Dairy-Free Acidophilus/Bifidus Formula with Fructo-oligosaccharides

Oral administration of viable acidophilus and bifidobacteria has become an important therapy in prevention and treatment of intestinal disorders. More recently, oral administration of bifidogenic growth factors, primarily fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), has been found to dramatically increase the efficacy of treatments aimed at gut recolonization.^(22,23) FOS is selectively utilized by beneficial intestinal microflora, particularly bifidobacteria, for proliferation and growth. Conversely, unfavorable bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, salmonella and others are to be unable to utilize FOS. This selective utilization results in an increase of bifidobacteria, followed by production of short chain fatty acids, lower pH in the large intestine and suppression of putrefactive substances.⁽²²⁾ FOS is a dietary fiber that is not hydrolyzed by human digestive enzymes. Since FOS is not metabolized, it can be safely used in the diet of diabetic or obese patients. A study of the effects of FOS supplementation in non-insulin dependent diabetics concluded that daily supplementation ameliorated derangements of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, resulting in a reduction in fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.⁽¹⁹⁾

The lactic acid producing bacteria, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, are major components of healthy intestinal microflora. Both acidophilus and bifidobacteria can produce a positive effect on conditions such as:

• Digestive disturbances including constipation, diarrhea and low bowel gas^(4,5,13)

• Overgrowth of Candida albicans and other pathogenic organisms^{(1-3,6,7,13,22)}

• Vaginal disturbances^(1-3)

• Elevated serum cholesterol^(8-10,18,19)

• Lactose intolerance^(13,21)

• Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism⁽¹⁹⁾

• Hepatic disorders⁽¹⁸⁾

• Immune system disorders^(18-21)

• Certain cancer risk factors^{(11,12,18,20)}

Lactobacilli are present in the body at birth. The association of bifidobacteria in humans begins shortly after birth with populations accounting for up to 25% of the total intestinal flora. Bifidobacteria's dominance lessens with age, but sizable populations are still present in the adult large intestine. There are 24 recognized species of bifidobacterium. Dophilus X-Tra uses Bifido longum, the species generally found in humans.

Acidophilus and bifidobacteria produce large quantities of acetic and lactic acid which lowers intestinal pH and inhibits growth of such pathogenic organisms as clostridium, samonella and E. coli. Acidophilus supplementation has eliminated salmonella from long term carriers, even when prolonged antibiotic therapy has failed.^(6,7,13,22) Beneficial effects are also seen in vaginal disturbances in cases of urethritis, cystitis and vaginitis, including Candida albicans,^(1,2) staphylococcus aureus⁽³⁾ and neisseria.

Some 60 serious health problems have been related to the over population of the yeast/fungus ^{Candida albicans}. This yeast-like organism normally lives inoffensively in most of our mucous membranes, kept in check by the beneficial lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. When these beneficial flora are not present in sufficient quantities, the candida population in the gastrointestinal tract multiplies suddenly. It then changes from a yeast-like form to a fungal one with long root-like structures that penetrate the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal wall, allowing substances normally confined to the GI tract to "leak" into the bloodstream.

Incompletely digested protein which enters the bloodstream can cause the immune system to produce antibodies, resulting in severe allergic reactions, including the recently recognized cerebral allergies associated with depression, memory deficit, mood swings and behavior problems. Rapidly expanding Candida colonies also produce toxins and can themselves escape into the bloodstream to be relocated almost anywhere in the body, producing dire systemic effects. A proliferation of candida albicans in children results in the common childhood condition, thrush.⁽¹³⁾

Many undesirable bacteria secrete volatile aromatic substances that are absorbed into the bloodstream, then secreted by the skin and lungs. Inhibiting the growth of these bacteria may improve breath and body odor. Lower intestinal pH which can also relieve itching and irritation of the sensitive perianal tissues caused by alkaline fecal matter.⁽¹⁴⁾ Low intestinal pH helps to render ammonia unabsorbable. A study using bifidobacteria on patients with liver disease showed reductions in blood levels of ammonia, free serum phenol and free amino nitrogen, widely known toxins.⁽¹⁵⁾ By lowering the levels of certain fecal bacterial enzymes which can activate carcinogens in the intestines, acidophilus and bifidobacteria may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.^(11,12) Laboratory studies show that supplementation with these beneficial bacteria reduces the incidence of tumors in animals exposed to known carcinogens.⁽²⁰⁾

Acidophilus and bifidobacteria are important in the synthesis of vitamins, particularly B vitamins. In addition, by aiding in the synthesis of digestive enzymes, acidophilus and bifido bacteria improve the quality of food.^(8-10) Absorption of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, is improved, making supplementation beneficial to children with growing bones as well as to adults at risk for osteoporosis.⁽¹³⁾ Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Lactic bacteria produce their own lactase and also stimulate the body's ability to produce lactase.^(13,21)

Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are essential to human health, but most of us are severely lacking in these friendly organisms due to environmental factors such as:

• The habitual overuse of antibiotics in treating human ailments.⁽¹³⁾

• Use of antibiotics in animals used as food by humans.⁽¹⁶⁾

• The high beef, high fat, low fiber, high sugar diet of western societies.

• Pathogenic organisms.

• Use of birth control pills, cortisone, cortisone-like drugs and immunosuppressant drugs.⁽¹⁷⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Will, T.E., Lactobacillus Overgrowth for Treatment of Moniliary Vulvovaginitis, Lancet, Sept. 1, 1979, p. 482.

2. Sandler, B., Lactobacillus for Vulvovaginitis, Lancet, Oct., 13, 1979, p 791.

3. Sanders, C., et. al., Toxic Shock Syndrome: An Ecologic Imbalance with the Genital Microflora of Women?, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 142:977, 1982.

4. Beck, C and H. Necheles, Beneficial Effects of Administration of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Diarrhea and Other Intestinal Disorders, Am. J. Gastroenterol., 35:522, 1961.

5. Gotz, V., et. al., Prophylaxis against Ampicillin Associated Diarrhea with a Lactobacillus Preparation, Am. J. Hosp. Pharm., 36:754, 1979.

6. Alm, L., The Effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus upon the Survival of Salmonella in Randomly Selected Human Carriers, Prog. Fd. Nutr. Sci., 7:13, 1983.

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8. Shahani, K., Nutritional and Healthful Aspects of Cultured and Culture-Containing Dairy Foods, J. Dairy Sci., 62:1685, 1979.

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10. Shahani, K., Nutritional Impact of Lactobacilli Fermented Foods, XVI Symposium Swed. Nutr. Found., paper no. 6789, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.

11. Gorbach, S.L., The Intestinal Microflora and Its Colon Cancer Connection, Infection, 10:379, 1982.

12. Goldin, et. al., Effect of Diet and Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplements on Human Fecal Bacterial Enzymes, JNCI, 64:255, 1980.

13. Lee, W.H,, The Friendly Bacteria, Keats Publishing, New Canaan CT, 1988.

14. Heslop, J.H., Primary Pruritus Ani, Dis. Colon Rect., 9:119, 1966.

15. Muting, D., et al, The Effect of Bacterium Bifidum on Intestinal Bacterial Flora and Toxic Metabolites in Chronic Liver Disease" Am. J. of Proct., 19 (5), 1986.

16. Playing Antibiotic Pool: Time to Tally the Score," NEJMed., Vol. 331, No. 10 Sept. 6, 1984.

17. Kupsinel, Roy, "The Fungus Among Us: Candida Albicans", PPFN Journal, Vol 8, No. 1, Oct. 1983.

18. Mitsuoka, T., Bifidobacteria and their role in human health, J. Industrial Microbiology, 6:263-8, 1990

19. Yamashita, K., et al, Effects of fructooligosaccharides on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic subjects, Nutr. Research, 4:961-6, 1984

20. Fernandes, C.F., Shahani, K.M.., Anticarcinogenic and immunological properties of dietary lactobacilli, J. Food Protection, 53(8):704-10, Aug. 1990

21. Fernandes, C.F., Shahani, K.M., Lactose intolerance and its modulation with lactobacilli and other microbial supplements. J. App. Nutr, 41(2):55-64, 1989.

22. Hidaka, H., et al, Effects of fructooligosaccharides on intestinal flora and human health. Bifidobacteria Microflora, 5(1):37-50, 1986.

23. McKellar, R.C., et al, Metabolism of fructooligosaccharides by Bifidobacterium spp. App Microbial Biotechno., 31:537-41, 1989