Probiotics

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are good bacteria which have benefits in our digestive system. They can be found in yoghurts but are present in higher doses in Probiotic supplements.

REASONS WHY PROBIOTICS MAY IMPROVE HEALTH IN PEOPLE WITH REFLUX

• Medications that alter the acidity of the gut may allow the overgrowth of bad bacteria. These include Ranitidine and Omeprazole. If this results in an upset stomach (wind, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea etc) then replenishing good bacteria may help.
• Antibiotics destroy all bacteria – not just the ones that were causing an infection. This can also lead to an increase in reflux symptoms as well as diarrhoea. Adding a probiotic may decrease side-effects and speed recovery.
• Thrush (an overgrowth of an organism called Candida albicans) may occur with antibiotics, diarrhoea or allergy. A probiotic should help this to clear more quickly along with an appropriate treatment.
• Gut motility issues are common in those with gastric reflux and may even be the cause of reflux. The stomach may not empty fast enough and so is full for longer allowing reflux to continue. This problem may be present throughout the gut and also present as constipation. Probiotics promote good motility.

OTHER ACTIONS

• Aid digestion
• Produce several vitamins
• Support immune function

Probiotic links:

• www.medscape.com/viewarticle/529406?src=mp (membership is required to review this).
• http://www.drrodneyford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158:probiotics-such-as-lactobacillus&catid=53:faqtreatment&Itemid=74
• www.probiotics.co.nz
• http://www.healthandherbs.co.nz/Health-Library/Digestion–Gastrointestinal-Health/A-Tale-of-a-Probiotic/default.aspx

PROBIOTICS AVAILABLE IN NEW ZEALAND

• Blackmores Acidophilus Bifidus http://www.blackmores.com.au/products/acidophilus-bifidus “A minimum of 1 billion organisms made up of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis” per capsule. Suitable for 2 year olds to adults. Children under 2 years, Only as professionally prescribed. Refrigerate after opening.
  Other ingredients: Hard gelatin capsule containing an off-white powder
  90 capsules for $32.00 (plus $4.95 p&p) on www.pharmacydirect.co.nz January 2009.
  Should be available around New Zealand in Health Stores, Pharmacies or Supermarkets. Use the link above to find a store near you.

• Clinicians MultiFlora – http://www.clinicians.co.nz/index.cfm/PageID/101/ProductID/1154/ViewProduct/MultiFlora< >New improved formula. Now contains two of the most studied and scientifically researched probiotics in the world (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12).Doesn’t require refrigeration. You don’t need to keep it in the fridge because the specialised manufacturing and the new blister pack format allows the probiotics to be stable in room temperature environments.Survives stomach and bile acids. The probiotics can safely reach the small intestine and bowel where they are most effective.Vegetable capsules. The specialised capsule enhances stability of the probiotics and is also suitable for vegetarians.Ideal for infants, children and adults. Special new strains are suited to all age groups.

• Inner Health for Kids -http://www.ethicalnutrients.com.au/content/products/inner-health-kids “Each 1.7 g (1/3 metric teaspoon) dose contains: 6 billion Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG) organisms (LGG®) 3.75 billion Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM) organisms 3.75 billion Bifidobacterium lactis (Bi-07) organisms.
  Other ingredients: Glutamine, Zinc Sulfate monohydrate. Free from wheat, gluten, cereals, milk, eggs, starches, yeast and salt. Dairy free, Gluten free! Probiotic powder suitable for 3 month olds to 12 years. Requires refrigeration.
  $29.99 $26.50 (plus $4.95 p&p) www.pharmacydirect.co.nz January 2009. Available from Health Stores.

• Kyo-Dophilus – http://www.kyolic.com/product/product/probiotics/capsules/kyo-dophilus-capsules/ Contains 1.5 billion Live Cells (L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and B. longum) per capsule. 1/2 capsule twice daily for under four year olds. Contains a powder similar to the Primadophilus and can be sprinkled on food or mixed into drinks. Does not require refrigeration.
  Other ingredients: Gelatin, Potato Starch, Silica.
  Free of: Preservatives, Sugar, Sodium, Milk, Yeast, Gluten, Artificial Colours or Flavours.
  www.healthpost.co.nz $19.50 for 45 capsules and $36 for 45×2 (plus $3 p&p) January 2009. (Limited stock)
  www.pharmacydirect.co.nz $25.95 (plus $4.95 p&p) for 45 capsules and $38.95 for 90 January 2009.
  Available in Pharmacies and Health Food Stores.

• Lactobac® Powder – http://www.nutritioncare.com.au/ Probiotic by Nutrition Care recommended as maybe more appropriate for children than Polybac 8. ” A high potency blend of dairy free Lactobacillus rhamanosus and Bifidobacteria powder containing no less than 5 billion organisms per gram. ” I’m not sure where this is available.

• Metagenics Flora Care for Kids – Metagenics Flora Care for Kids contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®), Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07.
  Requires refrigeration.
  I’m think this is only available through practitioners and don’t know the cost, dosage or which age group it is suitable for. I have emailed to ask if it is dairy and gluten free August 2009.

• Nature’s Way Primadophilus® Children, Powder – http://www.naturesway.com/Products/Probiotics/6881-Primadophilus-Children.aspx Nature’s Way Primadophilus® for children contains 3 billion microorganisms per teaspoon (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, NutraFlora® scFOS (short-chain frutooligosaccharides), Rice maltodextrin, Silica, Vitamin C). May contain a minimal residual amount of dairy or soy protein.
  Suitable for children of all ages. Dissolves in food or drink. Requires refrigeration.
  Dosage is 1 teaspoon per day. www.healthpost.co.nz $36.50 (plus $3 p&p) at time of Listing.
  Available from pharmacies and health stores.

• Nature’s Way Primadophilus® Junior -http://www.naturesway.com/Products/Probiotics/6870-Primadophilus-Junior.aspx Contains 3 billion CFUs. Ingredients: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Potato Starch, Plant derived capsule, Aqueous enteric-coating, Magnesium stearate, Ascorbic acid. May contain a minimal residual amount of dairy or soy protein.
  Suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years. Requires refrigeration.
  Dosage is one capsule daily. www.pharmacydirect.co.nz $36.95 for 90 January 2009.
  Available in pharmacies and health stores.

• Nature’s Way Primadophilus® Kids Orange, 30 Chewable Tablets – Contains 3 billion CFUs. Ingredients: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifodobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Sorbitol, Cellulose, Rice maltodextrin, Citric acid, Magnesium stearate, Turmeric, Natural orange flavour, Vanilla flavour, Ascorbic acid. May contain a minimal residual amount of dairy or soy protein.
  Suitable for children aged 2 to 12. Requires refrigeration.
  Dosage is one tablet daily. www.healthpost.co.nz $21.50 (plus $3 p&p) at time of LIsting. Should be available in health stores and pharmacies.

• Nature’s Way Primadophilus Reuteri Powder – Ingredients per 5ml: 50mg Proprietary Blend of Bacterial cultures – Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus Reuteri & Lactobacillus acidophilus (providing 3 billion CFU), NutraFlora scFOS 1.8g, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 4mg. Other ingredients: potato starch, silica. May contain a minimal residual amount of dairy or soy protein.
  Dosage: Children under 2 years of age, give 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) daily between meals. Children 2 years of age and older give 1 teaspoon (3 grams) daily between meals. www.pharmacydirect.co.nz $33.95 (plus $4.95 p&p) January 2009. Should be available in health stores.

• Polybac 8™ Powder – http://www.nutritioncare.com.au/index.php/products don’t have a lot of details on this probiotic or where it is available other than to patients of Dr Rodney Ford. Ingredients: probiotic microorganisms, microcrystalline cellulose, vitamin C. hypoallergenic

This may not be a complete list of the probiotic supplements available. If you have found others that have been beneficial, please let me know. Yoghurts also contain some probiotics but often are not potent enough to have the required effect. I have also added all of these probiotics to: http://glutenawareness.org.nz/directory/ Use the search function with the keyword probiotic to get a complete list to read others reviews and ratings. If you have used a probiotic please login using your Crying Over Spilt Milk username and password, and give it a rating. This will help take the guesswork out of probiotics for others.

References:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/l/Loseccap.pdf

Written by Roslyn (Roz) Ballantyne (RN), Regional Coordinator for © Crying Over Spilt Milk Gastric Reflux Support Network New Zealand for Parents of Infants and Children Charitable Trust May 2007. Updated October 2008.

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