Research

All of our strains have been researched for their safety, survivability through the challenging environment of the digestive tract, and their ability to support different aspects of gut and vaginal health.

What type of research?

At Optibac we use some of the world’s most extensively researched strains of probiotic bacteria. Our strains are tested via both laboratory testing and human clinical trials.

The most vital characteristics of a probiotic strain are first tested in a scientific laboratory environment. For example, a strain's ability to survive at different levels of acidity/alkalinity (as are encountered in the digestive tract), and their ability to adhere to the cells that line the gut wall.

Human clinical trials, on the other hand, are used to show the physiological effects of these strains (or combinations of strains) on human health. These trials can also demonstrate the optimum dosage (or quantity) of probiotic required to achieve the maximum benefit. Interestingly, what we see here, time after time, is that the quality of the strain is far more important than just the quantity alone. We have hundreds of human clinical trials supporting our probiotic strains, which have demonstrated how they may benefit health, and the type of symptoms that might be improved by taking them.

We are dedicated to ensuring your safety, and building your trust in our supplements, and so our extensive scientific research is conducted with you in mind.

Specific strains for specific health conditions:

Due to the large quantity of research that we have in to our different strains, we are able to tailor our products towards different health ‘challenges’ and different life-stages. Research indicates that different strains do different things in the body. How each strain behaves and the unique benefits that they bring, dictates how they are best used, and for which health condition. This in-depth knowledge has enabled us to create a product range with something for everyone.

In summary, probiotics are not a ‘one size fits all’. Different strains are used for different health conditions, therefore each individual should select the product that best supports their unique health requirements.

Optibac ‘hero’ strains:

As mentioned above, different strains of probiotic have different actions. Below is a list of some of the strains of bacteria that we use, and a brief over-view of how they can improve your health.

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM^®

This strain is thought to be the most clinically researched strain of L. acidophilus in the world. Amongst other things the strain has been clinically proven to help ease symptoms of occasional bloating and cramping. It has also demonstrated its ability to support immune function and to prevent pathogenic overgrowth in the gut.

In a 12 week study of 391 patients L.acidophilus NCFM® was shown to reduce gut pain by 30% when taken at a dose of 10 billion CFU per day.

You can find Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® in Optibac Every Day EXTRA and Every Day MAX. To find out more about the research using this strain, health practitioners can visit Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM^® in the Probiotics Database.

Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI 431^®

This probiotic strain has been trialled in over 20 human clinical trials and has been shown to support immune health, especially resistance to winter bugs.

You can find Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI-431^® in Optibac Immune Support. To find out more about the research using this strain, health practitioners can visit Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI-431^® in the Probiotics Database.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14

This combination of strains has been extensively trialled for women's intimate health for more than twenty years. The probiotic combination has been shown to improve the balance of vaginal microflora and help protect against common intimate health conditions.

You can find Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 in Optibac For Women. To find out more about the research using these strains, health practitioners can visit Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® in the Probiotics Database.

Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12^®

This probiotic is the most extensively trialled strain for regularity. In one of the largest ever clinical trials on a probiotic, involving over 1,200 people, this strain was found to significantly improve bowel regularity. The strain works in a number of ways, including increasing the levels of a particular short-chain fatty acid (butyrate) that both lubricates the large intestine and energises the smooth muscle of the intestinal wall. This has the combined effect of moistening the stool and aiding peristalsis.

You can find Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12^® in Optibac Bifido & Fibre. To find out more about the research using this strain, health practitioners can visit Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12^® in the Probiotics Database.

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V^®

This strain has been trialled in over 36 clinical trials, and is known to be safe in infants and even preterm babies. It is used in neonatal intensive care units around the world. Amongst its impressive list of clinical attributes the strain has been shown in trials to support immune health, increase levels of Bifidobacteria, improve skin health in infants and reduce the growth of pathogens often associated with colic.

You can find Bifidobacterium breve M-16V^® in our liquid baby drops Baby Drops. To find out more about the research using this strain, health professionals can visit the entry for Bifidobacterium breve M-16V^® in the Probiotics Database.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001

This strain has been clinically trialled in people of all ages, including pregnant and breast feeding women. It is often trialled alongside Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14^® and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. This strain and/or combination of strains has been shown in human clinical trials to help with postnatal mood changes, and other pregnancy related conditions, whilst also supporting feminine intimate health.

You can find all three of these strains in Optibac Pregnancy. To find out more about the research using Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001,  health practitioners can view its entry in the Probiotics Database.

Bifidobacterium lactis HN019

In addition to the combined effect that this strain has when trialled in combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14^®, B.lactis HN019 has been trialled singularly and shown to:

• Improve gut motility
• Support immune health
• Improve gut microbial composition

You can find Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 in Every Day MAX and Pregnancy. To find out more about the research using this strain, health practitioners please visit Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 in the Probiotics Database.

Saccharomyces boulardii

This strain of probiotic is unusual in that it is a yeast, rather than a bacterium. In fact it is the only yeast that has been classified as a probiotic to date. S. boulardii has been extensively trialled in humans, and has shown to have broad anti-pathogenic activity, meaning that it can displace and dislodge undesirable microbes, such as Candida yeasts, from the intestinal tract, and also supports immune defences against pathogens and toxins. This ‘cleansing’ action of the GI tract makes it an excellent choice to use when travelling. In addition, it has proven to improve digestion by increasing certain enzymes in the gut, and due to its gut-calming and healing properties, it has been extensively researched for use in those with diarrhoea.

This strain is found on its own in Saccharomyces Boulardii. To find out more about the research using this strain, health professionals please visit the entry for Saccharomyces boulardii in the Probiotics Database.