by Probiotics have gained significant popularity in recent years due to the various health benefits they provide. Continuous research is being conducted to discover newer and more effective probiotic strains. These newer strains that provide enhanced benefits are known as next generation probiotics.
New Probiotic Strains
Scientists across the world are engaged in identifying novel probiotic strains with unique properties. Some of the promising new strains that have come to light include:
Bifidobacterium longum BL999 – Indigenous to the Japanese population, this strain has shown anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improves gut barrier function. Studies suggest it may help in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 LMG P-21021- This strain was isolated from tibetan cuisine and demonstrates significant antioxidant activity. It protects against pathogens and reduces chronic inflammation. Could provide benefits for diseases linked to oxidative stress.
Bifidobacterium breve B-3 – Isolated from a centenarian population in Japan, this strain has immune-modulating effects and protects gut integrity. May help combat age-related decline in health.
Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-K9 – This Korean isolate produces conjugated linoleic acid and butyrate in the gut. Research links it to reduced body weight, improved lipid profiles and anti-tumor effects. Holds potential for managing obesity and related issues.
These are just a few examples of the novel probiotic strains entering clinical studies for their health promoting capabilities. More discoveries are expected in the coming years.
Enhanced Health Benefits
Next Generation Probiotics offer enhanced targeted benefits over traditional strains due to their unique properties:
Gut Health – Select strains demonstrate stronger microbial balance, tighter epithelial junctions, reduced permeability and inflammation in the gut. This improves digestion, nutrient absorption and prevents diseases.
Immunity – Certain novel probiotics have robust immunoregulatory responses that enhance innate and adaptive immunity. This protects against infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Mental Wellness – The gut-brain axis is significantly impacted. Some strains lower anxiety, depression and promote cognitive functions through neural, endocrine and metabolic pathways.
Cardiometabolic Regulation – Effective management of cholesterol levels, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, fat metabolism and weight reduction help prevent metabolic syndrome and associated cardiometabolic disorders.
Anticancer Effects – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of next generation probiotics protect against cancer initiation and progression. Certain strains even induce tumor cell death.
Overall, next generation probiotic research is uncovering strains that deliver multi-targeted health benefits through various mechanisms in the body beyond just the gut. This makes them promising preventive and therapeutic agents.
Selection of Best Strains
With the abundance of new probiotic candidates, it is important to carefully select the most efficacious strains suitable for specific health conditions. Factors considered in selection include:
– Species and Strain Identity: Genomic identification and characterization ensures accuracy.
– Survival and Persistence: Ability to survive manufacturing, storage as well as GI transit and colonization in the gut influences effectiveness.
– Safety Profile: Requirement of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status after rigorous toxicological testing.
– Efficacy Evidence: Well-designed human intervention trials provide convincing proof of mechanism and actual host benefits.
– Dose Optimization: Defining the appropriate dose and dosing schedule that elicits maximum effects without adverse impact.
– Therapeutic Application: Targeting specific diseases, disorders, or health issues and compatibility with concurrent medications.
– Cost-Effectiveness: Factors such as production feasibility, stability, shelf-life and accessibility determine commercial viability.
Careful selection based on these criteria ensures the Next Generation Probiotics utilized in products deliver on their promise of health benefits. This determines their acceptability and sustainable usage.
Innovation in Delivery Systems
Conventional delivery of probiotics via foods and supplements have limitations in maintaining viability and stability. Novel encapsulation and formulation technologies are addressing these challenges:
– Enteric Coated Capsules: Coatings that dissolve only in the small intestine ensure probiotic integrity through the stomach acidity.
– Microencapsulation: Enclosing probiotics in biopolymers like alginate or chitosan protects viability during processing and storage while facilitating controlled release.
– Spray Drying: This technique produces probiotic powders that can be incorporated into various food/drink formulations while retaining high cell counts.
– Freeze Drying: Lyophilization into prebiotic/fiber combinations generates stable, portable oral solid dosage forms.
– Nano-Delivery Systems: Use of nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanofibers etc aid adhesion, colonization and bioavailability of probiotics.
These advanced delivery avenues help maximize next generation probiotic efficacy by ensuring greater stability, protection, targeted delivery and commercial viability of products.
Current Applications and Future Prospects
Currently, next generation probiotic clinical applications include management of gastrointestinal issues like IBS, IBD, H. pylori infection, diarrhea prevention etc. Other uses involve enhancing immunity, metabolic regulation, mental health and anti-aging effects.
As their mechanisms and health benefits are further elucidated, new applications are emerging across diverse areas. Potential future applications may involve:
– Preventing/Treating Chronic Disorders: Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer through long-term microbial gut modulation.
– Maternal/Infant Health: Supporting healthy pregnancies, infants gut/immune development and reducing NEC risk.
– Nutraceuticals: Developing probiotic supplements, foods and beverages tailored for specific health issues.
– Geriatric Care: Slowing immune senescence, cognition decline, frailty and extending healthy lifespans.
– Personalized Nutrition: Tailoring probiotic regimens based on individuals’ microbiome, genetics and lifestyles.
With advancing research, next generation probiotics will become an integral part of preventive healthcare and alternative/adjuvant treatments in the coming decade. Their full potential to revolutionize human health is yet to be fully realized.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
