Probiotic Strains
What are the strains, and what do they do?
All of the Udo's Choice Probiotics contain different amounts of different strains of bacteria depending on their intended usage. The following chart shows you which strains are in each product, and the information underneath outlines some of the benefits of the strains.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
- one of the most prominent micro-organisms found in the small intestine. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid which inhibits yeast growth.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- a transient (non-implanting) strain from dairy origin that carries out important protective functions on its way through the intestinal tract. Traditionally, L. bulgaricus is found in yogurt along with S. thermophilus.
Lactobacillus casei
- a bacteria commonly used for milk fermentation and is naturally occurring in the mouth and digestive tract. L. casei breaks down carbohydrates and inhibits the growth of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria in the small intestine. L. casei has a role in cellular immunity.
Lactobacillus plantarum
- a strain from vegetal origin, is another major species found in the intestinal tract. It secretes lactolin, and has beneficial activities.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- one of the most important probiotic strains for the health of the adult digestive tract from the mouth to the small intestine. It is primarily found in the small intestine and vaginal tract. L. rhamnosus has a high resistance to bile salts and stomach acid and therefore grows prolifically. It stimulates gut lining cells to produce mucin, a mucous coating that helps maintain the integrity of the gut walls.
Lactobacillus salivarius
- found in the mouth and in the small intestine. L. salivarius produces B vitamins, enzymes and lactic acid and breaks down proteins.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
- found primarily in the large intestine. As a producer of B vitamins, B. bifidum helps the body in the completion of its digestive process, specifically, in the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. B. bifidum produces lactic and acetic acids, which lower the intestinal pH and inhibit unfriendly bacteria from growing.
Bifidobacterium breve
- colonizes the large intestine and is a producer of lactic and acetic acids that inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria. Recent studies have demonstrated that B. breve can colonize the immature bowel of infants very effectively.
Bifidobacterium longum
- colonizes the intestinal tract in very large quantities and plays a direct role in sustaining the positive balance of gut flora. B. longum breaks down bile salts and helps to synthesize B-complex vitamins. It also aids the immune system, through its effects on immunoglobulin A (IgA). B. longum produces lactic and acetic acids that lower the intestinal pH and inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria.
Bifidobacterium infantis
- the most important micro-organism found in the large intestine of infants.
Streptococcus thermophilus
- a transient probiotic from dairy origin. It produces large quantities of lactic acid, which limits the growth of unfriendly bacteria. It has been shown to have antioxidant activity. S. thermophilus also breaks down lactose and produces the enzyme lactase.
