BASE Probiotics – Summary of Benefits and Scientific Studies
BASE Probiotics – Summary of Benefits and Scientific Studies
Probiotics have rightly become one of the most popular categories of supplements. Digestive issues are common, and probiotics can help in many ways. Unfortunately, product quality varies greatly, and very often the specific strains in a product are not even identified (many companies mentioned only the bacterial species and not the actual strains).
I am pleased to present the one we have developed with the goal of making it highly effective, but above all, highly versatile, so that it can help with a wide range of aspects related to digestive health, microbiota composition, and the many associated symptoms:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- IBS symptoms
- Bloating
- Lactose intolerance
- Abdominal pain
- Gut-related anxiety (within 6 weeks)
1. Composition: Well-Identified Strains
The bacterial strains used in a probiotic product are the most important factor in its effectiveness. The presence of certain species, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, means little on its own unless it is a scientifically documented and clearly identified strain, such as KABP-022 and KABP-023, which are included in our product.
In the same way, it is not the number of strains that makes a formulation effective, but the individual quality and amount of each included strain. Having ten poorly documented strains or strains in insignificant amounts adds no value to a product. A good formulation must therefore include the right strains, and they must be present in sufficient amounts to provide the expected benefits. For example, a preparation with three (3) high-quality strains totaling 15 billion bacteria can be more effective than a product with fifteen (15) lower-quality strains totaling 40 billion bacteria.
This can be confusing, of course, which is why we offer here our own product, carefully designed in collaboration with Québec researcher Eric Simard (www.esimard.com), who himself identified, described, and produced a new probiotic species comprising several distinct strains during his doctoral research.
Our product contains:
- Pediococcus acidilactici UL5
- Lactococcus lactis MJC18
- Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
- Pediococcus acidilactici KABP-021
- Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-022
- Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-023
2. Published Scientific Studies
Here is a summary of the main scientific studies that support the development of our probiotic formula. The goal was to create a highly comprehensive, effective, and versatile product that could be used by a wide range of people for multiple benefits. You do not need 10 different probiotic products for your health. One good formulation can be effective for many aspects, whereas some companies try to sell several separate formulations just to expand their product line.
Pediococcus acidilactici UL5
- Fully characterized through studies conducted at Université Laval.
- Produces the bacteriocin pediocin PA-1, active against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria sp. (Note: it does not affect beneficial gut bacteria).
Lactococcus lactis MJC18
- Produces the bacteriocin nisin-Z, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
- Nisin-Z also stimulates the immune system, including antiviral activity (Kindrachuk et al., 2013).
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
- Over 75 published scientific studies, with its genome fully sequenced.
- Reduces the incidence of diarrhea and improves transit in cases of constipation.
- 54 published clinical studies (as of April 2024).
- Modulates microbiota composition.
- Modulates the gut-brain axis.
- Improves digestion.
- Helps fight pathogens.
Pediococcus acidilactici KABP-021
Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-022
Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-023
- Sato et al., 2022: Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial (P < 0.001). 4 weeks; ↓ diarrhea, improved mood, improved microbiota composition.
- Portincasa et al., 2022: Observational study (P < 0.05). 30 days; ↓ bloating and abdominal pain.
- Barraza-Ortiz et al., 2020: Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial (P = 0.005). 6 weeks; significant improvement in IBS-related quality of life, with cumulative effect when combined with an antispasmodic (three-arm study).
- Cano-Contreras et al., 2020: Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial (P < 0.001). 8 weeks; ↓ lactose intolerance, abdominal pain, and flatulence.
- Lorenzo-Zúñiga et al., 2014: Multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial (P = 0.008). 6 weeks; significant improvement in IBS-related quality of life.
3. Protection
Product composition quality is not enough. Two other factors are crucial: protection of strains during passage through the stomach, and protection against humidity. These two issues affect all probiotics without exception. Do not be misled: all probiotics lose viability when exposed to stomach acidity or moisture. Some companies claim that probiotics are naturally resistant to gastric acidity, but this is only partially true.
While probiotic bacteria are somewhat resistant, the extreme acidity of the stomach can significantly reduce their viability, which inevitably means a high mortality rate of the strains in the formulation and therefore a lower chance of providing health benefits. For this reason, all probiotic products should be protected to prevent stomach acidity from reducing their effectiveness.
Likewise, probiotics should be individually packaged to protect against ambient moisture. When capsules are stored in bottles, every opening allows humidity to enter, which reduces bacterial viability. To ensure maximum quality for each capsule, we chose individual blister packaging.
In summary, two additional protections ensure that our premium-quality product will be as beneficial as possible:
- Acid-resistant capsules to ensure bacterial survival through the stomach.
- Individual blister packaging for optimal stability.
We hope these points will help you make an informed choice and fully benefit from the many advantages of our BASE Probiotics, which is greatly appreciated by our customers.
Suggested readings:
- Why are Vitoli products more effective?
- Omega-3 and longevity: where does the science stand?
- Accessing the right information: how Vitoli product training can help you
References:
· Barraza-Ortiz et al, 2021. Combination of a Probiotic and an Antispasmodic Increases Quality of Life and Reduces Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Dig Dis. 2021;39(3):294-300.
· Cano-Contreras et al, 2020. Efficacy of i3.1 Probiotic on Improvement of Lactose Intolerance Symptoms: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2020 Oct 29.
· Cheng J, Laitila A, Ouwehand AC. Bifidobacterium animal is subsp. lactis HN019 Effects on Gut Health: A Review. Front Nutr. 2021 Dec 14;8:790561.
· Dabour N, Zihler A, Kheadr E, Lacroix C, Fliss I. In vivo study on the effectiveness of pediocin PA-1 and Pediococcus acidilactici UL5 at inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes. Int J Food Microbiol. 2009 Aug15;133(3):225-33.
· Fernandez B, Le Lay C, Jean J, Fliss I. Growth, acid production and bacteriocin production by probiotic candidates under simulated colonic conditions. J Appl Microbiol. 2013 Mar;114(3):877-85.
· Fernandez B, Hammami R, Savard P, Jean J, Fliss I. Pediococcus acidilactici UL5 and Lactococcus lactisATCC 11454 can survive and express their bacteriocin genes under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. J Appl Microbiol. 2014 Mar;116(3):677-88.
· Fernandez B, Savard P, Fliss I. Survival and Metabolic Activity of Pediocin Producer Pediococcus acidilactici UL5: Its Impact on Intestinal Microbiota and Listeria monocytogenes in a Model of the Human Terminal Ileum. Microb Ecol. 2016 Nov;72(4):931-942.
· Kheadr E, Zihler A, Dabour N, Lacroix C, Le Blay G, Fliss I. Study of the physicochemical and biological stability of pediocin PA-1 in the upper gastrointestinal tract conditions using a dynamic in vitro model. JAppl Microbiol. 2010 Jul;109(1):54-64.
· Kindrachuk J, Jenssen H, Elliott M, Nijnik A, Magrangeas-Janot L, Pasupuleti M, Thorson L, Ma S, EastonDM, Bains M, Finlay B, Breukink EJ, Georg-Sahl H, Hancock RE. Manipulation of innate immunity by a bacterial secreted peptide: lantibiotic nisin Z is selectively immunomodulatory. Innate Immun. 2013Jun;19(3):315-27.
· Lorén et al, 2017. Comparative Effect of the I3.1 Probiotic Formula in Two Animal Models of Colitis. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2017 Mar;9(1):71-80.
· Lorenzo-Zúñiga et al, 2014. I.31, a new combination of probiotics, improves irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jul 14;20(26):8709-16.
· Portincasa P, Celano G, Serale N, Vitellio P, Calabrese FM, Chira A, David L, Dumitrascu DL, De AngelisM. Clinical and Metabolomic Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici in Fructose Intolerant Patients. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 15;14(12):2488.
· Sanders ME. Summary of probiotic activities of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2006Oct;40(9):776-83.
· Sato T, Honda S, Tominaga Y, Miyakoshi Y, Ueda T, Sawashita J. A probiotic blend improves defecation, mental health, and productivity in healthy Japanese volunteers under stressful situations. Heliyon. 2022 Sep14;8(9):e10614.
· Soltani S, Boutin Y, Couture F, Biron E, Subirade M, Fliss I. In vitro assessment of skin sensitization, irritability and toxicity of bacteriocins and reuterin for possible topical applications. Sci Rep. 2022 Mar17;12(1):4570.