Digestive issues are some of the most common concerns seen by primary care physicians in the United States. (7) Pre and probiotic supplements continue to be recognized for their ability to support gut health and improve certain symptoms in patients with digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, and hard stools.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of recommending pre and probiotics foods and supplements to your patients.
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Pre and probiotics benefits
Pre and probiotics supplements and foods can support a patient’s gut health. Certain dietary supplements may contain one or a combination of both pre and probiotics.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics, a type of nondigestible fibrous carbohydrate, are fermented in the gastrointestinal tract, act as a source of fuel for friendly microbes, and produce beneficial metabolites such as butyrate and propionate. These actions promote a healthy microbial profile and provide a number of associated health benefits. (10)
Some of the promising health benefits of prebiotics garnering attention in the healthcare industry today include:
- Microbial balance and gut health: Prebiotics help stimulate the growth and activity of healthy bacteria in the gut, contributing to a balanced microbial community. (6)
- Enhanced immune function: A strong gut barrier and healthy microbial balance can influence systemic immune responses which may improve resistance against common illnesses or infections. (2)
- Improved digestive health: Prebiotics can help manage regular bowel movements and reduce instances of hard stools. (6)(8)
- Metabolic health: Prebiotics may play a role in weight management. (17)
- Bone health: Prebiotics can enhance the absorption of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that are important for optimal bone health. (16)(18)
Prebiotic sources
Prebiotics are found in human breast milk, certain supplements, as well as in a variety of plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
Human milk oligosaccharides
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), the third largest component of human breast milk after lactose and fat, have been shown to play a beneficial role in alleviating certain symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal pain, and excessive gas. HMOs act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut and play a role in developing the immune system, brain, and metabolism of infants. (19)
Did you know? Unlike many types of prebiotics, HMOs don’t aggravate uncomfortable digestive symptoms of gas, bloating, or abdominal pain. (15)
2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL), the most abundant type of HMO, has anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to the development and functioning of the immune system. (3)(9) Recent studies suggest that HMOs, particularly 2’-FL, may modulate microorganisms living in the intestines, promote an environment favorable to beneficial bacteria, and limit the growth of bacteria that may be harmful. (6)(14)
A U.S. open-label trial assessed bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating, and quality of life at baseline and every four weeks during a 12-week period for 245 participants. Results determined that supplementing with a 4:1 mixture of the HMOs 2′-FL and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) significantly improved digestive health and quality of life in participants. These results suggest that we need randomized trials to support these findings. (14)
The researchers of a 2020 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to determine the dose of an HMO mixture that could increase beneficial fecal bifidobacteria abundance in patients with digestive issues without aggravating their gastrointestinal symptoms. Over four weeks, 58 participants received either a placebo of glucose or two different dosages of a 4:1 mixture of 2′-FL and LNnT. The larger dose of 2′-FL and LNnT resulted in an increase in the beneficial Bifidobacterium species. These results suggest that certain HMOs may modulate the gut microbiota of patients with digestive issues toward a healthier profile. (6)
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria, bacterial spores, and yeasts, that support digestion and general health when consumed in adequate amounts. (1) They work by colonizing and interacting with the gut microbiome, inhibiting the growth of pathogens, and producing beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and enzymes. (1) They can be found in probiotic-containing supplements and fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cultured vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles), miso, and kombucha. (4)
Probiotic supplements may contain one type of bacteria strain, yeast, or spore-forming bacteria, or a combination from multiple species or genera. Some common examples include:
- Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus coagulans)
- Bifidobacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum)
- Enterococcus (e.g., Enterococcus durans)
- Lactobacilli (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus)
- Lactococcus (e.g., Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis)
- Saccharomyces (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii)
- Streptococcus (e.g., Streptococcus thermophilus) (4)
Probiotics provide a variety of health benefits including supporting:
- Cardiometabolic health
- Digestive health
- Immune health
- Mental health (4)
Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2
Bacillus coagulans are a type of probiotic bacteria strain used in dietary supplements to help maintain optimal gut flora. Bacillus coagulans are unique because they’re spore-forming bacteria with a protective coating that allows them to survive the stomach’s acidic environment and reach the gut intact. (13)
The Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 strain has been researched for its potential health benefits, including alleviating symptoms such as hard stools, bloating, and abdominal pain. (5)(11)
In one study, researchers aimed to determine whether Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 probiotic strain could help alleviate symptoms in individuals with hard stools. Participants were supplemented with either a placebo or B. coagulans Unique IS2 for four weeks. Difficulty of defecation, defecation and abdominal pain, and stool consistency were measured. Three or more spontaneous stools per week were considered treatment success.
After four weeks, 98% of participants in the B. coagulans group had reached normal stool consistency compared to 74% in the placebo group. The B. coagulans Unique IS2 group also experienced a reduction in symptoms such as incomplete evacuation, painful defecation, and abdominal pain associated with hard stools compared to placebo. (12)
The bottom line
The use of both pre and probiotics supplements and foods are effective strategies for improving digestive health in patients. Specifically, the HMO 2’-FL and the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 have shown promising results when it comes to positively impacting digestive symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, and hard stools.
Want to learn more about the clinical application of 2’-FL and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2? View our webinar today!
