Which probiotic strains are most important?

Read time: 2–3 min
Which probiotic strains are most important?

Probiotic bacteria - lactic acid bacteria

Probiotic bacteria are found naturally in the entire gastrointestinal tract with the highest numbers in the colon. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits. Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” probiotic bacteria are actually very helpful and vital for health. These bacteria can destroy disease-causing cells,help digest food or very important metabolites. 

Some of these probiotic bacteria have been studied extensively. In the product Flora Plus+, some of the most potent and well-studied probiotic strains available have been selected. Read about them below. 

Bifidobacterium lactis

Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the world's most studied probiotic strains. It is sometimes called Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis. It tolerates both gastric juices and bile well and adheres well to the lining of the intestine. Bifidobacterium is considered an important strain in the human intestinal flora. Bifidobacterium lactis breaks down waste products and helps to absorb vitamins and minerals in the food. Bifidobacterium lactis is a natural component of breast milk. [1] [2]

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram-positive probiotic bacterium that can form so-called class II bacteriocins. These are peptides that Lactobacillus acidophilus produces in its ribosomes. The class II bacteriocins have antimicrobial effects. They kill harmful microorganisms in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also important for the vaginal flora. [3] [4]

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Lactobacillus bulgaricus was isolated as early as 1882 from fermented milk. The Russian Nobel laureate Ilya Mechnikov believed that Lactobacillus bulgaricus was one reason why the people of the Balkans lived so long. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. [5]

Bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacterium longum is a bacterium that tolerates both gastric juice and bile well. It is one of the first bacterial strains to colonize a baby's intestines. Bifidobacterium longum is considered to reduce discomfort associated with IBS. [6]

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the most common probiotic bacteria in the gut, vagina and breast milk. Low concentrations of Bifidobacterium bifidum risk causing overgrowth of Candida and research shows that supplements of Bifidobacterium bifidum, among others, reduce the risk of candida (fungus). Bifidobacterium bifidum dies easily when taken with antibiotics. [7] [8] [9]

Bifidobacterium infantis

Bifidobacterium infantis is important for children and pregnant women are advised to take it as the mother's intestinal flora is transmitted to the baby. However, Bifidobacterium infantis lives with humans throughout life where it is considered to improve digestion and reduce the risk of overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestine and vagina. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis are considered good for IBS. [10]

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus gasseri is a strain found in the stomach, among other places. Research shows that it blocks two molecules that cause inflammation (TNF and IL-6) which in turn occur in macrophages infected with Helicobacter pylori. [11]

Streptococcus thermophilus

Streptococcus Thermophilus is a strain that occurs naturally in the large intestine of humans. It survives the passage to the colon well. Streptococcus Thermophilus also helps to produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose, i.e. milk sugar. [12]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a strain that has been researched extensively. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is also called Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. It adheres very well to the intestinal mucosa and is known to relieve problems with IBS and constipation. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus helps to form healthy butyric acid in the intestines. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus also inhibits unhealthy biofilm formation from E.Coli. [13] [14]

Lactobacillus brevis

Lactobacillus brevis is a strain that occurs naturally in the intestine and also in the abdomen. It is also found naturally in sauerkraut and in pickled vegetables. Lactobacillus brevis is also used in the manufacture of kefir. [15]

Lactobacillus casei

Lactobacillus Casei is considered to be a very good probiotic strain. It occurs naturally in the gastrointestinal tract but also in colostrum. It is also used to make cheese, green olives and yogurt. Research shows that the immune system is stimulated by Lactobacillus Casei. [16]

Lactobacillus salivarius

Lactobacillus salivarius is found naturally in both the large intestine, small intestine, abdomen and in the healthy bacterial mouth flora. Lactobacillus salivarius inhibits harmful bacteria throughout the body and is also known to inhibit the biofilm that Candida and other fungi create. Biofilm makes it very difficult to get rid of Candida, but since Lactobacillus salivarius inhibits this biofilm it is a vital strain for any anti candida protocol. [17]

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a powerful and important probiotic strain because it inhibits harmful bacteria extremely well by producing certain unique peptides. Lactobacillus plantarum is found naturally in the intestines and also in fermented foods. Lactobacillus plantarum is a resilient strain that survives the acidic environment of the stomach and reaches the intestines. [18]

Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis is known for its good ability to produce lactic acid and to inhibit unhealthy bacteria. Lactococcus lactis is also used in the food industry for its good ability to create lactic acid. [19] [20]

Lactobacillus paracasei

Lactobacillus paracasei is found naturally in the intestines and mouth of humans. It is known to inhibit harmful bacteria and there is research on its positive effect on Ulcerative Colitis and even leaky gut. [21] [22] [23]

Lactobacillus helveticus

Lactobacillus helveticus is known to reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics. Lactobacillus helveticus also has a positive effect on calcium metabolism, according to a study on menopausal women. [24] [25] [26]

Contact us at [email protected] for a free of charge protocol if you suffer from IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's or other gastrointestinal problems. Our protocols are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet

Author


Greatlife.eu was established due to a dissatisfaction with the food supplements available on the market, and has since become a trusted source for finding high-quality supplements as well as good and reliable information about health. We believe in providing products and information that we ourselves would use and recommend to our loved ones.

Read more about Greatlife.eu

 

Author

Scientific references and sources

Show reference

[1]Bozkurt HS, Quigley EM, Kara B. Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis engineered to produce mycosporin-like amino acids in XXX prevention. SAGE Open Med. 2019 Jan 22;7:2050312119825784. doi: 10.1177/2050312119825784. PMID: 30719295; PMCID: PMC6348500.

[2] Simpson MR, Avershina E, Storrø O, Johnsen R, Rudi K, Øien T. Breastfeeding-associated microbiota in human milk following supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Feb;101(2):889-899. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13411. Epub 2017 Dec 14. PMID: 29248229.

[3] Anjum N, Maqsood S, Masud T, Ahmad A, Sohail A, Momin A. Lactobacillus acidophilus: characterization of the species and application in food production. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2014;54(9):1241-51. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.621169. PMID: 24499153.

[4] Pi W, Ryu JS, Roh J. Lactobacillus acidophilus contributes to a healthy environment for vaginal epithelial cells. Korean J Parasitol. 2011 Sep;49(3):295-8. doi: 10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.295. Epub 2011 Sep 30. PMID: 22072832; PMCID: PMC3210849.

[5] Kok CR, Hutkins R. Yogurt and other fermented foods as sources of health-promoting bacteria. Nutr Rev. 2018 Dec 1;76(Suppl 1):4-15. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy056. PMID: 30452699.

[6] Zhou C, Fang X, Xu J, Gao J, Zhang L, Zhao J, Meng Y, Zhou W, Han X, Bai Y, Li Z, Zou D. Bifidobacterium longum alleviates irritable bowel syndrome-related visceral hypersensitivity and microbiota dysbiosis via Paneth cell regulation. Gut Microbes. 2020 Nov 9;12(1):1782156. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1782156. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32584650; PMCID: PMC7524277.

[7] Turroni F, Duranti S, Milani C, Lugli GA, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Bifidobacterium bifidum: A Key Member of the Early Human Gut Microbiota. Microorganisms. 2019 Nov 9;7(11):544. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms7110544. PMID: 31717486; PMCID: PMC6920858.

[8] Ishikawa KH, Mayer MP, Miyazima TY, Matsubara VH, Silva EG, Paula CR, Campos TT, Nakamae AE. A multispecies probiotic reduces oral Candida colonization in denture wearers. J Prosthodont. 2015 Apr;24(3):194-9. doi: 10.1111/jopr.12198. Epub 2014 Aug 20. PMID: 25143068.

[9] Kumar S, Singhi S, Chakrabarti A, Bansal A, Jayashree M. Probiotic use and prevalence of candidemia and candiduria in a PICU. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2013 Nov;14(9):e409-15. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e31829f5d88. PMID: 23965638.

[10] Yuan F, Ni H, Asche CV, Kim M, Walayat S, Ren J. Efficacy of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2017 Jul;33(7):1191-1197. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1292230. Epub 2017 Mar 7. PMID: 28166427.

[11] Gebremariam HG, Qazi KR, Somiah T, Pathak SK, Sjölinder H, Sverremark Ekström E, Jonsson AB. Lactobacillus gasseri Suppresses the Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Macrophages by Inhibiting the Expression of ADAM17. Front Immunol. 2019 Oct 4;10:2326. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02326. PMID: 31636639; PMCID: PMC6788455.

[12] Lecomte X, Gagnaire V, Lortal S, Dary A, Genay M. Streptococcus thermophilus, an emerging and promising tool for heterologous expression: Advantages and future trends. Food Microbiol. 2016 Feb;53(Pt A):2-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2015.05.003. Epub 2015 May 19. PMID: 26611164.

[13] Berni Canani R, Sangwan N, Stefka AT, Nocerino R, Paparo L, Aitoro R, Calignano A, Khan AA, Gilbert JA, Nagler CR. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-supplemented formula expands butyrate-producing bacterial strains in food allergic infants. ISME J. 2016 Mar;10(3):742-50. doi: 10.1038/ismej.2015.151. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PMID: 26394008; PMCID: PMC4817673.

[14]Song H, Zhang J, Qu J, Liu J, Yin P, Zhang G, Shang D. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG microcapsules inhibit Escherichia coli biofilm formation in coculture. Biotechnol Lett. 2019 Sep;41(8-9):1007-1014. doi: 10.1007/s10529-019-02694-2. Epub 2019 May 30. PMID: 31147809.

[15] Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1984. Print.

[16] Ashraf R, Shah NP. Immune system stimulation by probiotic microorganisms. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2014;54(7):938-56. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.619671. PMID: 24499072.

[17] Krzyściak W, Kościelniak D, Papież M, Vyhouskaya P, Zagórska-Świeży K, Kołodziej I, Bystrowska B, Jurczak A. Effect of a Lactobacillus Salivarius Probiotic on a Double-Species Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans Caries Biofilm. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 14;9(11):1242. doi: 10.3390/nu9111242. PMID: 29135948; PMCID: PMC5707714.

[18[ Seddik HA, Bendali F, Gancel F, Fliss I, Spano G, Drider D. Lactobacillus plantarum and Its Probiotic and Food Potentialities. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2017 Jun;9(2):111-122. doi: 10.1007/s12602-017-9264-z. PMID: 28271469.

[19] Kleerebezem M, Bachmann H, van Pelt-KleinJan E, Douwenga S, Smid EJ, Teusink B, van Mastrigt O. Lifestyle, metabolism and environmental adaptation in Lactococcus lactis. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2020 Nov 24;44(6):804-820. doi: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa033. PMID: 32990728.

[20] Nakamura S, Morimoto YV, Kudo S. A lactose fermentation product produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, acetate, inhibits the motility of flagellated pathogenic bacteria. Microbiology (Reading). 2015 Apr;161(Pt 4):701-7. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000031. Epub 2015 Jan 8. PMID: 25573770.

[21] Molin, G.; Jeppsson, B.; Johansson, M.-L.; Ahrné, S.; Nobaek, S.; Ståhl, M.; Bengmark, S. (March 1993). "Numerical taxonomy of Lactobacillus spp. associated with healthy and diseased mucosa of the human intestines". Journal of Applied Bacteriology. 74 (3): 314–323

[22] Ghouri YA, Richards DM, Rahimi EF, Krill JT, Jelinek KA, DuPont AW. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2014;7:473-487. Published 2014 Dec 9. doi:10.2147/CEG.S27530

[23] Lin CH, Tseng CY, Chao MW. Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei HB89 mitigates PM2.5-induced enhancement of inflammation and allergic airway response in murine asthma model. PLoS One. 2020;15(12):e0243062. Published 2020 Dec 7. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0243062

[24] Aihara K, Kajimoto O, Hirata H, Takahashi R, Nakamura Y. Effect of powdered fermented milk with Lactobacillus helveticus on subjects with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension. J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Aug;24(4):257-65. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2005.10719473. PMID: 16093403.

[25] Evans M, Salewski RP, Christman MC, Girard SA, Tompkins TA. Effectiveness of Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus for the management of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in healthy adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2016 Jul;116(1):94-103. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516001665. Epub 2016 May 12. PMID: 27169634.

[26] Narva M, Nevala R, Poussa T, Korpela R. The effect of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk on acute changes in calcium metabolism in postmenopausal women. Eur J Nutr. 2004 Apr;43(2):61-8. doi: 10.1007/s00394-004-0441-y. Epub 2004 Jan 6. PMID: 15083312.