Benefits of Probiotics

In addition to various digestive enzymes, stomach acid, bile, and countless other agents, a healthy digestive system depends on the presence of billions of bacteria, known in general as the GI flora, which live and work primarily in the intestines. Some of these microorganisms are friendly, while others are potentially harmful. Key friendly bacteria include those of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera. Among their various functions, probiotics enhance the intestines’ barrier function; compete with and suppress pathogenic bacteria (including Salmonella), yeasts, molds, and viruses; and modulate and stimulate immune system activity.20

Our health depends on maintaining a balance in favor of the friendly organisms, also known as probiotics. Aging, exposure to antibiotics and other drugs, poor diet, stress, travel, and other factors can disrupt the normal healthy balance, decreasing the levels—and the influence—of beneficial bacteria. Maturing women are especially vulnerable to these types of GI problems, especially if they have used oral contraceptive pills.

It has long been known that consumption of live probiotic organisms, either in foods, such as yogurt, or in supplement capsules can help restore the normal GI balance. Such probiotic supplements serve to reduce the risk of disease by three principal mechanisms:

• Improving digestive health

• Strengthening the immune system

• Restoring healthy bacteria following antibiotic use.

Many studies of probiotics have demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing and managing common GI disorders, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea,21,22 gastric ulcers,23 irritable bowel syndrome,24 inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis,25 and colon cancer.26

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 Vcap®