Probiotic Strains

Bifidobacterium is described as essential for immune support, limiting pathogenic bacteria growth, and lactose breakdown. L. reuteri is described as a widely studied strain that inhibits pathogens, boosts immunity, improves gut lining integrity, and regulates bowel movements. Lactobacillus casei was associated with fewer gastrointestinal symptoms in students under academic stress. Lactobacillus gasseri was associated with elevated mood and improved natural killer cell immune response in healthy student athletes. A Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium blend was associated with less psychological distress than placebo in healthy humans. Saccharomyces boulardii can be taken with antibiotics because it is yeast-based and is not killed by antibiotics. Lactobacillus species produce lactase and lactic acid, which help with lactose breakdown and gut environment control. Spore-based probiotics can survive upper GI conditions because they contain protective endospores. Spore-based probiotics should be used cautiously or avoided in immunocompromised patients, very young children, and the elderly because they may over-proliferate in vulnerable populations. L. acidophilus is described as useful f…