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.

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 like lactose and casein; and (6) enhancing detoxification of harmful compounds.

Because probiotics are live 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. BioShield® technology is an innovative manufacturing process developed to ensure consistent and reliable results. The microorganisms in this product 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. By utilizing advanced encapsulation technology, the probiotic organisms are preserved and released on-target for maximum benefit.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacterial strain that is normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilus-type yogurt. L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates to produce lactic acid, which increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. This includes calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading microbes.¹ 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 this product 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.²

Lactobacillus paracasei has been shown to protect against the harmful effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).³ 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.⁴ L. paracasei Lpc-37 is a gastric acid-resistant strain and has been shown in vitro to withstand antibiotics such as Ciproflaxin and Vancomycin.⁵

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.⁶

Bifidobacterium 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.⁷ immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis have shown that it supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability.⁸

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.⁹ demonstrated that L. plantarum helps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity.¹⁰

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.11

1. Lipski E. Digestive Wellness. New Canaan (CT): Keats Publishing; 1996. p. 60-61.
2. Danisco. Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 probiotic identity card.
3. Bendali F, Madi N, Sadoun D. Beneficial effects of a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei in Staphylococcus aureus-induced intestinal and colonic injury. Int J Infect Dis. 2011 Nov;15(11):e787-94.
4. Chiang SS, Pan TM. Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 and its fermented products. Appl Microbiol Biotechno. 2012 Feb;93(3):903- 16.
5. Danisco. Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 probiotic identity card.
6. Fooks LJ, Gibson GR. Mixed culture fermentation studies on the effects of synbiotics on the human intestinal pathogens Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli. Anaerobe. 2003 Oct;9(5):231-42.
7. Singh A, Hacini-Rachinel F, Gosoniu ML, Bourdeau T, Holvoet S, Doucet-Ladeveze R, Beaumont M, Mercenier A, Nutten S. Immune-modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Nut. 2013 Feb;67(2):161-7.
8. Lewis MC, Patel DV, Fowler J, Duncker S, Zuercher AW, Mercenier A, Bailey M. Dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 from weaning reduces local immunoglobulin production in lymphoid-associated tissues but increases systemic antibodies in healthy neonates. Br J Nutr. 2013 Oct;110(7):1243-52.
9. Schoster A, Kokotovic B, Permin A, Pedersen PD, Bello FD, Guarabassi L. In vitro inhibition of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens by commercial probiotic strains. Anaerobe. 2013 Apr; 20:36-41.
10. Chytilová M, Mudroňová D, Nemcová R, Gancarčíková S, Buleca V, Koščová J, Tkáčiková L. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of flax-seed oil and Lactobacillus plantarum – BiocenolTM LP96 in gnotobiotic pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Res Vet Sci. 2013 Aug;95(1):103-9.
11. Evard B, Coudeyras S, Dosgilbert A, Charbonnel N, Alamé J, Tridon A, Forestier C. Dose-dependent immunomodulation of human dendritic cells by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35. PLoS ONE. 2011 Apr 18;6(4):e18735.

Because of our hectic lifestyle, and the way we often consume food that is frequently overcooked, digestion can often be less than optimal. Poor digestion can produce bloating and gas, cramping, diarrhea or constipation, and even lead to incomplete digestion of food proteins that have been linked to food allergies. Conversely, more thorough digestion of foodstuffs with enzymes prevents foods from being fermented in the gut and the proliferation of “bad” bacteria and yeast at the expense of “good” intestinal bacteria. More complete digestion of carbohydrates removes the food source for these bad organisms. Another benefit of enzymes is that more nutrition can be derived from food. In addition, regular bowel movements result from this better digestion. This product is specifically designed to support digestion and help unlock more nutrition from food.

Research has shown that the widespread chronic use of proton pump inhibitor medications contributes to side effects stemming from low acid production, including poor mineral absorption and poor absorption of B12 which have been linked with a multitude of health problems.^[1] In addition, an estimated 30% of Americans suffer from low levels of acidity. The depletion of stomach acidity due to medications and age, are further compounded by the age-related decline of enzyme production which both influence the breakdown of foods into absorbable nutrients.^[2] This can lead to suboptimal nutritional status of certain vitamins and minerals and insufficient enzyme activation in the stomach.

Digestive enzymes have a long history of use for those who need digestive enzyme support. ^[3,4] In the past, animal enzymes were preferred to vegetable enzymes for their protein digesting strength though they required a narrower pH window of 6.5-7.5 in order to be activated. This product utilizes new, plant- based enzymes which function within a broader pH range of 2.5-8.5, and still offer the digestive strength of animal-based enzymes. This broad pH window of activity makes it especially helpful for individuals with lower gastric acid levels or inconsistent pH’s. Each enzyme has been tested in pH, temperature, and gastric survivability studies to ensure enzyme activity. In addition, this product also includes DPP4, one of the primary components of peptidase, which has been shown to digest and neutralize gluten. This action may help to support gluten-sensitive individuals who ingest it inadvertently. The blend of proteases in this product is also effective in breaking down proteins from soy, whey, and casein from milk products. Lipases for fat breakdown as well as amylases for carbohydrate breakdown are also included for full spectrum digestive support.

This product offers additional support for those who have difficulty digesting plant-based foods. Optimal breakdown of plant cell walls is complex and nutrients contained within the cell walls can be difficult to absorb. For this reason, CereCalase, pectinase, xylanase, cellulose, glucoamylase and alpha- galactosidase, plant enzymes not produced in the body, are added to the formula. The addition of CereCalase assists in the breakdown of plant cell walls and helps to release trapped nutrients from plant materials. Alpha-galactosidase is also included for difficult-to-digest foods such as beans, legumes and cruciferous vegetables, so as to help people maintain a plant-rich diet. Both animal and human trials indicate that the supplementation of phytase helps release these nutrients and improve the nutrition of the consumer.^[5,6,7] Furthermore, a large portion of the fibrous components of botanicals are composed of non-starchy polysaccharides (NSPs), the primary ones being hemicelluloses and beta-glucans. These two compounds can alter the transit times of foods, bind digestive enzymes and trap essential plant constituents. Enzymes which degrade these components have been shown to improve the digestibility and nutrient profiles of plant foods and products.^[8,9,10] Gentian and artichoke are also added to help stimulate the body’s own digestive processes for optimal digestive capacity.

Herbalists have used bitters, including gentian, to stimulate natural digestive enzymes in the mouth and stomach for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that artichoke, categorized as a choleretic, stimulates the body’s natural production of bile, which is responsible for emulsifying fats in our diets. Artichoke also increases the surface area of fats, which allows enzymes to more efficiently break them down. Artichoke and gentian root provide an excellent vegetarian alternative to ox bile, which is traditionally used in digestive supplements to support bile production.

1. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/ do-ppis-have-long-term-side-effects.shtml
2. Greenberg RE, Holt PR. Influence of aging upon pancreatic digestive enzymes. Dig Dis Sci. 1986 Sep;31(9):970-7.
3. Halgreen H, Pedersen NT, Worning H. Symptomatic effect of pancreatic enzyme therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1986 Jan;21(1):104-8.
4. Scolapio JS, Malhi-Chowla N, Ukleja A. Nutrition supplementation in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1999 Sep;28(3):695-707. Review.
5. Sandberg, AS et al. “Dietary Aspergillus niger Phytase Increases Iron Absorption In Humans.” J Nutr. 1996. 126: 476.
6. Ravindran, V et al. “Effects Of Phytase Supplementation, Individually and In Combination, With Glycanase On The Nutritive Value Of Wheat And Barley.” Poult Sci. 1999. 78:1588-95.
7. Nasi, M et al. “Comparison Of Aspergillus Niger Phytase And Trichoderma Reesei Phytase And Acid Phosphatase On Phytate Phosphorus Availability In Pigs Fed On Maize-Soybean Meal Or Barley-Soybean Meal Diets.” Arch Tierernahr. 1999. 52(1):15-27.
8. Graham, H et al. “Effect Of Pelleting And Beta-Glucanase Supplementation On The Ileal And Fecal Digestibility Of A Barley-Based Diet In The Pig.” J Anim. Sci. 1989.67:1293- 1298.
9. Almirall, M.; Francesch, M.; Perez,-Vendrell, A.M.; Brufau, J.; Esteve-Garcia, E. “The Differences In Intestinal Viscosity Produced By Barley And Beta-Glucanase Alter Digesta Enzyme Activities And Ileal Nutrient Digestibilities More In Broiler Chicks Than In Cocks.” J Nutr.1995. 125(4): 947-55.
10. Cowan, W.D. Animal Feed in Industrial Enzymology, 2nd edition (New York: Stockton Press, 1996).