Microbiote boost - Targeted on digestive health

The quality of probiotic strains is essential to ensure the efficacy and safety of probiotic products. Here's why:

*Specific efficacy:
Different probiotic strains have different effects on health. Some strains are more effective at improving digestion, others at strengthening the immune system, or even alleviating the symptoms of certain diseases.
Choosing high-quality strains, whose effectiveness has been proven by scientific studies, is therefore crucial to achieving the desired results.

*Viability:
Probiotics are live microorganisms. To be effective, they must be alive at the time of consumption.
The quality of the strains affects their ability to survive during manufacturing, storage and their passage through the stomach to reach the intestine where they will exert their beneficial effects.

*Purity:
Quality probiotic strains are free from unwanted contaminants such as pathogenic bacteria or toxins. This is especially important for people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

*Stability:
The quality of the strains guarantees their stability over time, thus ensuring that the probiotic product retains its effectiveness until the expiry date.

*Security: Not all probiotic strains are created equal in terms of safety. Some can cause unwanted side effects in some people. Therefore, it is important to choose strains whose safety has been established through clinical studies.

At BodyCheckup we make sure we have the best strains on the market.

Clinical efficacy of the “Microbiote Boost” formula and its probiotics

Clinical studies on the formulaMicrobiota Boost

The formulaMicrobiota Boostcombines 8 probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis) to support digestive health, gut microbiota and immunity. To date, no published clinical studies have specifically evaluated this combination under the nameMicrobiota Boost.

Nevertheless,Each of these strains has been the subject of clinical trials or systematic reviewsdemonstrating benefits in these areas, which justifies their inclusion in the formula. The key points of each strain's effectiveness are summarized below, followed by a comparison table.

Evidence of efficacy by probiotic strain

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Several clinical trials attest to the benefits ofB. bifidumon digestive health.
In particular, the strainB. bifidum MIMBb75significantly relieved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a randomized, double-blind trial of 122 patients.
Treated patients reported a significant reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, digestive urgency and better digestive comfort compared to placebo, as well as an improvement in their quality of life. In addition,B. bifidumhelps strengthen the intestinal barrier: studies indicate that itreduces intestinal permeability by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, thus protecting the digestive mucosa from inflammation.
This barrier effect may partly explain its clinical efficacy. Finally,B. bifidumappears to favorably modulate the local immune response – for example by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intestine – which accompanies the improvement of digestive symptoms observed in IBS patients.

Bifidobacterium infantis

The strainB. infantis 35624is well documented for digestive and immune support. Randomized clinical trials have shown that itsignificantly alleviates abdominal pain, bloating and other IBS symptomscompared to placebo. For example, in patients with IBS, the administration ofB. infantisresulted in improved symptom scores and anormalization of the cytokinar profile: the abnormal IL-10/IL-12 ratio (indicator of the anti/pro-inflammatory balance) in these patients returned to normal underB. infantis.
This suggests a significant immunomodulatory effect, reducing intestinal inflammation. In terms of the microbiota,B. infantishelps rebalance the intestinal flora, particularly in people whose microbiota is disturbed. Its implantation promotes the production of beneficial organic acids and the inhibition of pathogens, thus strengthening the intestinal ecosystem.
Overall, thesystematic reviewsconfirm the potential ofB. infantis(especially when incorporated into multi-strain formulas) to improve IBS symptoms without significant adverse effects.

Bifidobacterium longum

B. longumis considered a key species of the intestinal microbiota, with multiple demonstrated benefits.
On the digestive level, certain strains have shown positive effects in IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases.
For example, one clinical study reported that an 8-week treatment withB. longum35624 resulted in asignificant symptom relief in adults with IBS, compared to placebo.
B. longumalso contributes to theintestinal barrier protection: It has been observed to decrease intestinal permeability by stimulating the production of metabolites such as propionate, which strengthens tight junctions between cells and reduces local inflammation. In addition,B. longumcan favorably modulate the composition of the microbiota.
For example, the association ofB. longumBB536 withL. rhamnosusHN001 in humans significantly reduced the proportion of opportunistic bacteria while increasing beneficial bacteria in the gut. Finally,B. longumhas important immune properties: the strainB. longum BB536, tested in elderly people, significantly reduced the incidence of flu and fever compared to placebo, thanks to a stimulation of innate immunity (increased activity of NK cells and neutrophils). This ability to strengthen the body's defenses positionsB. longumas an ally for immunity, in addition to its digestive effects.

Lactobacillus plantarum

Several strains ofL. plantarumhave proven their effectiveness in soothing functional digestive disorders.
For example, the administration ofL. plantarum 299Vfor 4 weeks provided notable relief to IBS patients, withreduction of abdominal pain and bloatingin a large majority of patients (95% improvement with probiotic vs. 15% with placebo).
Likewise, the strainL. plantarum CCFM8610has been shown to be effective in a controlled clinical trial in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS: it hasreduced diarrhea and improved quality of life, while correcting the associated intestinal dysbiosis. In terms of the microbiota,L. plantarumin fact helps to rebalance the flora and tostrengthen the integrity of the mucosa.
Research, including in animals, shows thatL. plantarumcan increase the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, ZO-1), thereby improving the barrier function of the intestine. At the same time,L. plantarumexercises alocal anti-inflammatory effect: in an IBS model, strain CCFM8610 significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, IL-6) and other mediators of visceral hypersensitivity, while increasing the production of beneficial metabolites (e.g., conjugated linoleic acid) related to these effects.
In short,L. plantarumacts insynergyon several fronts – microbiota, barrier and immunity – to soothe digestive disorders.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Often used for a long time in fermented products,L. acidophilusis well documented for its beneficial effects on transit and immunity.
Clinical studies and reviews have shown thatL. acidophilus reduces the duration and severity of acute diarrhea, especially in children.
Through its action, episodes of gastroenteritis (for example rotavirus) are shortened and stools return to normal more quickly than with the placebo.
In parallel,L. acidophiluscontributes tomaintain homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota. It produces lactic acid and bacteriocins that inhibit pathogens (E. coli, Clostridium, etc.), promoting a healthy microbial environment. This strain has been shown to help preserve the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and prevent excessive colonization by unwanted germs, resulting in an overall improvement in functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Finally,L. acidophilus strengthens the immune system. It stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity: for example, its consumption is associated with an increase in IgA production and a better response to digestive infections. Studies have also noted an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines and a favorable modulation of the immune response (reduction of an excessive response to food antigens, improvement in certain allergies) underL. acidophilus. These multiple actions makeL. acidophilusa versatile probiotic for gut health and immunity.

Lactobacillus casei

L. caseiis known for its ability to survive in the digestive tract and exert notable probiotic effects there.
From a digestive point of view, it has demonstrated effectivenessin the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
For example, a controlled trial in hospitalized patients showed that daily consumption ofL. casei Shirota(≥6.5×10^9 CFU) during antibiotic therapy reduced the incidence of AAD to 17% versus 55% in the control group without probiotic (p<0.001).
This significant reduction in the risk of diarrhea under antibiotics is accompanied by a reduction in infectionsClostridioides difficilein some studies, makingL. caseian interesting adjuvant in the prevention of complications of antibiotic therapy.L. caseialso acts on theintestinal microbiota: its strains can modulate the composition of the flora by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and slowing that of pathogens. Thus, experiments show thatL. caseifavorably alters the colon microbiota andpromotes a healthy microbial balance.
On the immune level,L. caseiis particularly interesting for its effect on mucosal immunity. Studies (in animals as well asin vitro) indicate that itactivates innate defenses via the TLR/NF-κB pathway, leading to the activation of macrophages and dendritic cells. It thus stimulates the production of cytokines that direct the immune response.
Furthermore, the consumption ofL. caseihas been associated with increased NK cell activity and modulation of the balanceTh1/Th2in favor of a better antiviral response while avoiding excess inflammation. These immunomodulatory effects translate concretely into better resistance to infections: for example, the contribution ofL. caseiShirota has been correlated with a lower incidence of winter respiratory infections in certain risk groups.
In summary,L. caseicontributes to digestive health (particularly in the prevention of diarrhea) whilestrengthening the microbiota and intestinal immune defenses.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

The strainL. rhamnosus GG(LGG) is one of the most studied probiotics in the world, with a wide range of demonstrated benefits.
On the digestive level, LGG iseffective in treating and preventing acute diarrhea, especially in children. The most recent meta-analyses confirm that the administration ofL. rhamnosus GG significantly shortens the duration of diarrheaof approximately0.5 to 1 dayon average compared to no probiotic.
This effect, observed in at least 15 randomized trials involving more than 3000 children, is more marked when high doses (≥10^10 CFU/day) are used early in gastroenteritis.
In prevention, LGG has also been shown to be useful in reducing the incidence of pediatric nosocomial diarrhea and AAD, as noted by several hospital studies. Regarding theintestinal microbiota,L. rhamnosuscontributes torestore a healthy balanceof the flora, particularly after disturbances (antibiotics, infections). It produces antimicrobial substances and promotes the growth of beneficial commensal bacteria, thus helping to prevent dysbiosis.
In addition, LGGstrengthens the intestinal barrier: it has been shown to stimulate the regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. Indeed, LGG secretes a protein (p40) capable of activating EGF receptors on epithelial cells, whichpromotes the survival and growth of enterocytes while reducing their apoptosis, thus contributing to the integrity of the mucosa.
Finally,L. rhamnosushas major effects on theimmunitySchool trials have shown that taking LGG daily reduces the incidence and duration of upper respiratory infections in children.
For example, in a study of 281 daycare children, the group receiving LGG showed34% fewer ear infections and coldsthan the placebo group over 3 months (RR = 0.66) and significantly fewer days with respiratory symptoms. An increase in salivary IgA levels and a better influenza vaccine response were also observed in subjects consumingL. rhamnosus. LGG is therefore a key probiotic whichbalances the microbiota, strengthens the intestinal barrier and boosts immune defenses, which explains its effectiveness in reducing both digestive disorders and infections.

Lactococcus lactis

Although it is less famous than lactobacilli and bifidobacteria,L. lactisis a probiotic bacteria of growing interest, with emerging studies on its benefits.
On the digestive level,L. lactisis recognized forimprove digestion and nutrient absorption. For example, preclinical work has shown that addingL. lactis increases the activity of digestive enzymes(proteases, etc.), which results in better food breakdown and improved growth in the tested models.
These results suggest that it could help relieve certain digestive disorders linked to incomplete digestion or enzyme deficiencies.
Moreover,L. lactiscontributes tobalance the intestinal microbiotaby producing natural antimicrobial substances (lactic acid,bacteriocins) which inhibit pathogenic bacteria and unwanted yeasts. This action cleans the intestinal ecosystem and prevents dysbiosis.L. lactisis also traditionally used in fermented products not only for its technological qualities, but also because it limits the proliferation of harmful germs during fermentation (for example,L. lactissubspecies cremoris in certain milk preparations). On the immune side,L. lactisturns outable to stimulate the immunity of the intestinal mucosa. A study on an animal model has shown that the strainL. lactis PH3-05induces an increase in gene expressionmuc-2(involved in the production of protective mucin) and the geneIL-10(anti-inflammatory cytokine) in the intestine. This suggests a strengthening of the mucosal barrier and a local anti-inflammatory effect.
Moreover,L. lactishas shown his ability tomodulate immune responses: through its metabolites, it can promote a balanced, tolerogenic response, thus reducing excessive inflammation while maintaining immune vigilance against pathogens.
In summary, although human clinical studies onL. lactisare still limited, the available data indicate that ithas a positive effect on digestion, intestinal flora and immunity, which justifies its presence in the formulaMicrobiota Boostin addition to other strains.

Key scientific references

 Guglielmettiet al.(2011) –B. bifidumMIMBb75 in RCT SII: significant improvement in symptoms and quality of lifepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

 O'Mahonyet al.2005) –B. infantis35624 in IBS: reduction of symptoms associated with normalization of the IL-10/IL-12 ratio (anti-inflammatory profile)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govgastrojournal.org.

 Nambaet al.(2010) –B. longumBB536 in seniors: 68% drop in incidence
influenza and increased innate immune activity (NK, neutrophils)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

 Niedzielinet al.(2001) –L. plantarum299V double-blind IBS: 95% of patients improved vs. 15% placebo (pain and transit normalized)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

 Chenet al.(2021) –L. plantarumCCFM8610: anti-inflammatory effects (IL-1β, IL-6 and anti-dysbiosis in an IBS modelpubs.rsc.org.

 Nawazishet al.(2023) – ReviewL. acidophilus: reduction of childhood diarrhea and
immune modulation (↑ IgA, epithelial integrity)mdpi.commdpi.com.

 Muthuet al.(2014, BMJ) –L. caseiin DAA prevention: risk of post-antibiotic diarrhea greatly reduced with L. casei Shirotacambridge.org.

 Szajewskaet al.(2019) – Meta-analysisL. rhamnosusGG: acute pediatric diarrhea
shortened (~0.85 days on average)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

 Hojsaket al.(2010) –L. rhamnosusGG in daycare: significant reduction in upper respiratory infections in children (34% lower risk)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

 Sunet al.(2024) –L. lactisPH3-05 (preclinical study): ↑ enzymatic activity
digestive, ↑ expression ofmuc-2AndIL-10(better barrier and anti-inflammatory response)mdpi.commdpi.com.