From March 12-16, Natural Products Expo West 2024 returned to Anaheim Convention Center near Los Angeles, California. Though the weather was not as warm as previous years, many thousands of stakeholders thronged the show halls and events at the leading trade show in the natural, organic and socially conscious products industry. The International Probiotics Association […]
Microbiome Environment
Unraveling the Role of Gut Microbiota in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading contributor to chronic liver disease worldwide, leading to poor health and in many cases, premature death. Abstinence from drinking is the undisputed cornerstone of treatment, supplemented by medication, behavioral interventions, and support networks. However, the high frequency of relapses from alcohol cessation calls for new strategies to enhance management […]
The Role of L. iners in Vaginal Health: Insights and Controversies
Vaginal microbes play a crucial role in maintaining genital health by offering powerful defenses against infections. Unlike healthy microbiota in other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the vaginal microbiota is distinctive for its low diversity with lactobacilli comprising nearly 95% of the total bacteria. Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus […]
Autism Spectrum Disorder & Gut Microbiota
A complex neurodevelopmental condition, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rising globally, indicating an urgent need to understand its causes. Decades of research have identified genetics and environmental factors as contributors. Whereas the definitive causes of ASD are unclear, genetic anomalies, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, and infections are strongly implicated. More recently, evidence links gut microbial dysbiosis […]
Probiotics & Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants
Preterm (also called premature) babies can face a host of complications including neurological problems due to their underdeveloped physiological systems. Recent research shows that gut dysbiosis increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Specific probiotics have been effective in preventing this dangerous condition, which has led researchers to explore if probiotics may […]
New Weight Loss Drugs & Gut Microbiota
A new—and costly—category of weight loss drugs has burst into the market, targeting the nearly 40% of the world’s population who are overweight or obese. Considered by some experts to be a game changer in obesity, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are in such high demand that some people with diabetes (the original indication) are […]