The IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2020 brings together global experts to share insights on scientific and market aspects of the synbiotic field. Probiota Americas is the leading annual event for the prebiotic, probiotic and the microbiota-focused food and pharma industries in the Americas, brought to you by NutraIngredients-USA. In 2020, Washington DC will host this important […]
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Probiotics Take Oral Exams
Oral cavities are swarming with microbes—some beneficial and some harmful. In the latter group is the notorious salivary mutans streptococcus (S. mutans). This bacterium causes dental caries or cavities. With healthy diets, regular check-ups, cleanings, flossing and fluoride treatments, we try to safeguard our teeth. Probiotics may offer additional protection. Probiotics and dental caries Probiotics […]
A New Look at Prebiotic Fibers
Dietary fibers shape the gut microbiota. These prebiotics determine microbial structure and function; we truly are what we eat. Targeted Approach to Health Recently, researchers delved into how specific fibers may define the microbial picture in human guts. This targeted approach has potential therapeutic value as manipulation of microbes may help in management of several […]
Microbes and Sleep Get Cozy
Poor sleep can have serious consequences including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Microbes too can influence health via neural, hormonal and immune responses, as well as gut and blood-brain barrier permeability. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome and sleep quality are entwined. In new research, scientists in China mimicked sleep shifts typical of circadian […]
Probiotics Influence Iron Status
Gut microbes play a big part in iron balance. Quick review: As a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin and various enzymes, iron status is vital to health. Deficiency leads to anemia, and excess can increase oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Gut microbiota interactions with iron Gut microbiota increases the availability of dietary iron to the host. […]
Melatonin and Microbes
Melatonin has long been tapped by tired travelers to adjust to new time zones. As a natural hormone in mammals, melatonin is now being explored for its role in disease, as demonstrated by its strong connection to gut microbiota and inflammation. Pointedly, metabolic disorders and intestinal diseases are accumulating relevant results pointing to potential treatment […]