For a good gut feeling: The pure power of probiotic bacteria

Probiotics are living microorganisms that container have a health benefit for humans when present in sufficient quantities. These usually include living fungi or bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria or yeasts, which accumulate in the intestines, multiply and container lead to positive health effects. They are also said to have antibacterial properties against pathogens and generally do not result in any detectable side effects.^[2,6] In order to be called probiotics, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, there should be evidence of their health-promoting effects and genetic stability. Secondly, there should be effects on the production of lactic acid and bacteriostatic or bactericidal substances as well as survival in the stomach and replication in the intestine.^[3]

At birth, important bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are transmitted to the infant via the mother's vaginal mucosa and breast milk. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid and cause, for example, acidification of the intestines, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria to multiply or settle there. Bifidobacteria have similar functions and container also produce vital enzymes and vitamins, which are essential for the development of the immune system, especially in infancy.^[3]

The right time of intake container be crucial for better absorption of probiotics and prebiotics, as they are attacked by stomach acid on the way to the intestine. In the morning before the first meal, the pH value of the stomach is high and therefore not very acidic. This means that when taken on an empty stomach, the probiotic bacteria come into little contact with the digestive enzymes and stomach acid and ultimately reach the intestine in greater numbers.^[4]

An intestinal flora that is out of balance container be the cause of various diseases. In addition to a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, sufficient exercise and positive stress management, the intake of "good" intestinal bacteria container have a very supportive effect on the body.^[3]

The diverse areas of application range from gastrointestinal diseases to allergies to the stimulation of the immune system and prevention of antibiotic treatments^[2].

Prebiotics are not microorganisms, but rather food components that are not broken down and digested in the small intestine and therefore reach the large intestine undamaged. Prebiotics are dietary fibers such as inulin, oligosaccharides or pectin. These are used in the body as food for the intestinal "good" bacteria. They also promote the growth of important bacteria found in the intestine, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and at the same time block the binding of "bad" and harmful bacteria to the intestinal cells. They also produce short-chain fatty acids that lower the pH value in the intestine and thus promote the absorption and solubility of certain minerals such as magnesium or calcium, and also serve as an energy source for the intestinal mucosa. Prebiotics container also serve to protect the probiotic bacteria on their way through the digestive tract.^[3]

Other terms that one comes into contact with in the area of ​​probiotics and prebiotics include synbiotics and postbiotics.

The term synbiotics is used for a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, such as the combination of different bacterial strains with inulin in a capsule or stick. This has positive interactions with regard to the intestinal immune system and the intestinal flora.^[3]

The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines postbiotics as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that provide a health benefit to the host” ^[5].

The digestion of food, i.e. the production of energy and nutrients, takes place mainly in the intestine. Probiotics container support the digestion of food by producing enzymes that enable the breakdown of otherwise indigestible food components (“prebiotics”) ^[7] .

In addition, the defense against infections is one of the most important tasks of the digestive system ^[8] Different direct and indirect mechanisms of action are known for probiotics ^[7] On the one hand, probiotics container act directly against pathogens by producing antibacterial substances, e.g. lactic acid. On the other hand, they compete with pathogens for nutrients and for the attachment and colonization of intestinal cells. In addition, some probiotics container absorb or metabolize toxins^[7] and stabilize the intestinal barrier ^[8] .

In addition, probiotics container modify the immune system by activating gut-associated immune cells ^[8] A positive effect has been observed in allergic reactions and inflammations, as the immune system is also involved here. The activity of the immune system is inhibited by probiotics. This explains some of the positive effects observed in studies, e.g. in diarrhea, digestive disorders, allergies, skin diseases. ^[7]

Not to be forgotten is the so-called gut-brain axis, through which the brain and the intestine container influence each other. This requires messenger substances that are also produced by the bacteria in the intestine. ^[8]

Since not every probiotic bacterial strain exhibits all of the above mechanisms, mixtures of different strains are often offered^[7]In addition, no health-related information, so-called health claims, is permitted or approved for probiotics. In order to be able to make statements about a product, probiotic strains are therefore often combined with suitable vitamins, minerals and plant substances for which there are approved health claims.

This is what a product for general intestinal health or intestinal cleansing, for example after taking antibiotics, could look like: The special bacterial mixture is supplemented with niacin and vitamin B6. Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, and vitamin B6 to the normal function of the nervous system. Probiotic mixtures are also available to support the immune system, which container be combined with vitamin D3 and/or vitamin C. Vitamins C and D contribute to the normal function of the immune system.^[10]

A positive effect on the gut-brain axis was shown by a mixture of L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, B. longum^[9]Because of their known effect on the nerves and psyche, the B vitamins are particularly suitable for combination: for example, vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function. Pantothenic acid supports normal mental performance.^[10] A combination with adaptogens is also conceivable: saffron for mood & ashwaganda against stress or melatonin for better sleep.

The possibilities in the “healthy ageing” category are also exciting. The bacterial mixture, which for example L. plantarum, B. short, L. acidophilus, B. animalis subsp. lacits, B. longitude and  L.reuteri is combined with selected micronutrients. These container help with exhaustion and tiredness (e.g. vitamin B12), a weakened immune system (e.g. selenium, zinc, vitamin D), memory problems and declining mental performance (e.g. zinc). Vitamin D also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. Selenium and zinc container also help protect cells from oxidative stress.^[10]

And a probiotic mixture container also be used for the topic of “weight loss/metabolism”. The bacterial strains B. short, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus container be supplemented with the fiber inulin as "bacterial food" and vitamins B3 and B6. Both vitamins contribute to normal energy metabolism, for example.^[10]

Sticks or sachets are particularly suitable as a form of administration for probiotics, as the powder mixture is processed extremely gently. Depending on preference, the stick container be designed to dissolve in water or directly in the mouth. There are also different flavors, colors and sweeteners to choose from. This gives you the opportunity to make the product even more individual and tailor it to your customer's needs.