The Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics is a term that we hear and read more about all the time. It can get confusing with all the new products that are coming out advertising "probiotics, acidophilus or good bacteria."How are you supposed to know what the difference is and which one is the right one for you?

In 1989 Roy Fuller suggested a definition of probiotics which has been widely used: "A live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance." In layman's terms, we all have healthy bacteria which live in our digestive system, especially in our large intestine. Probiotics help replace the healthy bacteria in your gut and can improve overall digestion and the health of your colon. Strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifid bacterium are the most widely used probiotic bacteria.

Acidophilus is another term we hear when speaking of probiotics. This is a general name for a group of probiotics, each containing a different bacteria strain. The difference between probiotics in yogurt, for example, versus a live culture, may be the strain.

There is not a lot of research which shows which is better to take - live cultures or off the shelf. Acidophilus preparations consist of dried or liquid cultures of living bacteria. These cultures are usually grown in milk but can sometimes be grown milk-free. Acidophilus is available in the following forms:

  • Freeze-dried granules
  • Freeze-dried powders
  • Freeze-dried capsules
  • Liquid lactic acidophilus preparations (which must be kept refrigerated)

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center:

  • Probiotics products sitting on the shelf (without refrigeration) lose potency first. For this reason, refrigerated viable probiotic products are recommended

  • Non-dairy probiotic products are recommended by health professionals for persons allergic to dairy products and for persons with a yeast infection.

  • Nitrogen-flushed packaging of probiotics enhances how well the probiotics keep over time.

  • The consumer must read current scientific literature to find probiotics products that are refrigerated, viable and non-dairy, and contain superior strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifid bacterium longum and with prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

Probiotics offer a variety of potential therapeutic uses. These include:

  • Replacing the "friendly" intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics.
  • Aiding digestion and suppressing disease-causing bacteria.
  • Preventing and treating diarrhea, including infectious diarrhea, particularly from rotavirus (a virus that commonly causes diarrhea in children).
  • Treating overgrowth of "bad" organisms in the gastrointestinal tract (a condition that tends to cause diarrhea and may occur from use of antibiotics).
  • Alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and, possibly, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).
  • Preventing and/or reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and cystitis (bladder inflammation). The best scientific evidence exists for vaginal infections.
  • Improving lactose absorption digestion in people who are lactose intolerant
  • Enhancing the immune response. Studies have suggested that consumption of yogurt or milk that contains specific strains of Lactobacillus or supplements with Lactobacillus or Bifid bacterium may improve the natural immune response. Further research is needed to confirm these early findings and to better understand how the improved immune function may or may not help in warding off infections.
  • Aiding the treatment of respiratory infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. More research is needed in this area.
  • Lowering risk of allergies. Examples include asthma, hay fever, food allergies to milk, and skin reactions such as eczema.
  • Helping to treat high cholesterol. More research is needed.
  • Reducing the risk of recurring bladder tumors once this cancer has been treated. Much more research is needed in this area.
  • Other conditions under investigation for use of probiotics include colon cancer, HIV related diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori, an organism that can lead to development of ulcers.