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Building healthy bones takes guts

Scientists at Michigan State University found that a natural probiotic supplement can enhance bone density in male mice, but not female mice. The study suggests a possible new treatment for osteoporosis without the risks of traditional medications.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateFeb 14, 2013

Could probiotics help HIV patients?

Researchers found that probiotic supplementation improved gastrointestinal immune function and decreased inflammation in SIV-infected macaques treated with ARV. These findings suggest that probiotics could benefit ARV-treated HIV patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 16, 2013

Researchers found that probiotic supplementation improved gastrointestinal immune function and reduced inflammation in SIV-infected macaques, a model for human HIV-infection. This study suggests that probiotics could benefit ARV-treated HIV patients by mitigating the damage caused by viral-induced gut inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2013

Prebiotic may help patients with intestinal failure grow new and better gut

A study found that adding the prebiotic fructooligosacharide (FOS) to the diets of pediatric patients with intestinal failure can increase gut growth and function. The prebiotic converts into butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that enhances nutrient digestion and absorption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateOct 15, 2012

The microbiome and disease: Gut bacteria influence the severity of heart attacks in rats

Research published in the FASEB Journal reveals that intestinal microbiota play a crucial role in determining the outcome of heart attacks in rats. The study found that probiotics can tilt the scales in favor of improved cardiovascular health, reducing heart attack risk and improving recovery from myocardial infarction.

A gut-full of probiotics for your neurological well-being

Researchers propose a new field of microbial endocrinology linking probiotics to neurological function. Studies show that neurochemicals produced by gut microbes can influence behavior and immune response. Probiotic intestinal microbiota may deliver beneficial effects through direct uptake from the gut.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateJul 5, 2011

Healthy gut flora could prevent obesity

A study by Caroline Karlsson found that rats fed a specific lactic acid bacteria HEAL19 had significantly less weight and inflammation compared to those without the bacteria. Additionally, babies born vaginally have lactobacilli in their gut flora as early as two days after birth.

Probiotic identified to treat ulcers

A strain of probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium bifidum CECT 7366, has been identified as effective in treating ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori. The probiotic strain demonstrated significant inhibition levels against H. pylori and partially relieved damage to gastric tissue.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 24, 2011

Probiotics shorten diarrhea episodes

A systematic review found that probiotics shortened diarrhoea episodes by around a day and reduced the risk of prolonged episodes by 59% in patients with diarrhoeal diseases. No serious adverse effects were reported.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 9, 2010

Cheese found to improve the immune response of the elderly

Daily probiotic cheese consumption boosts natural and acquired immunity in older adults by activating NK blood cells and increasing phagocytic activity. The study aims to thwart immunosenescence, an age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalFEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2010

Hypnotherapy eases irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

Hypnotherapy has been shown to significantly improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a majority of cases, with some patients experiencing complete relief. Probiotics can also be an effective option, but the efficacy depends on specific strains and clinical trial evidence.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalFrontline Gastroenterology·DateMar 17, 2010

Addition of probiotics to functional foods does not improve severe malnutrition outcomes for African children

A randomized controlled trial found that adding probiotics to conventional high-energy ready-to-use therapeutic foods did not improve nutritional cure rates or reduce mortality in severely malnourished African children. However, the study suggests a possible observation of reduced outpatient mortality in HIV-positive children.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 9, 2009

How probiotics can prevent disease

Researchers used probiotics to protect animals from diseases such as mastitis and salmonellosis, demonstrating their potential to prevent and treat human diseases. The study identified specific bacterial species and mechanisms of action that could lead to the development of new treatments.

Goodbye needle, hello smoothie

A researcher at Northwestern University has developed a new oral vaccine using probiotics that induces a powerful immune response, protecting against diseases such as anthrax and breast cancer. The vaccine harnesses the body's primary immune force in the small intestine, bypassing traditional injection methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2009

Friendly bacteria reduce hospital infections

Researchers found that applying a probiotic bacterial solution in place of antiseptics effectively prevents respiratory illness in ventilated patients. The friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum 299, has no negative side effects and does not contribute to antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateNov 5, 2008