'The Effects of Ageing on the Microbiome'
sponsored by Optibac
21 March 2023The IHCAN Conferences Webinars are provided for professional education and debate and is not intended to be used by non-medically qualified individuals as a substitute for, or basis of, medical treatment. We take your privacy seriously, by registering for any of our webinars you accept our privacy policy.
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Questions and Answers
Please note, this is a transcript of the questions received and have been reproduced verbatim in relation to any grammatical errors.
Can we have the link to the Optibac Probiotics Database please?
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/professionals/probiotics-database
Do you have a product that contains all the strains? Most menopausal clients would need all, but cannot afford all, separate supplements and just thinking of the multipharma they already take.
No, but it’s an interesting idea! It’s important to keep in mind that I highlighted in this webinar some key strains worth taking note of, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Each product in the Optibac range is specially formulated with specific strains. It’s not an easy task formulating a ‘one-size-fits-all’ product: for example, including vaginal strains in a ‘seniors’ product would make it less suited to men. This is why we have taken the indication-specific approach, so Optibac users can select the strains which are right for their individual needs.
Generally, we would recommend optimising the gut and the vaginal microbiomes in menopause which would usually require just two products from our range – For Women to support vaginal health and either Every Day EXTRA or Every Day MAX (dependent on individual symptoms), to support gut health.
How long should we use probiotics for?
Many people choose to take probiotics every day, whilst some might just use them periodically or whenever they feel that they need a little support. There is no known risk of dependency when taking probiotics, and it is safe to take probiotics on a long-term basis without causing dependency or addiction. As with most supplements, we recommend taking them for at least 3 months, however most people feel the benefits much sooner, with many reporting a noticeable change within days of taking them.
The following articles provide more in-depth information:
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/learning-lab/about/probiotics/can-i-take-probiotics-every-day
What about use of probiotic foods?
The diet is the first place to start for many aspects of our health. To optimise our gut microbiota, it’s helpful to increase probiotic and prebiotic consumption to boost our overall levels of beneficial bacteria; and to decrease excess fast food, sugar and alcohol consumption which work negatively against the microbial balance.
The main difference between food-based probiotics and probiotic supplements is that supplementation offers a targeted, strain-specific approach; and whilst foods are a known, natural source of live microorganisms, we can’t always identify which specific strains of bacteria are found in probiotic foods and how much live bacteria they contain. Whereas, a probiotic supplement can provide a therapeutic dose of a specific strain(s), which is backed by research for specific health concerns. I’d therefore say that probiotic/fermented foods are a great addition to the diet for general support and diversity, but for a therapeutic, targeted approach, probiotic supplements are the most reliable.
Leaky gut and dysbiosis are common in elderly people who have often undergone multiple surgeries, therefore taken multiple antibiotics and are on various meds. Where is the best place to start when they are often very sensitive to probiotics and supplements and have very small appetites? Thank you.
Firstly, if an individual has had surgery, we always advise that probiotics should not be taken until all wounds have fully healed, and until their medical doctor has given consent to take any form of supplement.
There are three primary reasons for this advice:
- For anyone who has had major surgery, their immune system is compromised and it’s therefore best to consult a medical doctor before taking probiotics. Live cultures interact with the immune system, so although they are safe for most people to take, it is advised not to use them if immune-compromised due to illness or medication. See our FAQ: I’m severely immune-suppressed: why can’t I use probiotics?
- Secondly, there is a greater risk if the surgery has been abdominal or heart surgery. Until the internal wound is fully healed, there is a small chance that the intestinal tract may have become exposed to the blood stream via the surgical cuts and that some microorganisms from the gut may be able to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing infection. In people who may be particularly sensitive following cardiac surgery, there is a basis to suppose that an infection by whatever bacteria – beneficial or pathogenic – could theoretically occur and lead to myocarditis (the inflammation / infection of the heart).
- Individuals requiring surgery may have health issues that necessitated the surgery. We therefore advise that anyone with a serious health condition should consult with a medical doctor before using probiotics.
Once fully recovered from surgery and supplement use has been permitted by a medical doctor, the format of the probiotic should always be considered to make it more palatable to older individuals. For example, capsules are small and easy to swallow, but with the added advantage that they can be opened, and the contents sprinkled on cool, non-acidic foods. Likewise, gummies may be better if swallowing is difficult, as they can be chewed beforehand. Adult Gummies might therefore be appropriate in this instance.
You may find the following article of interest:
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/learning-lab/about/probiotics/can-older-adults-take-probiotics
What would you give for an 80-year-old man with a pretty good health and diet and moderate exercise but aching bones and muscles?
It’s not immediately clear how probiotics might benefit bone health which depends on a balance between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-reabsorbing osteoclasts. These processes are affected by hormones such as oestrogen and parathyroid hormone, immune function, and gastro-intestinal function. Where the gut microbiome is concerned, recent studies have indicated that musculoskeletal homeostasis is related to intestinal microbiota.
For example, high levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can promote the absorption of minerals that support bone density such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Intestinal microbiota can also facilitate the synthesis of vitamins B and K, (essential micronutrients for bone health), and the metabolism of bile acids which help to regulate calcium absorption. Likewise, Bifidobacterium species produce the Short Chain Fatty Acid, butyrate and some studies have found this to have a protective effect against muscle atrophy. Additionally, Short Chain Fatty Acids could help to counteract inflammation which can impede muscle protein synthesis. We could therefore postulate that the lower abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species in older age may heighten disruption to bone and muscle homeostasis. Whilst further research is still needed before specific recommendations for bone health can be made, using a probiotic containing strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (such as Every Day Extra and Every Day MAX), to support gastrointestinal health and overall wellbeing might therefore assist with bone and muscle health.
Can high vitamin C dosage have a deleterious affect the GI microbiota?
Initial research indicates that Vitamin C has a positive interaction with gut microbiota, as it plays a role in increasing short chain fatty acid production and microbial diversity. You may find the following studies of interest:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/8/1278
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531721000580
