Microbial culture. Why do we need probiotics and prebiotics? The best monocomponent probiotics. Benefits of Vision probiotics: why they are considered the most effective and high-quality

Probioticsare living microorganisms that play a vital role in our health: preventing and treating disease, stimulating a healthy immune system and, of course, improving our gut health (or digestive tract). Healthy probiotic levels help absorb vitamins and minerals, regulate hormones, and help flush out toxins and other harmful ones by-products from the body.

More than 2,000 years ago, a famous Greek hypocrite physician declared: “All disease begins in the intestines.”

Fast forward to today, and radical advances in medicine, imaging technology and research have come to the same conclusion: gut health is very important! Researchers cite 170 medical conditions related to gastrointestinal health.

Here are a few other roles that probiotics play in our body:

– Aids in the digestion of foods by ensuring the breakdown and absorption of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids

- Helps produce vitamin K, folic acid and some B vitamins and short-chain fatty acids

- Promote the production of serotonin. (More than 95 percent of all serotonin is produced in the gut!)

– Keep harmful microorganisms and bad bacteria under control

– Improve mental clarity, focus and memory

On the other hand, lack of probiotics can lead to some unwanted symptoms.

Here are 6 signs your body needs more probiotics:

1 . Probiotics when taking antibiotics

When your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should self-prescribe probiotics! While necessary, antibiotics do not kill only harmful bacteria- they kill the good ones too! Simply put, drugs cannot tell the difference between “good” and “bad” bacteria, so they simply destroy them en masse.

Common antibiotics include: amoxicillin and penicillin, cephalexin (Keflex), erythromycin (E-mycin), clarithromycin (Biaxin), azithromycin (Zithromax), ciprophosphacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)

2. Anxiety or depression (prevention or treatment)

Some studies link probiotic imbalance to increased risk anxiety and depression. At Harvard Medical School:

The brain has a direct influence on the stomach. For example, the very thought of food can release stomach juices before food gets there. This connection occurs in both directions. A restless gut can send signals to the brain, just as a restless brain can send signals to the gut. Thus, human stomach or intestinal disorder may be a cause or product of anxiety, stress or depression. This is because the brain and gastrointestinal system closely connected.

3. Chronic fatigue/low energy

Our digestive system is almost always working - and therefore requires a disproportionate amount of our energy to keep it humming. Additionally, an imbalance of good gut bacteria makes it harder to digest foods, which causes our bodies to use more energy!

Rebalancing your gut bacteria by eliminating hard-to-digest foods (like dairy, gluten, and sugar) and getting high-quality probiotics should result in a noticeable increase in energy levels!

4. Digestive problems

"Well, yes!" - you say. We know. We know... but it repeats itself: a healthy amount good bacteria has in the intestines important for digestive health. And an imbalance of good bacteria can lead to digestive problems!

Digestive problems such as acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea and/or nausea may indicate a need for more probiotics in your life! Probiotics can alsoReduce your risk of bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Try taking a high quality probiotic for a week or two. This can make a huge difference.

5. Skin problems

Some studies have shown a relationship between low levels good bacteria in the intestines and the development of acne, eczema and skin rashes.

In a 2011 study published in the journal Gut Pathology, researchers cite evidence from other studies that Lactobacillus acidophilus, a specific strain of probiotic, is beneficial for the “gut-brain-skin connection” for acne and skin health:

IN Lately many aspects of this gut-brain-sheath unification theory have been confirmed. The ability of gut microbiota and oral probiotics to influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, tissue lipids, and even mood itself may have important implications for acne.

6. Weak immunity

As already mentioned, the intestines and the immune system inextricably linked. The health of one directly affects the health of another - better or worse.

So, an unhealthy gut—more specifically, a lack of healthy gut bacteria—can make us sick more often.When gut bacteria levels are stable, the risk of illness, infection and illness is greatly reduced.

So you will find that you feel better and there is no harm in making it a habit and taking a high quality probiotic!

IN digestive system more than five hundred people are constantly present various types bacteria that help keep the intestines healthy and are involved in food digestion. Probiotics are a class of living organisms similar to bacteria in the normal human microflora. Industrially produced probiotics fall into two groups—dry or liquid—and can be medications, foods, or dietary supplements.

How do probiotics work?

The main task of probiotics is to maintain and restore the imbalanced balance of microorganisms in the human body. The action of probiotics is aimed at the treatment and prevention of all kinds of dysbiosis and related diseases. Research shows that some intestinal disorders occur when the balance is disrupted. beneficial bacteria or when the integrity of the intestinal mucosa is damaged. This can happen after an infection or after taking antibiotics. Probiotics can help similar cases. Probiotics, for example, successfully fight bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Probiotics, mainly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, are also believed to have a positive effect on the health of the human immune system. Bifidobacteria make up 80-90% of the intestinal flora of children and about 70% of adults. Lactobacilli are constantly present on human mucous membranes, including the intestines.

Functions of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the human body:

• participate in the processes of carbon assimilation;
• suppress the development of putrefactive and pathogenic microbes;
• synthesize B vitamins and vitamin K;
• promote the absorption of calcium ions, iron, vitamin D;
• destroy and remove pathogenic and toxic substances from the body;
• activate protective forces immune system and protect against bacterial and viral infections.
• produce lactic acid, thereby creating an acidic environment, inhibiting growth pathogenic fungi and bacteria;
• improve metabolic processes in the body, prevent the formation of intestinal diseases.

Probiotics are effective medications from some diseases:

• childhood diarrhea;
• ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon mucosa);
• infectious diarrhea;
• diarrhea associated with antibiotics;
• postoperative intestinal inflammation;
• eczema caused by cow's milk allergy;
• Crohn's disease.

Recent research from Yale University experts has also shown that probiotics may reduce the risk of common childhood diseases such as ear infections, sore throat and colds.

Contraindications

Overall for healthy people Probiotics are safe and do not cause any significant side effects. However, probiotics may be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or serious illnesses. In such cases, before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor. Also, children under 3 years of age should not take probiotics without consulting a doctor.

What is more effective: food or nutritional supplements?

There is an opinion that not all probiotic supplements can survive the acidic environment of the stomach and die. In addition, they are quite expensive. But fermented foods (kefir, homemade sauerkraut and pickles, kombucha, etc.) are another matter. If you decide to take nutritional supplements, the number of living organisms per serving/dose matters. Contents from 50 million to 1 trillion are considered effective. live cells per 1 dose.

Which probiotic supplements should I buy?

Choose products from well-known manufacturing companies and pay attention to the number of living cells in 1 dose. Consult your doctor.

Currently, probiotics include the following microorganisms:

• Lactobacilli (L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. lactis, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, L. jonsonii, L. gassed);
• Bifidobacteria (B. bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, B. breve, B. adolescents);
• Non-pathogenic Escherichia Coli species;
• Non-pathogenic species of Bacillus (B. subtilis);
• Non-pathogenic species of Enterococcus (Enterococci faecium, E. salivarius);
• Lactic acid streptococcus (Str. thermophylus);
• Yeast fungi Saccharomyces boulardii.

Probiotics can be found both in food and in specially created and developed medications or dietary supplements. For example, traditional probiotic products used by people for many centuries are kefir, fermented baked milk, cheeses, yogurt, matsoni, ricotta and other lactic acid products. Currently, there are numerous dairy products on the market that are specially enriched with one or another probiotic, for example, Activia, Actimel, Bifidokefir, ice cream with bifidobacteria, etc. In principle, food products, dietary supplements, and medicines containing microorganisms - Representatives of normal human microflora are called probiotics. In the further part of the article we will consider only drugs and, accordingly, by the term “probiotic” we will mean drugs.

That is, prebiotics, unlike probiotics, are chemical substances, which are contained in quite wide range food products. Largest quantity prebiotics are found in dairy products, corn, cereals, bread, onions, garlic, beans, peas, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, etc. In addition, many commercially available products (porridge, biscuits, dairy products, etc.) are fortified prebiotics, which is always indicated on the label.

Prebiotics actually include the following: organic compounds and food components:

• Oligofructose;
• Inulin;
• Galactooligosaccharides;
• Para-aminobenzoic acid;
• Calcium pantothenate;
• Lactulose;
• Lactitol;
• Breast milk oligosaccharides;
• Dietary fiber (fiber);
• Extracts of algae, yeast, carrots, potatoes, corn, rice, pumpkin and garlic;
• Xylitol;
• Raffinose;
• Sorbitol;
• Xylobiosis;
• Pectins;
• Dextrin;
• Chitosan;
• Valin;
• Arginine;
• Glutamic acid;
• Glutathione;
• Ubiquinone;
• Carotenoids;
• Vitamins A, E and C;
• Selenium;
• Eicosapentaenoic acid;
• Lectins.

Probiotics and prebiotics - what are the differences (what is the difference)

Returning to the differences between probiotics and prebiotics, it must be said that the former are living microorganisms, and the latter are chemical organic compounds. That is, the difference between probiotics and prebiotics is the same as between any living creature, such as a dog or cat, and some organic chemical compound, For example, ethyl alcohol or glycerin. Moreover, probiotics are microorganisms that make up normal microflora human intestines. Prebiotics are organic compounds that provide the most favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of bacteria of normal microflora, while simultaneously inhibiting pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms.

To summarize, we can say that probiotics are microorganisms of normal intestinal microflora. Prebiotics are substances that provide optimal conditions for the growth and development of normal microflora. Both prebiotics and probiotics have beneficial effects on the human condition.

The reason for the confusion between probiotics and prebiotics is the similar names that differ from each other by only one letter, as well as the general scope therapeutic use. After all, both are used for treatment various violations digestion and intestinal diseases.

Positive effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the human body

• Colonization of the large intestine by representatives of normal microflora, which take root, begin to grow and multiply, suppressing, and subsequently preventing pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic bacteria, viruses, yeast or fungi from becoming active. In fact, thanks to the colonization of the intestines with representatives of normal microflora, dysbiosis is cured;
• Improving the balance between representatives of normal microflora and pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms in favor of the former, which prevents relapse of dysbacteriosis;
• Bacteria of normal microflora, breaking down food components in the colon, produce vitamin K, biotin, niacin and folic acid;
• Probiotics promote the breakdown of bile salts, which helps lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
• Improving digestion, as well as normalizing intestinal motor function, eliminating bloating, flatulence, colic, etc.;
• Optimization of the time of passage of the food bolus through the large intestine;
• Elimination of intoxication by activating components of the local immune system;
• Stimulation and improvement of the functions of local immunity (Peyer's patches of the intestine);
• Detrimental effect on bacteria Helicobacter pylori which provokes the development of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis;
• Reduces the number and severity of side effects of antibiotics used in the treatment of stomach ulcers;
• Restore intestinal microflora after antibiotic therapy;
• Relieves diarrhea caused by acute intestinal infection.

The described effects are, to a greater or lesser extent, characteristic of all microorganisms related to probiotics. However, the mechanisms of these effects have not yet been fully elucidated.

Prebiotics have the following positive effects on the functioning of the digestive tract and the general condition of a person:

• Promote a 10-fold increase in the number of representatives of normal microflora (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, E. coli, etc.) while simultaneously reducing the number of opportunistic microbes (staphylococci, non-lactic acid streptococci, etc.);
• Suppression of the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microbes in the intestines, such as salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, shigella or vibrio cholerae;
• Eliminate excess mucus from the walls and lumen of the large intestine;
• Accelerate the healing process of the colon wall;
• Maintain optimal acidity (pH) for the life of bacteria of normal microflora;
• Increase volume feces, stimulating intestinal motility and thereby eliminating constipation;
• Reduce gas formation in the intestines, relieving a person of bloating;
• Stimulates the synthesis of vitamins B and K;
• Have a moderate antibacterial effect on representatives of pathogenic microflora due to stimulation of local immunity mechanisms;
• Restore normal intestinal microflora.

Effects of probiotics and prebiotics - video

Are probiotics beneficial - video

Classification of probiotics and prebiotics

There are currently no other classifications of prebiotics. Prebiotic medications are available in various forms– syrups, tablets, powders, granules, etc. Each drug usually indicates which prebiotics it contains.

Depending on the state of aggregation Probiotics are divided into two large groups - liquid and dry. Liquid Probiotics– these are solutions or suspensions that were not initially subjected to the lyophilization (drying) process. These solutions contain a certain number of living bacteria, as well as the substrate on which they feed. In addition, liquid probiotics may contain additional ingredients (vitamins, microelements, amino acids, etc.), as well as various substances, produced by bacteria during their life, such as lactic acid. Bacteria from liquid form probiotics begin to act immediately after entering the human body. In addition, an additional benefit of the liquid form of probiotics is that you can not only take it orally, but also insert it into the vagina, rectum, nose, mouth, throat, ears, or apply it to the skin and hair.

Dry probiotics– these are specially dried (lyophilized) cultures of microorganisms, which are a fine powder. Dry probiotics can be sold in the form of tablets, capsules, or powders for suspension. After taking such dry probiotics, it takes 1 to 4 hours for the microorganisms to emerge and activate, so their effect does not begin immediately after use.

Depending on which bacteria are contained in the preparation, probiotics are classified into the following groups:

• Lactic acid strains - probiotics contain L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. bulgaricum, L. casei, L. fermentum, B. lactis;
• Donor strains - probiotics contain B. bifidum, B. longum, B. infantis, B. adolescents, L. rhamnosus, E. faecium, L. salivarius;
• Antagonists – B. subtilus, S. boulardii.

Donor strains are bacteria that make up the normal intestinal microflora. Normally, such strains make up from 90 to 93% of the total intestinal microflora.

Antagonists are bacteria that do not normally live in the human intestine, but have useful action when taken orally. These bacteria are completely removed from the intestines within about a day after the last dose. While antagonist bacteria are in the intestines, they inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes such as viruses, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, etc. Due to this effect, these probiotics are often used to treat diarrhea caused by intestinal infections.

This classification of probiotics is necessary for selecting the optimal drug for treatment various options disorders of intestinal microflora.

Depending on the composition of the drug, all probiotics are divided into the following groups:

• Monocomponent - contain only one strain of bacteria (for example, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Colibacterin, etc.);
• Multicomponent - contain several varieties of bacteria (usually 2 - 3). Examples of multicomponent probiotics are Bifilong (2 types of bacteria), Bifinorm (3 types), Acylact (3 types), Acipol (2 types), Bifidin (2 types), Linex (3 types), Bifiform (3 types), Polybacterin (3 type);
• Combined (synbiotics) - contain bacteria of normal microflora and any substances that create optimal conditions for these microorganisms, for example, Kipacid (lactobacillus + immunoglobulins), Bifiliz (bifidobacteria + lysozyme), Bioflor (Escherichia coli + soybean and propolis extract);
• Sorptive - contain bacteria of normal microflora in combination with enterosorbents, for example, Bifidobacterin-forte, Probiofor, Bificol forte, Ecoflor;
• Recombinant - contain genetically modified bacteria into which a gene with certain characteristics has been implanted, for example, Subalin.

Various types of probiotics are successfully used in treatment different options dysfunctions and intestinal diseases.

In addition, there is a classification of probiotics based on the time of their creation:
1. The 1st generation includes drugs containing only one type of bacteria (for example, Bifidobacterin, Lactobacterin, Colibacterin, etc.);
2. The 2nd generation includes self-excreting antagonists (for example, Enterol, Baktisubtil, Biosporin, Sporobacterin, etc.), which are bacteria that do not normally live in the human intestine, but are capable of suppressing the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microbes;
3. The 3rd generation includes drugs containing several types of bacteria (for example, Bifilong, Linex, Bifikol, Acipol, Acilact);
4. 4th generation includes combination drugs containing bacteria and substances that promote their growth (for example, Bifiliz, Kipacid);
5. The 5th generation includes multicomponent preparations containing several types of bacteria and substances that promote their growth (Bifiform).

In addition, all probiotics are divided not only by the quantity and quality of components, but also by the genus of the bacteria included:

• Probiotics containing bifidobacteria (bifido-containing), such as Bifidumbacterin, Bifidumbacterin-forte, Bifiliz, Bifiform, Bifikol, Probifor, etc.;
• Probiotics containing lactobacilli (lacto-containing), such as Lactobacterin, Acipol, Acylact, Linex, Biobakton, Gastrofarm, etc.;
• Probiotics with E. coli (coli-containing), for example, Colibacterin, Bifikol, Bioflor, etc.;
• Probiotics containing bacilli, saccharomyces or enterococci, for example, Bactisubtil, Bactisporin, Sporobacterin, Biosporin, Enterol, etc.

Probiotics, prebiotics, eubiotics - definition and differences

However, at present, no one puts the same meaning into the old terms, and doctors, when they say “eubiotics,” mean probiotics. That is, both terms are used as synonyms. The presence of two options for designating the same thing is due to the fact that on the territory of the countries former USSR doctors have traditionally used the term “eubiotics,” and their foreign colleagues have used probiotics. However, with the advent of contacts, doctors began to use both terms, each of which remained in the lexicon.

Thus, eubiotics and probiotics are the same thing, and they differ from prebiotics in that they are living cultures of microorganisms. Prebiotics are organic compounds that create best conditions for the growth and reproduction of bacteria from probiotic groups.

Probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics - definition and differences

Thus, a symbiotic is several probiotics in one preparation. This means that it differs from a probiotic in the quantitative and species composition of microorganisms. And both of them - a symbiotic and a probiotic - differ from a prebiotic in that they contain living microorganisms.

Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics - definition and differences

In addition, there are also probiotic complexes that contain probiotics, prebiotics, sorbents, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other substances that are beneficial for intestinal function.

Probiotics and prebiotics - medications (list)

To avoid a long list and maintain systematization of probiotics, we will divide them into four large groups:
1. Probiotics that contain only one type of bacteria (monocomponent);
2. Probiotics, which contain several types of bacteria (symbiotics);
3. Preparations that contain probiotics and prebiotics at the same time (synbiotics);
4. Preparations that contain probiotics and sorbents simultaneously (probiotic complexes).

Monocomponent probiotics

• Acylact (lactobacteria);
• Bactisporin (Bacilus subtilus);
• Bactisubtil (Bacilus chereus);
• Biobakton (lactobacteria);
• Biovestin (bifidobacteria);
• Biosporin (Bacilus licheniformus and subtilus);
• Bifidumbacterin (bifidobacteria);
• Bifinorm (bifidobacteria);
• Colibacterin (non-pathogenic types of Escherichia coli);
• Lactobacterin (lactobacteria);
• Narine (lactobacteria);
• Primadophilus (lactobacillus);
• Probiform (bifidobacteria);
• Regulin (lactobacillus);
• Rela Life (lactobacteria);
• Sporobacterin (Bacilus subtilus);
• Flonivin BS (Bacilius chereus);
• Euflorin-L (lactobacteria);
• Euflorin-B (bifidobacteria);
• Effidigest (lactic acid bacteria).

The name of the microorganism that contains this probiotic is given in parentheses.

Symbiotics

• Acidobac (9 types of lactobacilli);
• Acipol (lactobacteria, kefir fungi);
• Bacterial balance (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Biovestin-Lacto (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Bifidin (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Bifidobacterium (bifidobacteria, lactic acid streptococci);
• Bifidobacterin-Multi 1 (5 types of bifidobacteria);
• Bifidobacterin-Multi 2 (6 species of bifidobacteria);
• Bifidobacterin-Multi 3 (6 species of bifidobacteria);
• Bifidum-BAG (bifidibacteria, lactobacilli);
• Bifikol (non-pathogenic types of Escherichia coli, bifidobacteria);
• Bifilong (2 types of bifidobacteria);
• Bifiform (bifidobacteria, enterococci);
• Bifiform baby (bifidobacteria, lactic acid streptococci);
• Bonolact Pro+Biotik (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Bonolact Re+General (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Darm-Symbioten Pasco (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Yogulact and Yogulact forte (lactobacteria and lactic acid streptococcus);
• Linex (lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, enterococci);
• Polybacterin (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Primadophylus Bifidus (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Protozymes (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Santa-Rus-B (lactobacteria, bifidobacteria);
• Symbiolact (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli);
• Trilact (3 types of lactobacilli);
• Florin forte (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli);
• Enterol (Saccharomyces boulardii).

Synbiotics

• Algibif (bifidobacteria and sodium alginate);
• Algilac (lactobacillus and sodium alginate);
• Bion – 3 (lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, vitamins and microelements);
• Bioflor (Escherichia coli + soybean and propolis extract);
• Bifidumbacterin 1000 (bifidobacteria + lactulose);
• Bifilar (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, fructooligosaccharides);
• Biphilis (bifidobacteria + lysozyme);
• Bifistim (bifidobacteria, vitamins, pectin, MCC, fructose) separate forms for children and adults;
• Bifainol (bifidobacteria, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E);
• Vitabs Bio (Lactobacilli, bromelain, rutin, sea buckthorn fiber);
• Vitabs Bio (Bifidobacteria, bromelain, rutin, sea buckthorn fiber);
• Calsis (lactobacillus, selenium, vitamins E and C, oat bran, citrus fiber);
• Kipacid (lactobacillus + immunoglobulins);
• Maxilac (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, fructooligosaccharides);
• Narine forte (bifidobacteria, vitamins C, PP and B, amino acids);
• Normobact (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, fructooligosaccharides);
• Normoflorin-B (bifidobacteria, lactitol);
• Normoflorin-D (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, lactitol);
• Normoflorin-L (lactobacteria, lactitol);
• Senior (bifidobacteria, vitamins, microelements);
• Flora-Dophilus+FOS (lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, fructooligosaccharides);
• Evitalia (lactobacteria, lactic acid streptococcus, propionobacteria);
• Eubicor (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dietary fiber and vitamins).

Probiotic complexes

• Bifidumbacterin-forte (bifidobacteria and activated carbon);
• Bifikol forte (bifidobacteria, non-pathogenic types of Escherichia coli, sorbent);
• Probiofor (bifidobacteria, activated carbon);
• Ecoflor (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and SUMS-1 sorbent).

Below is a list of prebiotics that are available in the form of medications and standardized dietary supplements. Numerous non-standardized and untested supplements containing probiotics are not included in the list, since their effect on the condition of the human body, as well as methods for obtaining raw materials and components, are not known.

So, the following drugs are classified as prebiotics:

• Goodluck (lactulose);
• Duphalac (lactulose);
• Importal N (lactitol);
• Inulin (inulin);
• Lactulose syrup (lactulose);
• Lactusan (lactulose);
• Lactofiltrum and Lactofiltrum-Eco (lactulose and lignin sorbent);
• Livoluk PB (lactulose);
• Normaze (lactulose);
• Portalac (lactulose);
• Prelax (lactulose);
• Romphalac (lactulose);
• Stimbifid (oligofructose, inulin, vitamins E, C, PP, B, trace elements selenium and zinc);
• Transulose gel (lactulose);
• Hilak forte (substances produced in the process of life coli, lactobacilli and non-pathogenic streptococci);
• Exportal (lactitol);
• Eubicore (fiber).

Mixtures with probiotics and prebiotics for baby food

• Agusha-1;
• Agusha-2;
• Agusha gold;
• Grandma's basket;
• Lactofidus "Danone";
• Baby with dietary fiber and nucleotides;
• MD cute goat;
• NAS fermented milk "Nestlé";
• NAS 6-12 months with bifidobacteria "Nestlé";
• Nestozen prebio;
• Nutrilak premium;
• Nanny with prebiotics;
• Similac with probiotics;
• Similak Premium;
• Frisolac Gold;
• Hipp Combiotic;
• Humana with prebiotics.

Mixtures with live lactobacilli (NAN Premium, Similak Premium, Agusha Gold) also contain prebiotics.

Hilak forte, Bifiform and Linex are prebiotics or probiotics

Probiotics for treatment chronic conditions usually taken 3 - 4 times a day, 20 - 60 minutes before meals, for 14 - 21 days. If probiotics are taken to treat acute intestinal infection(diarrhea), then they are taken 4–6 times a day for 2–4 days until the stool returns to normal. If a probiotic powder is used, then before ingestion it is diluted in warm water, capsules and tablets are simply swallowed with a glass of water. a small amount liquids. If a person suffers increased acidity gastric juice, then before taking probiotics he needs to drink alkaline mineral water or antacids(for example, Maalox, Almagel, Gastal, etc.).

It is very important to choose the right probiotic to treat a given condition. To select a probiotic, you can use the following simple rules:

• If you suspect viral infection intestines (acute or chronic), it is recommended to take drugs containing lactobacilli (for example, Lactobacterin, Narine, Biobakton, Primadophilus, etc.);
• If bacterial intestinal damage is suspected (acute or chronic), it is recommended to take complex preparations containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria simultaneously (for example, Bacteriobalance, Bifidin, Linex, etc.);
• If you suspect fungal infection intestines and genitals (intestinal and vaginal candidiasis), it is recommended to take medications containing bifidobacteria (for example, Probiform, Biovestin, Bifidumbacterin, etc.).

Probiotics and prebiotics can be used either individually or as part of complex therapy for the following diseases, the presence of which is considered an indication for use:
1. Colon cancer (it is recommended to take prebiotics and 4 types of probiotics);
2. Acute infectious diarrhea (lactobacillus and enterococcus); enterocolitis

Today we will discuss what probiotics are and whether the body needs them. Probiotics are food products, containing beneficial or “friendly” bacteria (most often lactobacilli or bifidobacteria) that usually live in the human digestive tract.

This name is also used for microorganisms that are used for therapeutic purposes. IN gastrointestinal tract these beneficial microbes help complete the digestion process and provide some assistance in the production of vitamins.

Why are probiotics needed?

Probiotics are used to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. They help maintain balance and optimal functioning of the digestive system, restoring its normal flora and supporting the functions of the immune system, especially when a person is capable of indiscriminately destroying intestinal bacteria, including those responsible for intestinal health.

Probiotics are effective means for treatment:

• diarrhea;
• lactose intolerance;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• vaginal yeast infections;
• oral candidiasis;
• Crohn's disease;
• and nonspecific.

When there is a family history of eczema, infants who receive probiotics in the first six months of life (and those whose mothers took these drugs during the last trimester of pregnancy) are less likely to develop these diseases in the future.

Children with autism may also benefit from these bacteria, perhaps because probiotics reduce the leakage of large molecules from the intestines that trigger immune responses that affect brain function.

What are the signs of deficiency?

There is evidence that without adequate, normal flora the immune system cannot function properly due to decreased resistance to infections.

How much should adults take?

Once you start taking antibiotics, you should immediately start taking probiotics (liquid or capsule form twice a day with meals) and continue for several more days after completion of the prescribed therapy. Pay attention to preparations containing Bacillus coagulans (BK-30) or Lactobacillus GG.

The dose is one tablespoon of liquid product (or one or two capsules) with meals, unless the instructions prescribe otherwise. Always check the expiration date to ensure that the bacteria contained in these products is alive and in good condition. Look for probiotics with billions of “colony-forming units” (CFUs). After purchasing, take care to protect the drug from heat, moisture and air.

How many probiotics does a child need?

Many experts recommend giving children a quarter teaspoon (or a quarter capsule) of commercially available probiotics. Consult your pediatrician for additional information.

How to get enough probiotics from foods?

Most probiotic microorganisms occur naturally in fermented milk products, such as yogurt with active cultures, acidophilus milk and kefir, as well as in pickles and sauerkraut.

Many traditional cultures around the world value these highly fermented foods and include them in their daily diets for both their health benefits and taste.

A few more words about probiotics

1. No risks associated with excessive use of these drugs have yet been identified - they are absolutely harmless in any dose.
2. You should not take probiotics if you have ever had allergic reaction for lactobacilli, acidophilus bacteria, bifidobacteria or thermophilic streptococcus.

Be healthy!

Many people naively believe that probiotics are completely safe substances. But according to latest research scientists, this is absolutely not true.

Benefit or danger?

Probiotics are specific foods that contain supposedly beneficial bacteria. These microbes have existed for hundreds of thousands of years. One of the classic examples of probiotics is yogurt with high concentration lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. There is also the concept of “prebiotics”. This term refers to similar products that cause an increase in the number of these microorganisms.

These products promote the growth of beneficial microflora and also allow the production of beneficial enzymes. Thanks to them, vitamins B and K are produced directly in the human body. Experiments show that these “beneficial bacteria” can be dangerous in some cases.

Research by French scientists

Aida Bafeta, a researcher at the French research institute Inserm, and her colleagues analyzed 384 different studies on probiotics and prebiotics. As a result, it turned out that their imaginary safety is nothing more than a myth. “A third of studies do not provide any information at all about the dangers of these substances. And only 2% of all studies conducted show that these products do not harm the body,” explains Aida.

Results obtained by scientists from the USA

A similar study was also conducted at the Medical College of Georgia (Augusta University, USA). It helped scientists discover that there is a direct connection between taking probiotics and brain fog. Those patients who took the bacteria began to suffer from short-term memory problems. Their concentration deteriorated. Other unpleasant side effects included increased gas formation, as well as bloating.

Danger to the body

The team also found that D-lactic acid levels increased in these patients. And also in the process of breakdown of sugars by these bacteria, gas was released, which led to symptoms of bloating. As for D-lactic acid, it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Penetrating into the brain, it has a toxic effect on neurons, which leads to problems with memory and concentration.

When the subjects stopped taking probiotics, then all these unpleasant symptoms completely disappeared. Scientists note that probiotics should be perceived by both doctors and patients as medicine, and not as a regular nutritional supplement. Although in practice the opposite is true, the use of these substances should only be temporary.

With prolonged and uncontrolled use, these microorganisms can also contribute to the occurrence of bacterial and fungal infections. This happens when a person's immune system is weakened - for example, in cancer patients or people with AIDS. In this case, the vulnerable body cannot properly resist infection. And you should take probiotics only as prescribed by your doctor.

What do Israeli researchers think?

Two more studies conducted by Israeli scientists at the Institute. Weizmann, showed: probiotics can have a negative effect on the body and have enough serious consequences. And the most alarming conclusions of scientists relate to the most common medical practice- the use of these bacteria after taking antibiotics. “We recommend using probiotics only in extreme cases,” the scientists emphasize.

Healthy volunteers took part in the experiment of Israeli scientists. None of them had taken probiotics for a long time before. The subjects had to take antibiotics for a week, and then took a course of probiotics containing 11 bacterial strains. The other group did not receive any treatment after taking antibiotics, but these subjects underwent a procedure called fecal microbiota transplantation. This complex term refers to the introduction of a fecal suspension obtained from one or more healthy people into the intestines of a patient.

The results of the experiment amazed the researchers. The intestinal condition in the first group returned to normal only six months after the experiment. In other words, probiotics actually prevent microflora from returning to previous state. And this is extremely serious by-effect, given that in medicine many disorders (allergies, diabetes, obesity) are often directly associated with intestinal dysfunction.

Conclusions obtained by Zamir Alperin

Another interesting study was conducted under the leadership of Professor Zamir Alperin, chief physician of the gastroenterology department of the Ikhilov clinic. Using endoscopy and colonoscopy, the composition of bacteria in the digestive system of 25 volunteers was studied. After this, 15 of them were divided into two groups. One took probiotics twice a day. The second one took a placebo. The remaining ten patients did not receive any treatment.

After three weeks they were taken additional tests. The subjects themselves were under medical supervision for another two months. The results showed that the gut condition of the subjects various groups was significantly different. Those who took probiotics were divided into two groups according to the results obtained. In the first, probiotics were adapted. In the second, they were removed from the digestive tract. Moreover, exactly how bacteria will behave in the human body and how the immune system will perceive them can be predicted in advance using tests (colonoscopy or endoscopy, which were used at the beginning of the experiment). This study shows that it is, at the very least, foolish to indiscriminately prescribe the same probiotic treatment to all patients.

Are probiotics always necessary?

In some cases, these substances do not need to be used at all - and especially without the prescription of a specialist. Moreover, many young children may be allergic to yoghurts containing lactobacilli. Yes, advertising often claims that such products are good for health because they help restore a large number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. However, not for every patient the benefits will outweigh the harmful consequences.

In addition, many probiotics should not be taken with milk, as this can also cause digestive upset or allergies. Especially if we're talking about about the child. Children's microflora is formed under the influence of mother's milk. It must mature before it can be loaded with drugs containing foreign strains. And that’s why you shouldn’t always listen gullibly to advertisements for products with probiotics.

Self-healing of the body

Resources human body are huge, and he often has all the necessary capabilities to independently restore the condition of the intestines. The human body is a holistic and harmonious system that supplies all the necessary microbes completely without outside interference. If, for example, a person loses a lot of bacteria during diarrhea, then the appendix helps to compensate for this deficiency - the storage necessary microorganisms.

Important! The information is provided for informational purposes. The decision about the need to prescribe probiotics and other drugs or to abstain from taking them is made by the doctor.