Thank you to our critical response team at the IPA SC for their contribution to the Washington Post article published yesterday. Attached is the final document [also below in full text] that our critical response team worked on which will be disseminated on our … [Read more...] about IPA Response to Recent Washington Post Article
Articles
Targeting Gut Microbes in Type 2 Diabetes Shows Promise
The worldwide diabetic crisis is becoming more severe, affecting over 537 million adults, which is nearly 10% of the adult population globally. Most diabetics were not born with faulty blood sugar control. Nearly 95% have Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a complex condition that develops gradually and has … [Read more...] about Targeting Gut Microbes in Type 2 Diabetes Shows Promise
Probiotic Short Chain Fatty Acid Production and Colon Cancer
The colon microbiota is an important player in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), which caused 935,000 deaths in 2020 (the second most deadly cancer worldwide). During carcinogenesis, the colon microbiota composition changes from a normal profile to dysbiosis, interfering with the … [Read more...] about Probiotic Short Chain Fatty Acid Production and Colon Cancer
Microbes for Mental Health
By Maile Combs, MS, and David Despain, MS Gut bacteria can influence how you think, feel, or handle stress. Scientists are now exploring how these microbes can affect mood and mental health. In any given year or at some point during their lifetime, nearly one in five U.S. adults and children … [Read more...] about Microbes for Mental Health
IPA Updates from our Board of Directors
The International Probiotics Association (IPA) and Probiota Congress culminated after three days of great conferences and networking sessions with 470 industry peers: a sold-out event! The IPA closed out our work with the IPA’s Board of Directors (IPA BoD) meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, … [Read more...] about IPA Updates from our Board of Directors
Probiotic-Based Vaccines: Are We There Yet?
Vaccines elicit variable immune responses in different people. A multitude of reasons can make a vaccine less effective against disease, a consequence that can be dangerous or even fatal. Correlations between microbiota and immune response to vaccination are recognized as a factor associated with … [Read more...] about Probiotic-Based Vaccines: Are We There Yet?
Preterm Birth: A Role for Probiotics?
As eager as one may be to greet a newborn, an early arrival is never good. Preterm birth (PTB) — when an infant is born before 37 weeks of gestation — is a serious problem across the globe. With an estimated 15 million cases annually, spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is the leading cause of death in … [Read more...] about Preterm Birth: A Role for Probiotics?
Probiotics Show Promise in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease causing neuropathological changes and a severe decline in cognitive function. The most common cause of dementia, AD has no known cure. Although some medications may delay the loss of cognition and memory, definitive interventions … [Read more...] about Probiotics Show Promise in Alzheimer’s Disease
Bariatric Surgery: A Role for Probiotics?
Bariatric surgery improves metabolism and inflammation in severe obesity and is associated with gut microbiota modifications. However, the role of the gut microbiota in inducing these beneficial changes is controversial in part because the surgery may not fully restore microbial balance. Recent … [Read more...] about Bariatric Surgery: A Role for Probiotics?
A Role for Probiotics in Mastitis?
Despite the considerable health benefits of breastfeeding, initiation and duration rates continue to fall short of international guidelines. Acute mastitis is one of the main reasons why women stop breastfeeding. While antibiotics are frequently prescribed for this painful breast condition, their … [Read more...] about A Role for Probiotics in Mastitis?
Individual Response to Prebiotics Varies
By the current definition, a prebiotic is “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.” A fiber-rich diet —containing non-digestible carbohydrates and other substrates such as polyphenols — as well as supplements containing such compounds are … [Read more...] about Individual Response to Prebiotics Varies
Prebiotics in a Nutshell
Throughout human history, beneficial microbes have adapted to thrive on specific substances in the food we eat. Yet only in the past few decades have scientists homed in on which substrates —and underlying mechanisms of action—are used to best nourish them. The concept of “prebiotics” has since … [Read more...] about Prebiotics in a Nutshell
Can Probiotics Affect Decision-Making?
Following your gut instincts is one way of making decisions. Now emerging research suggests that the gut may be more involved in decision-making than previously thought. Choices may be influenced by microbial mechanisms in the gut. Whether or not those decisions are prudent may actually depend … [Read more...] about Can Probiotics Affect Decision-Making?
Traumatic Brain Injury & Gut Microbes
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health issue affecting many millions each year. Management requires an understanding of both the primary brain injury and the secondary sequelae that affect peripheral organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The gut-brain axis is composed of … [Read more...] about Traumatic Brain Injury & Gut Microbes
Gut Microbiota & Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders
The health benefits of surgical interventions are undeniable; with the development of safer methods to administer and monitor general anesthesia over the past century, they have saved countless lives from cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions. The patient’s health overall and the … [Read more...] about Gut Microbiota & Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders
Part 2: Microbes & Breast Cancer Treatments
Breast cancer treatments developed over the last decades have greatly improved survivorship as well as return to a cancer-free life for many. Even so, 650,000 women globally died from the disease in 2020. As described in the previous blog, dysbiosis emerged as a key player that may influence … [Read more...] about Part 2: Microbes & Breast Cancer Treatments
Part 1: Microbes & Breast Cancer
In 2020, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. The most frequently identified female cancer, breast cancer has links to changes in the gut and mammary microbiota. The microbiota at these sites appear to influence breast cancer risk, response to treatment, and recurrence. … [Read more...] about Part 1: Microbes & Breast Cancer
Natural Products Expo West Returns Live
Natural Products Expo West returns live to Anaheim, California on March 8-12, 2022 after a pandemic pause. Highlights of Expo West 2022 include Climate Day, the annual State of Natural & Organic session, Pitch Slam, Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, a JEDI Community Happy Hour, and Evenings … [Read more...] about Natural Products Expo West Returns Live
Endometrial Cancer: Role of the Microbiome
Sometimes called uterine cancer, endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells lining the uterus. Due to emerging evidence that the uterus is not a sterile cavity, researchers have begun to investigate the endometrial microbiome and its possible role in endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer, … [Read more...] about Endometrial Cancer: Role of the Microbiome
Taxonomy – What is the Big Deal?
The IPA Scientific Committee wrote a blog about this when Lactobacillus decided it didn’t want to be such a huge genus any longer. Published in 2020 was the research on the how and why this name change was needed. A taxonomic note on the genus Lactobacillus. Just to clarify that the real purpose … [Read more...] about Taxonomy – What is the Big Deal?
Probiotics: A Role in Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide, affecting about 50 million people. Most live in low to middle-income countries where prevention and treatment can be lacking. Head injury, stroke, infections, and congenital abnormalities can all lead to epilepsy. The disease can … [Read more...] about Probiotics: A Role in Epilepsy?
Our Biology has been Shaped by Bacteria
by Ines Martinez,Head of Probiotic R&D team - SACCO Bacteria have inhabited our planet for 3.5 billion years, this was a long time before eukaryotic life emerged in our planet approximately 2.7 billion years ago. In short, we have evolved in a bacterial world, thus every aspect of our … [Read more...] about Our Biology has been Shaped by Bacteria
Seeking Clarity on Postbiotics
Postbiotics are emerging as potent forces for health, just as with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. But unlike these related substances, the term postbiotic continues to cause no small amount of confusion. Postbiotics, an evolving definition Researchers working with probiotics observed … [Read more...] about Seeking Clarity on Postbiotics
Can Probiotics Reduce Harms of Phthalates?
First introduced in the 1920s, phthalates are commercial chemicals used in a vast array of consumer products: plastic and vinyl, medical supplies, flooring, wall coverings, cosmetics, personal care products and toys. Their usefulness in industry is undeniable but researchers have observed harmful … [Read more...] about Can Probiotics Reduce Harms of Phthalates?
Microbiome Modulation to Improve Sleep: Webinar Recap
Proper sleep is vital for a healthy body and mind. Amassing research is drilling down on the role of the microbiome in the complicated matter of sleep rhythms and harmful impacts of deprivation and/or disruption from jet lag, night shift work, and sleep apnea. On December 9, Nutraingredients-USA … [Read more...] about Microbiome Modulation to Improve Sleep: Webinar Recap
“Probiowhatics”: New Webinar from IPA & The Gut Stuff
The International Probiotics Association, in special collaboration with The Gut Stuff, recently hosted “Probiowhatics?” — a webinar with a panel of probiotic experts and influencers. Lisa MacFarlane, co-founder with her twin sister Alana Macfarlane Kempner of The Gut Stuff, introduced the … [Read more...] about “Probiowhatics”: New Webinar from IPA & The Gut Stuff
Can Probiotics Improve Memory?
While some things in life are best forgotten, our memories build the framework of intelligence — cognitive, emotional, and social — enabling a rich existence. Memory is required to learn a language, drive a car, write computer code, keep a friend and, of course, remember where you put the … [Read more...] about Can Probiotics Improve Memory?
Probiotics to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance: the Time is Now
By Kristine Koppelhus MSc Nutrition, BioGaia What is antibiotic resistance? Drug-resistant bacteria that have adapted and acquired the ability to survive in the presence of the drugs intended to kill them. The result is that our pool of effective drugs is shrinking as antibiotics are becoming … [Read more...] about Probiotics to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance: the Time is Now
Cesarean Section & Food Allergy: A Role for Probiotics?
A peanut butter sandwich may seem innocuous, but for a growing number of children, it may be harmful or even life-threatening. Food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish cause the most severe reactions but eggs, milk, wheat and soy are also on the list of potential antigens. Food … [Read more...] about Cesarean Section & Food Allergy: A Role for Probiotics?
7 Things Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Is Good For
Meet Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus: The Happy Wanderer ____________________________________________________________________________ The way these friendly microbes travel is fascinating! Meet Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, who we like to call the Happy Wanderers among your microbiota. Science … [Read more...] about 7 Things Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Is Good For
Bowel Prep for Colonoscopies Disrupts Gut Microbes
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths —after lung cancer —worldwide. The World Health Organization reported 1,930,000 new cases and 935,000 deaths in 2020. In the United States, early detection and prevention have contributed to rapid decreases in CRC … [Read more...] about Bowel Prep for Colonoscopies Disrupts Gut Microbes
Probiotics Sales Lead Supplement Category at Amazon
Probiotic supplements sales grew 48% in 2020 from the year before, topping the category at Amazon online. Fantastic news — and a key takeaway from a free webinar “What’s Driving Probiotics Sales Growth on Amazon?” offered recently by International Probiotics Association (IPA) in partnership with … [Read more...] about Probiotics Sales Lead Supplement Category at Amazon
Enterococcus faecium: A Probiotic that Sparks the Importance of Safety Testing
Meet Enterococcus faecium - An Ammunition Expert When facing adversaries, having an ally who can supply you with good ammunition is really helpful, such as the probiotic, Enterococcus faecium. But, what’s truly mind-blowing is how closely related this ally is to pathogenic species. Reading that … [Read more...] about Enterococcus faecium: A Probiotic that Sparks the Importance of Safety Testing
Interplay of Viruses, the Microbiome and Probiotics
Viral infections — such as SARS-CoV-2 causing this pandemic — have long threatened life on earth, most likely for billions of years. In the 21st century, respiratory tract infections, HIV and infectious gastroenteritis are some of the leading causes of premature death across the world. Because few … [Read more...] about Interplay of Viruses, the Microbiome and Probiotics
Probiotic Supplements: Six-Part Series
Choosing a probiotic isn’t getting any easier. As new offers flood the market, the different types, doses and delivery systems of probiotics offer abundant choices. But the sheer number of different probiotic supplements can be overwhelming In a series of blogs, IPA tackled a few of the most … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: Six-Part Series
Probiotic Supplements: Take with Antibiotics?
Antibiotics kill off pathogens, saving untold numbers of lives every year. Unfortunately, the 20th century wonder drugs also destroy a lot of beneficial bacteria along the way. The ensuing disturbances in gut microbiota communities can lead to diarrhea and other displays of dysbiosis. Antibiotics … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: Take with Antibiotics?
Probiotic Supplements: Refrigerate or Not?
Many people keep probiotic supplements in the refrigerator, often wedged between bottles of kombucha and cartons of yogurt. But it can get crowded. Could probiotic supplements be stored in a cupboard near vitamins and fish oil capsules? In other words, do probiotic supplements require … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: Refrigerate or Not?
Probiotic Supplements: Does Time of Day Matter?
After deciding which probiotic supplement offers the beneficial strains that meet your health goals, you may consider what time of day to take it. Is a probiotic supplement best taken on an empty stomach? Or perhaps it should be taken with food? Various health sites and blogs offer advice on … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: Does Time of Day Matter?
Probiotic Supplements: Delivery Formats
Once a consumer or practitioner decides which probiotic strain may benefit a specific health target, they must choose from a vast array of formats such as pills, capsules, powders, gummies, suppositories and liquids. Note: Fermented foods and beverages such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: Delivery Formats
IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas Digital Summit: June 15-17, 2021
In its 6th year, IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas presents a pivotal experience linking top experts from across the globe to connect the business and science of the microbiome. The 2021 Digital Summit will take place from June 15 through June 1. Mark your calendars; you won’t want to … [Read more...] about IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas Digital Summit: June 15-17, 2021
Probiotic Supplements: What is an Adequate Dosage?
In the past decade, probiotic supplement dosages have rocketed from millions to billions of CFUs, with some boasting as many as 200 billion. While more may be better when it comes to love and money, this is not necessarily —but can be — the case with probiotics. CFUs or colony forming … [Read more...] about Probiotic Supplements: What is an Adequate Dosage?
Saccharomyces boulardii
The Best Microbial Travel Buddy in Your Gut One of the only probiotic yeasts, Saccharomyces boulardii, can be described as the best travel buddy in your gut. A resilient traveler, who is always moving to find the next best place to visit, this budding, digestion-helping, pathogen-eliminating … [Read more...] about Saccharomyces boulardii
Health Professionals’ Knowledge on Probiotics
Patients often rely on health professionals to guide them on probiotics. Questions abound: which conditions may benefit, which probiotic, what dosage and a multitude of others. Sorting through all the data and information available may cause confusion — not only in patients but also for the very … [Read more...] about Health Professionals’ Knowledge on Probiotics
Diversity Matters in Microbiota
Diversity enriches our global ecosystems. It appears to be no different for many sites of the human body hosting microbial populations — albeit with at least one striking exception. For example, vaginal microbiota is distinct in that greater bacterial diversity is seen in women with bacterial … [Read more...] about Diversity Matters in Microbiota
Probiota 2021 Summit, An Excerpt
As promised, Probiota 2021 Summit in February offered expert speakers and vigorous panels who engaged on key issues affecting the business of the microbiome: IPA has been dipping back into the webinar. First up was a presentation from Ruairi Robertson PhD at Queen Mary University in … [Read more...] about Probiota 2021 Summit, An Excerpt
Severe Acute Malnutrition & Probiotics
Heartbreakingly, malnutrition is responsible for 35% of deaths among children under five globally. And for survivors of early undernutrition, the long-term consequences may include increased risk of stunting, impaired neurodevelopment and negative social and economic impacts. Recent research … [Read more...] about Severe Acute Malnutrition & Probiotics
Probiotics and Human Papillomavirus: A Look at the Research
Each year, more than half a million women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and the disease leads to more than 300,000 deaths worldwide. High-risk subtypes of the human papilloma virus (HPV) are the cause of the disease in most cases. HPV is not shy. A woman’s lifetime risk of acquiring … [Read more...] about Probiotics and Human Papillomavirus: A Look at the Research
CRISPR for Next-Gen Probiotics
“You may be a surprised,” said Rodolphe Barrangou, PhD, “but we already live arguably in a post-CRISPR world where some people afflicted with genetic disease have already been treated with and cured with genome-editing based gene therapies.” For those of us still living in a pre-CRISPR world, Dr. … [Read more...] about CRISPR for Next-Gen Probiotics
COVID-19 and the Microbiome: What Have We Learned?
As of early March 2023, the global health impact of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been devastating, resulting in a reported 6,866,434 deaths worldwide. Over the past three years, researchers have found strong evidence of the involvement of the gut and lung … [Read more...] about COVID-19 and the Microbiome: What Have We Learned?
HPA (China) News – March 2023
Will ChatGPT write the next IPA blog?….
By Arthur C. Ouwehand - Global Health Nutrition Sciences, International Flavors & Fragrances, 02460 Kantvik, Finland ...With that, I could end this blog. But it would be 499 words short of the target length. So, let’s rephrase the question. What can generative Artificial Intelligence (AI; … [Read more...] about Will ChatGPT write the next IPA blog?….
IPA ProbioCast: Expand your knowledge about synbiotics.
In this episode, the IPA's Sandra Saville questions Dr.Huktins on synbiotics. Dr.Hutkins defines and explains the different types of synbiotics. He also fills listeners in on the history of how the definition of synbiotics came be. Dr. Bob Huktins Bob Hutkins is Cofounder of Synbiotic Health, … [Read more...] about IPA ProbioCast: Expand your knowledge about synbiotics.
Join the Movement!
IPA looks to expand probiotic success to new “biotics” categories Following last month’s Probiota meeting in Barcelona Spain, the International Probiotics Association (IPA) announced a new and expanded scope to include Prebiotics, Postbiotics, and Synbiotics. (find out more … [Read more...] about Join the Movement!