How can probiotics influence brain health?
Dr. Elaine Patterson explains how probiotics can influence brain health.
"We know that gut microbes, and indeed probiotics, can influence how we respond to stress."
"Microbes within in the gut and probiotics, can produce neuroactive compounds"
What are probiotics?
According to the International Probiotics Association (IPA), they define “probiotics” referring to the widely recognized FAO/WHO definition (2001), revised by Hill et al. (2014) as “Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
- A probiotic must be alive when administered.
- A probiotic must be scientifically substantiated in regard to its health benefit in the target host.
- A probiotic must be a taxonomically defined microorganism or combination of microorganisms (genus, species, and strain level)
- A probiotic must be safe for its intended use.
Understanding probiotic species and strain names
Probiotics are divided into categories, including genus, species, and strain:
- Genus is the broader category of classification. For example, if we go to the animal kingdom, a genus could apply to “all dogs”.
- Species are groups within a genus that share common features. If we follow previous example, the genus of “all dogs” has a species referring to “dog breeds” such as “spaniels” dog breeds.
- Strain refers to the bacteria own individual characteristic which makes it unique. For example here it would be a “cocker spaniel” or “springer spaniel”.
Now, if we take the probiotic example of one of our Novozymes OneHealth strain for brain health:
- Genus: Bifidobacterium
- Species : Longum
- Strain : 1714
Just like “cocker spaniel” or “springer spaniel” are known for certain traits, the various species of probiotics within each genus can have different effects in the body and are generally grouped by traits with significant health effects.
Every organism, including probiotics, has a scientific name that includes its genus (the first, capitalized, part of its name) and species (the second, lowercase, part of its name), and subspecies (abbreviated subsp.), if applicable. Microorganisms like probiotics can be further classified into strains, expressed alphanumerically, which may have unique properties.
How many probiotics exist?
It's challenging to provide an exact number of probiotic strains that exist because new strains are continually being discovered and researched. The most well-known probiotics belong to the genera (genus) Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but there are many other less common strains as well.
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) is an organization that works on probiotic-related issues, and they have identified specific strains with well-documented health benefits. As January 2022, there were several dozen recognized and studied probiotic strains.
Keep in mind that the field of probiotics is dynamic, and new research may have been conducted since then. It's always a good idea to consult the latest scientific literature or experts in the field for the most up-to-date information.
Probiotics and targeted health benefits
Based on its classification, probiotics have been associated with various health benefits, and different strains may have different effects. It's important to note that the specific health benefits of probiotics can vary depending on the strain, dosage, and individual factors.
Here are some general associations between certain probiotic strains and potential health benefits:
Lactobacillus acidophilus:
- Supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
- May help alleviate lactose intolerance symptoms.
- Potential immune system support.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus:
- Associated with digestive health.
- May help prevent and manage diarrhea.
Bifidobacterium bifidum:
- Supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
- May contribute to a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Bifidobacterium longum:
- Associated with digestive health.
- May help modulate the immune system.
Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast):
- Known for its ability to prevent and treat diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Supports gut health.
Lactobacillus casei:
- May contribute to immune system support.
- Associated with digestive health.
Lactobacillus plantarum:
- Supports digestive health.
- May have antioxidant properties.
- Streptococcus thermophilus:
- Commonly used in the production of yogurt.
- May contribute to lactose digestion.
It's important to understand that the health benefits of probiotics are strain-specific, and not all strains within a species may have the same effects. Moreover, the effectiveness of probiotics can vary among individuals, depending on factors such as overall health, diet, and the presence of specific health conditions.
Before using probiotics for specific health concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the chosen probiotic is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.
