|
||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Mechanism of Action
|
Balanced intestinal flora are primarily composed of good bacteria that work relentlessly to ensure our body is protected against microbes and other infectious germs, maintaining a healthy digestive system. These good bacteria stimulate the immune system, promote digestion through the production of enzymes, produce antibacterial substances and compete against a variety of invading micro-organisms. Probiotics can help in maintaining and restoring balance to our intestinal flora, so that it can adequately assume its functions:
- Stimulation and modulation of the immune system
- Improve intestinal function
- Resist pathogenic invasion and growth
Immune System
The immune system is a complex system comprised of cells, tissues and organs distributed throughout the body, including the intestine. This system provides the body's protection by means of non-specific (innate immunity) and specific (acquired immunity) defence mechanisms. Skin, mucous membranes, mucous and hair are among the body's non-specific defences which constitute physical barriers used to reject foreign bodies. The inflammatory reaction is another of the body's non-specific responses, and is characterized, among other things, by a surge of blood toward the infected region and by the recognition and destruction of the foreign body by phagocytic cells (ex. macrophages). The body's specific defences initiate an acquired response targeted to the invader. This response involves the action of antibodies produced by B lymphocytes (humoral immunity) and T lymphocytes that coordinate the immune response and directly attack the infected cells (cellular immunity).
Intestinal Immune System
The intestine is very rich in lymphocytes, which can be found under the intestinal mucous membrane. Because of its direct contact with external invaders capable of inducing infections, the intestine must be able to adequately defend the body. It plays a major role in an individual's immunity. A person's normal bacterial flora also plays a part in the immune responses via the epithelial cells of the intestine that make up the mucous membrane.
Probiotics and the Immune System
Consumption of beneficial bacteria such as L. acidophilus and L. casei reinforces intestinal mucous membrane immunity (mucosal immunity) as well as the body's global immunity (systemic immunity). A more detailed explanation is that human consumption of Lactobacillus stimulates phagocytic activity and increases production of T and B lymphocytes and production of antibodies, particularly IgM, IgA and IgG. However, stimulation of these intestinal immune responses by commensal bacteria (specific to man) or probiotics does not readily provoke a significant inflammatory response, as it can be observed in the presence of an infectious agent. That being said, a person can safely consume probiotic bacteria on a regular basis.
References :
The immune system is a complex system comprised of cells, tissues and organs distributed throughout the body, including the intestine. This system provides the body's protection by means of non-specific (innate immunity) and specific (acquired immunity) defence mechanisms. Skin, mucous membranes, mucous and hair are among the body's non-specific defences which constitute physical barriers used to reject foreign bodies. The inflammatory reaction is another of the body's non-specific responses, and is characterized, among other things, by a surge of blood toward the infected region and by the recognition and destruction of the foreign body by phagocytic cells (ex. macrophages). The body's specific defences initiate an acquired response targeted to the invader. This response involves the action of antibodies produced by B lymphocytes (humoral immunity) and T lymphocytes that coordinate the immune response and directly attack the infected cells (cellular immunity).
Intestinal Immune System
The intestine is very rich in lymphocytes, which can be found under the intestinal mucous membrane. Because of its direct contact with external invaders capable of inducing infections, the intestine must be able to adequately defend the body. It plays a major role in an individual's immunity. A person's normal bacterial flora also plays a part in the immune responses via the epithelial cells of the intestine that make up the mucous membrane.
Probiotics and the Immune System
Consumption of beneficial bacteria such as L. acidophilus and L. casei reinforces intestinal mucous membrane immunity (mucosal immunity) as well as the body's global immunity (systemic immunity). A more detailed explanation is that human consumption of Lactobacillus stimulates phagocytic activity and increases production of T and B lymphocytes and production of antibodies, particularly IgM, IgA and IgG. However, stimulation of these intestinal immune responses by commensal bacteria (specific to man) or probiotics does not readily provoke a significant inflammatory response, as it can be observed in the presence of an infectious agent. That being said, a person can safely consume probiotic bacteria on a regular basis.
References :
- Perdigon, G and coll. Study of the Possible Mechanisms Involved in the Mucosal Immune System Activation by Lactic Acid Bacteria. J Dairy Sci. 1999; 82: 1108-1114
- Mowat, A. Anatomical Basis of the Tolerance and Immunity to Intestinal Antigens. Nature immunol. 2003; 3: 331-341
- Gilliland, S. Oklahoma State University, USA: Technological and commercial applications of lactic acid bacteria; health and nutritional benefits in dairy products. FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Evaluation of health and nutritional properties of powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria. 2001.
- Luquet, FM and Corrieu, G. ( Lactic bacteria and probiotics) Bactéries lactiques et probiotiques. Tec & Doc Lavoisier. 2005.
Digestive system
The food must be broken down into nutrients to be assimilated by the body. This process is called digestion. Nutrients like mineral salts (iron, calcium, etc.), vitamins, fatty acids and fibre are essential to meet the fundamental needs of an individual. During digestion, the cells produce enzymes which break up food into increasingly smaller particles (nutrients) until they can be absorbed by the body. Without these enzymes, the body would not have access to these nutrients and would suffer from severe deficiencies.
Various digestive disorders, ranging from mild to severe, occur due to the presence of non-digested materials in the intestine. The good bacteria that colonize our intestines actively participate in digestion. They also produce enzymes which break down food in such a way that it can be absorbed and have an effect on the entire body. Consequently, the intestinal flora plays a very important role in digestion and health.
Probiotics and the digestive system
L. acidophilus and L. casei are among the good bacteria that comprise the intestinal flora. These bacteria improve food digestion and the body's capacity for absorption. The consumption of probiotics helps to maintain the intestinal flora's balance. As a result, they provide the body with a large quantity of good bacteria and facilitate, among other things, the digestion of food and the assimilation of nutrients while improving digestive system health.
Lactose intolerant
When a person is lactose intolerant, it means that the cells of the body are unable to produce the enzyme called lactase essential for the metabolism of lactose (found in dairy products).
Lactobacillus produces the lactase enzyme, among others. Consequently, by consuming L. acidophilus and L. casei, we help our body break up lactose and render it much more digestible (in the form of glucose and galactose). Therefore, these bacteria can improve some individual's tolerance to dairy products.
References :
The food must be broken down into nutrients to be assimilated by the body. This process is called digestion. Nutrients like mineral salts (iron, calcium, etc.), vitamins, fatty acids and fibre are essential to meet the fundamental needs of an individual. During digestion, the cells produce enzymes which break up food into increasingly smaller particles (nutrients) until they can be absorbed by the body. Without these enzymes, the body would not have access to these nutrients and would suffer from severe deficiencies.
Various digestive disorders, ranging from mild to severe, occur due to the presence of non-digested materials in the intestine. The good bacteria that colonize our intestines actively participate in digestion. They also produce enzymes which break down food in such a way that it can be absorbed and have an effect on the entire body. Consequently, the intestinal flora plays a very important role in digestion and health.
Probiotics and the digestive system
L. acidophilus and L. casei are among the good bacteria that comprise the intestinal flora. These bacteria improve food digestion and the body's capacity for absorption. The consumption of probiotics helps to maintain the intestinal flora's balance. As a result, they provide the body with a large quantity of good bacteria and facilitate, among other things, the digestion of food and the assimilation of nutrients while improving digestive system health.
Lactose intolerant
When a person is lactose intolerant, it means that the cells of the body are unable to produce the enzyme called lactase essential for the metabolism of lactose (found in dairy products).
Lactobacillus produces the lactase enzyme, among others. Consequently, by consuming L. acidophilus and L. casei, we help our body break up lactose and render it much more digestible (in the form of glucose and galactose). Therefore, these bacteria can improve some individual's tolerance to dairy products.
References :
- Penna, FJ and coll. Up to Date Clinical and Experimental Basis for the Use of Probiotics. J Pediatr. 2000; 76 (suppl) :209-217.
- Green-Johnson, J. (Probiotics and the Immune System: Basic Aspects.) Les probiotiques et le système immunitaire : les aspects fondamentaux. Chapter 8. p.68. (Probiotics and Health; Applications in the Third Millenium.) La santé par les probiotiques; application dans ce troisième millénaire. Montreal International Symposium proceedings, October 2004. Éd. Scientifique Denis Roy.
- Gilliand, SE. Acidophilus Milk Products: A Review of Potential Benefits to Consumers. J Dairy Sci. 1989; 72: 2463-2494
- Gilliland, S. Oklahoma State University, USA: Technological and commercial applications of lactic acid bacteria; health and nutritional benefits in dairy products. FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Evaluation of health and nutritional properties of powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria. 2001.
- Luquet, FM and Corrieu, G. ( Lactic bacteria and probiotics) Bactéries lactiques et probiotiques. Tec & Doc Lavoisier. 2005.
Pathogens are micro organisms capable of causing disease. Nowadays, the presence of pathogens in water, food and public buildings can become a threat to our health. Moreover, taking medications like antibiotics and anti-acids can destroy intestinal flora, cause diarrhea and increase the risk of infection. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) are well known side effects of antibiotic treatments and can have severe consequences on our health.
The good bacteria that comprise the intestinal flora are the first line of defence against intruders. They temporarily adhere to the intestinal wall and reinforce the physical barrier against pathogens. They compete with them for a spot to adhere to the intestinal wall and for the nutrients which are found there. They also produce natural antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins. These two methods of defence discourage implantation, growth and survival of pathogens. The production of organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins by lactic bacteria, particularly L. acidophilus and L. casei, inhibits the pathogens' actions. Production of lactic and organic acids is specific to lactic bacteria. The organic acids regulate the intestinal pH to maintain it at a level that reduces the growth of infectious agents.
Regular consumption of the BioK+ CL1285® formula of L. acidophilus and L. casei is a simple, effective and inexpensive solution to preventing infections, particularly in at-risk environments (hospitals, trips, daycares etc.) and while taking antibiotics.
References :
The good bacteria that comprise the intestinal flora are the first line of defence against intruders. They temporarily adhere to the intestinal wall and reinforce the physical barrier against pathogens. They compete with them for a spot to adhere to the intestinal wall and for the nutrients which are found there. They also produce natural antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins. These two methods of defence discourage implantation, growth and survival of pathogens. The production of organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins by lactic bacteria, particularly L. acidophilus and L. casei, inhibits the pathogens' actions. Production of lactic and organic acids is specific to lactic bacteria. The organic acids regulate the intestinal pH to maintain it at a level that reduces the growth of infectious agents.
Regular consumption of the BioK+ CL1285® formula of L. acidophilus and L. casei is a simple, effective and inexpensive solution to preventing infections, particularly in at-risk environments (hospitals, trips, daycares etc.) and while taking antibiotics.
References :
- Penna, FJ and coll. Up to Date Clinical and Experimental Basis for the Use of Probiotics. J Pediatr. 2000; 76 (suppl): 209-217.
- McFarland, LV. Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Treatments for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. Dig Dis. 1998; 16(5): 292-307.
- Putamen, SM, Simor, AE. Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea in Adults. CMAJ. 2004; 171(1): 51-58.
- Gilliland, S. Oklahoma State University, USA: Technological and commercial applications of lactic acid bacteria; health and nutritional benefits in dairy products. FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Evaluation of health and nutritional properties of powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria. 2001.
- Luquet, FM and Corrieu, G. ( Lactic bacteria and probiotics) Bactéries lactiques et probiotiques. Tec & Doc Lavoisier. 2005.
Candida albicans and vaginal infections
An imbalance in the intestinal flora can have effects on the whole body, particularly the vaginal system, and involve an overgrowth of pathogens which translates into vaginal bacterial or yeast infections, such as Candida albicans.
L. acidophilus is one of the most important bacteria found in the vaginal and intestinal flora. These friendly bacteria create an environment that is hostile to pathogens by maintaining low pH in the flora and by producing bacteriocins. In addition, L. acidophilus produces hydrogen peroxide and hypothiocyanate which inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
Cholesterol
Certain studies have demonstrated that probiotics could help to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Their mechanism of action has not yet been well explained. However, probiotic bacteria could be involved in bile acid deconjugation which limits the reabsorption of cholesterol. (Cholesterol is a major component of bile).
Cancer
Many researchers are studying the question of a possible role of probiotics in the treatment or prevention of cancer. According to certain research, probiotics can have a protective role in the development of certain cancers, notably colon cancer, by inhibiting the body from producing mutagens and carcinogenic agents.
Références :
An imbalance in the intestinal flora can have effects on the whole body, particularly the vaginal system, and involve an overgrowth of pathogens which translates into vaginal bacterial or yeast infections, such as Candida albicans.
L. acidophilus is one of the most important bacteria found in the vaginal and intestinal flora. These friendly bacteria create an environment that is hostile to pathogens by maintaining low pH in the flora and by producing bacteriocins. In addition, L. acidophilus produces hydrogen peroxide and hypothiocyanate which inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
Cholesterol
Certain studies have demonstrated that probiotics could help to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Their mechanism of action has not yet been well explained. However, probiotic bacteria could be involved in bile acid deconjugation which limits the reabsorption of cholesterol. (Cholesterol is a major component of bile).
Cancer
Many researchers are studying the question of a possible role of probiotics in the treatment or prevention of cancer. According to certain research, probiotics can have a protective role in the development of certain cancers, notably colon cancer, by inhibiting the body from producing mutagens and carcinogenic agents.
Références :
- Penna, FJ and coll. Up to Date Clinical and Experimental Basis for the Use of Probiotics. J Pediatr, 2000; 76(suppl): 209-217.
- Fitzsimmons, N and Berry, DR. Inhibition of Candida Albicans by Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Evidence for the Involvement of a Peroxydase System. Microbios. 1994; 80: 125-133.
- Werber, G. Protecting your Health with Probiotics. 2004. Global Health Society.
- Sanders, ME. Considerations for Use of Probiotic Bacteria to Modulate Human Health. J Nutr. 2000; 130:384 S-390S.
 |
| site MAP | Security and Privacy | Shipping policy © All rights reserved. Bio-K+ International Inc. |