Bleary eyes, itchy nose and so many sneezes even the blessings have stopped? No surprise here: it’s allergy season. But rather than making inroads against these carnal assaults by fertile pollens of the earth, public health practitioners instead report rising numbers over the last few decades. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an IgE-mediated inflammatory reaction. […]
Multi-strain probiotics: better than single-strain?
If one is good then more is better. This seems to be the prevailing wisdom in multi-strain probiotic dosing, whether through food additives or supplements. The thinking behind this assumption is compelling: more strains may hit more targets and maybe even add up to more than the sum of the single-strain parts. But experts are […]
Gut microbiome keeps intestinal cells healthy: cell assays to assess the mechanism of action of pre- and probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract
By Massimo Marzorati, PhD The intestinal microbiome affects intestinal health at multiple levels. Intestinal bacteria produce several metabolites, which positively influence the intestinal epithelial barrier function and wound healing1,2. Also, gut bacteria prevent the colonization of pathogenic bacteria, by inhibiting their adhesion and by producing antimicrobial components. Further, the intestinal microbiome shapes the immune system, […]
Breast Cancer and Probiotic Link Largely Untapped
With breast cancer a leading cause of death among woman globally, it’s no surprise that billions of dollars are spent searching for better outcomes. Much of the largess is poured into cancer drugs and other treatments. Relatively little is spent exploring a microbiome connection. That’s a shame because breast microbiota may be fertile ground for intervention. […]
Probiotics a Neglected Therapy in Vaginal Disorders
Apparently vaginal health needs a #MeToo moment. Canadian researcher Gregor Reid opines about lack of progress in vaginal health applications in a 2018 review titled: “Has knowledge of the vaginal microbiome altered approaches to health and disease?” Reid writes that “Calls for innovation have been made before but to little avail.” While dominant Lactobacillus species have […]
Lecture Lineup for Probiotics Resource Center at Vitafoods Europe
Probiotics Resource Center – Lecture Schedule VitaFoods Europe May 15-18, 2018 Day 1: Tuesday, May 15th 2018 11:00 – 11:30: Interaction between gut microbiota and the immune system Over 1000 clinical studies with probiotics have addressed over 700 different conditions. Past studies focused on gastrointestinal diseases and infections. Planned and recruiting studies now are (also) […]