Multi strain probiotics

Types of Multi-Strain Probiotics

Multi-strain probiotics are classified into several types depending on the strains they contain, their intended use, and the form they take. The key types of probiotics are highlighted below.

• Lactobacillus-based probiotics

  This is one of the most commonly used probiotic supplments. The Lactobacillus genus comprises several species, each with unique properties. For instance, L. acidophilus is primarily found in the small intestine and promotes nutrient absorption, while L. rhamnosus is known for its ability to survive in harsh gastrointestinal environments. It is also able to stimulate immunity and prevent diarrhea.

  This type contains strains that are ideal for supporting digestive health, balancing vaginal flora, and enhancing immune function.

• Saccharomyces probiotics

  Unlike Lactobacillus, which is a bacteria, S. boulardii is a yeast probiotic. It is primarily used to support gut health and treat diarrhea, particularly antibiotic-associated and travelers’ diarrhea. S. boulardii is unique because it can survive in acidic environments and, therefore, can reach the intestine active.

• Bifidobacterium-based probiotics

  Bifidobacterium is another commonly used genus in probiotic formulations. This bacterium is normally found in the large intestine and is crucial for breaking down dietary fiber and producing essential fatty acids. Different species, like B. bifidum and B. longum, help reduce constipation, support immune function, and promote overall gut health. Multi-strain probiotics with Bifidobacterium are particularly useful for those with digestive disorders and the elderly.

• Streptococcus thermophilus probiotics

  This is a dairy-derived probiotic used mainly in yogurt and cheese production. It is able to improve lactose digestion in people with lactose intolerance. It is usually offered together with other probiotic strains to enhance their effectiveness.

• Enterococcus faecium probiotics

  This probiotic strain has been included in some multispecies formulations. It helps in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment. Although less common than Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, it is sometimes used in veterinary probiotics for gut health in animals.

How to Choose Multi-Strain Probiotics

Multi-strain probiotics have different uses and effectiveness based on individual needs, health goals, and specific gut conditions. Below are some key factors to consider when choosing multi-strain probiotics.

• Health conditions

  Some multi-strain probiotics are formulated for specific health issues. For example, probiotics that are specifically formulated for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually have a combination of strains that can help ease the symptoms of this condition. People with lactose intolerance might benefit from probiotics like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help improve lactose digestion.

  Those who want to enhance their immune system may go for probiotics with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium strains, which can bolster immune responses.

• Formulation and dosage

  Multi-strain probiotics come in different formulations, like capsules, tablets, powders, and fermented foods. People who have difficulties swallowing capsules may prefer powders or yogurts, for instance. The potency of the probiotic is also very crucial. This is because effective probiotics usually have high CFU (colony-forming units) counts that are typically in the range of 10 billion to 100 billion per serving.

• Strain origin and survival

  The origin of probiotic strains is key to their effectiveness. This is because strains derived from human sources, like Lactobacillus acidophilus from the human gut, tend to offer better survival rates in the digestive tract. It is also important to ensure the strains being used are research-backed for the intended health benefits. For example, Bifidobacterium breve has been studied for supporting immune function, while Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is famous for gut health.

• Shelf life and storage

  The shelf life of multi-strain probiotics differs depending on the strains used. Probiotics with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria usually have shorter shelf lives and typically require refrigeration. On the other hand, strains like Saccharomyces boulardii are more resilient and usually can be stored at room temperature.

• Combined therapies

  Sometimes, multi-strain probiotics are more effective when combined with other therapies. For instance, probiotics used alongside prebiotics – which are fiber that feeds the good bacteria – can enhance the effectiveness of the former. Similarly, probiotics and synbiotics, which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, can give better results in improving gut health.

What to Pair with Multi-Strain Probiotics

Multi-strain probiotics can be optimized for better health results when used together with certain products. Below are some of them.

• Prebiotics

  Prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as food to probiotics. They help to enhance the effectiveness of the latter by helping it thrive in the gut. When taken with multi-strain probiotics, prebiotics boost their potency and improve gut health, thereby making them produce more short-chain fatty acids and boosting digestion.

• Synbiotics

  Synbiotics are products that combine probiotics and prebiotics in one formula. They are usually tailored to work together synergistically, as mentioned earlier, to enhance gut colonization and health, improve nutrient absorption, and boost immunity. Synbiotics are typically taken for gut-related disorders and overall digestive health.

• Fermented foods

  Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha are naturally rich in probiotics. Taking them together with multi-strain probiotics can help increase probiotic levels in the gut and improve digestion. Besides, combining multi-strains with fermented foods offers diverse probiotic strains that can improve gut health and works better to enhance vitamin production and improve nutrient absorption.

• Vitamins and minerals

  Certain vitamins and minerals, especially those with high concentration in the gut, can improve the effectiveness of multi-strain probiotics. These include Vitamin C and Vitamin D, which enhance immunity, and magnesium and zinc, which promote better gut health and faster healing of the digestive tract. Multi-strain probiotics taken with vitamins and minerals can help boost their effectiveness.

• Diet rich in fibers

  Multi-strain probiotics can be supported by a fiber-rich diet. This is because dietary fibers act as fuel to probiotics and help them thrive in the gut. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in fibers and can help enhance the effectiveness of multi-strain probiotics, improve gut bacteria balance, and boost the digestive process. Moreover, fibers promote the growth of healthy bacteria and improve gut health.

Benefits of Multi-Strain Probiotics

Multi-strain probiotics have a myriad of benefits for users. Some of them are outlined below.

• Improved gut health

  Multi-strain probiotics improve gut health by balancing the gut microbiome. They do so by increasing the population of good bacteria to outcompete pathogens. They also boost the digestive process, which effectively breaks down food and enables nutrient absorption. Besides, multi-strain probiotics reduce the prevalence of gut-related issues like diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by improving the health of the gut lining.

• Enhanced immune system

  Multi-strain probiotics enhance the immune system by promoting the production of antibodies and immune cells. They, therefore, help the body fight off infections and illnesses. Lactobacillus strains are especially noted for their ability to boost the innate and adaptive immune responses.

• Better lactose digestion

  Multi-strain probiotics like Lactobacillus and Streptococcus thermophilus help lactose breakdown in the gut and improve lactose digestion. This is very beneficial to people who are lactose intolerant. These strains produce lactase, the enzyme required to break down lactose into simpler sugars. It helps reduce symptoms like bloating and diarrhea by supplementing the body with these probiotics.

• Improved mental health

  Multi-strain probiotics support the gut-brain axis, which is the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. They do this by producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Gut health directly impacts mental well-being, and probiotics help to maintain a balanced microbiome that supports cognitive function and emotional health.

• Support for skin conditions

  Multi-strain probiotics help to reduce inflammation and balance the skin microbiome, thereby improving skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. This is how they do it: they help reduce the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria that causes these problems and boost the body's anti-inflammatory response. They also support digestive health that is linked to toxin elimination and can help clear the skin.

• Stronger antibiotic protection

  Multi-strain probiotics offer stronger antibiotic protection by reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and helping to restore gut balance after antibiotic treatment. They achieve this by taking the space that has been left by pathogens that were wiped out during the course of antibiotic treatment.

Q&A

Can multi-strain probiotics be taken together with antibiotics?

Multi-strain probiotics are often recommended to be taken together with antibiotics, but they should be spaced out. Taking the two together at the same time may reduce the effectiveness of probiotics because of the way antibiotics work to kill bacteria. Probiotics have been shown to replenish the good bacteria that may also be wiped out by antibiotics and improve gut health. They are, therefore, recommended to be taken within 2 hours of each other.

Are multi-strain probiotics effective for weight loss?

Some studies show that multispecies probiotics can support weight loss and help prevent weight gain. This is because probiotics improve the overall digestive process, support nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation, which are all factors that can contribute to weight management. They also produce short-chain fatty acids that aid in fat storage regulation and appetite control.

How long do the effects of multi-strain probiotics last?

The longevity of the effects of multi-strain probiotics depends on factors like the type of probiotic strains used, the individual’s gut health, and the consistency of probiotic intake. For healthy adults, the effects of taking multi-strain probiotics for gut health, immunity, and other uses can stay around for a few weeks after discontinuation. For people with specific gut disorders, like IBS, probiotics can help maintain balance long-term and only require periodic replenishment.

How should multi-strain probiotics be stored?

The storage of multi-strain probiotics depends on the types of strains used and the formulation. Several multi-strain probiotics may require refrigeration, while others can be stored at room temperature. Probiotics that contain bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium usually have shorter shelf lives and need to be refrigerated to maintain potency. On the other hand, probiotics with Saccharomyces boulardii can be stored at room temperature.

Can multi-strain probiotics restore gut health after food poisoning?

Multi-strain probiotics can help restore gut health after food poisoning by repopulating the gut with beneficial bacteria and supporting the body’s natural detoxification process. They achieve this by improving the digestive process and repairing damage to the gut lining. Probiotics also help mitigate the symptoms of food poisoning, like diarrhea, by outcompeting pathogenic bacteria.