Acidophilus and
Other Pre/Probiotics

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

If there are terms in these articles you don't understand, you can get a definition from the Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary.   If you want information about a specific disease, you can access the Merck Manual.   You can also search Pub Med for more abstracts on this, or any other health topic.

Probiotic Articles

	What is Acidophilus? A nice review by students from the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy
	A Nutritional Approach to Immunity Nutrition Science News (Seprember 1999) Many studies show that immune function depends on nutrients found primarily in whole, unprocessed foods. [2] Researchers have also confirmed that physical activity and a healthy emotional state are essential for proper immune function. [3, 4] A healthy diet and lifestyle may be the cornerstones of a strong immune system, but what specific measures can be taken when a person is faced with an immune challenge such as the annual cold and flu season?
	Probiotics Effective Against Viral Infections A recent study on the prevention of gastrointestinal infections suggests that probiotics may also be effective against viral infections. In this study, a group of 81 children was randomized to receive either a strain of lactobacillus (Lactobacillus GG) or placebo after hospital admission. Because many infections are acquired in the hospital (termed nosocomial infections), the researchers decided to test the protective effects of probiotics in this setting.
	The Probiotic Solution for Colitis Nutrition Science News (December 2000) Colitis, or irritable bowel disease (IBD), is a group of conditions characterized by gut–wall inflammation. Conventional medicine generally addresses IBD symptoms with steroids and other drugs. Probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, address the root cause, most importantly by acting antagonistically toward pathogenic bacteria that cause intestinal inflammation. Valuable probiotics include various species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page.
	Bacteria That Strengthen The Immune System Nutrition Science News Richard N. Podell, M.D. writes: "As a practicing physician and nutritionist, I hear that question at least three times a day. The good news is we can strengthen the immune system's resistance to infection by taking supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum, two breeds of "friendly" bacteria that normally live in the human gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract."
	The Yeast Within Nutrition Science News (June 1999) The predominant organisms normally found in the vagina are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Corynebacterium vaginale. [2] These organisms maintain an acidic vaginal environment with a pH of 4 to 4.5. [3] Since lactobacillus and corynebacterium are responsible for metabolizing the sugars glycogen and glucose, which are favorite foods for candida and other yeasts, a healthy amount of these organisms can stave off candida overgrowth. [4]
	Factors Involved in the Increased Intestinal Permeability Associated With Irritable Bowel Disease Stress, sugar, alcohol and previous exposure to Antibiotics head the list of items which kill off beneficial intestinal flora, setting the stage for yeast and other patogenic bacteria from disturbing intestinal permeability.
	A Probiotics Primer Nutrition Science News (June 1999) Ever since Louis Pasteur formulated the germ theory of disease in the late 1800s, humans have been locked in mortal combat with microorganisms. The zealous use of antibiotics, disinfectant chemicals and sanitary packaging attests to our fear and loathing of all things microbial. In this age of antisepsis, it seems ironic that each of our intestinal tracts harbors tens of trillions of bacteria. This number, by some estimates, exceeds the total number of cells making up the human body. Even more ironic is that many of these bacteria are beneficial. Probiotic– – or life–enhancing organisms within the intestinal tract perform such a wide variety of physiological functions that they have been likened to an accessory organ.

Probiotic Research

	Adolescence and Aging: Impact of Adolescence Inflammatory Stress and Microbiota Alterations on Brain Development, Aging and Neurodegeneration J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci (Jun 18); 75 (7): 1251–1257 Puberty/adolescence is a critical phase during neurodevelopment with numerous structural, neurochemical, and molecular changes occurring in response to genetic and environmental signals. A consequence of this major neuronal reorganizing and remodelling, is a heightened level of vulnerability to stressors and immune challenge. The gut microbiota is a fundamental modulator of stress and immune responses and has been found to play a role in mental health conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. Environmental insults (stress, infection, neuroinflammation, use of antibiotics) during adolescence can result in dysbiosis subsidizing the development of brain disorders later in life. Also, pubertal neuroinflammatory insults can alter neurodevelopment, impact brain functioning in an enduring manner, and contribute to neurological disorders related to brain aging such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and depression. Exposure to probiotics during puberty can mitigate inflammation, reverse dysbiosis and decrease vulnerabilities to brain disorders later in life. The goal of this review is to reveal the consequences of pubertal exposure to stress and immune challenges on the gut microbiota, immune reactivity within the brain and the risk or resilience to stress-induced mental illnesses and neurodegenerative disorders. We propose that consumption of probiotics during adolescence contribute to the prevention of brain pathologies in adulthood.
	A Possible Link Between Early Probiotic Intervention and the Risk of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Later in Childhood: A Randomized Trial Pediatr Res. 2015 (Jun); 77 (6): 823–828 At the age of 13 y, ADHD or AS was diagnosed in 6/35 (17.1%) children in the placebo and none in the probiotic group (P = 0.008). Probiotic supplementation early in life may reduce the risk of neuropsychiatric disorder development later in childhood possible by mechanisms not limited to gut microbiota composition. You may also want to refer to the ADD/ADHD Page.
	Probiotics in the Development and Treatment of Allergic Disease Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2012 (Dec); 41 (4): 747–762 Gut microbiota composition can discriminate between allergic and healthy children, and the distinction may precede clinical manifestations of disease. The mother provides the first inoculum of bacteria, which influences the risk of becoming allergic later in life. Bifidobacterium species are major determinants of disease risk. Specific probiotics may modulate early microbial colonization, which represents the first intervention target in allergic disease, together with their ability to reverse the increased intestinal permeability characteristic of children with atopic eczema and food allergy. Probiotics also enhance gut-specific IgA responses, which are frequently defective in children with food allergy. In addition, probiotics have the potential to alleviate allergic inflammation locally and systemically.
	Evaluation of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Pediatric Patients by Triple Therapy Plus Lactoferrin and Probiotics Compared to Triple Therapy Alone Italian Journal of Pediatrics 2012 (Oct 31); 38 (1): 63 ~ FULL TEXT To evaluate whether the addition of a probiotic could improve Helicobacter pylori (H.P.) eradication rates, 68 children with histopathologically proven H.P.-infection were randomized into two therapy regimens (group A and B): both groups received standard triple treatment (omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin) while only group B patients were also given a probiotic (Probinul - Cadigroup). Patients compliance was evaluated at the end of the treatment. Successful eradication was defined as a negative 13 C-urea breath test (C13-ubt) result four weeks after therapy discontinuation. In conclusion our study suggests that the addition of this probiotic formula to triple therapy did not increase (significantly) the H.P. eradication rates; however it significantly decreased the frequency of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
	Galactooligosaccharide Supplementation Reduces Stress-induced Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Days of Cold or Flu: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial In Healthy University Students Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 (Jun); 93 (6): 1305–1311 ~ FULL TEXT Current research suggests that daily supplementation with prebiotics may boost immune function and gastrointestinal health during times of heightened stress. The following randomized, double-blind study included 419 college students who were randomized to receive 0, 2.5 or 5.0 grams of a galactooligosaccharide prebiotic supplement for eight weeks before, during and after final exams. The results revealed that the study participants showed fewer symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, constipation, indigestion and abdominal pain following prebiotics supplementation. It was also found that normal-weight individuals receiving the 5.0 gram prebiotic supplement experienced a 40 percent reduction in days with cold or flu, although no effect was observed in overweight or obese participants. These findings suggest that galactooligosaccharide prebiotics may provide beneficial protection during times of increased stress.
	Specific Probiotics in Reducing the Risk of Acute Infections in Infancy – A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study British Journal of Nutrition 2009 (Jun); 101 (11): 1722–1726 During the first year of life, nine out of thirty-two (28 %) infants receiving probiotics and twenty-two out of forty (55 %) infants receiving placebo encountered recurrent respiratory infections (RR 0.51 (95 % CI 0.27, 0.95); P = 0.022). These data suggest that probiotics may offer a safe means of reducing the risk of early acute otitis media and antibiotic use and the risk of recurrent respiratory infections during the first year of life. Further clinical trials are warranted.
	Increasing Work-place Healthiness with the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomised, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study Environ Health 2005 (Nov 7); 4: 25 ~ FULL TEXT A total of 181 workers completed the study. More than 26 percent of the workers taking the placebo drink reported sick during the course of the study, compared to just 11 percent of workers who took the probiotic drink. The probiotic appeared even more effective in employees who worked the night shift; no night-shift workers taking the probiotic drink called in sick during the study, compared to 33 percent of those given the placebo.
	The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Jun); 9 (2): 180–197 ~ FULL TEXT Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora. The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.
	Inflammatory Bowel Disease Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subcategory of inflammatory bowel disease, afflicts 1-2 million people in the United States, and many more worldwide. Crohn's disease, a subcategory of inflammatory bowel disease, contributes to significant morbidity, particularly in industrialized nations. It can affect people of any age, but is more commonly diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.    Part 1: Ulcerative Colitis–Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (Aug); 8 (3): 247–283 ~ FULL TEXT While conventional treatments can be effective in maintaining remission and decreasing the length of active disease periods, the treatments are not without side effects, and a significant number of people suffering from UC fail to respond to even the strongest drugs. This article reviews potential unconventional treatments - transdermal nicotine, heparin, melatonin, DHEA, probiotics, fiber, dietary changes, botanicals, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients - that may be considered in conjunction with conventional approaches or as part of a comprehensive alternative treatment protocol. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page.    Part 2: Crohn's Disease–Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Dec); 9 (4): 360–401 ~ FULL TEXT Conventional medications are not curative but can contribute to resolution of acute flare-ups and help maintain remission. Because significant side effects are associated with many these medications, more natural interventions to help maintain remission should be considered. Associated nutrient deficiencies, dietary interventions, and nutrient and botanical supplementation are discussed.
	Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (May); 8 (2): 143-155 ~ FULL TEXT Probiotic microflora display numerous health benefits beyond providing basic nutritional value. They cooperatively maintain a delicate balance between the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. When this balance is disrupted, disease and inflammation result. A healthy gastrointestinal tract, with adequate mucus production and appropriate bacterial colonization, prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, modulates disease processes, and prevents widespread inflammatory disorders. Probiotics may be commonly used as a therapeutic tool by health care practitioners in the not-too-distant future.
	Essential Fatty Acids as Possible Enhancers of the Beneficial Actions of Probiotics Nutrition 2002 (Sep); 18 (9): 786 I investigated whether there is a common link between essential fatty acids and probiotics, which have similar actions and benefits in atopy. I made a critical review of the literature pertaining to the actions of essential fatty acids and probiotics on immune response and the interaction between them with particular reference to atopy. A significant reduction in the risk of childhood asthma and other atopic conditions was reported in children who were exclusively breast-fed for at least 4 mo after birth. This beneficial action can be attributed to the immunomodulatory, nutritional, or other components of human milk Human breast milk is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which have immunomodulatory actions. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page.
	Enhancement of Immunity in the Elderly by Dietary Supplementation with the Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN0191 Amer J Clin Nutrit 2001 (Dec); 74 (6): 833–839 B. lactis HN019 could be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing some aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly.
	Probiotics in Human Disease Western civilization is facing a progressive increase in immune-mediated, gut-related health problems, such as allergies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors are an unlikely explanation for these rapid increases in disease incidence. Two environmental factors that relate to the modern lifestyle in Western societies are hygiene and nutrition. There has been a decline in the incidence of microbial stimulation by infectious diseases as a result of improved hygiene, vaccination, and antimicrobial medication.    Probiotics in Human Disease - Part I Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun); 73 (6): 1142S–1146S These data show that probiotics promote endogenous host defense mechanisms. Thus, modification of gut microflora by probiotic therapy may offer a therapeutic potential in clinical conditions associated with gut-barrier dysfunction and inflammatory response.    Probiotics in Human Disease - Part II Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun); 73 (6): 1142S–1146S Western civilization is facing a progressive increase in immune-mediated, gut-related health problems, such as allergies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors are an unlikely explanation for these rapid increases in disease incidence. Two environmental factors that relate to the modern lifestyle in Western societies are hygiene and nutrition.
	Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease: A Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial Lancet 2001 (Apr 7); 357 (9262): 1076–1079 Lactobacillus GG was effective in prevention of early atopic disease in children at high risk. Thus, gut microflora might be a hitherto unexplored source of natural immunomodulators and probiotics, for prevention of atopic disease.
	Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Prevention of Nosocomial Diarrhea in Infants J Pediatr 2001 (Mar); 138 (3): 361–365 Prophylactic use of LGG significantly reduced the risk of nosocomial diarrhea in infants, particularly nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis.
	Probiotics: Effects on Immunity Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Feb); 73 (2 Suppl): 444S–450S The gastrointestinal tract functions as a barrier against antigens from microorganisms and food. The generation of immunophysiologic regulation in the gut depends on the establishment of indigenous microflora. This has led to the introduction of novel therapeutic interventions based on the consumption of cultures of beneficial live microorganisms that act as probiotics.
	Probiotics in the Management of Atopic Eczema Clin Exp Allergy 2000 (Nov); 30 (11): 1604–1610 The results provide the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation. The data further indicate that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu.
	Lactobacillus GG in the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children J Pediatr 1999 (Nov); 135 (5): 564–568 Lactobacillus GG reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children treated with oral antibiotics for common childhood infections.
	Immune Modulation of Blood Leukocytes in Humans by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Criteria for Strain Selection Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Aug 1); 66 (2): 515S–520S Bacterial adhesion to enterocytes, fecal colonization, or both seem to be valuable selection criteria for immunomodulation. Antiinfective mechanisms of defense can be enhanced after ingestion of specific lactic acid bacteria strains.
	Probiotics: A Novel Approach in the Management of Food Allergy J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997 (Feb); 99 (2): 179–185 Human intestinal floral strain, Lactobacillus GG (ATCC 53103), promotes local antigen-specific immune responses (particularly in the IgA class), prevents permeability defects, and confers controlled antigen absorption.

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