All probiotics are not created equal. Scientific research shows that there are four conditions necessary for high quality probiotics.
1. They must be produced from strain known to be effective
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LAC 361 are two of the most scientifically studied strains. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of BB536 in the treatment of antibiotic induced diarrhea and as a general stimulant to the immune system.
L. acidophilus LAC 361, has been studied for its effects on infections related to the use of antibiotics and on certain types of vaginal infections. One study even demonstrates the correlation between B. longum and L. acidophilus in the prevention of antibiotic induced diarrhea.
2. The bacterial strain must adhere to the intestinal wall
The property of adhesion is an essential condition for a probiotic to be effective. Several probiotics pass through the digestive system without stopping. Our Bifidobacterium longum BB536 specifically created for the human organism, is one of few - on the market - with a superior property of adhesion. The adhesive properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LAC 361 have also been long recognized.
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 adheres to induction sites of the intestinal mucus membrane and stimulates the production of white blood cells, molecules that maintain a good immune response.
3. The strain must be resistant to gastric acid
When probiotics are orally ingested, they must survive the hostile and acidic environment of the digestive system. Our Bifidobacterium longum BB536 strain meets this criterion and almost 85% of it reaches the large intestine. Lactobacillus acidophilus LAC 361, as the name suggests, thrives in an acidic environment and easily colonizes the small intestine.
The powder form of our strain guarantees a higher acidic resistance than capsule form probiotics and those found in yogurt. After 30 minutes, 85 % of Lactobacillus acidophilus (powder form) can be found in the duodenum.
4. The strain must remain stable at room temperature
To avoid condensation, which could adversely affect the strain, it is not recommended to refrigerate probiotics. All Virage Santé probiotics are stable at room temperature (tests have proven their stability after over two years).
Source :
Physiological effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536. Données du fabricant.
Orrhage, J., Brismar, B., Nord, C. E. « Effects of supplements of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus on the intestinal microbiota during administration of clindamycin ». Microb. Ecol. Health Dis. 1994; 7 : 17-25.
Isolauri, E., Juntunen, M., Rautanen, T., et coll. «A human Lactobacillus strain (Lactobacillus casei sp. strain GG) promotes recovery from acute diarrhea in children ». Pediatrics 1991; 88 : 90-7.
Saavedra, J. M., Bauman, N. A., Oung, I., et allcoll. « Feeding Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in hospital for prevention of diarrhea and shedding of rotavirus ». Lancet 1994; 344 : 1046-9.
Oberhelman, R. A., Gilman, R. H., Sheen, P., et allcoll. «A placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG to prevent diarrhea in undernourished Peruvian children ». J. Pediatric 1999; 134 : 15-20.
Pochapin, M. B., Oltikar, A., Pringe-Smith, R., et alcoll. «A prospective randomized placebocontrolled trial of Lactobacillus GGin combination with standard antibiotics for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection ». Am. J. Gastroenterol. 1999; 93 : 1697.
Ribeiro, H., Vanderhoof, J. A. «Reduction of diarrheal illness following administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in a daycare facility ». J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 1998; 26: 561 ( abstr.).
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