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Clinical Gastroenterology and... Apr 2019This narrative review provides an overview of the current regulation of probiotics, with a focus on those used for the dietary management of medical conditions (Medical... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
This narrative review provides an overview of the current regulation of probiotics, with a focus on those used for the dietary management of medical conditions (Medical Foods).
FINDINGS
The probiotic market has grown rapidly, both for foods and supplements intended to enhance wellness in healthy individuals, and for preparations for the dietary management of disease. Regulation of probiotics varies between regions. Unless they make specific disease-related health claims, probiotics are regulated as food supplements and regulation is focused on the legitimacy of any claims, rather than efficacy, safety and quality. Many properties of probiotics are strain-specific, and safety and efficacy findings associated to specific formulations should not be generalized to other probiotic products. Manufacturing processes, conditions and ingredients are important determinants of product characteristics and changes to manufacturing are likely to give rise to a product not identical to the "original" in efficacy and safety if proper measures and controls are not taken. Current trademark law and the lack of stringent regulation of probiotic manufacturing mean that the trademark owner can commercialize any formulation under the same brand, even if significantly different from the original. These regulatory deficits may have serious consequences for patients where probiotics are used as part of clinical guideline-recommended management of serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, and may make doctors liable for prescribing a formulation not previously tested for safety and efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS
Current regulation of probiotics is inadequate to protect consumers and doctors, especially when probiotics are aimed at the dietary management of serious conditions.
Topics: Diet Therapy; Dietary Supplements; Drug and Narcotic Control; Health Policy; Humans; Probiotics
PubMed: 29378309
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.01.018 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Dec 2023The rising popularity of probiotic food in the diet for improved health benefits leads to the development of new probiotic functional foods. In general, biscuit is a...
The rising popularity of probiotic food in the diet for improved health benefits leads to the development of new probiotic functional foods. In general, biscuit is a long-shelf-life snack product that can be consumed straight from the pack without further processing. Although the development of probiotic bakery products is an innovative approach to market expansion, the infusion of probiotics in biscuits to produce probiotic biscuits has not been explored because of the complexity of the baking process. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of baking conditions (160, 180, 200, and 220 °C) on the viability of free and encapsulated probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC 016 cells by adding them into biscuit dough separately and baking for up to 600 sec. The cells were encapsulated using 20 % maltodextrin and 8.51 % gum arabic as a wall material and spray drying at an inlet and outlet air temperature of 150 and 55 ± 2 °C, respectively. At different baking temperatures (160, 180, 200, and 220 °C), the viability of probiotic (free and encapsulated) cells, the physicochemical properties of biscuits, and the inactivation kinetics of cells were examined by withdrawing samples every 120 sec. The survivability of encapsulated cells was observed to be higher than free cells at 160 and 180 °C for 600 sec. The moisture content and water activity were found to be higher and lower, respectively for encapsulated probiotic biscuits than for the biscuit containing free cells. The observed results of higher cell viability at 200 °C, 360 sec (5.38 log CFU/g) than at 180 °C, 600 sec (5.02 log CFU/g) can be explained by the time-temperature combination. Thus, producing the probiotic biscuit at baking conditions of 200 °C and 360 min is possible, providing the cell viability of 5 log CFU/g of probiotic biscuit. Further, the inactivation kinetics of cells were predicted by log-linear, Weibull, log-logistic, Gompertz, and Buchanan models. Under all baking conditions, the log-linear model was the best model for describing the data of encapsulated and free cells.
Topics: Millets; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Lactobacillus; Food Additives; Probiotics
PubMed: 37986522
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113573 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Abundant microbiota resides in the organs of the body, which utilize the nutrition and form a reciprocal relationship with the host. The composition of these microbiota... (Review)
Review
Abundant microbiota resides in the organs of the body, which utilize the nutrition and form a reciprocal relationship with the host. The composition of these microbiota changes under different pathological conditions, particularly in response to stress and digestive diseases, making the microbial composition and health of the hosts body interdependent. Probiotics are living microorganisms that have demonstrated beneficial effects on physical health and as such are used as supplements to ameliorate symptoms of various digestive diseases by optimizing microbial composition of the gut and restore digestive balance. However, the supplementary effect does not achieve the expected result. Therefore, a targeted screening strategy on probiotic bacteria is crucial, owing to the presence of several bacterial strains. Core bacteria work effectively in maintaining microbiological homeostasis and stabilization in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the core bacteria can be inherited and acquired from maternal pregnancy and delivery; others can be acquired from contact with the mother, feces, and the environment. Knowing the genera and functions of the core bacteria could be vital in the isolation and selection of probiotic bacteria for supplementation. In addition, other supporting strains of probiotic bacteria are also needed. A comprehensive strategy for mining both core and supporting bacteria before its clinical use is needed. Using metagenomics or other methods of estimation to discern the typically differentiated strains of bacteria is another important strategy to treat dysbiosis. Hence, these two factors are significant to carry out targeted isolation and selection of the functional strains to compose the resulting probiotic preparation for application in both research and clinical use. In conclusion, precise probiotic supplementation, by screening abundant strains of bacteria and isolating specific probiotic strains, could rapidly establish the core microbiota needed to confer resilience, particularly in bacterial dysfunctional diseases. This approach can help identify distinct bacteria which can be used to improve supplementation therapies.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Probiotics; Bacteria; Microbiota; Intestinal Diseases; Bacterial Infections
PubMed: 36341458
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034727 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Advances in our understanding of the contribution of the gut microbiota to human health and the correlation of dysbiosis with diseases, including chronic intestinal... (Review)
Review
Advances in our understanding of the contribution of the gut microbiota to human health and the correlation of dysbiosis with diseases, including chronic intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have driven mechanistic investigations of probiotics in intestinal homeostasis and potential clinical applications. Probiotics have been shown to promote intestinal health by maintaining and restoring epithelial function, ensuring mucosal immune homeostasis, and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Recent findings reveal an approach for defining previously unrecognized probiotic-derived soluble factors as potential mechanisms of probiotic action. This review focuses on the impact of probiotics and probiotic-derived functional factors, including probiotic products and metabolites by probiotics, on the cellular responses and signaling pathways involved in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Although there is limited information regarding the translation of probiotic treatment outcomes from and animal studies to clinical applications, potential approaches for increasing the clinical efficacy of probiotics for IBD, such as those based on probiotic-derived factors, are highlighted in this review. In this era of precision medicine and targeted therapies, more basic, preclinical, and clinical evidence is needed to clarify the efficacy of probiotics in maintaining intestinal health and preventing and treating disease.
Topics: Animals; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Homeostasis; Humans; Intestines; Probiotics
PubMed: 32719681
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01428 -
BioMed Research International 2015This review describes some aspects related to the technological barriers encountered in the development and stability of probiotic cheeses. Aspects concerning the... (Review)
Review
This review describes some aspects related to the technological barriers encountered in the development and stability of probiotic cheeses. Aspects concerning the viability of probiotic cultures in this matrix are discussed and the potential of cheese as a biofunctional food carrier is analyzed, outlying some points related to health and safety. In general, the manufacture of probiotic cheese should have little change when compared with the elaboration of cheese in the traditional way. The physicochemical and technological parameters influencing the quality of these products have also to be measured so as to obtain a process optimization.
Topics: Animals; Cheese; Food Technology; Humans; Microbial Viability; Probiotics
PubMed: 25802862
DOI: 10.1155/2015/723056 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Sep 2012The enteric microbiota contribute to gastrointestinal health, and their disruption has been associated with many disease states. Some patients consume probiotic products... (Review)
Review
The enteric microbiota contribute to gastrointestinal health, and their disruption has been associated with many disease states. Some patients consume probiotic products in attempts to manipulate the intestinal microbiota for health benefit. It is important for gastroenterologists to improve their understanding of the mechanisms of probiotics and the evidence that support their use in practice. Clinical trials have assessed the therapeutic effects of probiotic agents for several disorders, including antibiotic- or Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and the inflammatory bowel diseases. Although probiotic research is a rapidly evolving field, there are sufficient data to justify a trial of probiotics for treatment or prevention of some of these conditions. However, the capacity of probiotics to modify disease symptoms is likely to be modest and varies among probiotic strains-not all probiotics are right for all diseases. The current review provides condition-specific rationale for using probiotic therapy and literature-based recommendations.
Topics: Bacteria; Clinical Trials as Topic; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Metagenome; Probiotics
PubMed: 22504002
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.03.024 -
Ecological and molecular perspectives on responders and non-responders to probiotics and prebiotics.Current Opinion in Biotechnology Feb 2022Bifidobacteria are widely used as a probiotic for their health-promoting effects. To promote their growth, bifidogenic prebiotics, including human milk oligosaccharides... (Review)
Review
Bifidobacteria are widely used as a probiotic for their health-promoting effects. To promote their growth, bifidogenic prebiotics, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), have been added to supplements and infant formula. However, the efficacy of both probiotic and prebiotic interventions is often debated, as clinical responses vary significantly by case. Here, we review clinical studies that aimed to proliferate human-residential Bifidobacterium (HRB) strains in the gut, and we highlight the difference between responders and non-responders to such interventions through an ecological, niche-based perspective and an examination of the prevalence of genes responsible for prebiotic assimilation in HRB genomes. We discuss the criteria necessary to better evaluate the efficacy of probiotic and prebiotic interventions and the recent therapeutic potential shown by synbiotics.
Topics: Bifidobacterium; Humans; Milk, Human; Oligosaccharides; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Synbiotics
PubMed: 34375845
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.06.023 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Jul 2016Treatment of vaginal infection requires different drugs although the recurrence rate post treatment remains high due to adverse effects on the beneficial microbiota.... (Review)
Review
Treatment of vaginal infection requires different drugs although the recurrence rate post treatment remains high due to adverse effects on the beneficial microbiota. Thus, there are clear clinical advantages for the use of biotherapeutic agents (prebiotics and/or probiotics) for treating these infections. Pre- and probiotic beneficial effects can be delivered topically or systemically. In general, both approaches have the potential to optimize, maintain and restore the ecology of the vaginal ecosystem. Specific carbohydrates provide a therapeutic approach for controlling infections by stimulating the growth of the indigenous lactobacilli but inhibiting the growth and adhesion of pathogens to the vaginal epithelial cells. Overall, little evidence exists to promote the prevention or treatment of vaginal disease with prebiotic carbohydrates in formulations such as pessaries, creams or douches. However, recent reports have promoted prebiotic applications in ecosystems other than the gut and include the mouth, skin and vagina. This review focuses on the utilization of pre- and probiotics for vaginal health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lactobacillus; Microbiota; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 26757173
DOI: 10.1111/jam.13054 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Periodontal diseases are one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, which are initiated and sustained by pathogenic plaque biofilms.... (Review)
Review
Periodontal diseases are one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, which are initiated and sustained by pathogenic plaque biofilms. Central to modern periodontology is the idea that dysbiosis of periodontal microecology and disorder of host inflammatory response gives rise to degradation of periodontal tissues together, which eventually leads to tooth loss, seriously affecting the life quality of patients. Probiotics were originally used to treat intestinal diseases, while in recent years, extensive studies have been exploring the utilization of probiotics in oral disease treatment and oral healthcare. Probiotic bacteria derived from the genera , , , and are found to play an effective role in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases regulating periodontal microbiota or host immune responses. Here, we review the research status of periodontal health-promoting probiotic species and their regulatory effects. The current issues on the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in the management of periodontal diseases are also discussed at last. Taken together, the use of probiotics is a promising approach to prevent and treat periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, their practical use for periodontal health needs further research and exploration.
Topics: Bifidobacterium; Dysbiosis; Humans; Lactobacillus; Periodontal Diseases; Probiotics
PubMed: 35402306
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.806463 -
Journal of Occupational Health 2023Prolonged and constant stress from work often leads to numerous adverse health effects. In recent years, interest in probiotics, living microorganisms that can benefit... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prolonged and constant stress from work often leads to numerous adverse health effects. In recent years, interest in probiotics, living microorganisms that can benefit their host when consumed in adequate amounts, to aid health and well-being has increased. This scoping review is to systematically evaluate the current state of science on the effects of probiotic supplements on health, stress, and stress-related symptoms among working adults in occupational settings.
METHODS
We performed a systematic scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Studies that examined the effects of probiotics on workers' health and stress-related indicators/outcomes in occupational settings were included. A comprehensive search was performed from November 2021 to January 2022 using MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Embase.
RESULTS
A total of 14 papers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Probiotics consisted primarily of Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium strains in various forms and doses. Three out of eight studies reported statistical differences in inflammatory markers or stress hormone levels between probiotic and placebo groups. Three of six reported reduced respiratory tract infection incidents in the probiotic groups and three out of four studies reported no differences in anxiety and depression between groups. Lastly, three studies found that absenteeism and presentism were lower in probiotic groups compared with placebo groups.
CONCLUSION
The potential benefits of probiotics exist; however, the measurements of outcomes, the types of probiotics used, and the characteristics of the intervention varied across studies. Further research is needed focusing on probiotics' direct and indirect mechanisms of action on the stress response and the standardization of strains and dosing.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Occupational Health; Probiotics; Lactobacillus; Absenteeism; Anxiety
PubMed: 37218068
DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12404