NEWS YOU CAN USE - Cloud Object Storage | Store …you+can+use+2009_02.pdf · 2013-07-03 · This product contains several very spe- ... cally chosen to support a healthy balance

NEWS YOU CAN USEPROBIOTICS - NEW RESPECT FOR AN OLD SOLUTION

H E A L T H B E N E F I T S O F I N T E S T I N A L B A C T E R I A

Since the beginning of time, the human body has benefited from health

promoting bacteria present in our intestines. With increasing scientific

evidence supporting the health impact of these living microorganisms -

probiotics - there has been a corresponding increase in consumer aware-

ness and demand for foods and supplements that promise to deliver

them. The recognition of the importance of colonising microbes by the

scientific community is reflected in the top priorities for the US National

Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded medical research in 2008 (Human

Microbiome Project).1 The importance to consumers is demonstrated by

the fact that probiotics have become one of the fastest growing supple-

ment segments with double-digit growth globally,2 and 21.3% growth

reported by the Nutrition Business Journal for the US for 2007.3

W H AT A R E P R O B I O T I C S ?The word probiotic literally means “for life.” Probiotics are living microorganisms that,

when consumed in adequate quantities, provide health benefits such as supporting

gastrointestinal health, improving regularity, strengthening immunity, and even helping

synthesize certain vitamins in the body.

In 2001, World Health Organization (WHO) defined probiotics as “cultures of live

microorganisms that when ingested in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the

host.”

While the thought of having live microbes in the body may be concerning to some, the

fact is there are trillions of bacteria - over 500 varieties - that naturally occur in our intes-

tine. There are more bacteria in our intestines than cells in our body! Awareness about

beneficial bacteria and their positive impact on health is relatively new, but it is contin-

uing to gain understanding and acceptance among the general public.

The gastrointestinal tract is home to a diverse and complex bacterial ecosystem called

the intestinal microflora, which can contain both “good” and “bad” bacteria. Most are

harmless, but when the intestinal microflora is out of balance, it can affect overall health.

Probiotics are “good’ bacteria that in addition to providing health benefits, keep the

“bad” bacteria in check - thereby helping restore the natural, healthy intestinal

microflora balance.

As a biologist I

spent a consider-

able amount of

time researching

the effects of

microorganisms

on different food

ingredients, espe-

cially how they can be used to make ferment-

ed food products. Naturally, this stimulated

my interest in the beneficial bacteria and how

they could be developed to become effective

providers of good intestinal health. I have

been interested in these bacteria for over 40

years. When I joined GNLD as a member of

the SAB, whose goal has always been to

develop products that are at the leading edge

of science, we set about developing the prod-

uct which is known today as Acidophilus

Plus. This product contains several very spe-

cial bacterial varieties that have been specifi-

cally chosen to support a healthy balance of

intestinal microflora and therefore balance

health. As the saying goes, if the intestines are

healthy then the body is healthy. I am a great

believer in using these very special bacteria to

help promote good health and help with opti-

mal utilisation of nutrients provided in other

GNLD products, as well.

1

02/09

DAVID SHEPHERD, Ph.D.Microbial Biochemist

GNLD ScientificAdvisory Board Member

HOW PROBIOTICS WORK FOR YOU

PROBIOTICS

METABOLISM

DIGESTION

· SYNTHESIZE B-VITAMINS· LOWER LEVELS OF TOXIC/MUTAGENIC COMPOUNDS · REDUCE RISK OF COLON CANCER· PROMOTE LONG-TERM COLON HEALTH

· PRODUCE ENZYMES TO DIGEST LACTOSE· IMPROVE LACTOSE TOLERANCE

IMMUNITY

· STRENGTHEN INNATE IMMUNITY· REDUCE FOOD ALLERGY SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

· KEEP “BAD” BACTERIA IN CHECK· PREVENT TRAVELERS’ DIARRHOEA· CONTROL IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

BALANCED INTESTINAL MICROFLORA

P R O B I O T I C S - W H E N G O O D M I C R O B E S H E L P !

Due to our diet and lifestylethere are many challenges tohealthy intestinal microflorabalance, that increase theneed for supplementationwith probiotics. These chal-lenges include diet and alco-hol consumption, use of pre-scribed antibiotics, and age.

A typical modern diet includesprocessed foods and is deficientin the natural fibre that is crucialfor the growth of good bacteria.Additionally, alcohol consump-tion and exposure to toxic sub-stances reduces the number ofgood bacteria, allowing the bal-ance to shift in favour of badbacteria. And while prescribedantibiotics of course play a criti-cal role in combatting infection,along with the bad bacteria theyare intended to destroy, antibi-otics eliminate good bacteria aswell.

While foods such as dairy prod-ucts contain probiotics, theymay not contain the necessarylive probiotics or the strains thatthey contain may not be able tosurvive the acidic conditions inthe stomach. The use of probi-otic supplements can ensurethat you are getting an adequatenumber of the right type ofactive probiotic cultures.

WHY A SUPPLEMENT?

More and more research tells us that that good bacteria incorporated in the diet can have benefi-cial effects on intestinal microflora, balancing good bacteria with bad, promoting colon health, andeven boosting our immune system!

WHAT PROBIOTICS DO FOR YOU:

REGULATEINTESTINALFUNCTION

Aid in digestion: Probioticshelp restore normal intestinalfunctions and even support theproduction of some digestiveenzymes.

Improve lactose toler-ance: By secreting lactase, anenzyme that helps digest lac-tose found in dairy products,probiotics benefit those whoare prone to indigestion result-ing from insufficient lactase.4,5,6,7

Inhibit the growth of path-ogenic bacteria: Probioticsproduce lactic acid, therebyincreasing the acidity of theintestines and inhibiting growthof disease-causing bacteriasuch as Clostridium,Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli

Aid the absorption of min-erals: Probiotics enhance theabsorption of minerals such ascalcium due to increased intes-tinal acidity.

Prevent diarrhoea: A meta-analysis of 39 published ran-domized, controlled clinicaltrails showed that probioticsoffer a safe and effectivemethod to prevent and treatacute paediatric diarrhoea.8,9,10

Probiotics may also preventdiarrhoea associated with trav-elling and antibiotic use.11,12

PROMOTECOLONHEALTH

Support healthy coloncells: In addition to reducingthe levels of toxic/mutageniccompounds, good bacteriasuch as Lactobacilli andBifidobacteria also actively sup-port healthy colon cells.13 Whenbeneficial microflora fermentfibre in the colon, short-chainfatty acids are formed. The tis-sues of the colon preferentiallyutilize these for energy.Therefore, increasing the levelsof these short-chain fatty acidsmay help control chronic condi-tions of the colon.

Detoxify the colon: Healthypopulations of beneficialmicroflora also play a crucialrole in detoxifying the colon ofharmful chemicals. Theydecrease the production of avariety of toxic or carcinogenicmetabolites. For instance,Lactobacillus acidophilus cansuppress the formation of can-cer-causing amines and can-cer-promoting enzymes in theintestines.

SUPPORTIMMUNITY

Develop immunity: Immunedevelopment and function isenhanced by strengtheninginnate immunity. Evidence sug-gests that probiotic consump-tion enables people to stayhealthy by reducing the inci-dence of common infectionsand diseases.14,15

Prevent infection natural-ly: Probiotics have been asso-ciated with the production of awide range of antibiotic sub-stances (including acidophilinand bacteriocin) which helpcontrol the level of pathogenicbacteria and yeast such asCandida. New research hasshown that probiotics mayboost immune health in chil-dren, and may prevent manyviral and bacterial infections.16,17

Alleviate food allergies ininfants: Studies have alsosuggested that probioticsreduce the incidence of atopicdermatitis when given to babiesborn to families at risk for aller-gic disorders.27, 28, 29,30

2

THE RIGHTPROBIOTICSUPPLEMENTWHAT TO LOOK FOR:

GNLD’SACIDOPHILUSPLUS

Many products are availabletoday that claim to be effectiveprobiotic supplements. Whilethese products may contain dif-ferent genera, species, or evenstrains of the same species, notall microbes sold as probioticshave been tested for healtheffects in human studies.Therefore, not all productsshould be expected to work thesame. Additionally, the presenceof live cultures is crucial for effi-cacy. A study published in theBritish Medical Journal18 showedthat many of the probiotic sup-plements sold on store shelvescontained little to no active bac-teria. Here are a few things tolook for when choosing the rightprobiotic supplement:

Presence of live cultures:In order for probiotics to confertheir health benefits, they mustbe live and active at consump-tion and stay active until theyreach the intestines.

Whole food derived: Lacticacid bacteria found in dairyproducts have been used forthousands of years to produceyoghurt, cheese, and fermentedmilk. Beneficial bacteria isolatedfrom cultured dairy foods havebeen shown to support a health-ful balance of microorganisms inthe gastrointestinal tract.

Broad spectrum of clini-cally tested bacterialstrains: Each strain of benefi-cial bacteria is unique. Each pro-duces special enzymes, detoxi-fies different substances, andcolonises distinct territories inthe intestine. For this reason, abroad spectrum of organismswith clinically-proven benefits is

recommended. Recent researchshows that a combination of dif-ferent probiotic strains - asopposed to single strains -reduces the ability of potentiallypathogenic bacteria - bad bac-teria - to colonise the gut.19

Concentrated: Concentratedsupplements of active probioticsare valuable since they providemany more beneficial bacteriathan traditional food sources -such as yoghurt and acidophilusmilk - and are more convenientto consume daily.

Potent, with GuaranteedDelivery: In order provide fullbenefit, a supplement must bepotent - with an adequate num-ber of live microorganisms - andprovide these good bacteriawith protection against thestomach acid which can inacti-vate them. This protectionensures delivery into the intes-tine where the probiotics delivertheir benefits.

GNLD’s supplement of benefi-cial bacteria, Acidophilus Plus,combines potency with technol-ogy to guarantee that livemicroorganisms survive thestomach acid and reach theintestine to deliver viable organ-isms to support optimal diges-tive and colon health.

Each capsule is filled with fivebillion live microorganisms -as many as in 10 servings ofyoghurt - all in one daily serving!

You receive beneficial bacteriaisolated from cultured dairyfoods, so you can get the ben-efits without the extra caloriesfrom these foods.

Acidophilus Plus provides anexclusive blend of five typesof clinically proven lacticacid-producing bacteria:Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus casei,Bifidobacterium bifidum andStreptococcus thermophilus.20,21,22,23,24,25,26

The exclusive Gel-Guardenteric protection systemguarantees delivery by pro-tecting against harsh stomachacid and ensuring that maxi-mum numbers of live bacteriaare delivered in the intestine.

GEL-GUARD PROTECTION

Exclusive Gel-guard Enteric Protection SystemGurantees Delivery of Beneficial Cultures

This technology involves wrappingthe bacteria in a special gel-formingpolysaccharide which is insoluble inacidic conditions of the stomach.This is then enclosed in a gelatincapsule. When the capsule reachesthe stomach, it dissolves and thecontents of the capsule form aninsoluble matrix called Gel-Guard.The Gel-Guard matrix holds andprotects the bacteria until theyreach the intestine, where it thendissolves, releasing the bacteria.Here, these probiotics can attach tothe intestine walls and confer thebeneficial effects.

Gel-Guard protects bacteriauntil they reach the intestines

5 billion live microorganisms

Gelatin Capsule

•

Protects live microflorapast stomach acid

Gently releases high potency ofactive cultures in the lower intestine—where they provide benefits

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

3

Q: CAN I TAKE ACIDOPHILUS PLUS IF IAM LACTOSE INTOLERANT?

A: Yes. Probiotics in Acidophilus Plus, though derivedfrom cultured dairy foods, are purified so that theamount of lactose remaining is insignificant to createany undesirable effects in lactose intolerant individuals.In fact, lactobacilli are capable of producing lactase, anenzyme that helps break down lactose and helps thedigestion of these foods.

Q: DO I NEED TO TAKE ACIDOPHILUSPLUS IF I CONSUME DAIRY PRODUCTS?

A: Some, but not all, dairy products contain live, activecultures and many are sold suggesting that they arebeneficial for our health. Most of these are fresh prod-ucts requiring refrigeration and there is considerabledoubt as to how many of the live bacteria actually sur-vive in the stomach acid. Taking Acidophilus Plus guar-antees that a significant number of live beneficial bac-teria are delivered to the intestine.

Q: THE PRODUCT LABEL SAYS ACIDOPHILUS PLUS CONTAINSSTREPTOCOCCUS. ISN’T THAT THEHARMFUL BACTERIA RESPONSIBLEFOR CAUSING STREP THROAT?

A: No. Some good bacteria have names that soundlike bad bacteria. Streptococcus refers only on theshape of the bacterium, and has nothing to do with itsability to promote health or cause disease. (Streptmeans ‘twisted’ and coccus means ‘round’)Streptococcus thermophilus - the species included inAcidophilus Plus - has been safely used for centuries toproduce cultured dairy products. The bacterial speciesassociated with causing strep throat is Streptococcuspyogenes.

Q: DOES ACIDOPHILUS PLUS NEED TOBE REFRIGERATED PRIOR TO OPENINGTHE BOTTLE?

A: Although not necessary, keeping Acidophilus Plusrefrigerated prior to opening the bottle may furtherincrease the shelf life of the product. It must be refrig-erated after opening the bottle to ensure the potency ofthe beneficial cultures.

Q: CAN CHILDREN USE ACIDOPHILUSPLUS?

A: Yes. Anyone who can safely swallow theAcidophilus Plus capsule can take the product andenjoy its benefits.

F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

References:

1. 2009 Feb. Human Microbiome Project [Internet]. National Institutes of Health, Bethedesa, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Resources. [cited 2009 Feb]. Available from: www.nihroadmap.nih.gov/hmp/

2. 2009 Feb. Probiotics. Euromonitor International. [cited 2009 Feb]. Available from: http://nutritionbusinessjournal.com/

3. Mast C, ed. As Digestive Problems Bloom, So Do Sales of Probiotics and Other Gut Supplements. Nutr Bus J.2008 Aug;XII (8): 19-21

4. Virta P, et al. 1993. The Effect of a Preparation Containing Freeze-Dried Lactic Acid Bacteria [L. acidophilus LA-5 (LA-1) and Bifidobacterium TB-12]on Lactose Intolerance. External Report, Pharmacia, Finland.

5. Saltzman JR, et al. A randomized trial of Lactobacillus acidophilus BG2FO4 to treat lactose intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr.1999;69: 140-146.

6. Pelletier X, Laure-Boussuge S, Donazzolo Y. Hydrogen excretion upon ingestion of dairy products in lactose-intolerant male subjects: importance of the live flora. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2001;55:509-512.

7. deVrese M, et al. Probiotics - Compensation for Lactase Insufficiency Am J Clin Nutr. 2001:421S-429S

8. McFarland LV, Elmer GW and McFarlandM. Meta-analysis of Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Pediatric Diarrhoea. Internl J Probiotics Prebiotics. 2006; 1: 63-76

9. Plummer S, et al. Clostridium difficile pilot study: effects of probiotic supplementation on the incidence of C. difficile diarrhoea. Int Microbiol. 2004;7:59-62.

10. Boudraa G , Benbouabdellah M , Hachelaf W , Boisset M , Desjeux JF , Touhami M. Effect of feeding yoghurt versus milk in children with acute diarrhoea and carbohydrate malabsorption . J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2001;33:307-313.

11. Hickson M, et al. Use of probiotic lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2007 Jul 14;335(7610): 80

12. Bradsoliel M, et al. Effects of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CI1285 and Lactobacillus casei in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Gasroenterol.2007 Nov; 21 (11):732-6

13. Saikali J. Fermented milks, probiotic cultures, and colon cancer. Nutr and Cancer. 2004; 49:14-24.

14. Gill HS, et al. Enhancement of immunity in the elderly by dietary supplementation with the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 74:833-836

15. Salminen SJ, Gueimonde M, Isolauri E. Probiotics that modify disease risk. J of Nutr. 2005;135(5):1294–1298.

16. Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy.Clin Infect Diseases. 2001;32(11):1567–1576.

17. Lin JS, et al. Different effects of probiotic species/strains on infections in preschool children: A double-blind, randomized,controlled study. Vaccine. 2009 Feb 11;27(7):1073-9

18. Hamilton-Miller JM, Shah S & Smith CT. “Probiotic” remedies are not what they seem. BMJ. 1996 January 6 312(7022): 55-56.

19. Collado MC, Meriluoto J, and Selaminen S. In vitro analysis of probiotic strain combinations to inhibit pathogen adhesion to human intestinal mucus. Food Rsrch Intl. 2007 June; volume 40(5): 629-636

20. Black FT, Anderson PL, Orskov J, Gaarslev K, Lauland S. Prophylactic efficacy of Lactobacilli on traveller’s diarrhoea.Travel Med. 1989; 7; 333-335

21. Lidbeck A and Nord C E. Lactobacilli in relation to human ecology and antimicrobial therapy. Int J Tiss Reac.1991;13(2):115-122.

22. D’Souza AL, et al. Probiotics in prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea: meta-analysis. BMJ. 2002;324:1361

23. Hove H, Nordgaard-Andersen I, and Mortensen PB. Effect of lactic acid bacteria on the intestinal production of lactate and short-chain fatty acids, and the absorption of lactose Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;59: 74-79

24. Nord CE, et al. Oral supplementation with lactic acid bacteria during intake of clindamycin. Clin Microbio & Infect.1997;3(1): 124-132

25. Lewis SJ and Freedman AR. Review article: The use of biotherapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Sep;12(9):807-822.

26. Salminen et al. Demonstration of safety of probiotics – a review. Intl J Food Microbiol. 1998 Oct 20;44(1-2):93-106.

27. Weston S, Halbert A, Richmond P, and Prescott S. Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial. School of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.

28. Michail SK, Stolfi A, Johnson T, Onady GM. Efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine,Dayton, Ohio 45404, USA. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008 Nov;101(5):508-16.

29. Betsi GI, Papadavid E, Falagas ME. Probiotics for the treatment or prevention of atopic dermatitis: a review of the evidence from randomised controlled trials. Am J Clin Dermatol 2008;9(2):93-103.

30. Ji GE. Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis. Forum Nutr. 2009;61:117-128. Epub 2009 Apr 7.

For more information:

• www.usprobiotics.org

• http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/ “Get the facts. An introduction to Probiotics.”National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

4