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 allergies in children are becoming more […]
Clinical Corner
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 solutions have been developed to combat viral infections, […]
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 common areas of confusion and misinformation regarding […]
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 disrupt gut microbiota When antibiotics are administered, dysbiosis may occur rapidly, […]
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 refrigeration? Brief background As “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate […]
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 those very questions. Unfortunately, the […]