Beyond gut health: Research confirms probiotics’ potential for extraintestinal health

10 Apr 2019 --- Probiotics, often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria and yeast that live in the stomach, play an essential role in digestive processes – but may influence a host of other biological functions beyond gut health, according to an analysis report by the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Democritus University of Thrace. The analysis explores the wide and varied potential of probiotics in extraintestinal health, and pinpoints current gaps in the preclinical and clinical research.

Scientists examined the effects of probiotics in promoting healthy bones, skin and nervous system – in addition to facilitating positive shifts in mood, behavior, memory and other cognitive functions. In regulating bodily activities such as hormonal balance and inflammatory responses, research pinpoints probiotics as an invaluable aid to overall physical well-being.

Opportunities for probiotics in a booming market for digestive health products
Consumers and formulators may have yet to fully grasp the potential of gut bacteria beyond digestive wellness, although the growing demand for probiotics remains clear. Innova Market Insights data reveal that the digestive health market is undergoing an NPD boom, with innovation spreading in a diverse range of categories. 

In comparing global launch numbers with a probiotic claim from 2012 to 2017, there has been a more than 40 percent rise in NPD. Interestingly enough, 2012 was the first year in which the term “probiotic” was banned from product promotion in the EU, which led to a wave of more indirect marketing approaches. 

But in looking at some more specific launches, it is apparent that the word “probiotic” is being heavily applied in diverse product launches, particularly in the US. For example, Brad’s Broccoli Poppers: Radical Ranch (US) is a broccoli product that features the claim: “Added shielded probiotics to promote digestive and immune health.”

Probiotics and skin health
The interplay of hormonal, neuronal and inflammatory signaling is noted by researchers as having a great impact on skin health. Among central factors guiding these functions are gut probiotics. Probiotics were highlighted by researchers as having prominent wound-healing abilities, protection against UV-induced photo damage, and the alleviation of symptoms in skin diseases, such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

Where current therapeutic approaches to chronic, neurogenic and autoimmune skin diseases were cited as either strenuous for the patient or having little effect, probiotics were highlighted as a safe way to expedite the healing process.

Probiotics and bone diseases
Bone formation is a complex process that requires the integration of the immune, hormonal and neuronal systems. Hormone-associated bone damage, such as primary osteoporosis, as well as autoimmune diseases of the bones, including rheumatoid arthritis, are directly linked to improperly regulated inflammatory responses – which are regulated in part by probiotics with anti-inflammatory potential. 

In several case studies analyzed by the report, rats fed with foods rich in probiotic potential were found to exhibit increased bone mineral content, higher density and strength, and reduced bone loss, when compared to control rats. 

Probiotics and the nervous system
Mood and behavior disorders are often caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Conventional antidepressants and anxiolytics were noted by researchers as having considerable side-effects, while current therapeutic interventions against neurodegenerative diseases have limited therapeutic efficacy. In this regard, investigation into the potential of probiotics in preventing and treating these illnesses has been the goal of several clinical studies.

Studies in animal models have shown that consumption of probiotics can lead to decreased rate of stress and anxiety-related symptoms. Furthermore, probiotics have been documented in preclinical studies to suppress pro-inflammatory and oxidative damage responses in the brain, thus minimizing the symptoms of neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases.

Future applications require further research
Significant technological advancements of the last decade have accelerated the understanding of probiotic-induced effects on the human body. Researchers say the translation of this knowledge into clinical and nutritional practice is expected to flourish in the years to come. However, it is also noted that a lack of consistency in animal and clinical studies – attributed to the differences in gut microbiota composition – still represents a major hurdle that hinders this progress.

By Benjamin Ferrer