These are the Probiotic strains we chose to include in our Probiotic for Kids
(but we let Adults take it too)
Kid’s Probiotic in BIO-tract 3 Billion CFU/Sphere:
Lactobacillus plantarum
L. plantarum helps to regulate immunity and control inflammation in the gut. Due to its ability to quickly digest proteins, L. plantarum plays a role in preventing and even managing food allergies. (Food allergies occur when our body wrongly detects a particular protein in the food as an invader, thus cascading an inflammatory response to alert the system and kill off the invader. Our inflammatory response is helpful in the short-term, as it protects us, but in the case of food allergies our systems are overreacting to substances that are not inherently harmful, leading to inflammation of our healthy cells and causing unnecessary and harmful damage). Along with its ability to digest proteins, L. plantarum also absorbs and helps maintain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants; these are vital nutrients that support our body on a whole!This beneficial bacterium is also known for its ability to fortify the gut lining, which helps to protect us from potential invaders that otherwise may harm intestinal integrity and enter into our bloodstream, causing havoc elsewhere in the body. The role of L. plantarum in reducing gut permeability strongly reduces the risks that are associated with leaky gut. (Leaky gut is a condition in which contents are able to leave the gut and enter into the blood stream;normally, the gut junctions are tight and serve to control what passes through the lining of the small intestine.- This exposure creates an inflammatory response in the body and increases one’s risk for nearly every brain disorder.)
There is currently much research displaying how probiotic therapy may be a breakthrough in the treatment of many chronic conditions and diseases. There are studies showing that probiotic use leads to significant improvement in the wellbeing of children with autism and ADHD symptoms. In fact, there was one British study involving 40 children with autism who were ages 4 to 8; in the first part of the study, half of the individuals received a powdered supplement that contained Lactobacillus plantarum, while the other half received a placebo powder. Parents were asked to monitor their children’s behavior, mood, and concentration ability in a symptom diary (as a control, the parents were unaware of what powder their child was receiving). The second part of the study was planned out for the participants to switch treatment, but the children who were on the probiotic powder had such remarkable improvements that the parents refused; due to this, there were so many dropouts that the study was considered a “failure”, when in fact it displayed the great benefits of probiotics. While there is still controversy over whether or not probiotic treatment can help all autistic children, probiotics are so safe that taking them for the perceived benefits (along with the many proven benefits) would only help, not harm. (The Probiotics Revolution).
Bifidobacterium infantis
There are studies that show this bacterium as particularly helpful to infants, as it aids in the breakdown of lactic acid that is found in breast milk. The bacterium is also able to utilize other carbohydrates, thus helping people of all ages with digestion. (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/bifidobacterium-infantis-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/)
Bifidobacterium infantis has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of IBS: improving pain, bloating, and regularity of bowel movements. Some ways it is believed to have these positive effects are through its role in balancing the bacterial overgrowth that is associated with IBS, as well as by stimulating regulatory T cell responses, which are an aspect of our immune system that decreases inflammation. (The Probiotics Revolution). The byproducts of B. infantis, lactic and acetic acids, lower the pH of the intestine, creating an unfavorable environment for less desirable bacteria.
There is also research indicating that Bifidobacterium infantis has an effect that helps to break down oxalate in the intestines (oxalate buildup in the blood and urine creates stones in the body). Through that action, this bacterium may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
Bifidobacterium lactis
This bacterium aids in digestive upset, and also has been documented as being helpful in treating foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. Bifidobacterium lactis also displays immune boosting effects. There are studies showing that toddlers and children who received probiotic formulas containing B. lactis required significantly less healthcare attention, and also received significantly lower amounts and frequency of antibiotic treatments. There are also studies that show the benefits of probiotics in baby formulas (baby’s fed formulas are at higher risk for compromised immune systems); these probiotic formula fed babies vs. regular formula fed babies, had fewer incidences of fever and diarrhea, and a significant decrease in colic. (The Probiotics Revolution)
Lactobacillus acidophilus
This bacterium is supportive to our immune health in its role of balancing good vs. bad bacteria. It also produces a handful of beneficial substances that help the body in fighting off pathogenic microbes. There are studies showing Lactobacillus acidophilus as helpful in the control of H. pylori levels in the gut. Since H. pylori is a bacterium that in high levels causes ulcer development, there is speculation that probiotics may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of ulcers. It is also known for being helpful in balancing cholesterol levels. There is also speculation that this bacterium may be helpful in the prevention/treatment of kidney stones, as it produces the enzyme that breaks down oxalate in the intestines. (The Probiotics Revolution)
These are the Probiotic strains we chose to include in our
Probiotic for Big Kids and Adults:
Probiotic in BIO-tract 4 Billion CFU/Sphere
Lactabacillus acidophilus
This bacterium aids the immune system by keeping a balance of good vs. bad bacteria. In women, it has been found to be particularly helpful in the prevention/treatment of Candida albicans growth (the fungus that causes yeast infections). It produces a handful of beneficial substances, some of which include: acidolphilin, acidolin, bacteriocin, and lactocidin; they all play a role in fighting off pathogenic microbes.
There are studies showing Lactobacillus acidophilus as helpful in the control of H. pylori levels in the gut. Since H. pylori is a bacterium that in high levels causes ulcer development, there is speculation that probiotics may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of ulcers. This bacterium is also known for being helpful in balancing cholesterol levels. There is also speculation that it may be helpful in the prevention/treatment of kidney stones, as it produces the enzyme that breaks down oxalate in the intestines. (The Probiotics Revolution)
Lactobacillus plantarum
L. plantarum helps to regulate immunity and control inflammation in the gut. Due to its ability to quickly digest proteins, L. plantarum plays a role in preventing and even managing food allergies. (Food allergies occur when our body wrongly detects a particular protein in the food as an invader, thus cascading an inflammatory response to alert the system and kill off the invader. Our inflammatory response is helpful in the short-term, as it protects us, but in the case of food allergies our systems are overreacting to substances that are not inherently harmful, leading to inflammation of our healthy cells and causing unnecessary and harmful damage). Along with its ability to digest proteins, L. plantarum also absorbs and helps maintain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants; these are vital nutrients that support our body on a whole!This beneficial bacterium is also known for its ability to fortify the gut lining, which helps to protect us from potential invaders that otherwise may harm intestinal integrity and enter into our bloodstream, causing havoc elsewhere in the body. The role of L. plantarum in reducing gut permeability strongly reduces the risks that are associated with leaky gut. (Leaky gut is a condition in which contents are able to leave the gut and enter into the blood stream; normally, the gut junctions are tight and serve to control what passes through the lining of the small intestine; this exposure creates an inflammatory response in the body and increases one’s risk for nearly every brain disorder.) (http://www.drperlmutter.com/learn/resources/probiotics-five-core-species/?utm_content=buffer50754&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri is beneficial to the immune system, as it plays a role in preventing and also reducing the overproduction of pathogens. Studies show that this bacterium may inhibit the pathogens’ production of virulence factors- thus protecting our systems from harm. Other studies have shown L. reuteri as being effective in the treatment of infantile colic, acute diarrhea, rotavirus, gardnerella vaginalis, and decreasing the occurrence of eczema. L. reuteri has also been shown to decrease workplace sicknesses, and for suppressing infections related to H. pylori.
Lactobacillus reuteri produces reuterin in the GI tract, which enhances its ability to reduce the growth of E. coli bacteria. Reuterin is able to eliminate the bad bacteria without harming the good, as the levels needed to harm the beneficial bacteria would be four to five times higher than what is necessary to eliminate the bad; thus, this bacterium is regarded as safe.
There are also studies showing that this bacterium is supportive of dental health! This is through its action of destroying streptococcus mutans, which quickens tooth decay. Further studies also show that this bacterium may be helpful in preventing gingivitis. Overall, research is showing that this bacterium lowers the number of cavity- and odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. (http://www.probiotic.org/lactobacillus-reuteri.htm)
Preliminary studies are showing that this strain of bacterium is beneficial to the treatment of IBD.
Bifidobacterium infantis
This bacterium is considered beneficial because of the acids it produces. These acids help stop the growth and colonization of harmful bacteria, especially in the colon. The bacterium is also able to utilize other carbohydrates, thus helping people of all ages with digestion. (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/bifidobacterium-infantis-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/)
Bifidobacterium infantis has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of IBS: improving pain, bloating, and regularity of bowel movements. Some ways it is believed to have these positive effects are through its role in balancing the bacterial overgrowth that is associated with IBS, as well as by stimulating regulatory T cell responses, which are an aspect of our immune system that decreases inflammation. (The Probiotics Revolution). The byproducts of B. infantis, lactic and acetic acids, lower the pH of the intestine, creating an unfavorable environment for less desirable bacteria. By inhibting the root causes of IBS, it is beneficial to people who suffer from the symptoms of this condition, including: bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, urgency and abdominal discomfort. (http://www.probiotic.org/bifidobacterium-infantis.htm)
There is also research showing that Bifidobacterium infantis has an effect that helps to break down oxalate in the intestines (oxalate buildup in the blood and urine creates stones in the body). Through this action, this bacterium may be beneficial in the prevention/treatment of kidney stones. (The Probiotics Revolution)
Bifidobacterium lactis
This bacterium aids in digestive upset, and also has been documented as being helpful in treating foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. Studies have shown that B. lactis improves general digestive comfort, decreases intestinal permeability, decreases lactose intolerance, normalizes bowel movements, decreases constipation, and treats acute diarrhea. Bifidobacterium lactis also displays immune boosting effects, and has been shown to fight tumor growth; it increases tumoricidal activity, leading to tumor cell death. It has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory conditions, increase immunity among the elderly, and reduce cold and flu frequency and intensity. There are also studies displaying its cholesterol lowering effects: decreasing total cholesterol and increasing the beneficial HDL cholesterol. B. lactis also displays positive effects in the reduction of allergies and inflammation, deceasing atopic dermatitis symptoms and sensitivities, and decreasing inflammatory responses in the body. (http://probiotics.org/bifidobacterium-lactis/)
These are the Probiotic strains we chose to include in our
The Biggest Loser Probiotic:
Biggest Loser Probiotic in BIO-tract 5 Billion CFU/Sphere
Lactobacillus acidophilus
This bacterium aids the immune system by keeping a balance of good vs. bad bacteria. In women, it has been found to be particularly helpful in the prevention/treatment of Candida albicans growth (the fungus that causes yeast infections). It produces a handful of beneficial substances, some of which include: acidolphilin, acidolin, bacteriocin, and lactocidin; they all play a role in fighting off pathogenic microbes.
There are studies showing Lactobacillus acidophilus as helpful in the control of H. pylori levels in the gut. Since H. pylori is a bacterium that in high levels causes ulcer development, there is speculation that probiotics may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of ulcers. This bacterium is also known for being helpful in balancing cholesterol levels. There is also speculation that it may be helpful in the prevention/treatment of kidney stones, as it produces the enzyme that breaks down oxalate in the intestines. (The Probiotics Revolution)
Lactobacillus plantarum
L. plantarum helps to regulate immunity and control inflammation in the gut. Due to its ability to quickly digest proteins, L. plantarum plays a role in preventing and even managing food allergies. (Food allergies occur when our body wrongly detects a particular protein in the food as an invader, thus cascading an inflammatory response to alert the system and kill off the invader. Our inflammatory response is helpful in the short-term, as it protects us, but in the case of food allergies our systems are overreacting to substances that are not inherently harmful, leading to inflammation of our healthy cells and causing unnecessary and harmful damage). Along with its ability to digest proteins, L. plantarum also absorbs and helps maintain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants; these are vital nutrients that support our body on a whole!This beneficial bacterium is also known for its ability to fortify the gut lining, which helps to protect us from potential invaders that otherwise may harm intestinal integrity and enter into our bloodstream, causing havoc elsewhere in the body. The role of L. plantarum in reducing gut permeability strongly reduces the risks that are associated with leaky gut. (Leaky gut is a condition in which contents are able to leave the gut and enter into the blood stream; normally, the gut junctions are tight and serve to control what passes through the lining of the small intestine) This exposure creates an inflammatory response in the body and increases one’s risk for nearly every brain disorder. (http://www.drperlmutter.com/learn/resources/probiotics-five-core-species/?utm_content=buffer50754&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Bifidobacterium lactis
This bacterium aids in digestive upset, and also has been documented as being helpful in treating foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. Studies have shown that B. lactis improves general digestive comfort, decreases intestinal permeability, decreases lactose intolerance, normalizes bowel movements, decreases constipation, and treats acute diarrhea. Bifidobacterium lactis also displays immune boosting effects, and has been shown to fight tumor growth; it increases tumoricidal activity, leading to tumor cell death. It has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory conditions, increase immunity among the elderly, and reduce cold and flu frequency and intensity. There are also studies showing its cholesterol lowering effects: decreasing total cholesterol and increasing the beneficial HDL cholesterol. B. lactis also displays positive effects in the reduction of allergies and inflammation, deceasing atopic dermatitis symptoms and sensitivities, and decreasing inflammatory responses in the body. (http://probiotics.org/bifidobacterium-lactis/)
Lactobacillus fermentum
There are studies indicating that Lactobacillus fermentum plays a role in healthy aging, due to its role in improving the function of anti-oxidant enzymes in the body, and improving immune responses. Studies regard this bacterium as playing a role in relieving immunosenecence (a term that refers to the inevitable decline of immune system function that accompanies progressive aging). It also increases the body’s resistance to E. coli infection. (http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Lactobacillus-fermentum-s-immune-benefits-show-potential-to-augment-healthy-aging)
L. fermentum also has been shown to significantly decrease cholesterol levels. It is believed that this occurs through inhibiting the formation of cholesterol micelles with bile acids, thereby decreasing the overall production of cholesterol in the body. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4662139/)Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus gasseri is known for aiding in digestion and being powerful for weight maintenance. Studies show that L. gasseri speeds up metabolism and encourages weight loss. There are studies that show this bacterium as being effective in reducing abdominal body fat and waist size. Further studies also indicate that it has cholesterol lowering effects, reduces allergic response, eases symptoms of asthma, and decreases menstrual pain in women suffering from endometriosis.
This bacterium is also helpful for its immune enhancing effects, protecting the body from harmful pathogens. There is research suggesting that this bacterium enhances the effectiveness of modern treatment of H. pylori. (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lactobacillus-gasseri-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/)
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to counteract weight gain and diabetes. There are also many studies that examine the benefits of this bacterium for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues; it has been found to be helpful in IBS. This bacterium also has been indicated as helpful in the treatment of seasonal allergies, particularly hay fever.
L. rhamnosus is able to survive highly acidic environments, and is believed to be bile-stable, making it highly desirable in its ability to protect the gut and intestinal tract from ailments. L. rhamnosus improves immune function. Studies show that it helps to stimulate the production of antibodies and also assists in phagocytosis (a process in which the body rids of harmful bacteria). Research shows that it is particularly helpful in the treatment of urinary tract infections. It is believed to safeguard the urogenital tract through its ability to excrete biosurfactants, which enable the tract to limit the adhesion of pathogens, thus decreasing infection. In a study involving patients suffering from kidney-related illnesses, this bacterium was able to interrupt the GI transportation of the variety enterococcus that is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lactobacillus-rhamnosus-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/)Works Cited:
"Bifidobacterium Infantis." Bifidobacterium Infantis. Web. 16 May 2016. http://www.probiotic.org/bifidobacterium-infantis.htm
"Bifidobacterium Infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics." Dr Groups Natural Health Organic Living Blog. 2015. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/bifidobacterium-infantis-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/>.
"B. Lactics Probitics Supplementation Benefits." Benefits of B. Lactis Probiotic (aka. Bifidobacterium Animalis) — Probiotics.org. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://probiotics.org/bifidobacterium-lactis/>.
Huffnagle, Gary B., and Sarah Wernick. The Probiotics Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Natural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements. New York: Bantam, 2007. Print.
"Lactobacillus Fermentum's Immune BenefitsShow 'potential to Augment Healthy Aging'" NutraIngredients-USA.com. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Lactobacillus-fermentum-s-immune-benefits-show-potential-to-augment-healthy-aging>.
"Lactobacillus Gasseri: The Health Benefits of Probiotics." Dr Groups Natural Health Organic Living Blog. 2015. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lactobacillus-gasseri-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/>.
"Lactobacillus Reuteri." Lactobacillus Reuteri. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.probiotic.org/lactobacillus-reuteri.htm>.
"Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: The Health Benefits of Probiotics." Dr Groups Natural Health Organic Living Blog. 2015. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lactobacillus-rhamnosus-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/>.
"The 5 Best Species Of Probiotics - Dr. David Perlmutter." David Perlmutter MD. Web. 16 May 2016. <http://www.drperlmutter.com/learn/resources/probiotics-five-core-species/?utm_content=buffer50754>.
Song, Minyu, Bohyun Yun, Jae-Hak Moon, Dong-June Park, Kwangsei Lim, and Sejong Oh. "Characterization of Selected Lactobacillus Strains for Use as Probiotics." Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources. Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources. Web. 16 May 2016. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4662139/>