Using a proprietary blend of probiotics, researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were reduced by the supplements, according to results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study published in the journal Nutrition Research. The research, in collaboration with scientists from Savoir-Faire & Cie and Proclaim, adds to the science behind Lallemand's Probio-Stick preparation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. "The results indicate that Probio-Stick can provide a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by individuals affected by chronic stress," wrote lead author Laurent Diop. According to background information in the article, stress plays a key role in the development of symptoms linked to disease, including physical, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms. Diop and co-workers recruited 75 volunteers aged between 18 and 60 and randomly assigned them to receive either the daily probiotic or a sensorially identical placebo for three weeks. At the end of this period, the researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were significantly reduced in the group receiving the probiotics, compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, no benefits were observed for other measures of stress, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, swallowing problems, rectal pain, cardiovascular, sleep problems, and the broader symptoms, such as social, psychological, or emotional problems. "The human microflora is a complex ecosystem that contributes to the equilibrium of different gastrointestinal functions," explained Diop. "The potential beneficial effects of probiotics are due to the modulation of intestinal flora, modification to the mucosa to prevent the adherence of pathogens, and modulation of the immune system." However, the researchers could not identify the key mechanism or mechanisms, and called for future studies to elucidate the precise modes of action. "This probiotic supplement could act on the residual intestinal microflora, the epithelial barrier, and the immune system to improve such stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms as abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting," they stated. "The consumption of probiotics can contribute to regulating gastrointestinal functions to restore the normal gastrointestinal equilibrium." The European food and beverage probiotics market is expected to more than double by 2013, according to Frost & Sullivan. The Strategic Analysis of the European Food and Beverage Probiotics Market, says the market is expected to rise from its 2006 position of $61.7m (€45.4m) to $163.5m (€120.3m) by 2013. Source: Nutrition Research (Elsevier) Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 1-5 "Probiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial" Authors: L. Diop, S. Guillou, H. Durand
