The most beneficial probiotic 'good' bacteria

LACTOBACILLUS strains

from: lactis = milk; bacillus = rod

Lactobacillus bacteria are the most numerous and important of the species in the small intestine. They:

• Produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose
• Ferment carbohydrates in the gut, producing lactic acid which helps create an acidic environment
• Inhibit “bad” bacteria that prefer alkaline surroundings
• Help mineral absorption

Lactobacillus ACIDOPHILUS [L. acidophilus]

There are many sub-strains of L.acidophilus, some of which are more suited to taking in supplements and foods, as they better survive the stomach acids and bile salts of the digestive system. Variant DDS-1 is one of these, which has been shown to survive, multiply and form a colony in the intestinal wall.

• Supports nutrient absorption and helps creates vitamin K
• Relieves gas and bloating and helps with the digestion of dairy foods
• Helps to kill pathogenic bacteria like candida and h. pylori and has been shown to reduce harmful e. coli
• Supports vaginal health

Lactobacillus CASEI [L. casei]

• Supports immunity
• Inhibits the growth of h. pylori and helps fight infections
• Combined with other probiotic strains prevented antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and Clostridium difficile infections

Lactobacillus PLANTARUM [L. plantarum]

• Effective in supporting immune function
• May reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile associated disease in hospital patients following antibiotic administration
• Possible decreased risk of colorectal cancer
• Synthesises the amino-acid L-lysine

Lactobacillus RHAMNOSUS [L. rhamnosus]

Recognised for its ability to survive passage through the acidic GI tract.

• Supports bacterial balance, vaginal health and healthy skin
• Helps fight urinary tract infections, respiratory infections
• May reduce anxiety by reducing the level of stress hormones
• Can help prevent traveller's diarrhoea
• Potential treatment for gastrointestinal issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Lactobacillus BULGARICUS [L. bulgaricus]

L. bulgaricus is a "starter culture" in the dairy industry that encourages the growth of other probiotic bacteria. Some strains have been shown to withstand the low pH levels within the stomach during digestion. Colonies appear to grow when they are needed and decrease in level when they are not.

• Helps neutralise toxins
• Kills harmful bacteria by producing its own natural antibiotics

Lactobacillus FERMENTUM [L. fermentum]

This strain, which has been found in the probiotic foods sourdough and kimchi, produces superoxide dismutase and glutathione, both powerful antioxidants.

• Acts against foodborne pathogens
• Helps neutralise toxic products made during digestion

Lactobacillus PARACASEI [L. paracasei]

A robust strain found in the small intestine. May also colonise the colon if taken with milk protein, increasing its resistance to stomach acid.

• Unique liver function support. A study including it lowered urine pH and improved liver function in half of subjects.
• Acts against foodborne pathogens

BIFIDOBACTERIUM

from: bifid = two branches

Bifidobacteria are particularly active as a scavenger of toxins, helping remove lead and heavy metals. They mainly inhabit the large intestine (colon). Numbers of bifidobacteria decline with age. They:

• Support liver function
• Help reduce inflammation

Bifidobacterium LACTIS [B. lactis]

• May support healthy cholesterol levels
• Eases ulcerative colitis
• Mitigates the effects of coeliac disease

Bifidobacterium BIFIDUM [B. bifidum]

The most dominant probiotic in the large intestine. Important for its ability to break down complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein into small components that the body can use more efficiently.

• Supports the production of vitamins
• Inhibits harmful bacteria
• Helps prevent diarrhoea

Bifidobacterium INFANTIS [B. infantis]

Comprises the largest population of beneficial bacteria in babies. Declines with age, but remains an important part of our microflora. Supplementation has been shown to decrease bloating and bowel movement difficulty.

Bifidobacterium LONGUM [B. longum]

Elderly patients administered B. longum showed heightened immune function for 20 weeks after discontinuing supplementation, which indicates that it can establish a colony.