Health Benefits of Probiotics
by: Carla R. McGill, PhD, RD
What are Probiotics?
The term “probiotics”, which literally means “for life”, refers to strains of beneficial bacteria that provide a health benefit when consumed in sufficient amounts. In fact, many of the beneficial bacteria now classified as probiotics have been used for centuries in health promoting foods. Scientists have agreed that certain requirements must be met before a strain can be classified as a probiotic: the bacteria must be safe, alive, provide one or more documented health benefits and be administered in sufficient amounts to confer the health benefit(s)(1,2).Not all “live and active cultures” are Probiotics
The biggest category of foods in the United States that contain live bacteria are fermented dairy products. You may have seen the phrase “contains live and active cultures” on some of these products, but not all “live and active cultures” meet the criteria to be considered probiotics. Some “live and active cultures” may not provide a documented health benefit or may not be present in sufficient amounts to confer the health benefit. To be sure you are getting true probiotics, look for products that disclose the strain of probiotic bacteria, identify the documented health benefit(s) associated with that strain, and state the amount of living bacteria provided per serving(2).How Probiotics Work
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract normally contains billions of bacteria that make a significant contribution to health. The complex system of bacteria in the GI tract can be impacted by many factors including stress, diet, illness and antibiotic therapy. Probiotics help increase the levels of beneficial bacteria in the GI tract by making it difficult for less beneficial bacteria to live and reproduce(1,2,3).Health Benefits of Probiotics
The impact of probiotics on several areas of human health has been investigated in many studies. Probiotic bacteria have been clinically researched for positive effects on lactose intolerance, cholesterol reduction, hypertension, symptoms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and immune health. Different bacterial strains provide different health benefits(1,2,3).Probiotics in Healthy 10
The strain of probiotic bacteria in Healthy 10 is called Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® which has been researched for its benefits in supporting immune health in children and adults. The immune system is the body´s protection against harmful substances and an appropriate immune response is critical to maintaining health. The role of beneficial bacteria in supporting a healthy immune system has recently been recognized. Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 has been shown to enhance activity of immune cells and stimulate antibody production when consumed (4,5). This strain has also been shown to support digestive health by supporting healthy function of the GI tract(5,6,7).Healthy 10 provides 1 billion Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 bacterial cells in each 8 ounce serving. Since the level of bacteria declines over time, this is the amount measured at the end of shelf life. Both the specific strain of probiotic bacteria and the amount are listed on the Healthy 10 label.
Learn More About...
1. The P's and Q's of Probiotics: A Consumer Guide for Making Smart Choices
2. World Gastroenterology Organization Practice Guideline Probiotics and Prebiotics
3. Probiotics and Bifidobacterium Lactis BB-12
4. The clinical research supporting Bifidobacterium Lactis BB-12
References
1. Sanders ME. Probiotics: considerations for human health. Nutrition Reviews 2003;61:91-99.2. Douglas LC and Sanders ME. Probiotics and prebiotics in dietetics practice. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108:510-521.
3. http://www.usprobiotics.org/basics.asp
4. Schiffrin EJ, Brassert D, Servin AL, Rochat F, Donnet-Hughes A. Immune modulation of blood leukocytes in humans by lactic acid bacteria: criteria for strain selection. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66:515S-520S.
5. Fukishima Y, Kawata Y, Hara H, Terada A, Mitsuoka T. Effect of a probiotic formula on intestinal immunoglobulin A production in healthy children. Int J Food Microbiol. 1998;42:39-44.
6. Pitkälä KH, Strandberg TE, Finne Soveri UH, Ouwehand AC, Poussa T, Salminen S. Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalizes bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomized, controlled trial. J Nutr Health Aging.2007;11:305-11.
7. Murakami T, Miyahara H, Yukisato S, Nakamura R, Kanno H, Kotakemori M, Kamei T, Kobayashi O. Safety and effect of yoghurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 on improvement of defecation and fecal microflora in healthy volunteers. Food, Health and Nutrition Research (Journal of Nutritional Food) 2006;9:1-12.
BB-12® is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen
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