The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) is hosting a scientific symposium in Tokyo to foster global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Key findings from leading experts will be presented on innovative biotics research and microbiome science.
A global group of scientists and clinicians has established the first consensus definition of gut health, encompassing both physiological function and individual symptoms. The new framework provides a basis for measuring and improving gut health, with applications for researchers and clinical management of digestive health.
A group of leading scientists published a paper providing a decision tree to select the most appropriate quantification techniques for postbiotics. The framework helps ensure accurate characterization and reproducible manufacturing of postbiotic products.
A review of probiotics for restoring antibiotic-disturbed gut microbiota found limited conclusive evidence. While certain probiotics can reduce clinical symptoms like diarrhea and C. difficile colitis, the lack of standardization in measuring microbiota disruption and recovery hinders conclusions.
A new perspective paper emphasizes the critical role of diet in shaping the efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics. The authors found that diet significantly affects gut microbiome composition and function, potentially impacting the success of these interventions. Researchers are urged to collect data on participants' background diets a...
A new framework outlines essential criteria for establishing prebiotic status, emphasizing selective utilization, measurable health benefits, and safe use. The proposed guidelines aim to promote clarity and informed decision-making around prebiotic products.
A new perspective paper addresses common questions and misconceptions about the postbiotic definition, which excludes microbially-produced metabolites. The authors provide further justification for the concept, clarifying its scope and implications for commercial products.
A new study calls for collaborative efforts to improve probiotic manufacturing standards for preterm infants. The authors propose five action areas to optimize the safety of probiotic products, including collaboration between clinicians, pharmacies, and manufacturers.
A comprehensive review by experts confirms probiotics are generally safe for healthy individuals, but require careful evaluation for vulnerable populations. The review provides guidance on assessing probiotic safety, including genetic makeup analysis to identify potential risks.
A new study found that increased consumption of live dietary microbes is linked to better health outcomes, including lower waist circumference and body mass index. The research suggests that a higher intake of fermented foods, raw fruits, and vegetables may support immune function and increase the diversity of microbes in the gut.
A new paper highlights the need for globally harmonized probiotic regulatory approaches, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic characterization. It proposes a risk-tier system based on strain history and genome analysis, recommending more extensive testing for innovative strains before marketing.
Scientists estimate 20% of children and 26% of adults in the US consume high levels of live microorganisms daily. These findings suggest a link between dietary microbes and health outcomes, highlighting the importance of quantifying live microbes consumed through food and supplements.
Researchers at the University of Antwerp have discovered a way to alter the skin microbiome using lactobacilli, reducing inflammation and acne lesions. The study shows that topically applied probiotics can effectively target acne-causing bacteria and reduce symptoms.
A consensus definition clarifies the characteristics of postbiotics, a category of non-living microorganisms with potential health benefits. The definition distinguishes postbiotics from probiotics and outlines their composition and application.
Experts have agreed on a new global definition of fermented foods, specifying the differences between them and probiotics. The definition covers thousands of different types of fermented foods from around the world and provides a starting point for further research into their effects on human health.
A group of seven interdisciplinary scientists published a review paper highlighting specific gaps in the research on live microbes and health outcomes. They argue that there is only weak evidence to date confirming the link between live microbes and better human health, and propose a plan for quantifying this relationship.
The Spanish e-book examines various types of fermented foods, including their production process, nutritional content, and impact on human health. It also delves into the role of lactic acid in promoting beneficial effects and the microbiological safety of fermented foods.
A group of international scientists has developed a new definition for synbiotics, outlining a mixture of live microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates that confer a health benefit on the host. The definition aims to clarify scientific ambiguity and provide a foundation for science-based claims about synbiotic health benefits.
Four simple criteria have been established to accurately use the term 'probiotic': purity, safety, clinical trial support, and maintenance of viability in products. This clarity will provide consumers with better transparency about expected benefits and allow them to make informed choices.
A global group of scientists proposes splitting the existing genus Lactobacillus into two genera, with 25 new genera having distinct names. This change aims to improve scientific accuracy and reflect closely related bacterial genes.
An expert panel recommends companies undergo third-party evaluations to certify probiotic quality and label accuracy. They suggest publicly available quality standards and methods to provide consumers with certainty about what's in their probiotic product.
A systematic review found that healthy infants and children taking probiotics are 29% less likely to receive antibiotics. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic use by reducing the incidence and duration of infections, making them a potential tool for physicians as an alternative to antibiotics.