Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, affecting an estimated 5% of children and adolescents globally. Persistence into adulthood is common, with prevalence estimated to be about 2.5%. Due to the negative health effects it causes and the significant financial burden on healthcare and society, alternative treatment […]
Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: Psychiatric Medications, Obesity, and Microbiome Interventions
Over the past five decades, there has been a global surge in the use of psychiatric medications, coinciding with a nearly tripled prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic diseases. Is there a connection? Medications prescribed for severe mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia often incur significant metabolic side effects, such as heightened appetite, […]
IPA at Natural Products Expo West 2024
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 […]
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 […]