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 […]
Articles
Streptococcus thermophilus: A Surprisingly Warm Probiotic
Despite a toxic-sounding name, Streptococcus thermophilus could be adorably described as the surprisingly warm and nurturing mother-in-law of your microbiome. Despite its toxic-sounding name, this is not a pathogenic Strep – you actually ingest Streptococcus thermophilus more often than you realize! Many Streptococcus thermophilus strains are friendly, warm loving (hence the name thermophilus)probiotics. Streptococcus thermophilus […]
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 […]
Probiotic modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis – a role for gender and age
Shikha Snigdha, Ph.D. and Jeremy Bartos, Ph.D. MeriCal There are differences between men and women in almost every aspect of health and physiology. Yet, when it comes to the microbiome and microbiome-related effects on mood and stress and related conditions, there is a paucity of products that differentiate between effects on men vs women. When […]
E. Coli Nissle 1917
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is a Probiotic: A Tale of a Heroic Antagonist Surprisingly Not All E. coli are Harmful This probiotic’s tale reveals a surprising heroic antagonist, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917: a friend, disguised by a name associated with a foe. This Monthly Microbe takes a fascinating look into the question, when are a […]
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 kombucha are more difficult to assess quantitatively as a probiotic for […]