The probiotic strain formulation also relieves gastric discomfort and increases productivity
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Heliyon finds that a blend of three probiotic strains from AB-Biotics, a Kaneka group company, reduced diarrhea-related symptoms and may improve mental well-being in adults regularly subjected to stress from Modern life.
The researchers Takumi Sato et al. designed the double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study to investigate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture composed of strains P. acidilactici KABP 021 (CECT 7483), L. plantarum KABP 022 (CECT 7484), L. plantarum KABP 023 (CECT 7485), as a potential treatment for people experiencing ‘IBS-like’ gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms brought on by repeated exposure to stress. The results of the study suggest that the probiotic blend was successful in meeting the needs of otherwise healthy subjects suffering from stress-induced abdominal symptoms. In addition, the probiotic showed a positive effect on the productivity, mood and quality of life of the individuals.
Symptom relief for healthy people experiencing stress
It is estimated that 4% of the world’s population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An already significant statistic, this number does not take into account the millions of people worldwide who experience milder or undiagnosed ‘IBS-like’ conditions, which are often related to stress, depression and anxiety.
In their study, Sato et al. set out to explore the potential of a probiotic formulation for subjects in this category, who present with symptoms such as diarrhea, but remain outside the medical diagnosis of IBS. Japan was selected as the location for the study due to the prevalence of highly competitive work environments, fast-paced modern lifestyles, and medical problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome. Twenty-six female and thirty-four male volunteers aged 20 to 65 years were selected for the study, who were randomly assigned to the probiotic or placebo group, and both were instructed to take one capsule daily for a period of four weeks.
Through our commitment to scientific excellence, safety, and efficacy, we will continue to support research that furthers our understanding of the role probiotics play in gut, immune, and mental health.
Results compiled after this one-month investigation showed that AB-Biotics probiotic blend helped relieve stress-related diarrhea and total diarrhea scores in the probiotic group compared to placebo, as assessed by the Izumo scale scores. These subjects also reported better health-related quality of life scores measured through SF-8 questionnaires, suggesting an increase in mental health and well-being over the course of the study. Sata et al. hypothesized that these particular bacterial strains counteracted the damaging effects of stress on the intestinal mucosa by producing metabolites, such as polyphosphates, acetylcholine, or acetate, which are known to reduce intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation, with positive gastrointestinal benefits.
The researchers also found a significant correlation between a higher number of butyric acid producers Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and improvement in diarrhea scores in subjects who received probiotic but not in the placebo group. Agree with this, faecalibacterium it is known to be stimulated by acetate, one of the substances produced by the probiotic blend. Based on these results, Sato et al. propose that the probiotic intervention directly reduced intestinal permeability and modulated the gut microbiota, supporting beneficial bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium.
Building the Case for Future Research
The conclusions of this new study are supported by existing research with the same probiotic formulation, which showed improvements in visceral hypersensitivity, a component of IBS linked to altered perceptions of gastrointestinal symptoms. This new study confirms that the probiotic modulates the gut-brain axis, with benefits seen on the gut and also on emotional well-being. Overall, these probiotic strains have shown strong scientific results for complex gastrointestinal disorders such as stress-related diarrhea, IBS, and food intolerances, including lactose and fructose intolerance. Importantly, these results have been seen across different ethnicities and dietary patterns, reinforcing the usefulness of these strains.
“Standard, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are our daily bread,” said Miquel Bonachera, co-founder and director of AB-Biotics. “We are incredibly excited to announce the results of this latest study, but this is just the beginning. Through our commitment to scientific excellence, safety and efficacy, we will continue to support research that advances our understanding of the role probiotics play in gut, immune and mental health, and their potential to transform people’s lives. Look at this space!”
