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
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.]
