Corebiome
Also known as: Probiotics, Synbiotics, Gut Microbiota Supplements, Corebiome
Overview
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Synbiotics combine probiotics with prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that promote probiotic growth. These supplements are used to support gut health, improve digestion, boost the immune system, and manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Probiotics and synbiotics modulate the gut microbiota, enhance intestinal barrier function, and reduce inflammation. Research on these supplements is mature, with numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy in various health conditions. The quality of available evidence is generally high, making them a well-researched area of nutritional supplementation.
Benefits
Probiotics and synbiotics offer several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis showed that supplementation significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Another meta-analysis indicated that probiotics significantly improved gut barrier function, measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and serum zonulin levels. Probiotics have also been shown to reduce inflammatory factors such as CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, some research suggests that probiotic supplementation can improve performance in aerobic metabolic tests, particularly with doses ≥30 × 10^9 CFU and durations ≤4 weeks. Longer-term probiotic/synbiotic supplementation (>3 months) was more favorable for CKD patients, and patients with gastrointestinal diseases showed significant improvements in intestinal permeability.
How it works
Probiotics and synbiotics primarily work by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and reducing inflammation. They interact with the gastrointestinal, immune, and renal systems. These supplements target molecular pathways involved in inflammation, such as CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6, and those related to gut barrier integrity, including zonulin and TER. Probiotics are live microorganisms that colonize the gut, and their bioavailability depends on their survival through the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics can enhance the efficacy of probiotics by providing a substrate for their growth and activity.
Side effects
Probiotics are generally considered safe for most populations, but some side effects can occur. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Uncommon side effects may include allergic reactions and transient changes in bowel habits. Rare side effects, such as infections, are primarily seen in immunocompromised individuals. Probiotics may interact with immunosuppressive drugs and antacids. They are contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, those with severe illness, and those who have recently undergone surgery. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women and patients with severe underlying health conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting probiotic supplementation, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of probiotics is typically ≥10^9 CFU per day. Some studies have shown greater benefits with doses ≥30 × 10^9 CFU per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but higher doses may increase the risk of side effects. Probiotics are best taken with meals to enhance their survival through the stomach. They are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented foods. Survival through the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for efficacy. Prebiotics can enhance the efficacy of probiotics. It is important to follow product-specific recommendations and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage advice.
FAQs
Are probiotics safe?
Probiotics are generally safe, but caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals and those with severe underlying health conditions. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
When is the best time to take probiotics?
Probiotics are best taken with meals to enhance their survival through the stomach's acidic environment, which can improve their efficacy.
What results can I expect from taking probiotics?
Expected results include improvements in gut health, reduced inflammation, and potential benefits in specific health conditions like CKD and gastrointestinal diseases.
Are all probiotics the same?
No, not all probiotics are created equal. The specific strain and dose can significantly impact efficacy, so choose products based on your specific health needs.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1434613/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 RCT studies involving 869 patients with CKD found that probiotic/synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Longer-term supplementation (>3 months) showed greater benefits, indicating high-quality evidence supporting the efficacy of these supplements in CKD patients.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1143548/full – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 RCTs with 1891 participants indicated that probiotics significantly improved gut barrier function and reduced inflammatory markers. Improvements were observed within less than six weeks in some studies, supporting the efficacy of probiotics in improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation, though further high-quality RCTs are needed.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/622 – This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that probiotic supplementation can improve performance in aerobic metabolic tests, particularly with doses ≥30 × 10^9 CFU and durations ≤4 weeks. The study provides moderate-quality evidence supporting the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in exercise performance, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action.
- https://libguides.usc.edu/healthsciences/systematicreviews/databases – This resource provides guidance on databases for systematic reviews, aiding researchers in finding high-quality evidence for supplement efficacy. It helps in identifying relevant studies and meta-analyses to assess the benefits and risks of various interventions.
- https://med.mercer.edu/library/database-differences.htm – This resource outlines the differences between various databases, assisting researchers in selecting the most appropriate databases for their systematic reviews. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each database to ensure comprehensive and effective literature searches.