Probiotic Bacteria- Gut Flora for Human Health
Intestinal Health Through Well-Formulated Probiotic Supplements
Dec 16, 2008
The health of humans is dependent on intestinal bacteria for numerous protective, structural and metabolic roles. Over 100,000 billion bacteria from 500 species live in the human gut. However, the intestine is not colonised with gut flora until after birth. We are born sterile and it is not until the baby travels through the vaginal canal or is exposed to the hospital environment, does colonisation begin. Many factors such as breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, medications, and the environment affect the type of bacteria that first colonise a child’s intestinal tract. After weaning and by the age of two, infants have developed a stable gut flora similar to that of an adult.
The Intestinal Bacteria Flora Required for Human Health
Most of the bacteria in thegut lives in the distal (end) of the small intestine and the large intestine (colon). The gut flora in these areas make up 60% of the fecal mass. The top and middle parts of the small intestine and stomach are rich in acid, bile and pancreatic secretions, which can destroy the bacteria.
The most common bacteria found in the intestines are:
- Bifidobacterium
- Clostridium
- Bacteroides
- Eubacterium
- Escherichia
- Enterococcus
- Streptococcus
- Klesiella
Lactobacilli resides in fewer numbers in the small intestine.
Factors Affecting Our Gut Flora
The adult intestine has a stable core of bacteria that is governed mainly by genetics. There are also transitory bacteria that travel through the gut without establishing themselves on the gut wall. Factors such as diet, antibiotic use, environmental influences, aging, and stress can negatively affect these bacteria. Alteration of the core bacteria occurs, but should rebound to its original core over time. However, M. F. De La Cochetiere et al. (2005) found in the study ‘Resilience of the Dominant Human Fecal Microbiota upon Short-Course Antibiotic Challenge’ published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, in some individuals the core might not rebound back to the original state in the appropriate time. Therefore, antibiotic therapy may cause some individuals to suffer reduced intestinal health.
Probiotic Bacteria
Probiotic means pro-life. The scientific definition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States and World Health Organisation is: “probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
For human health, probiotic bacteria should meet the following minimal criteria:
- Must be purified
- Must be identified at genus, species and strain level
- Is shown in human trials to improve some parameter of human health
- Is safe
Probiotic formulas for supplement manufacturing involve many different bacteria. They may even include yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotic bacteria are named according to the genus, species and strain.
Some examples:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5—Lactobacillus is the genus, acidophilus the species and LA5 the strain.
- Another member of the Lactobacillus genus is Lactobacillus plantarum 299v—Lactobacillus is the genus, plantarum the species and 299v the strain.
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12—the genus is bifidobacterium, the species lactis and the strain Bb12.
Within each genus, there are numerous species and within each species, there are numerous strains. The strain nomenclature relates to the manufacturer of that particular strain. The strain is important because different strains within the same species may have different attributes and functions.
Probiotic Supplements
Specific niche markets such as irritable bowel syndrome or infant health are often the focus for probiotic formulas in supplements. However, the majority of probiotic supplements are for general intestinal health and contain a mixture of probiotic bacteria from different genera, species and strains.
Our gut contains a vast number of bacteria, most of which have not been identified due to culturing difficulties. Newer research using gene technology can now identify the bacteria within the gut flora composition with more accuracy; however, the full diversity of the intestinal tract may never be known.
Probiotic supplements are safe and well tolerated. If flatulence or bloating occurs, reduce the dose until symptoms abate then gradually increase dose.
For further interest visit USProbiotics and for information on a very unique probiotic read "Saccharomyces Boulardii- the Yeast Probiotic".
References:
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2007). Herbs & Natural Supplements- An evidence- based guide (2nd ed.). Marrickville: Elsevier
Delcenserie, V., Martel, D., Lamoureux, M., Amiot, J., Boutin, Y., & Roy, D. (2008). Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in the intestinal tract. Curr Issues Mol Biol, 10(1-2), 37-54.
Douglas, L. C., & Sanders, M. E. (2008). Probiotics and prebiotics in dietetics practice. J Am Diet Assoc, 108(3), 510-521.
O'Hara, A. M., & Shanahan, F. (2006). The gut flora as a forgotten organ. EMBO Rep, 7(7), 688-693.
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