In this new article in our Supplement Guide we will discuss a very current topic: the use of probiotics. These supplements can be found in supermarkets, pharmacies and herbalists and are often recommended to people suffering from intestinal disorders, such as abdominal bloating or flatulence. Do you know how they really work?
The most important
- Probiotics are supplements that contain live microorganisms capable of benefiting our body.
- There are different species and bacterial strains, some more effective than others when it comes to treating different symptoms and pathologies.
- The consumption of probiotics is considered safe for most people. However, they can trigger infections in immunosuppressed people.
The best probiotic capsules
BIO15 Probiotics Capsule natural probiotics carry tens of billions of probiotic microorganisms of recognized effectiveness. The manufacturer promises that taking one capsule a day will help restore the gut microbiota (“flora”) and improve overall health.
What is a probiotic?
A probiotic is a type of supplement that contains live microorganisms (bacteria or yeasts) with the ability to generate beneficial effects. The most popular bacteria used as probiotic supplements are those belonging to the genera (bacterial classes) Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
What criteria must a supplement meet to be considered probiotic?
It is not possible to use any bacteria present in the body to create a probiotic supplement. The indiscriminate use of certain microbial species does not bring any benefit and, “in the worst case”, can pose a threat to health. A probiotic must meet the following criteria before it can be marketed ( 20 ) :
- Scientific evidence: It is necessary that the effectiveness of the probiotic has been validated by good quality scientific studies.
- Safety: Probiotic microorganisms cannot, under any circumstances, become aggressive and cause infections in a healthy person.
- Vitality: After encapsulating the product, the bacteria or yeast of the probiotic must remain alive.
- Survival: It will be necessary that at least half of the probiotic microorganisms survive the intake, digestion or application of the product, arriving alive at their destination.
- Stability: The microscopic organisms contained within the probiotic must remain alive once packaged, and remain active until the expiration date of the product is exceeded.
- Suitable strain: Each bacterial species is further divided into different “strains” or subtypes (think of different members of the same family). It will be essential to choose an active strain with favorable actions.
- Labeling: Probiotic information should appear on a visible label, with true and easy to read and understand information.
What benefits do probiotics give me?
Probiotics offer a wide variety of benefits, which depend largely on the type of strain used in each supplement. Once the microorganisms colonize the “target” zone (it can be the mouth, stomach, intestine and even the female genital system) they will begin to provide us with the following advantages:
- Light and faster digestions
- Decreased flatulence
- Improvement of intestinal transit
- Abdominal perimeter reduction
- Normalization of weight and blood cholesterol levels
- Lower incidence of infections
- Lower incidence of allergic processes
- General improvement of anxious symptomatology
- Increased levels of folic acid, cyanocobalamin and vitamin K
- Increase in fertility (in women)
- Decreased pain associated with menstruation (in women)