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The current state of psychobiotics

Psychobiotics examines emerging strategies for planting brain-altering bacteria in the gut to provide mental benefits. Researchers agree that key players, including the nervous system and immune system, are involved in the gut-brian axis.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateOct 25, 2016

Mix and match microbes to make probiotics last

Researchers found that a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum AH1206 can establish itself in the human gut and remain there for up to 6 months. The study suggests that individualized features of the resident microbiome play a crucial role in the persistence of this strain, enabling personalized probiotic treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 3, 2016

September/October 2016 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A randomized trial involving 1,302 asthmatic patients found no evidence to support the effectiveness of orally administered probiotics in reducing respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use. In contrast, a review of psychological interventions for postnatal depression found that community-based therapies were effective treatment o...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 12, 2016

Probiotics show no impact preventing gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant bugs

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015

Do probiotics help kids with stomach bugs?

A nationwide clinical trial is being conducted to determine whether a commonly used probiotic can safely and effectively treat infants and toddlers with acute gastroenteritis. The five-year study will involve approximately 900 children at various medical centers, assessing symptoms and health outcomes over multiple months.

Probiotics prevent deadly complications of liver disease

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that probiotics can modify the gut microbiota to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The researchers discovered that probiotic supplementation was not associated with any side effects, suggesting a safer treatment option.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 6, 2014

No bioengineered gut bacteria, no glory

Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.

Probiotic treatment for vaginal thrush on the way

Researchers are testing probiotic pessaries containing 'good' bacteria against Candida infections. The study shows that a combination of two strains can kill or restrict growth of yeast cells, offering a viable alternative to precious antimicrobial drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateFeb 18, 2014

Heart health through gut health

A new study published in Nutrition Reviews found that certain probiotics can significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol and improve other coronary heart disease risk factors. L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 (Cardioviva) was found to be the most effective, with results similar to those of existing therapeutic lifestyle change dietary options.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateFeb 6, 2014

Certain probiotics could help women lose weight

A recent study found that consuming certain probiotics from the Lactobacillus rhamnosus family can lead to significant weight loss in women, with an average loss of 4.4 kg over 12 weeks. The probiotics also helped maintain weight loss over a longer period and reduced appetite-regulating hormone leptin levels.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJan 28, 2014

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2013

All probiotics are not the same in protecting premature infants from common, life-threatening illness

Researchers at UC Davis found that probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis effectively prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The study showed increased bifidobacteria levels and decreased harmful bacteria in breastmilk-fed babies, indicating potential benefits of probiotic therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 17, 2013