10 BEST PROBIOTIC BACTERIA

10 high-potency live hardy strains

Research at the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Cultures now shows that certain strains developed there meet the strict criteria for effectiveness.
Two strains in particular give an outstanding performance. Added to those are 8 other viable hardy strains with particular properties.

Probiotic Strain 1: B. coagulans

Bacillus coagulans ProDURA™ is a unique endospore bacterium strain which is encased in an outer shell, allowing it to withstand the harsh environment of the gut. It has been shown to remain potent even at room temperature for 3 years, and can survive temperatures of up to 100°.

When these bacteria encounter the ideal conditions of temperature, pH, and moisture in the large intestine, they revert to their active form.

Human and in vitro research (refs) shows B. coagulans bacteria:

  • Support a healthy balance of beneficial to harmful bacteria
  • Support the health of the vaginal and gastrointestinal tracts
  • Helps break down lactose
  • Help maintain cholesterol levels already within a normal range

Probiotic Strain 2:  L. acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is manufactured with unique stabilisers that confer proven persistence in the gut (see reference below). It produces acidophilin, a natural antibiotic compoud and helps produce vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Like Bacillus coagulans, it also helps suppress pathogenic bacteria such as H. pylori, E. coli, Psudeomonas, and S. aureus.

A randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 confers statistically significant relief in the case of lactose intolerance.

Probiotic Strain 3: B. lactis

Bifidobacterium lactis is a lactic acid bacterium that can help fight lactose intolerance, support the immune system and reduce the occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

According to the  American Society for Microbiology, B. lactis has beneficial microorganisms that help with the elimination of toxic waste in the colon and thus help combat colitis – inflammation of the colon.

Bifidobacterium may also help relief constipation when consumed over a 3-6 week period.

Probiotic Strain 4: L. casei

Lactobacillus casei is documented to have a wide pH and temperature tolerance, and complements the growth of L. acidophilus, a producer of the enzyme amylase – itself a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme.

There is research evidence that L. casei may reduce the risk and symptoms of IBS, and inhibit H.pylori, the harmful bacteria that can precipitate ulcers. It helps reduce allergenic responses and inhibits and reduces diarrhoea episodes.

A small double-blind study Japanese study on L. casei showed that HDL cholesterol (the good kind) was much significantly higher in the probiotic supplement group compared to the placebo group, and triglyceride levels also decreased.

Probiotic Strain 5: L. rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been used to prevent diarrhoea and to lessen the effect of seasonal allergies, particularly hay fever. It may also help lessen the effect of irritable bowel syndrome and reduce vaginal infections caused by bacteria.

Probiotic Strain 6: L. plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic found in the Korean food kimchi and in sauerkraut.  Studies show that L. plantarum is resistant to most antibiotics – which is important as antibiotics can cause serious yeast overgrowth. L. plantarum shows benefit against IBS and gut inflammation.

Probiotic Strain 7: L. gasseri

Lactobacillus gasseri is a probiotic that can help with weight loss.  Recent studies show that: “Visceral adipose tissue was significantly decreased group compared with the placebo group”. And that: “Waist circumferences were significantly decreased .. compared with the baseline values, but not in the placebo group.”

L. gasseri also seems to help reduce IBS symptoms and specifically abdominal pain. And at least two studies show that L. gasseri may help to improve vaginal health and prevent bacterial vaginosis.

Probiotic Strain 8: S. thermophilus

Streptococcus thermophilus is mostly found in the colon. Also known as Streptococcus salivarius thermophilus, the last part of its denomination – thermophilus – refers to this strain’s capacity to withstand higher temperatures, making it a particularly resistant probiotic.

It is known to produces antibiotic compounds that help prevent infection from pathogens and bacteria like pneumonia, and C. difficile.  It has also been researched to help reduce the risk of ulcers and may help in cases of IBS.

Probiotic Strain 9: B. longum

Bifidobacterium longum. Clinical data shows that B. longum – also known as B. infantis – supports immune function. It has been shown to increase Natural Killer cell activity. In particular, B. longum has been shown to help lower the incidence of respiratory tract infections and flu.

Other research indicates that B. longum can ‘significantly’ decrease enterotoxins (intestinal toxins) that are associated with gut inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease. Additional studies confirm that B. longum may suppress IgE levels – a key marker of allergic response.

Finally, B. longum is a strain that has been shown, in animal studies, to help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Probiotic Strain 10: B. bifidum

Bifidobacterium bifidum. Levels of B. bifidum decline with age. It is a probiotic that helps improve the immune system and reduce general infections from pathogens. It has been shown to reduce the severity of irritable bowel syndrome, and of diarrhoea – especially when combined with L. rhamnosus.

Studies show that it also combines well with B. lactis and L. acidophilus to help people with IBS. B. bifidum may also improve blood sugar control and reduce stress.

Tolerance of acid and bile

The results for all 10 strains in MicroBiotic Plus, selected for their synergistic effect, are:

Probiotic strainAcid toleranceBile tolerance
% Survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 hour at 37°C% Survival in 0.3%
Lactobacillus Acidophilus DDS-1>90%>90%
Bacillus coagulans ProDURA™>95%>90%
Lactobacillus plantarum>90%>90%
Lactobacillus casei>90%>90%
Bifdobacterium lactis>90%>90%
Bifidobacterium longum>80%>80%
Bifidobacterium bifidum>80%>80%
Lactobacillus gasseri>75%>75%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus>70%>70%
Streptococcus thermophilus>70%>70%

 

♦ READ more about most beneficial probiotic 'good' bacteria ♦

References