How the targeted combination of different bacterial cultures influences the effect of a preparation
Several factors play a role in the effectiveness of probiotics. Besides the potency of a preparation, which is measured in colony-forming units (CFU), the specific composition is a crucial criterion.
The effects of probiotics are strain-specific, meaning that each probiotic bacterium fulfills its own function. Therefore, a combination of different strains can increase effectiveness.
The health-promoting effect benefits not only from the diversity of the composition but also from synergistic effects that occur between the individual cultures. Modern probiotic preparations utilize this multi-species concept to achieve increased efficacy.
1. Successful colonization
-
Through different strains with different characteristics.
-
Formation of a probiotic niche – for example, by creating an optimal pH value, an anaerobic environment, and improved adhesion in the intestine.
2. Health-promoting effect
The probiotic effect is enhanced by the combination of various strain-specific properties:
-
Additive effect - Colonization of multiple probiotic niches.
-
Synergistic effect – The overall probiotic effect is greater than the sum of the properties of individual strains.
-
Positive interactions – increased activity due to symbiosis through the exchange of nutrients.
Source:
Probiotic Evolution: From a Simple Microorganism Strain to a Multi-Species Concept
HM Timmerman, LEM Niers, MO Hoekstra, GT Rijkers
Hippokrates Verlag in MVS Medizinverlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG
