Probiotics Meet-Up 2024 : Benefit of different Probiotics strains

This is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with friends in the Probiotics industry, with expert speaker Dr. Malai Taweichotiphat, Head of the Center for Excellence in Probiotics Research, Deputy Dean for Research, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University.

Date : March 9th, 2024

Location : Glow Fish Sathon

Toppic :

1. Probiotics in supplements: Are more strains really better?

2. Do probiotics offer more benefits than just digestion (such as boosting immunity, reducing fat, delaying aging, reducing allergies)? Is it true?

3. Why are probiotics better than other types of supplements?

The first toppic : Probiotics in supplements: Are more strains really better?

Are Many Probiotic Strains Really Good?

In the first part, we will discuss the topic of probiotic strains. To start with, probiotics are defined by the FDA as "Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host". This is the definition established in Thailand. Probiotic dietary supplements for health will contain: Live microorganisms (strains), Adequate amounts (106-109 CFU/g), Health benefits (functions) in order to be considered a quality probiotic supplement. The most important aspect of probiotics is the "strain". For example: Lactobacillus paracasei LCW23

In order to be able to produce food products, the strains used must be among the 23 + 1 strains approved by the Thai FDA in the announcement of 2011. Regarding the discussion on whether having many strains is actually good or not, Professor Malai stated that having many strains is not always better. When there are many strains, those different strains should function to provide benefits to the body, not cause harm.

The definitions of probiotics:

Prebiotics: Microbial Food

Probiotics: Live microbes

Synbiotics: Live microbes and food components modulating the microbiota

Postbiotics: Inanimate microorganisms and/or their multiple components

In the second topic, we will discuss how probiotics have more benefits than just bowel movements.

Probiotics are not just about bowel movements - this is a huge misconception. Probiotics are present throughout our bodies in every part, and provide benefits to each area. The main benefits of probiotics include:

- Cholesterol lowering

- Anti-inflammation

- Anti-oxidative stress

- Antimicrobial activity

- Production of GABA

- Immunomodulation

- Anticancer activity

- Improve gut health

- Anti-aging

Each probiotic strain has different functions. Some strains help with bowel movements, sleep, immunity, and other areas.

So probiotics have wide-ranging effects beyond just digestive regularity. Each strain can provide specific benefits throughout the body based on its particular properties and mechanisms of action.

And on to the final point - Why are probiotics as beneficial as other supplements?

Probiotics are like an organ of our body. These probiotics are constantly performing their functions. However, since they are something that has been present in our bodies since birth, they are not harmful to us. Additionally, when we consume an adequate amount of probiotics, they provide benefits without us having to take other supplements.

- They are normal microbiota in the body

- They prevent infections (anti-infective)

- They produce short-chain fatty acids (postbiotics)

- They modulate the immune system

- They maintain gut homeostasis/balance

- They are safe with no side effects

Given the benefits mentioned above, we do not necessarily need to take other supplements if our body does not show signs of deficiency. Simply consuming prebiotic foods is highly beneficial. For good health, you should eat a varied diet to get sufficient nutrients.

The key point is that probiotics, being part of our natural microbiome, can provide many positive effects for health and potentially reduce the need for other supplementation if we maintain a balanced diet with prebiotic foods to nourish the probiotics.