How the targeted combination of different bacterial cultures influences the effect of a preparation
Various factors play a role in the effectiveness of probiotics. In addition to the potency of a preparation, which is measured in colony-forming units (CFU), the specific composition is a decisive criterion.
The effect of probiotics is strain-specific, which means that each probiotic bacterium has its own function. Therefore, a combination of different strains can increase effectiveness.
The health-promoting effect not only benefits from the diversity of the composition, but also from synergy effects that occur between the individual cultures. Modern probiotic preparations use this multi-species concept to achieve increased effectiveness.
1. Successful colonization
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By different tribes with different characteristics.
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Creation of a probiotic niche - for example by creating an optimal pH value, creating an anaerobic environment and improved adhesion in the intestine.
2. Health-promoting effect
The probiotic effect is increased by the combination of different strain-specific properties:
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Additive effect - colonization of several probiotic niches.
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Synergetic effect - total probiotic effect is greater than the sum of the properties of individual strains.
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Positive interactions - increased activity due to symbiosis through exchange of nutrients.
Source:
Probiotic evolution: from a simple microorganism strain to a multi-species concept
H M Timmerman, LE M Niers, M O Hoekstra, G T Rijkers
Hippocrates Verlag in MVS Medizinverlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG
