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Essentially that is what probiotic supplements are, except for the key distinction that they are ‘good’ bacteria. Yes, many bacteria do have a negative effect on our health but within our digestive systems we also have a wide range of bacteria (around 400 different species) that are performing very necessary functions, amongst which are the maintenance of good digestion, the development of a healthy immune system and the inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria. For over 25 years Nutrition Now claims that its probiotic product PB 8 has been doing just that. Nutrition Now also claims that PB 8 is the number one best selling probiotic acidophilus. Replacing ‘good’ bacteria But if we have these ‘good’ bacteria in our digestive tracts already, why do we need to supplement them? As with many of our bodily functions it is all a matter of balance and often the numbers of helpful bacteria drop to levels that are no longer effective as the bacteria can be eliminated from our systems in various ways. Poor eating and sleeping habits and stress are major factors that reduce their numbers. In addition, antibiotics, which have transformed the way we treat disease, cannot discriminate between good and bad bacteria and, therefore, eradicate both. Some anti-inflammatory drugs have a similar effect and radiation, from our phones and TVs, kills bacteria. The results of the imbalance caused by this include digestive problems, such as diarrhea, allergies and irritable bowel syndrome; susceptibility to colds and flu; periodontal disease; issues with the skin such as eczema; and general fatigue and poor health. Probiotic supplements like PB 8 aim to address this imbalance by adding beneficial bacteria to the digestive system and, thereby, address the negative results of the imbalance. When added in sufficient amounts, live microorganisms introduced into the digestive system can benefit the health of the recipient. Probiotic strains There are a large number of bacteria that are being used in the development of probiotics. Acidophilus is a somewhat generic term used to describe a number of bacteria that are particularly involved in enhancing digestion. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a specific strain found mostly in the small intestine, where it can inhibit the growth of a number of pathogens and also appears to have an influence on tumor growth and carcinogenic substances. This strain, together with Bifidobacteria, found mostly in the large intestine, are considered by Jon Barron, Founder of the Baseline for Health Foundation, to be the preeminent strains for a good probiotic. There is also a range of other strains that can be combined with these to deliver specific benefits. PB 8 contains both Lactobacillus acidophilus (and a number of other Lactobacillus species) and two Bifidobacterium strains, with each capsule containing 14 billion colony-forming units (CFU) at the time of manufacture. The challenge in developing probiotics is that the number of CFUs does drop after manufacture. There are also challenges in ensuring that the bacteria survive the acid environment of the stomach so that they can reach the intestines where they are needed. For this reason many probiotics also include prebiotics, which are substances that support the growth of the bacterial strains. In the case of PB 8, inulin is the prebiotic included, although this is not included in the vegetarian capsules, only the regular capsules.
The above information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace
competent health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional. You are urged to
seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any illness or disease. The statements made within this
website have not been evaluated by Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (USA). These
statements and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
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