Articles tagged with Probiotics
A team led by Professor Monique Lacroix at INRS has demonstrated that fermenting drinks fortified with pea and rice proteins yields the same quality of protein as casein. The study found that plant proteins can be predigested by lactic acid bacteria, facilitating their absorption during digestion.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a probiotic yeast that can target inflammation, tissue scarring, and balance issues in the gut. The 'Y-bots' probiotic successfully suppressed intestinal inflammation and restored a balanced gut microbiome in mice.
A study found daily probiotic use was associated with a 27% lower incidence of upper respiratory tract symptoms in overweight and obese individuals. This suggests a potential role for probiotics in preventing respiratory infections in this vulnerable population.
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.
A new strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG has been successfully developed to thrive in milk, offering potential benefits for infant gut health. The modified probiotic can utilize lactose and casein, producing lactic acid that inhibits gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
A new study found that taking a specific probiotic strain improves iron levels in healthy pregnant women, reducing the risk of iron deficiency and anemia. The probiotic product Lp299v was shown to reduce prevalence rates by 78% compared to placebo.
Researchers found that probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LA1 generates a rapid and sustained enhancement of the intestinal barrier, effectively treating intestinal inflammation. The study also showed that LA1 can prevent colonic inflammation formation and promote healing in mice with induced colitis.
Researchers successfully engineered a probiotic yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii to produce beta-carotene in the mouse gut. The production of beta-carotene was achieved using widely used genetic engineering tools, and its feasibility for human application is being explored.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt. The molecules were found to disrupt cell-cell communication in pathogenic bacteria, offering a promising approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a novel probiotic formulation to control severe diarrhea in calves, reducing mortality and economic loss. The probiotic supplement was tested on newborn calves and found to be effective in preventing bovine diarrhea caused by BRV and cryptosporidiosis.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that breast milk-fed babies given probiotic B. infantis persist in their gut for up to 1 year, outlasting typical probiotic effects. This persistent colonization helps regulate complex sugars and prevents potential pathogens from establishing a foothold.
A new clinical study has shown that supplements of a lactic acid bacterium may have positive effects by increasing the diversity of intestinal bacteria in extremely preterm infants. The treatment reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the gut.
A team of scientists is exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to help corals cope with climate change and bleaching events. By improving the health of coral symbionts, researchers hope to provide a 'medicine' to help corals adapt to changing environmental pressures.
A new approach to extend probiotic survival in vivo is developed using Smectite, a drug commonly used for gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that Smectite promotes lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biofilm formation, leading to increased anti-tumour immune responses and improved immunotherapy efficacy.
Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic imaging tool to measure the levels of bile salt hydrolase in the gastrointestinal tract, predicting clinical status and efficacy of probiotic supplements. The tool also evaluates prebiotics' ability to increase bile salt-hydrolase activity, offering new insights into personalized health care.
Researchers aim to understand the form and function of dry biofilms using probiotic cleansers. They hope to demonstrate how friendly bacteria interacts with bad bacteria and remove dry biofilms without harsh chemicals.
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.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Lactobacillus reuteri, a commonly used probiotic, can exacerbate multiple sclerosis in mouse models. The research suggests that gut microbiome balance is crucial in chronic diseases and that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective.
A study found that obese children who took probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those on a diet only. The findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage childhood obesity.
Synbiotics combine pre- and probiotics, providing a wider range of health benefits. The new definition allows for the use of microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates, enabling the creation of synergistic synbiotics with targeted health benefits.
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.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...
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.
Researchers discovered that Nissle, a harmless E. coli strain, can protect intestinal tissue against pathogenic strains like enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The probiotic was found to decline rapidly in the tissue while allowing it to withstand damage better.
A recent study has found that a strain of Lactobacilli bacteria from Sichuan pickles reduced Streptococcus mutans by 98.4%, which is commonly associated with tooth decay and cavities.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends against using probiotics to treat most digestive diseases due to a lack of strong evidence supporting their efficacy. However, certain probiotic formulations may benefit patients in specific situations, such as preventing Clostridioides difficile infection or managing pouchitis.
A new study found that probiotics with top-performing Lactobacillus strains can improve vaginal health and reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a disruption in the optimal microbiota. The research suggests that these strains could lead to better treatment options for this condition.
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.
Probiotic intervention has been found to have a positive impact on neurologic manifestations of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and cognitive impairments. Regular intake of probiotic bacteria has been shown to improve gut health and strengthen the brain-gut axis.
A recent analysis published in Dermatologic Therapy suggests that probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for acne. The study found that probiotics can reduce inflammation and help the skin's natural defenses against acne, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new 12-week clinical trial found that heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 improved IBS symptoms by at least 30% in 34% of patients compared to 19% on placebo. The treatment was also associated with a strong placebo effect, but the dead bacterial cells were still significantly better than placebo.
Researchers have designed a novel probiotic strain that can seek out solid tumors and safely deliver immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to tumor regression. The probiotic platform can also be used to deliver multiple immunotherapies simultaneously, enabling effective therapeutic combinations for difficult-to-treat cancers.
A recent study highlights the unreliable sources of probiotic information online and how health-benefit claims are often not supported by robust scientific evidence. Most websites providing probiotic info are from commercial sources or news outlets, which provide incomplete information on potential side effects and regulatory issues.
Researchers have identified a probiotic that slows and reverses the build-up of alpha-synuclein protein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease. The probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, produces chemicals that change how enzymes process specific fats, preventing toxic clumps from forming.
A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine identified a dead probiotic strain that reduces age-related leaky gut and inflammation in older mice. The dead probiotic strain, Lactobacillus paracasei D3-5, extended the lifespan of roundworms and improved physical and cognitive functions in mice.
A recent study found that probiotics and prebiotics have distinct effects on the immune systems of male and female piglets, contradicting previous assumptions. This research highlights the importance of considering sex in nutritional trials and may lead to personalized treatment approaches for infants.
A new trial found that probiotic drops containing Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 reduced daily crying by 50% in 80% of infants, improving sleep duration and stool frequency.
The University of Stirling has launched a pioneering tool to minimize environmental and occupational health risks in shrimp farming. The Pedigree project aims to bring research into practical use, providing a 'traffic-light system' to differentiate riskier from higher-quality probiotic products.
A review of complementary and alternative therapies for treating infantile colic found some treatments like probiotics, fennel extract, and spinal manipulation to be effective but with limitations due to small sample sizes and subjective measurement methods.
A study found that probiotics can cause bloodstream infections in ICU patients, with 1.1% of cases linked to Lactobacillus bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation that made the bacteria resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the need for caution when using probiotics in critically ill patients.
Researchers found that adding live Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic bacteria to milk reduced NEC cases from 7.5% to 3.1% and sepsis cases from 22.6% to 11.5%. This study suggests routine probiotics can help premature babies get the right gut bacteria from birth.
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation increased immunity against American Foulbrood and reduced the survival rate of infected bees. The study demonstrated a significant increase in Defensin-1 expression, a key antimicrobial peptide in honey bee defense.
Researchers have discovered a new antibiotic, phazolicin, produced by a soil bacterium from a Mexican tropical forest that can prevent harmful bacteria from growing in plant roots. The findings suggest the potential for using this bacterium as a 'plant probiotic' to improve crop health and resistance to disease.
A randomized controlled study suggests that probiotic supplements can help obese children lose body weight and reduce their risk of future metabolic conditions. The findings support the potential benefits of microbiome-based treatments for tackling childhood obesity.
Researchers have found that Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast, produces uniquely excessive amounts of acetic acid. This discovery may pave the path towards improved treatments for intestinal diseases. The study also showed that modifying the yeast's genetic basis could enhance its probiotic effects.
A study found that general probiotic use could save the US healthcare system $1.4 billion annually by reducing acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses. Probiotics were associated with a decrease in doctor visits and sick absences, leading to significant cost savings.
Researchers have identified three genes from a probiotic Lactobacillus species as critical for mediating adhesion to the vaginal epithelium. This is likely crucial for how this species benefits vaginal health.
Researchers at UCLouvain discovered that consuming Akkermansia bacteria in the form of a food supplement can prevent deterioration of health status and lower inflammation markers. The study found improvements in cholesterol levels, body weight, and metabolic parameters in volunteers with pre-diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens reduces the impact of white-nose syndrome in bat populations about five-fold. The treatment lengthened the amount of time bats stayed in the mine, allowing them to recover from the disease and emerge during spring-time when insects are available.
Researchers found that six probiotic Bacillus strains are resistant to various types of drugs and can still grow in their presence. The study aims to determine if these bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance to harmful bacteria, posing a threat to human health.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have been awarded a $100,000 grant to develop a bioreactor that can cultivate multiple strains of probiotic bacteria simultaneously. The goal is to produce low-cost gut microbial biotherapeutics with a target cost of $0.1 per dose.
Researchers found that gut microbiota influences morphine tolerance, with tolerant mice lacking Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillaeae. Probiotics restored these depleted communities, reducing morphine tolerance in mice pretreated with probiotics.
Researchers found that only 35% of probiotic products were supported by clinical evidence, highlighting the need for clearer labeling. Products with fewer strains and lower cost were more likely to be backed by evidence, but consumers must still do their own legwork to find trustworthy products.
A recent review of studies found that regulating intestinal microbiota through probiotics and non-probiotic interventions can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people. Probiotic supplements were only effective in about half of the studies, while non-probiotic interventions showed a 86% rate of effectiveness.
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 combination of prebiotics and probiotics reduces the expression of pro-carcinogenic genes and may help treat colorectal cancer. The study used a unique gut-on-a-chip model to investigate diet-microbiome-host interactions, revealing a mechanistic basis for the observed beneficial effects.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a novel probiotic mix that can weaken and break apart stubborn microbial biofilm communities in the gut, which are often resistant to antibiotics. The study suggests this probiotic could help patients with gastrointestinal diseases avoid harmful biofilms that worsen symptoms.
A new study found that probiotic bacteria can evolve and change inside the mouse's gut, making them less effective and sometimes harmful. The researchers discovered that the bacteria's DNA changes and they develop new capabilities after living in the mice's intestines for a few weeks.
A study of 150 volunteers found that consuming yogurt with probiotics increased the proportion of beneficial bifidobacteria, which can help metabolize lactose and produce vitamins. This shift in gut microbiota had a positive impact on the body's ability to resist inflammatory diseases and hormonal disorders.