In my professional practice, I am increasingly encountering the view that the general public regards probiotics as a universal solution. I would argue that such an approach is overly simplistic. The microbiome is a complex ecosystem whose balance depends on specific strains, their abundance and their interactions with the host. I therefore consider it essential to discuss not probiotics in general, but specific strains and their functional significance.
The PROBIO FLORA 10¹⁰ CFU product is an interesting case study, as it contains a wide range of bacterial strains that address a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. In the following text, I analyse their significance in terms of specific health needs, whilst also examining the extent of coverage this product can offer within the body.
Restoring the gut microbiota following antibiotic treatment is one of the best-studied uses of probiotics. Antibiotic treatment often leads to a condition known as dysbiosis. This involves a significant reduction in the diversity of the microbiota. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, probiotics significantly reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.1
From a functional perspective, strains such as Enterococcus faecium and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus come into play here, as they support the recolonisation of the gut. Lactococcus lactis is also of interest, as it contributes to the production of protective metabolites in the intestinal mucosa.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus also play an important role, as they aid the digestion of lactose and improve stool consistency. This is particularly relevant for people with lactose intolerance or digestive problems.
The strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis and Lacticaseibacillus casei are among the most extensively studied probiotic bacteria in the context of intestinal inflammation. Their common feature is the ability to modulate the immune response, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and support the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier. At the same time, they contribute to the stabilisation of the microbial environment, thereby creating conditions for the regeneration of the disrupted ecosystem.
It is precisely these mechanisms that are key in conditions such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where chronic inflammation and increased intestinal permeability occur. According to a study published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, modulating the microbiome has the potential to influence the course of inflammatory bowel diseases2. In this context, I do not view the significance of these strains in isolation, but rather as a coordinated biological intervention that targets the root of the problem, not just its symptoms.
Histamine intolerance is a complex condition in which not only enzymatic activity but also the composition of the gut microbiota plays a role. I believe that the selection of strains is key here. Not all probiotics are suitable; some may even promote histamine production. In this context, I consider strains such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to be beneficial, as they help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. Pediococcus acidilactici, through its antimicrobial activity, helps suppress unwanted bacteria that may produce histamine. In practice, this means that the goal is not a ‘stronger microbiota’, but a metabolically balanced microbiota.3
When evaluating probiotics, I believe it is important to take geographical and dietary contexts into account. The European population typically has a higher intake of processed foods and a lower intake of fibre compared to some southern and Mediterranean European countries, such as Italy or Greece, where more traditional dietary patterns persist, with a higher proportion of fresh produce, plant-based foods and fermented foods. This leads to reduced microbiome diversity. Strains such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus acidilactici support fermentation processes and the production of beneficial metabolites, thereby compensating for this deficit.2,3
I cannot help but mention children as a group for whom work on the microbiome is of particular importance. It is during childhood that the gut microbiota is still developing, making it a system that can be strategically influenced with long-term implications for health. Immune responses, antigen tolerance and metabolic processes are being established, which can affect health in the long term.
Strains such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and bifidobacteria, which are functionally represented in the complex, play a significant role in supporting immune balance and reducing the incidence of allergic reactions. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus also aid lactose digestion, which is particularly relevant in early childhood.
According to a study published in the journal *Pediatrics*, the administration of these probiotic strains during childhood is associated with a reduced incidence of atopic eczema and gastrointestinal infections⁴.
From a scientific point of view, I believe it is important that these strains do not merely provide short-term support, but also help to shape the immune system. This is a fundamental difference compared to interventions in adulthood.
Based on the available scientific evidence, I conclude that the efficacy of a probiotic product is not determined solely by the number of CFUs (colony-forming units, i.e. the number of microorganisms), but primarily by the qualitative composition of the strains and their interaction with one another.
PROBIO FLORA 10¹⁰ CFU offers a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of modern people in the context of their environment and lifestyle. The combination of strains covers a wide range of conditions, from digestive problems and immunity to metabolic health. It also takes into account the specific characteristics of the European population and is suitable for children aged 3 and over.
It is precisely this complexity and targeted approach that distinguishes a haphazard choice of probiotic from a carefully considered intervention that takes into account the body’s biological context.
Mária Zajičková, PhD,
organic chemist and science communicator
1. Hempel, S., Newberry, S. J., Maher, A. R., Wang, Z., Miles, J. N. V., Shanman, R., Johnsen, B., & Shekelle, P. G. (2012). Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Journal of the American Medical Association, 307(18), 1959–1969.
2. Ni, J., Wu, G. D., Albenberg, L., & Tomov, V. T. (2017). Gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14, 599–612.
3. Sanders, M. E., Merenstein, D. J., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., & Rastall, R. A. (2018). Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: From biology to the clinic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 15(8), 397–411.
4. Thomas, D. W., Greer, F. R., & American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. (2010). Probiotics and prebiotics in paediatrics. Pediatrics, 126(6), 1217–1231.
Glossary:
Microbiome – the collection of all microorganisms living in the human body
Dysbiosis – an imbalance in the gut microbiota
CFU – the number of viable bacteria capable of multiplying
Cytokines – signalling molecules that regulate inflammation and immunity
Intestinal permeability – the permeability of the intestinal wall
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) – a disorder of the digestive tract
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