0 Prodotti	-	CHF 0.00
Aggiungi al Carrello

How to choose the right probiotic?

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts”.¹ Species such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Streptococci, the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, and some specific strains of E. coli are among the most commonly used. Even though most probiotics work in a similar way to promote health – regulating intestinal transit, normalizing perturbed microbiota, competing against pathogens, among others things¹ – using strain designations is important, since the most robust approach to probiotic evidence is to link benefits to specific strains or strain combinations of probiotics at the effective dose.

What exactly is a probiotic strain?

To get an overview and structure of diverse probiotics, the World Gastroenterology Organization proposed a nomenclature where the term «probiotic» is composed of genus, species, and an alphanumeric designation that identifies a specific strain. Limosilactobacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) reuteri ABC, for example. Thus, strain designation is important, as different strains of the same species may have different health effects.

Thus, how to select a good probiotic?

The selection of a probiotic strain is driven primarily by its potential to confer a health benefit on humans. In addition, probiotics need to compete with the resident microbiota to survive until they reach the part of the gastrointestinal tract where they exert their intended effect. Thus, identifying and selecting a suitable probiotic is a very complex and detailed process. Therefore, how to select a good candidate? According to IPA² and ISAPP³, the following reference points can help in the selection process:

Probiotics Checklist: Making a smart selection

1. Backed by science
Choose a product that shows evidence for the benefits it confers. Some probiotics, such as L. reuteri DSM 17938, are supported by multiple high-quality studies, whereas little is known about other probiotic strains.
2. Effective dosage and quality – more is not necessarily better!
The dosage should match the level used in clinical studies showing a health benefit.
3. Claimed benefits specific strains
Even when belonging to the same genus and species, different strains can be distinguished by unique genetic and physiological properties. For instance, L. reuteri DSM 17938 is one of the most studied probiotics, with proven efficacy in ameliorating several gastrointestinal disorders. While L. reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 has a potential anti-inflammatory effect, which recently proved to have an impact on bone health.^4,5
4. International culture collection
The bacterial strain should be registered in an internationally recognized database.
5. Made by a reputable company
Responsible manufacturers list the genus, species, and strain of the product, as well as the company contact information.
6. Safety
Is it safe for me? Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Keep in mind that…

Probiotics can help restore the balance of the intestinal microbiota, maintain a healthy immune system, and in turn grant protection against gastrointestinal infections. However, the efficacy of probiotic products is both strain- and disease- specific. Remember always to look for a product with studies that support the benefit you want!

^{1) Hill C. et al., (2014). 2) IPA (International Probiotics Association). 3) ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics). 4) Nilsson A. G. et al., (2018). 5) Li P. et al., (2022).}

^{#Probiotics #Microorganisms #HealthBenefits #Lactobacillus #StrainDesignations #ProbioticEvidence #ProbioticStrain #GenusSpeciesStrain #SelectingProbiotics #ProbioticSelection #EvidenceBased}^{#HealthBlog #Blog #StayInformed #Information #Knowledge #AllergyCare}

^{C. Dominguez, 19.06.2024}

Indirizzo

AllergyCare AG
Zürichstrasse 2
CH-8134 Adliswil

Condizioni generali