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TILE PROBIOTICS

Also known as: Probiotics, Beneficial bacteria, TILE Probiotics

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, and are also available as dietary supplements. Probiotics are primarily used to improve gut health, enhance intestinal barrier function, reduce inflammation, and potentially prevent or treat gastrointestinal disorders. They must be viable at the time of consumption and able to colonize or transiently inhabit the gut to exert beneficial effects. Research on probiotics is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Evidence quality varies, but recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews provide more reliable data on efficacy and safety. The term 'TILE Probiotics' refers to a branded probiotic supplement, but the specific strains included are not detailed in the provided research.

Benefits

Probiotics significantly improve intestinal barrier function, as demonstrated by increased transepithelial resistance (TER) and reduced serum zonulin, endotoxin, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Meta-analyses of RCTs show statistically significant improvements in these markers. Probiotics also reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and modulate gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria like *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus*. Benefits are reported across various populations, including those with gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory conditions, and in the prevention of infectious complications. The improvements in gut barrier function and inflammation markers are clinically meaningful, with benefits accruing over short to medium-term supplementation.

How it works

Probiotics enhance intestinal barrier integrity by increasing tight junction protein expression and reducing intestinal permeability. They modulate the immune system by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory responses. Probiotics interact with tight junction proteins, inflammatory cytokines (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6), and gut microbiota composition. Their efficacy depends on survival through the gastrointestinal tract and colonization ability. Probiotics act locally in the gut, influencing the gut microbiota and immune responses within the intestinal environment.

Side effects

Probiotics are generally safe for healthy individuals and patients without severe immunocompromise. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas. Uncommon side effects include rare cases of infection in severely immunocompromised patients. Rare side effects include systemic infections or sepsis, mostly in vulnerable populations. Caution is advised when using probiotics with immunosuppressants. Probiotics are contraindicated in individuals with severe immunodeficiency or critical illness. Special consideration should be given when using probiotics in neonates, critically ill, or immunocompromised individuals due to the increased risk of adverse events.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of probiotics varies by strain but is typically ≥10^9 CFU/day. Optimal dosage ranges commonly fall between 10^9 to 10^11 CFU/day, depending on the specific formulation and indication. There is no established upper limit for probiotic dosage, but doses up to 10^11 CFU/day are commonly used without adverse effects. Probiotics are often taken with meals to improve survival through stomach acid. They are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented foods. Survival through gastric acid and bile is critical for probiotic efficacy. Prebiotics (fiber) may enhance probiotic efficacy by providing nutrients for probiotic growth.

FAQs

Are TILE Probiotics safe?

Yes, probiotics are generally safe for most individuals, with minimal side effects like bloating or gas. However, caution is advised for those with severe immunodeficiency.

How long before benefits appear?

Benefits from probiotic supplementation may be observed within weeks of consistent use, particularly in improving gut health and reducing inflammation.

Can probiotics replace antibiotics?

No, probiotics are adjuncts to support gut health and help restore the gut microbiome after antibiotic use, but they are not replacements for antibiotics.

Do all probiotics work the same?

No, the effects of probiotics are strain-specific and dose-dependent. Different strains have different mechanisms of action and target different health outcomes.

Is refrigeration necessary?

Refrigeration depends on the specific formulation. Some probiotic strains require refrigeration to maintain viability, while others are shelf-stable.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38064222/ – Zhao et al.'s meta-analysis included 26 RCTs with 1891 participants and found that probiotics significantly improved intestinal barrier function, reducing serum zonulin, endotoxin, and inflammatory markers compared to controls. The study highlights the role of probiotics in enhancing gut barrier function and reducing inflammation, though it notes heterogeneity in probiotic strains and study populations as limitations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893922/ – Johnston et al. reviewed 206 probiotic systematic reviews/meta-analyses to improve quality and consistency in probiotic research. The review provided 9 recommendations to enhance future probiotic research reporting, emphasizing the importance of strain specificity and methodological rigor in probiotic trials to ensure reliable results.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812728 – Wang et al.'s systematic review evaluated the use of probiotics/synbiotics in preventing infections post-surgery or critical illness. The review found moderate evidence that probiotics reduce infectious complications, supporting their adjunctive use in these settings. The studies included had adequate sample sizes and proper controls, strengthening the evidence base.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405457724015420 – This research article provides insights into the mechanisms and clinical applications of probiotics, highlighting their role in modulating gut microbiota and immune responses. It underscores the importance of strain-specific effects and the potential for probiotics to improve various health outcomes, including gastrointestinal health and immune function.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1143548/full – This article explores the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics, detailing how they interact with the immune system to reduce inflammation and enhance immune responses. It emphasizes the potential of probiotics to prevent and treat various immune-related disorders, highlighting the complex interplay between probiotics, gut microbiota, and the host immune system.