Human's probiotic - Lactic acid bacteria

According to Dr. Ken Rifkin, “The average human body contains approximately three and a half pounds of bacteria some of which perform essential functions AND others which promote disease.” When the equilibrium of ‘friendly’ and pathogenic bacteria is disturbed through the ingestion of chemical additives, birth control pills, antibiotics, alcohol, pesticides, food additives and even stress — disease producing bacteria will multiply within the intestinal tract.”

Various pharmaceutical companies sell different strains of Lactobaccilus acidophilus and B. bifidiumin order to help replace our valuable microflora.

The interest of man for probiotics is not new; one hundred years ago Metchnikoff suggested in his book entitled “The prolongation of life” that consuming lactobacilli  that survive in the intestinal tract was desirable for health. Bulgarians were then known for their longevity which Metchnikoff attributed to their consumption of lactobacilli  from fermented milk product.

 

Diffrent morphological pattern of Lactobacillus Sp

 

 

 

Morphogical pattern of bfidobacteria sp.

 

Following the discovery of antibiotics after World War ΙΙ, the popularity of probiotics decreased, but they were still used to reestablish the intestinal microflora following aggressive antibiotic treatments. It is only recently that there is a renewed interest in the use of probiotics for humans and animals and for the understanding of their mode of action. The renewed interest in probiotics has emerged from a general public and scientific concern about the widespread use of antibiotics and the possibility for transfer of antibiotic resistance to human pathogenic bacteria. For this reason the European Union banned the use of antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes in January 2006. In Canada, there is still no legislation to this effect, but it is probably a question of time. It is therefore imperative to find safe alternatives to the use of antibiotics.
                
Various types of probiotic product that contain lactobacillus sp. Which is better for you?:)
From time to time a pharmaceutical company will do a definitive paper on some subject. Such contributors do not choose to be credited, however, because of possible trouble with the FDA -- accused of making claims that their product will do such and such in the absence of a $25,000,000 double-blind study to “prove” “safety” and “effectiveness” -- or because folks may not take their information seriously because they sell the product and have the appearance of a conflict of interest. Sometimes, it is true, a company shows only their good points and deflates bad parts, just to sell their own product, and so pharmaceutical promotional literature is suspect.


Intestinal Flora Competition
Intestinal Flora Competition among microorganisms in the large intestine is a major consideration since the highest numbers of bacteria occur here.

Bifidobacteria are the predominant organisms in the large intestine of breast-fed infants, accounting for about 99% of the cultivatable flora.

Lactobacilli, Enteterocci, and Coliforms comprise about 1% of the flora. “Bifidobacteria are a major component in the large intestine of adolescents and adults, while Lactobacilli, Enterococci, and Coliforms are a smaller component of the flora. Bifidobacteria are reduced significantly in the stools of old people, but Clostridia, Streptococci, and Coliforms are increased. “Lactobacilli are the predominant organisms in the small intestine. Lactobacilli have important metabolic activities, although they may occur in smaller numbers than Bifidobacteria in the upper and lower intestines combined.


The Role of Lactobaccilli and B. bifidium in the Intestinal Tract
 
1) Antibiotic Production
Inhibits the pathogenic flora by production of the following antibiotics
Lactolin (L. plantarum)
Lactobrevin (L. brevis)
Bulgarican (L. bulgaricus)
Acidophilin (L. acidophilus)
Lactocidin (L. acidophilus)
Acidolin (L. acidophilus)
Lactolin (L. acidophilus)2,12,13

2) Organic Acid Production
Lactobacilli produce lactic acid. Organic acetic and lactic acids which are produced by lactic acid bacteria will inhibit the growth of many bacteria, especially pathogenic gram-negative types. Lactobacillus acidophilus produces DL-lactic acid which is metabolized to a limited extent

3) Lower pH and Oxidation Reduction
Inhibition of pathogens by Lactobacilli is attributed to the lowering of the pH values by the liberation of acids, resulting in  antimicrobial action (altering oxidation-reduction potential) attributed to the lowering of the pH values by the liberation of acids, resulting in antimicrobial action (altering oxidation-reduction potential)

4) Competitive Antagonists
Lactobacilli may outcompete other bacteria for nutrients and occupy the sites, making them unavailable to other microorganisms. In particular, Lactobacilli consume certain B-vitamins and biotin, decreasing their availability for other organisms.

5) Bile Deconjugation
The role of Lactobacilli in the deconjugating of bile acids was studied. The results indicated that Lactobacilli can liberate (deconjugate) free bile acids in the intestinal tract and can exert an influence on the balance of bacteria present. [Deconjugation is the chemical process of separating the two amino acids taurine and glycine from bile acids, the bile then being recycled for reuse.

6) Detoxification
“The roles of B. bifidium and lactulose in the detoxification of subjects with chronic liver disease has been studied. The results showed that B. bifidium with lactulose may assist in re-establishing the normal intestinal flora which is usually disturbed in chronic liver cirrhosis. This is accomplished by a reduction of ammonia and free

Conclusion
“Certain microorganisms such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium species can help to maintain a favorable intestinal microflora which has been associated with good nutrition and health. “Bifidobacterium are the predominant organisms in the large intestine of breast-fed infants. They decrease into adulthood and diminish with old age. “Although Lactobacilli occur in smaller numbers than Bifidobacteria overall, they have important metabolic properties, especially in the small intestine where they predominate. “When taken in combination, a more complete, favorable intestinal microflora is achieved. The regular ingestion of Bifidobacteria with Lactobacilli will suppress harmful bacteria.