What Is The Research Into Vsl#3 And Ibd
VSL#3 used to be licensed to be available to be prescribed in the UK by the NHS for pouchitis following several clinical studies including one which showed that high doses of the probiotic VSL#3 are effective in the treatment of mild pouchitis1. However, it is now no longer available for prescription in the UK following a review2 which said there was ‘low quality evidence’ of the benefits. Concerns were raised about the size of the studies and that ‘the evidence did not sufficiently demonstrate that the products are clinically effective’.
Studies done into VSL#3 and IBD include:
Ulcerative colitis
There have also been several studies into VSL#3 and ulcerative colitis. The most recent study demonstrated that VSL#3 is effective in achieving clinical responses and remissions in patients with mild-to moderately active UC3.
Crohns disease
Studies into Crohns disease and VSL#3 have focused on:
Paediatric 4, 5 – A study looking at children in remission concluded that VSL#3 didnt influence relapse rate but there was a trend to decreasing faecal markers of gut inflammation4 Another study looking at children with active Crohns concluded VSL#3 has a significant beneficial effect upon disease activity5.
Post-surgery6 – the most recent study concluded that more research into VSL#3 and post-surgery Crohns disease should be carried out.
Microscopic colitis
Probiotics May Help Boost Your Immune System
Probiotics may help give your immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria .
Also, some probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. They may also boost immune cells like the IgA-producing cells, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells (
Bottom Line:
Certain probiotics may help you lose weight and belly fat. However, other strains have been linked to weight gain.
Clinical Trials For Probiotics And Ulcerative Colitis
The same strain of non-pathogenic E.coli as was trialled in Crohns Disease has also been extensively trialled in Ulcerative Colitis. This strain of bacteria has been compared with an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat IBD in three separate studies of UC patients. Perhaps the most conclusive of them, by Kruis et al7, showed that out of the 327 study participants, that were treated with either E.Coli Nissle1917 or 500mg of the drug three times daily, the relapse rates were similar in both groups, indicating that E.ColiNissle1917 may be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in preventing relapse in UC patients.
A multi-strain probiotic formulation has also been studied for UC. The combination product that was researched, contained three strains of Bifidobacteria, four of Lactobacilli and one of Streptococcus salivarius sp. thermophilus. In this study by Venturi et al8 twenty patients with inactive Ulcerative Colitis were given the probiotic formulation daily for a twelve month period, during which time remission was maintained in 15 out of the 20 study participants. Whilst a 75% success rate appears significant, this trial was not placebo-controlled, so it is difficult to draw any true conclusions.
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How The Best Probiotics Were Rated
All probiotic companies boast of their products having the same beneficial properties, but the following factors were considered when ranking these probiotics.
Number of CFUs: Some probiotics contained only 1 billion CFUs, while others had up to 50 billion CFUs. CFUs do not determine the quality of a probiotic. Still, from their use, the higher the number of CFUs a probiotic has, the longer its shelf life, quality, and effectiveness.
Quality of Strains: Strain quality differs from one probiotic to another as some probiotics use one bacterial strain. In contrast, others use more than one to increase the efficiency of the strains on the products. Some brands use cheaper bacterial strains, which lower the probiotic quality as good quality probiotics are always more expensive.
Diversity of strains: Some probiotics use at most two strains that do not lower the product’s quality, but different strains have different properties. Incorporating more strains in a probiotic will improve its quality and uses. Some strains may have specific functions, while others have generalized functions, which may work better when the strains are put together.
Transparency & Reputation: More probiotic companies are formulated daily, and some of these companies praise their products for earning quick money. They do this for their business growth and not to promote good health. We considered the reputation of these companies and their reputations to determine which probiotics were legit.
How Is Vsl#3 Governed
In the UK most probiotics are governed under the same laws as foods, not medicines, and governing bodies include the European Food Safety Authority , the Food Safety Authority and the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances.
These bodies issue guidelines around what probiotic companies can say in relation to their product and health claims they can make. Even if a probiotic has medical evidence to support its use for a certain condition they cannot publicise this unless they go through strict medical testing – a very expensive and lengthy process.
This is why you will often find that probiotic companies do not mention specific health conditions on their website and marketing material. Guidelines have also been issued to say that the term probiotic may no longer be used in the promotion of supplements by the companies. The Advertising Standards Authority also has oversight regarding claims made and any complaints arising. In general the industry is self-regulated so some companies choose to bend the rules around making health claims in relation to their product.
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Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support
Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support is a probiotics supplement with BC30 probiotic and digestive enzymes to defend against occasional digestive upsets such as gas, abdominal discomfort, and bloating. It also helps support long-term digestive health.
With continued use, the probiotics in Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support promote long-term digestive health. In the short term, the enzymes in this formula can lessen abdominal discomfort such as gas, bloating, constipation, and occasional diarrhea.
Studies show that BC30 probiotics and digestive enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to aid the digestive process. As a result, it helps defend against occasional gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
How To Take Probiotic Supplements
We cant stress enough that its a good idea to visit a doctor and/or a registered dietitian before taking something new to treat ulcerative colitis.
They may have some advice about which probiotic to take and what dosage might be right for you.
Probiotic dosage for ulcerative colitis is not an exact science. The dosages found to be effective in various studies usually range from 2 billion to 25 billion colony-forming units . The more bacteria, the merrier.
Check the expiration date and make sure to store them properly, refrigerating them if recommended on the packaging. These are living organisms that require a little TLC, and they die out over time if not used.
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Elm & Rye Probiotic Is The #1 Choice
Elm & Rye is an up-and-coming entrant on the probiotics scene whose mission is to improve the lives of humanity by making high-quality supplements accessible and convenient. Their products are made from the highest quality ingredients and are tested by a third party to ensure purity and consistency. No additives or fillers are ever used.
In addition, the company has made a commitment to sustainable sourcing in all aspects of production, from farming to packaging to transportation. They aim to build long-term relationships with their customers by providing superior customer service and education that allows consumers to take charge of their health.
Elm & Ryes Probiotic serves up a double whammy of supplement benefits, as it contains ingredients that both boost the functioning of the bodys immune system and promote healthy gut bacteria and ease digestion.
If transparency and social responsibility top your list of requirements for your probiotic supplier, Elm & Rye Probiotic should be at the top of your shopping list. At $50 for 30 tablets, they are not the cheapest option on this list, but orders always ship free.
Probulin Colon Support Probiotic 60 Capsules Daily Probiotic For The Entire Family
- COLON HEALTH. Probulin Colon Support Probiotic is a once daily Probiotic + Prebiotic concentrated in bifidobacteria to support digestive health/balance and the colon.* Shelf-stable, it features the MAKTrek 3-D Delivery System, 20 billion cfu/cap., 12 probiotic strains, and prebiotic inulin
- EASY TO USE. Adults take one capsule daily with or without food. For best results, take at bedtime. Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement
- NATURAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS. Colon Support Probiotic Blend and Bifido bacteria strains ), Inulin
- FREE OF. This daily probiotic does not contain GMOs, wheat, gluten, milk, dairy, eggs, magnesium stearate, soy, artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or shellfish. No ingredients were derived using biotechnology
- BENEFICIAL BACTERIA. Probulin Colon Support Probiotic contains scientifically documented strains of beneficial bifidobacteria probiotic strains important for colon health and regularity. As we age, bifidobacteria declines, and it is key in maintaining health colon function
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How The Intervention Might Work
There is growing evidence looking at the effects of probiotics in the use of inducing remission in ulcerative colitis since a previous Cochrane review . Due to the part that dysbiosis plays in ulcerative colitis, there is potential benefit in trying to restore the endogenous flora. Several observations, both on humans and animal models, emphasised the importance of bacterial flora in inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis, justifying the current interest in antibiotic and probiotic therapies aimed at the manipulation of enteric flora . The therapeutic efficacy of probiotics has been demonstrated in various models of experimental colitis, including interleukin10 deficient mice , and acetic acidinduced colitis in rats .
Identification Of Differentially Abundant Taxa
Figure 5. LEfSe analysis to identify the differentially abundant taxa. N_FAE group vs. U_FAE group U_Y group vs. U_XOS group.
Figure 6. Differential abundance analysis to identify the differentially abundant taxa by the wilcoxon rank-sum test. N_FAE group vs. U_FAE group U_Y group vs U_XOS group proportions of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lactobacillus in the two original fecal groups proportions of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lactobacillus in the two fermentation groups.
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‘good’ Bacteria Show Promise For Clinical Treatment Of Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis
- Date:
- University of North Carolina Health Care
- Summary:
- A new study shows how a novel consortium of bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of healthy individuals can be used to prevent and treat aggressive colitis in humanized mouse models.
A new study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that a consortium of bacteria designed to complement missing or underrepresented functions in the imbalanced microbiome of inflammatory bowel disease patients, prevented and treated chronic immune-mediated colitis in humanized mouse models. The study’s senior author, Balfour Sartor, MD, Midget Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Co-Director of the UNC Multidisciplinary IBD Center, said the results are encouraging for future use treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients.
“The idea with this treatment is to restore the normal function of the protective bacteria in the gut, targeting the source of IBD, instead of treating its symptoms with traditional immunosuppressants that can cause side effects like infections or tumors,” Sartor said.
GUT-103 and GUT-108 were given orally three times a week to “germ-free” mice that had been specially developed and treated with specific human bacteria, creating a humanized mouse model. The therapeutic bacteria consortia worked by addressing upstream targets, rather than targeting a single cytokine to block downstream inflammation responses, and reversed established inflammation.
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Ranking The Best Probiotics Of 2021
Some of the best probiotic supplements are listed below with indications, uses and their reviews.
Elm & Rye overall best for quality, value and immunity
Provitalize Best weight natural weight management probiotic
Culturelle Daily Probiotic, Digestive Health Capsules
Probiotics 60 billion CFU
Renew Life #1 Womens Probiotic
Dr Mercola Complete Probiotics
Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Original Formula 60 capsules
Mason Natural, Probiotic Acidophilus with Pectin
Flora Childrens Probiotic, 60 capsules
Probiotic Protein
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Good Sources Of Prebiotics
According to a review published in March 2018 in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, there are eight categories of prebiotic dietary fibers that support digestive health. These categories include:
Fructans These fructose molecules are found in foods like artichokes, asparagus, leeks, onions, jicama, and wheat.
Inulin A group of naturally occurring polysaccharides, inulin is found in foods including chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, dandelion greens, bananas, and asparagus.
Beta-Glucan This complex sugar is in foods like edible seaweed, algae, oats, barley fiber, and whole grains.
Guar Gum Guar is a fiber from the seed of the guar plant. Guar gum is a common additive used to thicken foods like ice cream, yogurt, and kefir.
Galacto-Oligosaccharides These plant sugars that occur naturally in human milk are also found in dairy products and beans like chickpeas, green peas, lima beans, and kidney beans.
Lactulose The nondigestible, synthetic sugar is primarily used to treat constipation. But according to research published in June 2016 in the journal Microbial Biotechnology, lactulose also stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut. It is used as a food additive to improve taste and stimulate intestinal health.
Xylooligosaccharides and Arabino-Oligosaccharides Similar to GOSs, these simple sugars are commonly found in dairy products, sports drinks, cereals, and bars.
What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics For Ulcerative Colitis
Is it worth getting the best probiotic for ulcerative colitis? Although probiotics should not be considered as a treatment for this digestive problem, it does have its benefits to your inflamed gastrointestinal tract. Here are some possible advantages to taking probiotics for your ulcerative colitis.
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Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Professional Formula
- Formulated with 4.4 billion CFU probiotics with added prebiotics Support for healthy digestion
- Made with advanced spore-forming strains Withstand stomach acid and release in the intestine for better absorption
- Supports a healthy gut and immune system
- Designed with advanced technology No refrigeration needed
- Manufactured in USA
- A Unique proprietary Prebiotic and Probiotic Formula
- Benefits the anti inflammatory actions of the immune system
- Benefits the digestive system
Probiotics For Ulcerative Colitis
The AGA doesnt recommend probiotics for treating ulcerative colitis outside of use in a clinical trial. As with Crohns disease, the limitations in the type of studies that have been done so far are the main factor in this decision.
The AGA found 11 studies done using probiotics for treating ulcerative colitis. They used various different strains of probiotics, which makes comparing these studies difficult.
There were four studies that compared the use of probiotics with the medications mesalamine or balsalazide. A few of the studies allowed co-therapy with steroids and one was done with the use of probiotic enemas in children.
While the evidence was considered low, the AGA does indicate that for some of the studies, the benefit was uncertain. There was one study that showed a potential for benefit. This appears to be in contrast to Crohns disease, where there doesnt seem to be much indication that probiotics might be beneficial.
Theres a call for more research and there are no recommendations for using probiotics for ulcerative colitis.
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Vsl#3 High Potency Probiotics Capsules For Ulcerative Colitis
VSL#3 is a potent probiotic medical food that delivers the highest available concentration of beneficial live bacteria of any probiotic in the world.
VSL#3 high-potency probiotic medical food contains 8 different strains of live lactic acid bacteria that were specially selected to produce an optimal synergistic composition of bacteria.
What Is The Research Into Vsl#3 And Other Bowel Conditions
VSL#3 is also licensed to be used as a medical food in the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome following various studies into VSL#3 and IBS. One study8 found that IBS patients taking VSL#3 had less abdominal pain and less abdominal distention and/or bloating and it significantly improved their quality of life.
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What About Prebiotics For Ulcerative Colitis
Think of probiotics as the flowers youre planting in the garden of your gut, and prebiotics as the fertilizer that encourages those flowers to grow.
Prebiotics are soluble fibers, the kind our bodies cant digest without the support of good gut bacteria to ferment it and break it down into useful short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate.
Prebiotics work together with probiotics to encourage the growth of good gut bacteria.
Description Of The Intervention
Probiotics are live microorganisms, that when consumed, may provide multiple health benefits. They produce their benefits by altering the gut microbiome through either enhancing the activity, volume or both, of the normal flora. Lactobacillus spp, for example, is one of the more popular probiotics and is thought to secrete bacteriocin, blocking the adherence of translocation of harmful bacteria .
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG produced mixed responses in animal models of colitis , as did Lactobacillus plantarum 299V . Studies investigating combinations of probiotic species incorporated within De Simone Formulation have demonstrated a partial reduction of colitis in animal models . There has been increasing interest in the use of probiotics, as they are considered safe and easily accessible . It is worth noting that there are a huge number of different preparations available, varying in the specific strains isolated, the use of mixed strains in a single preparation, the form of the preparation and finally the licensing arrangements surrounding the preparations .
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Can Probiotics Help Prevent Flare
The use of probiotics for this purpose shows more promise.
Several studies have shown that probiotics may be as effective as traditional UC medications, including the gold-standard treatment mesalazine.
A 2004 German study followed a group of 327 patients with a history of UC, giving half of them mesalazine and the other half probiotics . After one year of treatment, the average time to remission and the quality of remission was the same for both groups.
Similar results have been seen in other studies. And another probiotic,