So, what are probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that benefit the health of the consumer. They are often found in food items, such as tea and yogurt.
Yes, you read that correctly
In fact, there are many types of different, living bacteria that are used as probiotics, mainly strains of lactobacilli or bifidobacterium.
Lactobacillus Bifidobacterium
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Normally, people associate bacteria with harmful germs, but that is not always true. Lactobacilli can serve a very important role in digestion and metabolism.
Let's Break it Down
Lactobacilli have the ability to break down saccharides (glucose, sucrose, lactose) and various starches. Rather than showing off their moves, these bacteria prefer to decompose and digest the molecules mentioned above.
Just Getting Started
Even though the molecules are decomposed, hope is not lost. Lactobacilli can use their parts, specifically glucose, by converting them to lactic acid via a process called anaerobic respiration. The molecules are broken down but ultimately provide the spark needed to get the job done.
Anaerobic Respiration - Nature's Inhaler
Anaerobic respiration - the ability to create ATP when oxygen is absent in the cell - is actually quite simple. Glucose is broken down to two pyruvate molecules, which creates two ATP and two NADH byproducts in the process.
Fermentation
Fermentation is the next step, and where the lactobacilli come into play. The two pyruvate molecules from the last step (anaerobic respiration) are converted to 2 lactate molecules with the help of probiotics, like lactobacilli.
The hydrogens from the two NADH molecules are used in this process, leaving 2 NAD+ molecules as a by product.
This is a very important step - if oxygen still is not present, the NAD+ molecules can be used to repeat the process and create more energy.
Medical Applications: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactobacilli prevent harmful streptococcus bacteria from reproducing by clinging to the walls of the digestive tract and taking up space that the harmful bacteria would typically occupy.
If it is too late for prevention, lactobacilli are used to treat the condition as well. These bacteria can alleviate gas buildup and even reduce inflammation by promoting cytokine production.
Identity Theft is No Joke
If probiotic supplements are listed as dietary supplements, manufacturers are not required to list every probiotic included in the supplement. This means that you may not know the entirety of the supplement's composition, which is problematic in the case of a bad reaction or side effects.
The FDA Saves the Day
If the probiotic is listed as a treatment, or makes a claim to benefit the health of the consumer, then it is considered a drug and is subject to strict FDA regulation. The FDA takes a very close look at all probiotics that make a claim to benefit health to ensure that they are safe and capable of accomplishing what they say they can.
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