and appears to offer some cancer prevention. B. longum is prominent in healthy children, and has been found to be beneficial against some childhood diseases. In addition, in clinical studies B. longum has been found to reduce the frequency of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and nausea during antibiotic use.
ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM
Enterococcus is a gram-positive bacterium with a spherical to ovoid shape. It is found in the intestinal microflora of humans and animals. Clinical research has used the strain SF68 successfully for the management of diarheal illness, particularly in cases where pathogenic microbes, such as Rotavirus, invade the bowel. One study found that E. faecium was more effective than L. acidophilus in shortening the duration of diarrheal episodes. It has a strong activity against a variety of pathogenic organisms. E. faecium only transiently colonizes the gastrointestinal tract. It is safe and has been extensively researched by the World Health Organization. Studies show it may also lower LDL cholesterol.
LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS
L. acidophilus is a lactic acid bacterium with the ability to produce hydrogen peroxide. This may be one of the reasons it is effective in inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms from inhabiting and growing in the body. L. acidophilus produces natural antibacterials called lactocidin and acidophilin. These enhance resistance to pathogens. It is known to have an effective antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella, E. coli Rotavirus and Candida albicans. It is naturally found in human and animals, and thus colonizes well in the human digestive tract. L. acidophilus is one of the most well-known probiotics due to its natural presence in yogurt. It takes up residence in the small intestine, vagina, urethra and cervix. It aids in the production of niacin, folic acid and pyridoxine, three B vitamins. It may lower serum cholesterol. L. acidophilus has been found in clinical studies to be effective against antibiotic-associated diarrhea and appears to offer health benefits to people suffering from atopic disease, including dermatitis. Resistant to stomach acid and bile salts, this probiotic is a good candidate for effectively reaching the intestines after oral consumption.
LACTOBACILLUS BREVIS
L. brevis is a lactic acid bacterium that appears to be important to the synthesis of vitamins D and K. Research has shown that it may also be effective against H. pylori infections.
LACTOBACILLUS BULGARICUS
L. bulgaricus is a lactic acid-producing bacteria of dairy origin. It is resistant to acidic pH and bilary salts. It has antimicrobial effects and appears to offer beneficial effects in those suffering from diarrhea and infectious diseases. L. bulgaricus produces lactase, which can benefit those with lactose intolerance. It may offer some cancer prevention. L. bulgaricus has been used in clinical studies involving children with good success. Considered a transient microorganism, L. bulgaricus does not implant in the intestinal tract, but it still provides an important protective/beneficial role. Used in the commercial fermentation of yogurt, L. bulgaricus is a commonly consumed probiotic. Studies indicate that certain strains of L. bulgaricus stimulate production of interferon and tumor necrosis factor, thus stimulating and enhancing the immune system. In addition, L. bulgaricus helps to correct either constipation or diarrhea by significantly influencing the peristaltic action (rippling motion of muscles in the digestive tract) of the gastrointestinal tract.
LACTOBACILLUS CASEI
L. casei is a lactic acid-producing bacterium of human origin. It is closely related to L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus and has some of the same immuno-modulating effects as other Lactobacilli species. It has been found in research studies to offer health benefits to those suffering from diarrhea and infectious disease. This may be due to its ability to produce bacteriocins, which are compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine. L. casei may offer some preventative effects against cancer. L. casei is beneficial to those who are lactose intolerant, as it aids in the digestion of lactose. L. casei is sometimes referred to as L. casei subspecies paracasei, and L. casei subspecies rhamnosus.
LACTOBACILLUS HELVETICUS
L. helveticus is a probiotic of dairy origin. It is a lactic acid bacteria that has antimicrobial effects. Research suggests that L. helveticus offers some preventative effects against cancer. Clinical research indicates that L. helveticus may be beneficial to those with hypertension.
LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS
A lactic acid bacteria, L. lactis is of dairy origin. Research has found L. lactis has antimicrobial effects and is capable of inhibiting the growth of bad microbes. It may offer some preventative effects against cancer. L. lactis is also known to help fight oral disease and diseases of the urogenital and vaginal tracts.
LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM
One of the probiotics of vegetal origin, this lactic acid-producing bacteria has a wide array of health benefits. It has immune-stimulating effects in the human body. L. plantarum secretes lactolin, a natural antibacterial and is known to have the ability to synthesize the amino acid lysine, which, in high quantities, has an anti-viral effect against some viruses such as the herpes virus which causes cold sores. L. plantarum can eradicate pathogens such as S. aureus in laboratory tests. Research suggests that L. plantarum offers health effects that may benefit people with allergies, arthritis, high cholesterol, infectious diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. L. plantarum may also offer preventative effects against cancer. In a clinical trial, L. plantarum reduced flatulence in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI
L. reuteri is one of the most studied species as it offers two unique features. L. reuteri produces reuterin, an antimicrobial substance that has been found to be effective against many pathogenic microbes including Rotavirus. L. reuteri is a gram-positive, lactic acid bacteria that was originally isolated from human breast milk and is also found in most mammals’ intestines. Effective in infants and children suffering from Rotavirus infections, L. reuteri can reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea. It is also effective against antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea. It may also be effective against diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. Its antimicrobial actions also appear to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with ulcer formation in the stomach. L. reuteri has beneficial effects on the immune system and appears to be useful in those with atopic diseases. In North America, this species is only available in supplements offered by Nature’s Way.
LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS
Originally placed under L. casei, L. rhamnosus is thought to share many of the immune-modulating effects of L. casei. Resistant to stomach acid and bile salts, this probiotic is a good candidate for effectively reaching the intestines after oral consumption. A lactic acid producer, L. rhamnosus is found in the small intestine and vaginal tract. As such, it is not surprising that it is effective in inhibiting those bacteria involved in vaginal and urinary tract infections. L. rhamnosus is very prolific in growth. It grows rapidly in milk and is found in many fermented dairy products. Its growth ability allows it to quickly establish in the human intestinal tract. It has a high tolerance to bile salts and adheres to the intestinal mucosa, protecting against invading microbes. L. rhamnosus has antimicrobial activity and is effective in people suffering from diarrhea. Research suggests it may also down-regulate hypersensitivity and thus help in those suffering from intestinal inflammation, atopic diseases, food allergies and more. L. rhamnosus has been found to have significant benefits in the nutrition and well-being of infants and in the elderly. In the large intestine, L. rhamnosus inhibits the growth of Streptococci and Clostridia and creates conditions favorable to Bifidobacteria growth.
LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS GG
One particular strain of L. rhamnosus has been the subject of extensive research. Lactobacillus GG, named after the surnames of its discoverers Dr. Sherwood Gorbach and Dr. Barry Golden, was discovered in 1985. Lactobacillus GG is resistant to stomach acid and bile, which enables it to survive the passage from the mouth to the small intestines with minimal loss to numbers. In the small intestines, Lactobacillus GG can adhere to the intestinal mucosa and proliferate. It’s sold in over 30 countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America in products such as yogurt, milk drinks, cheese, juices and capsules. In North America, it’s sold under the name Culturelle. Lactobacillus GG has been researched in many clinical trials and has been found to offer many health benefits for a variety of diseases.
LACTOBACILLUS SALIVARIUS
L. salivarius helps normalize the intestinal flora in those suffering from chronic bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is a lactic acid bacteria. L. salivarius may be an effective inhibitor of the bacteria H. pylori, a bacteria associated with the formation of ulcers in the stomach. L. salivarius also appears to reduce flatulence.
PROPIONIBACTERIA
Species of Propionibacteria can be found all over the body. Propionibacteria are generally nonpathogenic; however, they can cause a number of infections, including the common skin disease acne vulgaris, which is caused by P. acnes. P. freudenreichii is used in Swiss cheese manufacturing to produce its flavor and characteristic holes. P. freudenreichii appears to offer health benefits to the host. In a clinical trial, P. freudenreichii was able to increase defecation frequency in elderly humans. It may also alleviate some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in combination with L. rhamnosus and B. breve.
SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII
S. boulardii is a yeast and a probiotic. It is also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Interestingly, it was first isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit in 1923. Clinical trials have shown it is effective at improving health in those with diarrhea associated with antibiotic use, as well as traveler’s diarrhea. It may help with diarrhea caused by C. difficile. Research has shown that S. boulardii may be beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS
S. thermophilus is found in dairy products such as yogurt. Resistant to stomach acid and bile salts, this probiotic is a good candidate for effectively reaching the intestines after oral consumption. It is efficient in breaking down lactose by producing the enzyme lactase, which is deficient in those with lactose intolerance. S. thermophilus is immune stimulating. It can stimulate the production of cytokine, a chemical used by the immune system to communicate and organize attacks against threatening bacteria and viruses S. thermophilus has been found in research to have antimicrobial effects, to lower cholesterol and to offer some benefits to those suffering from infectious diseases, diarrhea, children’s diseases and diseases of the skin, urogenital tract and vagina.
