FAQ

Q
It is reported in Dr. Mitsuoka's study (1973) that human gut microbiota changes with age, but why the levels of bifidobacteria decrease sharply while the levels of lactobacilli increase rapidly in old age?
A

The exact underlying mechanism remains unknown. However, at old age, the composition of the gut microbiota changes significantly and such changes are often influenced by various extrinsic factors such as changes in metabolic functions, lifestyle, dietary habits, and exercise habits. Age-related changes in gut microbiota composition will emerge as one of the most important research topics in the future.

Q
How many species of Bifidobacterium present and where do they naturally inhabit? What are their beneficial functions in the human hosts?
A

The genus Bifidobacterium encompasses approximately 80 species, including 10 subspecies that naturally inhabit the human or animal intestines. In general, Bifidobacterium play a pivotal role in regulation of intestinal, immune and metabolic functions. However, not all bifidobacteria are the same and not all species confer the same beneficial effects. The beneficial functions of bifidobacteria are strain-specific and residential origin-dependent. Numerous beneficial functions of bifidobacteria have been reported, including intestinal regulation (improvement of gut microbiota and intestinal environment), anti-infections, anti-allergy, anti-obesity, alleviation of ulcerative colitis, and prevention of colon cancer.

Q
When is the best time to take probiotics and why?
A

There is no data directly investigate the effects of probiotics ingestion timing. However, consistency is more important than timing. In general, it is advisable to take probiotics with minimized acid stress during passage through the stomach. For example, it is a good idea to take probiotics with milk or yogurt between meals.

Q
When is the best time to take probiotics after antibiotics treatment?
A

Studies have shown that intake of specific probiotic strains during antibiotics treatment could be effective at alleviating antibiotics-related gastrointestinal disorders and side effects in infant and adults. The beneficial effects of the probiotics are less likely to be affected when they are consumed while taking a course of antibiotics. If you are being treated for a particular illness, consult with your doctor before taking probiotics.

Q
If the same CFU counts were used, are single-strain probiotics or multi-strain probiotic mixtures better or equivalent for efficacy?
A

Current research data shows that adding more strains does not always lead to better health effects. Choice of appropriate probiotic should be based, not on the number of strains in the product, rather based on evidence-based trials of efficacy. It is important to select multi-strain probiotic mixtures that possess clinically proven health effects.

Q
Which format of the probiotics (e.g. powder sachets, capsules, chewable tablets, etc.) is the best and most effective?
A

Regardless of the format of the probiotics, the most important factor is that the probiotics product contain live and active bacterial strains. It is preferable that probiotics bacteria remain viable and are not damaged as much as possible in the manufacturing process, and from this point of view, powder sachet or capsules are better options.

Q
It is generally recognised that there are human-derived and animal-derived probiotics species, and that they have different physiological functions. How if humans were to consume probiotics that are derived from animal host?
A

In general, when probiotics are ingested, the ingested bacteria do not colonize and persist in the gut. In this sense, discontinuation of ingestion, the ingested bacteria will eventually be eliminated from the intestine, regardless of the origin of the probiotics bacteria. Nonetheless, studies have confirmed that animal-derived bifidobacteria cannot survive in human breast milk, corroborating the notion that Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) are naturally selected by human breast milk for infants.

Q
Are there any geographical differences in the health effects of probiotics and why?
A

The differences in the health effects between regions and ethics remain unknown. However, the health effects of certain probiotic strains such as Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and B. breve M-16V have been extensively studied and confirmed in many countries and regions across the globe. Although different ethnics and races may have different composition of gut microbiota and various ecological factors may influence the effects of a probiotic strain, it appears that changes in gut microbiota composition are greatly affected by the dietary habits.

Q
In addition to human- or animal-derive probiotics, there are also plant-derived probiotics. What are the differences in health effects between plant- and human- or animal-derived probiotics?
A

There are limited information on the differences between plant- and human- or animal-derived probiotics since it is difficult to compare their health effects in clinical trials at the same time. The health-promoting effects of probiotics are strain-specific and thus it is essential to study the effects of probiotics in humans. Given the fact that probiotics bacteria may have adapted to specific host environment, bacterial species of human-residential origin are better for human host.

Q
How much do probiotics access to human gut?
A

Human gastrointestinal tract and the intestinal environment vary from one individual to another and thus it is not possible to give an exact numerical value. It is important to ensure that as many bacteria as possible are delivered to the intestine. Since our probiotics powder contains a relatively high number of bacteria and they are resistant to gastric acid, it is expected to be highly accessible.

Q
Do probiotics work on healthy individuals? Why do healthy individuals need daily intake of probiotics?
A

There may be no significant physical effect for healthy individuals because probiotics are taken as a preventive measure. However, since the gut microbiota are constantly affected by daily lifestyle and environment, it is important to constantly consume probiotics. It is also essential to continue consume probiotics on a daily basis since the bacteria are usually excreted out of the body in days to weeks.

Q
Is it the best time to take probiotics before or after a meal?
A

Postprandial ingestion is recommended for healthy individuals to increase the intestinal pH.

Q
Is it safe to overdose on probiotics?
A

Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the safety of a somewhat higher number of probiotics bacteria in human subjects. However, taking excess probiotics doesn't necessarily mean better outcomes and, instead, might lead to some mildly uncomfortable side effects such as bloating, gas, and nausea. Therefore, it is recommended to take an appropriate amount of probiotics that have been clinically proven to be effective.

Q
Why probiotics are effective for both constipation and diarrhoea conditions?
A

Unlike the unidirectional medicinal products, probiotics work in a way that modulating the state of gut microbiota closer to normal.