CLINICAL APPLICATIONS   Helps Maintain Gastrointestinal Balance Increases Secretory IgA for Enhanced Gut Immunity Supports Bowel Regularity Supports Digestion and Micronutrient Absorption Probiotic Essentials Powder is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut flora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Boosting gut health through probiotics also helps improve mental health through the gut-brain axis, which is an intricate connection between the intestinal environment and the brain 1,2. Inadequate communication between the gut brain axis is associated with the presentation of autistic symptoms such as poor memory function, higher anxiety levels, increased social avoidance, decreased time spent on social exploration and interactions, and a reduced preference for social activity in response to stress 3, 4. These types of behaviors tend to improve if the diet is supplemented with probiotics (healthy bacteria) regularly 4, 6. Included in this formula is Saccharomyces boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown to help restore microflora balance by enhancing commensal organisms. Each scoop of Probiotic Essentials Powder provides seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment and adhere to the intestinal tract, and deliver superior results.

Overview

The GI tract is a finely balanced environment where roughly 500 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis can occur when an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms prevail. The natural microflora balance can be upset by medications (such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.), excessive alcohol consumption, or poor dietary intake. Gut microbiomes can also be altered in individuals who are diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In one study, the gut microflora of adolescents and adults diagnosed with ADHD was substantially different than those without ADHD,as indicated by an increase in bacteria of the Bifidobacterium genus in ADHD cases ⁷. An imbalance of gut microbiota is also associated with the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms ⁸. Probiotics have been extensively studied and are characterized as having broad GI and immune benefits, including: (1) increasing the population of healthy bacteria following microflora imbalance; (2) supporting healthy bowel function; (3) increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the cells of the intestinal lining; (4) strengthening the gut-immune barrier by promoting a healthy gut mucosa; (5) aiding in the digestion of difficult-to-break- down compounds like lactose and casein; and (6) enhancing the detoxification of harmful compounds. Research has also demonstrated that children and adolescents with ADHD who received probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplementation for three months reported better health- related quality of life compared to those children who received the placebo ¹¹. Prior research also supports a protective role in Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic supplementation during infancy and childhood against the later development of ADHD symptoms in the same children at age 13 ¹⁰. There is also accumulating evidence regardingfor thea beneficial effect of probiotics for the improvement of the gastric symptoms associated with ASD ¹¹ Because probiotics are living organisms, there are many challenges associated with manufacturing and distributing probiotic supplements. For a probiotic to be effective, it must be shelf-stable through the expiration date and precisely delivered to the intestinal tract, where it can have maximum benefit. The microorganisms in Probiotic Essentials Powder are protected sealed and freeze dried away from moisture, heat, light and oxygen. This allows the bacteria to remain dormant until they are exposed to moisture in the GI tract.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14)^†

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterial strain that is normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth, and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilustype yogurt. L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates to produce lactic acid, which increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals, including calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading microbes.¹² L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the gut against harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. The L. acidophilus strain in Ortho Biotic has been specifically chosen because of its strong adherence and survival attributes in the GI tract. It has been demonstrated in vitro to tolerate exposure to gastric acid and bile salts, and has the ability to withstand antibiotics including Ciproflaxin, Polymyxin B and Tetracycline.¹³ Accordingly, L. acidophilus has been shown to improve gastrointestinal discomfort such as cramping, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms ¹⁴. This is vital toward improving mental health for both typically developing children and those with behavior and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ASD because persistent digestive issues are associated with psychiatric traits (e.g., anxiety, hyperactivity, behavioral, or psychosocial impairments) in some people ^15-16.

Lactobacillus paracasei (Lpc-37)^†

Lactobacillus paracasei has been shown to protect against the harmful effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). ¹⁷ L. paracasei colonizes the intestinal tract by reinforcing defense mechanisms that support an immune response. It does this by supporting T-helper cell production and secreting secretory IgA (sIgA), an antibody critical for supporting intestinal immunity.¹⁸ L. paracasei Lpc-37 is a gastric acid-resistant strain and has been shown in vitro to withstand antibiotics such as Ciproflaxin and Vancomycin.¹⁹ Furthermore, L. paracasei supports the optimal structure and function of gut microbiota and reduces immune overactivity, which are processes that improve signal transfer along the gut- brain axis 20. Proper signal transfer between the gut and the brain subsequently improves communication, living, and social skills in children ASD and ADHD ^15,16,21.

Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb-02)^†

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus and Camplylobacter jejuni, which suggests B. bifidum’s lactic acid and acetic acid production provides an antagonistic action against pathogens to help maintain microflora balance. ²² Similar to other types of probiotics, B. bifidum targets abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, urgency, and bowel movement satisfaction ²³, all of which lead to heightened mental health and reduced psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders by improving the health of nerves in the gut that send signals to the brain ⁵.

Bifidobacterium lactis (BI-04)^†

Bifidobacteria lactis is predominantly found in the colon. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on subjects receiving B. lactis or placebo for eight weeks found that B. lactis supported a balanced immune response in individuals hypersensitive to environmental allergens.²⁴ Studies examining immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis have shown that B. lactis supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability.²⁵ Many children with ASD, ADHD, and other forms of neurodevelopmental delays tend to suffer from digestive issues including increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) ^{26, 27}. If intestinal permeability is not properly addressed, harmful substances begin to pass into the bloodstream and the immune system becomes overactive, which causes children to experience digestive issues that worsen psychiatric symptoms ^{15, 16}. B. lactis supplementation improves psychosocial and communication in children with neurodevelopmental disorders by strengthening the intestinal liningand reducing permeability ²⁵.

Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp-115)^†

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacteria commonly found in fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives and sourdough. L. plantarum has been found to compete against strains of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens, due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins) that inhibit bacterial growth ²⁸.Studies have also demonstrated that L. plantarumhelps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity. ²⁹

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG)^†

Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been proven to have remarkable survivability in the acid and bile environments in the GI tract. L. rhamnosus is particularly useful because of its ability to adhere to cells, enhance microflora balance, and inhibit pathogen adherence. L. rhamnosus was also found to positively affect inflammatory and immune gene signaling of over 1,700 genes when administered in high doses.²⁹

Saccharomyces boulardii^†

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that was first isolated from the skin of the tropical fruits lychee and mangosteen in 1923 by French scientist Henri Boulard, following the observation that mangosteen consumption controlled occasional diarrhea in natives of Southeast Asia. S. boulardii plays a role in supporting immune defense by increasing levels of sIgA, creating a first line of defense to help bind and clear harmful bacteria.³⁰ The combination of additional probiotics such as L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and S. boulardii help the intestinal tract heal naturally and function properly, and they also reset an overactive immune system ^{28, 30}. This approach has been shown to improve digestive and cognitive problems that are associated with ASD, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, thereby making probiotic supplementation an integral part of psychosocial and behavioral management for typically developing children as well as those with special needs ^{2, 4, 7}.

Does Not Contain

Wheat, gluten, soy, corn, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

Cautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.