Probiotic bacteria to profit the gut health
The gut microbiota is a diverse and vastly populated ecosystem as each of us, in our approximately two kg of gut microbial content, harbours more than 1014 microbes including 100-150 different species. Most importantly, the gut microbiota noticeably contributes to our health by for example influencing our physiology and immune system, and protecting us against enteric infections.
At birth the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is sterile but will immediately interact with environmental and maternal microbes. The species composition mainly depends on the delivery mode and feeding regime of the infant. These early phases of bacterial colonisation are critical for the development of our immune system and may have a direct impact on our health later in life. As our diets and exposure to microbes expand the diversity of the gut microbiota increases and within a few years an adult-like microbiota is reached. The gut microbiota of healthy adults is characterised by being stable and personal (unique to each individual), nevertheless, aging turns it less stable and with decreased diversity, which can be linked to a decline of the functionality of the immune system.
Our gut microbiota metabolise non-absorbed nutrients and in the process generate numerous metabolites many of which impact our metabolism, immune system, induce colonic cell proliferation, neurological signalling, intestinal hormone balance, and bone density, among others. As a consequence, several disease conditions can be linked to an aberrant gut microbiota such as autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, and multiple sclerosis), metabolic disorders (type II diabetes and dyslipidaemia), and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it has become essential to find ways to specifically influence the gut microbiota to promote health.
The gut microbiota is in a state of equilibrium and its composition is affected by genetic, ecological, and environmental factors such as dietary habits, age and antibiotic intake. Although the links between gut microbiota and health have long been known recent technological advances have allowed scientists to explore these relations in greater depth. With better understanding of this complex system it will be easier to assess the influence of specific probiotic bacteria to target symptoms and diseases.
Several clinical studies with probiotic bacteria have been conducted with promising results and in addition to generic available strains, such as Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Sacco System has the following relevant licensed strains to enhance the gut microbiota:
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1505
• Blend of 12 strains; VYS MIX 8, CSL
• Synbio®; blend of Lb. rhamnosus IMC 501® and Lb. paracasei IMC 502®
• Lactobacillus casei BGP 93
• VYS Bifi®; blend of three bifidobacteria