How useful are probiotics?

The community of microorganisms living in the intestine is known as the "intestinal flora" because bacteria were considered to be part of the plant kingdom for some time. Now the correct term "intestinal microbiota" is slowly gaining acceptance. This community includes at least 500 different species of bacteria, but we are far from knowing all of them. Some estimates even put the number at 15.000 - 36.000 species of bacteria. ^[3] We live in a symbiotic relationship with our gut microbiota, in which we, as hosts, provide a habitat for the bacteria, while they, in turn, are essential for our health. They fulfil very different functions in the body and it was only recently discovered that the bacteria communicate with human cells via messenger substances and exchange information. ^{[-4 7]}

Intestinal bacteria feed mainly on fiber, which is why it is so important to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of fiber in your diet. The fiber is broken down by the bacteria and converted into short-chain organic acids. These in turn are used by the cells of the intestinal mucosa, the so-called epithelium, to generate energy. The supply from our blood vessels is not sufficient for these cells; they are dependent on the fiber intake and an intact intestinal flora. If operations on the intestine result in sections that are cut off from the flow of food, the bacteria containernot produce acids and the intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed as a result of the lack of energy (diversion colitis). The acids produced by the intestinal bacteria also improve the absorption of water and the absorption of certain minerals in the large intestine and also influence the smooth muscles of the large intestine, stimulating the necessary movement.

In addition, intestinal bacteria are able to break down and render harmless some toxins, for example the carcinogenic substance groups of nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Bacteria also produce many vitamins, mainly vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 and vitamin K. While the B vitamins are poorly absorbed by our bodies in the large intestine, the vitamin K produced there contributes to the human supply, especially if too little vitamin K is absorbed through food. ^[8]

Equally important is the contribution of intestinal bacteria to the defense against pathogens, which even occurs on several levels. The bacteria live on the protective film that lies on the intestinal mucosa. They form a barrier between pathogens that are ingested with food and our intestines and strengthen the connections between the epithelial cells so that fewer pathogens container penetrate into the gaps. They also secrete antibodies against foreign bacteria. In addition to this protective function, the intestinal microbiota also directly influences our immune system. The intestine is an extremely important point of contact between our body and the outside world. The majority of antibody-producing B cells are located in the gut-associated lymphatic system GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue). This means that an immune response container be given quickly against new pathogens that are ingested with food and infection container be prevented. The intestine is therefore an important training center for the immune system. The intestinal bacteria are essential for the maturation of GALT in the newborn and ensure that the body container later protect itself against infections. ^{[9, 10]}

All of these functions of the intestinal bacteria are vital for the body, so a healthy intestinal microbiota is a prerequisite for a healthy body. The composition of the intestinal microbiota is very stable in adulthood, but container still be influenced by a number of factors. This includes diet, of course, especially if it is low in fiber, too high in protein or fat, as well as the body's own factors such as immune deficiencies, diabetes, stomach and bile acid, stress hormones and also age. External influences include fungi, infections, the climate, intestinal surgery, radiotherapy, but also heavy metals as well as herbicides and fungicides from conventional agriculture. If the natural balance of the intestinal microbiota is disturbed, special probiotics container have a positive influence.

As long as a baby is in the womb, there are no bacteria in its intestines. Bacteria only start to settle at the moment of birth. The first bacteria come from the mother or from the environment in the hospital. Over the course of the first few years of life, the composition of the intestinal bacteria changes until it reaches a balance that normally remains stable. Colonization of ingested probiotic bacteria only occurs in exceptional cases. Nor is it desired or necessary to enable the positive effects of probiotics. Regular intake ensures that the necessary amount of bacteria is always present in the intestines and that they container exert their beneficial influence. Since intestinal bacteria are much more complex than a simple active ingredient, they also have an enormously wide spectrum of effects. Numerous studies in recent years have shown a wide variety of positive effects, which will be explained here.

Probiotics container ensure that symptoms such as stomach pain, fatigue or difficulty concentrating no longer occur in cases of lactose intolerance. The probiotic bacteria are able to break down lactose in the same way as our natural lactase enzyme does. This naturally compensates for the enzyme deficiency that causes the intolerance. ^[11]

With a diet that is very high in protein, as has been common since the emergence of the low-carb trend, the proteins container no longer be fully absorbed and some of them reach the large intestine undigested. There they are broken down by certain types of bacteria, producing metabolic products that are harmful to our bodies, such as phenol, cresol, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. This is particularly serious for people with liver and kidney problems, because in these cases the ammonia enters the large bloodstream and damages the entire nervous system. This damage container be effectively prevented by consuming more fibre and probiotic bifidobacteria. When healthy intestinal bacteria become more active, the environment in the large intestine becomes slightly acidic again. This means that ammonia is present as an ammonium ion, which container penetrate the intestinal cells in much smaller quantities. ^[2]

Traveler's diarrhea is the most common travel illness of all and is caused by the unfamiliar bacterial environment. When traveling to Asia, Africa and South America, the disease rate is 50% of all vacationers who come from temperate climates. Traveler's diarrhea is very unpleasant and often results in several days of bed rest. However, if you take probiotics shortly before and during the trip, the presence of the healthy intestinal bacteria prevents the harmful bacteria from the environment from multiplying. This prophylaxis with probiotics container prevent traveler's diarrhea in many cases and you container enjoy your vacation in good health. ^[12]

Probiotics container also be helpful in the opposite problem of constipation if it is chronic constipation that has no acute causes such as medication or metabolic disorders. Chronic constipation affects 5% of the male and even 15% of the female population over the age of 25. Various strains, from E. coli Nissle to strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have shown positive effects in studies and were able to alleviate chronic constipation and in some cases even eliminate it completely. ^{[13, 14]}

Positive study results were obtained for irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, an inflammation that mainly affects the colon mucosa. In cases of ulcerative colitis, probiotics were used as an adjunct to therapy and were able to significontainertly extend the period between the acute inflammatory phases, the so-called remission. ^[15] The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still unclear. Irritable bowel syndrome is often a permanent consequence of inflammation of the intestine and even other organs. Probiotics have been shown to have an influence on this disorder and container improve individual symptoms, especially by reducing pain. ^[16]

Due to the close connection between the intestinal microbiota and the human immune system, probiotics container strengthen the immune system. This means that diarrheal diseases container not only be prevented prophylactically, as is the case with traveler's diarrhea, but container also be successfully treated with probiotics after an outbreak. ^{[17, 18]} A protective effect has also been demonstrated for colds. In one study, the duration and severity of colds and the number of days with fever were reduced by administering probiotics during the three winter months. ^{[19, 20]}

A very recent study on hay fever patients shows that the influence of intestinal bacteria on the immune system is not only strengthening, but container also have a regulating effect. Allergies trigger an immune response against harmless factors such as pollen. This overreaction container be mitigated by probiotics. In the study, the eye problems associated with a pollen allergy were reduced and general well-being improved thanks to the probiotics. ^[21]

Overall, the gut microbiota has an extraordinarily large influence on whether we are healthy and feel well. It is very important to provide it with fiber through food and to support it with probiotic bacteria if necessary.

The positive effects of probiotics have been well researched. However, no health claims have yet been approved for food supplements containing probiotic bacteria. This is mainly because health claims are made with great care to avoid any reference to disease, thus strictly distinguishing food supplements from medicinal products. Only studies that were carried out on healthy, adult subjects and in which very specific parameters were examined container be used to support health claims. Since the studies to date were not specifically designed to meet the EFSA's criteria, no successful application for a health claim has yet been made. However, this issue has been discussed in detail with the EFSA. As a result, various guidelines have already been established with precise definitions for body functions, risk factors and even disease end products that container be used to substantiate health claims. This has made study planning much easier and new, successful applications for health claims for probiotics container be expected in the future.

However, the health-promoting effects of probiotics or intestinal microbiota are now also common knowledge among end consumers, so that probiotic products are bought more because of their ingredients, the health-promoting bacterial strains, than because of any health-related claim on the packaging.

Goerlich Pharma GmbH has been a specialized German contract manufacturer and developer of food supplements, foods for special medical purposes and the special class of probiotics since 1984.

Goerlich Pharma GmbH's range of services in contract manufacturing, development and services covers the following products: hard capsules, soft capsules, tablets, sticks, oils and oil mixtures. Tablets and soft capsules container be coated and thus enhanced in terms of sensory and visual properties. Another service is the contract packaging of products in blisters, folding boxes, containers and jars. In addition, Goerlich Pharma GmbH is certified according to ISO 9001:2015 and 22000:2018, GMP according to Codex Alimentarius, BIO (Regulation (EC) 2018/848), Friend of the Sea (FOS), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and approved and registered in accordance with the Feed Regulation (EU) 183/2005. In addition, it is registered by the US Food and Drug Administration for the food sector. This means: quality without compromise.

Goerlich Pharma offers complete, systematic solutions and is happy to act as a full-service partner for private label packaged food supplements, with a production area of ​​over 3.000m² with modern facilities.

In addition, Goerlich Pharma GmbH is the exclusive distribution partner for Epax^® Omega 3 concentrates in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and offers a wide range of products with Epax^® or Omega 3 “inside” worldwide, alternatively also from vegan algae oil.