Probiotic+

Gut health impacts us all on a daily basis, and symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea can seriously interfere with usual life.

In the absence of more serious diseases, such symptoms are often grouped under the banner of IBS, and thankfully there have been many high quality studies assessing the effects of probiotics in IBS.

The difficulty in studying probiotics comes from the sheer variety of bacterial strains available, which makes extrapolating outcomes more difficult.

Despite this, some specific probiotic strains are showing promising results in high-quality studies

• This meta-analysis examined 43 Randomised-Control Trials (RCTs) with 5,531 IBS patients. They found that the strain B.coagulans had the highest efficacy in improving symptoms, followed by L. plantarum
• This meta-analysis of 53 RCTs involving 5545 participants with IBS found that combination probiotics were beneficial in reducing the IBS symptoms and abdominal pain

Overall many of the trials done to date suffer from short time frames and a lack of uniformity in terms of bacterial strains being tested. Further high quality RCTs are currently ongoing in this area.

Probiotic+ contains a blend of 22 different live bacterial strains, including both B. coagulans and L. plantarum.

Introducing bacteria that produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, has the potential to aid lactose digestion.

• This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs found a positive effect of probiotics on lactose intolerance, although results were variable.
• This RCT studied the effect of a specific strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, and found that it was improved diarrhoea and abdominal cramping after a lactose challenge.

Probiotic+ contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, amongst several other Lactobacillus strains.

The gut isn't just responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption – it also plays a surprising role in our mental well-being. This connection is facilitated by the gut-brain axis, a complex network of communication between the trillions of bacteria residing in our gut (microbiome) and the central nervous system.

Emerging research suggests a two-way street: the gut microbiome can influence mood, and stress and emotions can impact gut health.

• This review in Nature from 2020 explored the numerous exciting avenues of research into the gut microbiota-brain axis and it's possible links to mood (anxiety, depression) as well as degenerative disorders (Alzheimers, Parkinson's Disease) and even neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
• This meta-analysis of 34 RCTs showed a small but significant benefit of taking probiotics in depression and anxiety, although the studies were mostly small and of variable quality.

These reviews showcase the growing body of evidence suggesting a link between the gut microbiome and mood.

While the exact mechanisms are still being unraveled, understanding the gut-brain axis has opened exciting possibilities for managing mental health through dietary and probiotic interventions.

Probiotics are generally safe with few contraindications.

However, the NHS advises that if you have an existing health condition or a weakened immune system, you should talk to a doctor before taking any probiotic supplements.