Zeroing In on Probiotic Supplements

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We hear a lot about probiotics in the media and perhaps from people you know who are taking them (and that may include you!), but how much do you really know about the specific species in your supplement and the benefits they provide? Let’s zero in for a closer look.

We are also sometimes told to take a probiotic product containing various species and strains, which can be good advice. A review in the European Journal of Nutrition, for example, reported that probiotic products that contain multiple strains “appear to show greater efficacy than single strains.” However, it was uncertain whether this resulted from synergism between the strains or because the researchers had used high probiotic doses in some studies. 

However, numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of individual strains. Before taking any probiotics, whether a single or multiple-strain supplement, you should always know which advantages you might reap from your efforts. 

That’s why we are taking a closer look at a few of the probiotic strains on the market and what research has shown they may deliver in terms of health benefits.

Read about which probiotics are right for you

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Lactobacillus reuteri

This specific strain of Lactobacillus is well-researched and has several important health benefits attributed to it. You will find this beneficial lactic acid bacteria most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, breast milk, and skin. L. reuteri does not always stay in the gut for a prolonged period of time unless it is replenished. Food sources of L. reuteri include meat and dairy products, and probiotic supplements are also suggested. Supplements are especially recommended for vegans and most vegetarians. 

Scientists have shown that this antimicrobial can inhibit the colonization of damaging microbes, benefit the immune system by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory substances, and strengthen the intestinal tract. This probiotic also has been used to treat the inflammation and infection associated with necrotizing colitis, a gastrointestinal disease sometimes seen in infants.

L. reuteri offers many other health advantages as well. For example, several studies have published information of special interest to women, with one report showing that the use of an L. reuteri probiotic in mice who had been treated with antibiotics (which damage the probiotic balance in the microbiome) prevented trabecular bone loss and thus may help with osteoporosis. Other benefits of L. reuteri include reducing the risk of developing allergies as well as bleeding gums and plaque accumulation.  

Read about 8 reasons to take probiotics

Bifidobacterium infantis

Bifidobacterium infantis is another type of lactic acid bacteria, and this one is most often found in the digestive tract and mouth. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, taking this probiotic may help relieve symptoms, as has been shown in some research. Other experts have explored its usefulness in premature infants who suffer from inflammation and an unbalanced microbiome. Infants given this probiotic showed reduced inflammation, increased ability to utilize beneficial human milk substances, and a decline in antibiotic-resistant genes. 

You may want it on your radar if you suffer from ulcerative colitis. Experts have known for some time that this probiotic can help manage this disease. In a new study, however, they explain how B. infantis “orchestrates a molecular network” that includes genome stability, which helps control the development of ulcerative colitis at several levels. 

Multi-strain Bifidobacterium

Sometimes you want or need a broader approach to bacterial balance or symptom relief, and a probiotic with multi-strains of Bifidobacterium may be in order. Bifidobacterium can provide symptom relief in various health conditions ranging from asthma to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), in which there is an abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine. Bifidobacterium strains may provide relief for its symptoms, such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, malnutrition, and unintentional weight loss. Other benefits you may enjoy from taking various Bifidobacterium strains include relief from eczema, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as better immune system function, reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections, and improved nutrient bioavailability. 

For example, individuals who experience allergic rhinitis or asthma may get relief by taking a variety of Bifidobacterium strains, as they can suppress immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is involved in allergies. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of children with either of these conditions, the scientists found that those who took a mixture of B. longum BB53, B. infantis M-63, and B. breve M-16V showed significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life when compared with children who took a placebo. 

Choosing probiotic supplements

Choose a probiotic that fits your needs. In some cases, that’s a single-species product; oftentimes, it means a multi-strain supplement. Speak with a knowledgeable professional if you are uncertain about the best product for your unique needs.

Generally, it is recommended you refrigerate probiotic supplements, especially those containing Bifidobacterium varieties which are extremely delicate. Also, always look for enteric-coated products, as this allows the powerful probiotics to survive stomach acid. It’s also suggested you purchase soy- and dairy-free products to avoid any possible intolerance or allergic reactions.

Bottom line

Probiotic supplements serve many needs, from supporting and maintaining general health to targeting specific symptoms or managing short-term or long-term health conditions. For best results, choose high-quality, refrigerated, enteric-coated probiotic supplements.

[Editor’s Note: We trust the probiotics from New Roots Herbal. If you are in Canada, you can buy their refrigerated and enteric-coated probiotics at your local health food store.] 

Sources
Cervoni B. The health benefits of Bifidobacterium. VeryWellHealth 2022 Jan 22
Chapman CM et al. Health benefits of probiotics: are mixtures more effective than single strains? European Journal of Nutrition 2011 Feb; 50(1):1-17. 
Clarke G et al. Review article: probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome – focus on lactic acid bacteria. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2012 Feb; 35(4):403-13
Del Giudice M et al. Bifidobacterium mixture (B longum BB536, B infantis M-63, B breve M-16V) treatment in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and intermittent asthma. Italian Journal of Pediatrics 2017; 43(1):25.
Expertanswer (Expertsvar in Swedish). Lactobacillus reuteri good for health, Swedish study finds. ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101102131302.htm 
Han T et al. Bifidobacterium infantis maintains genome stability in ulcerative colitis via regulating anaphase-promoting complex subunit 7. Frontiers in Microbiology 2021(12):761113. 
Mu Q et al. Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in human health and diseases. Frontiers in Microbiology 2018; 9:757. 
Nguyen M et al. Impact of probiotic B. infantis EVC001 feeding in premature infants on the gut microbiome, nosocomially acquired antibiotic resistance, and enteric inflammation. Frontiers in Pediatrics 2021; 9:618009.
Patel K. Lactobacillus reuteri. Examine 2021 Dec 15
Schepper JD et al. Involvement of the gut microbiota and barrier function in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Journal of Bone Mineral Research 2020 Apr; 35(4):801-20.
Zuo L et al. Bifidobacterium infantis attenuates colitis by regulating T cell subset responses. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2014 Dec; 20(48):18316-18329.
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Lisa Roth Collins, RHN
Lisa Roth Collins is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and is the Marketing Manager at NaturallySavvy.com. She is passionate about health and wellness and tries her best to make healthier choices every day for herself and her family. Her journey to natural health was driven by her own struggles with digestive discomfort, depression, and anxiety. Lisa returned to school in 2014 to study nutrition at the Canadian School for Natural Nutrition. She threw herself into her studies so she could learn as much as she could to help herself feel better and thrive. Upon completing the program and being certified as an RHN, Lisa began her work at Naturally Savvy where she has been able to help so many people learn to make healthier choices for themselves. Through her work, she has connected with so many incredible people in the industry whether other authors, influencers, or brands. Plus, she is affectionately known as "Techie Spice" because of her ability to wrap her head around technology. Every day she gets up with a renewed sense of energy and ready to make a difference. You can read all of Lisa's content here. In her spare time, Lisa loves to try new recipes, make delicious and nourishing meals, and she is an avid reader. For more information about Lisa, check out her profile on here.