But what lies behind this little-known term?

Far from being a mere trend, they respond to real scientific and industrial challenges, while opening up new perspectives for health.

What is a postbiotic?

The scientific definition from ISAPP

According to ISAPP, postbiotics are:

“preparations based on inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host”

(Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2021).

What exactly does this definition mean?

Postbiotics are “deactivated” bacteria (killed by heat, pressure, or other processes), and/or their cellular components, and/or their metabolites that have health-promoting properties.

Composition: what are postbiotics made of?

Postbiotics are complex preparations whose composition depends on the bacterial strains and processes used. There are generally three main categories of components:

1. Inactivated intact bacterial cells (killed by heat, pressure, or other physical or chemical processes)

2. Bacterial cell fragments (cell walls, membranes, intracellular components)

3. Metabolites: substances produced by bacteria during their growth (short-chain fatty acids, peptides, enzymes, vitamins, exopolysaccharides, etc.)

Important: To be considered postbiotic, the product must contain microbial cell components, not just purified metabolites alone.

How are postbiotics produced?

1. Fermentation

Bacterial strains are cultured under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, oxygen, and medium composition.

This step allows the production of metabolites of interest.

2. Controlled inactivation

Inactivation aims to render the bacteria inanimate while preserving their structure and components.

Various methods are possible:

• Heat treatment
• Pressure
• Irradiation
• Chemical treatment

3. Quality control

Each batch of postbiotics must be rigorously characterized:

• Identification of the strain
• Verification of the absence (or negligible amount) of viable bacteria
• Quantification of active components

Postbiotics and probiotics: what are the fundamental differences?

The main distinction seems obvious—living versus non-living—but the implications are numerous and nuanced.

Biological differences

Probiotics: These are living microorganisms that must survive passage through the stomach, temporarily colonize the intestine, and exert their effects through their metabolic activity and interaction with the existing microbiota.

Postbiotics: They do not need to be alive to be effective. Their effect comes from their molecular structure or from bioactive compounds that are already formed. They act more like biochemical messengers or modulators of the immune system.

Practical differences

Important:

• The effects of a live probiotic cannot automatically be attributed to its inactivated version
• Each postbiotic requires its own studies

What does scientific research say?

A field still in its infancy

It is important to note that research on postbiotics is still in its early stages. While some studies are promising, the level of evidence remains, for now, well below that of probiotics.

Mechanisms of action of postbiotics

Current scientific hypotheses suggest that postbiotics may act through several mechanisms:

Action on existing microbiota

Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate) nourish intestinal cells and influence other bacteria.

Strengthening of the intestinal barrier

• Some components promote mucus production.
• Others may strengthen the junctions between intestinal cells and reduce permeability.

Modulation of the immune system

• Certain fragments of bacterial walls stimulate specific receptors (such as Toll-like receptors) present on immune cells
• This stimulation positively modulates the inflammatory response.

Systemic effects

• Some are capable of producing neurotransmitters that influence stress and cognition.
• Other compounds may have anti-inflammatory effects beyond the intestine.

However, these mechanisms are still largely under study and vary considerably depending on the type of postbiotic considered.

Applications explored in research

Current areas of investigation include:

Digestive health

• Functional bowel disorders
• Support after antibiotic therapy
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (with preliminary results, but not yet conclusive)

Immunity

• Modulation of the immune response
• Prevention of respiratory infections (data still limited)

Gut-brain axis

• Stress, anxiety
• Sleep quality
• Cognitive function

Other avenues

• Metabolic health
• Skin health
• Athletic performance

Although most of these applications are in the exploratory research stage, there are clinical studies indicating the effect of postbiotics on human health.

Postbiotics: the future of biotics?

Postbiotics are not simply a variant of probiotics: they constitute a category in their own right, with their own mechanisms of action.

Their strength? They combine clinically proven efficacy with considerable technological advantages. These characteristics make them the ingredients of choice for developing high-performance dietary supplements that are less sensitive to industrialization constraints.

Rather than replacing probiotics, postbiotics expand the possibilities for action on the microbiota and health. Intensified academic and industrial research is gradually paving the way for exploiting their full potential across multiple indications.

One thing is certain: postbiotics are only beginning to reveal their full potential.

Integrate postbiotics into your future innovations

Are you developing innovative dietary supplements?

Postbiotics represent a major opportunity to differentiate yourself in the dietary supplement market. But their development requires specialized expertise.

Let’s talk about your project: contact@exden.fr

References

(1) Salminen, S., Collado, M. C., Endo, A., Hill, C., Lebeer, S., Quigley, E. M. M., Sanders, M. E., Shamir, R., Swann, J. R., Szajewska, H., & Vinderola, G. (2021). The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 18(9), 649–667. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-021-00440-6

(2) Singh, R. G., Garcia-Campayo, V., Green, J. B., Paton, N., Saunders, J. D., Al-Wahsh, H., Crowley, D. C., Lewis, E. D., Evans, M., & Moulin, M. (2024). Efficacy of a yeast postbiotic on cold/flu symptoms in healthy children: A randomized-controlled trial. Pediatric Research, 96(7), 1739–1748. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-024-03331-z

(3) Kim, J., Lee, Y. I., Mun, S., Jeong, J., Lee, D.-G., Kim, M., Jo, H., Lee, S., Han, K., & Lee, J. H. (2023). Efficacy and Safety of Epidermidibacterium Keratini EPI-7 Derived Postbiotics in Skin Aging: A Prospective Clinical Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(5), 4634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054634

(4) Cheng, Y., Lee, C., Lee, M., Hsu, H., Lin, J., Huang, C., & Watanabe, K. (2023). Effects of heat‐killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 on exercise performance, fatigue, and muscle growth in healthy male adults. Physiological Reports, 11(19), e15835. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.15835

L’article Postbiotics: Definition, Benefits, and Differences from Probiotics [2025] est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Article written for Actif’s Mag, Digestive Health special issue #2, published in 2024.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is characterised by recurrent abdominal pain associated with intestinal transit disorders, without any physical or chemical abnormality being detected.

Four subtypes have been identified based on stool experience:

• IBS-D = with diarrhoea
• IBS-C = with constipation
• IBS-M = mixed (alternating diarrhoea and constipation)
• IBS-U = undefined (normal stools)

Its worldwide prevalence is estimated at 15%, with a higher incidence in women and young adults (1). Although IBS does not lead to serious long-term complications, it significantly affects quality of life and incurs substantial medical costs.

The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS are complex and multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, abnormal interactions between the gut microbiota, the enteric and central nervous systems, and immune alterations.

Probiotics, defined as live micro-organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, have attracted interest thanks to their ability to modulate this complex relationship.

Intestinal microbiota & IBS: a close relationship

The intestinal microbiota, made up of billions of micro-organisms residing mainly in the colon, plays a fundamental role in health. It is involved in several key functions such as nutrient metabolism, modulation of the immune system and protection against pathogens.

Inflammation & intestinal hyperpermeability: linked to dysbiosis

Disturbances in this microbial population, known as dysbiosis, have been observed in IBS patients. For example, researchers have noted a decrease in microbial diversity, with a reduction in the Bifidobacterium, and an excess of certain pro-inflammatory species belonging to the Proteobacteria (2). These changes have been associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and aberrant modulation of the immune response, two features frequently observed in patients with IBS.

Indeed, IBS sufferers have low-grade inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, although this is less marked than in chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Several mechanisms have been implicated, including disruption of the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, which is essential for epithelial health, and chronic activation of immune cells in the mucosa (3).

Another consequence of dysbiosis in IBS is increased intestinal permeability. This phenomenon, also known as ‘leaky gut’ syndrome, occurs when the tight junctions between the intestinal epithelial cells become distended: the intestinal mucosa no longer fulfils its role as a filter as effectively as it used to, and therefore acts as a protective barrier. This allows toxins, antigens, micro-organisms and other undesirable substances to cross the intestinal barrier and circulate freely in the body via the bloodstream. The result is a disproportionate immune and inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa (4).

The brain-gut axis implicated

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, influenced by the gut microbiota. This interaction involves immune, endocrine and nervous pathways (5).

In IBS, this communication is disrupted, which exacerbates the neurovisceral symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain and intestinal motility disorders. In particular, modulation of the production of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin (around 90% of which is produced in the intestine) and GABA is involved (6).

How do probiotics work for IBS?

Probiotics, mainly lactic acid bacteria and yeast, act through several mechanisms to restore the balance of the microbiota and reduce the symptoms of IBS.

Homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota

Probiotics directly influence the composition of the microbiota by encouraging an increase in beneficial bacteria, while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms.

For example, administration of the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can increase microbial diversity, which is reduced in patients with IBS. This restoration of microbial balance could improve the function of the intestinal barrier and reduce local inflammation (7).

Immunomodulation

Probiotics exert immunomodulatory effects by regulating interactions between the microbiota and the host’s immune cells. For example, they intervene in the production of mediators involved in inflammation, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. These effects help to reduce the low-grade inflammation seen in IBS (8).

Reinforcement of the intestinal barrier

Some probiotics improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier by modulating the expression of tight junction proteins such as zonulin and occludin, reducing the intestinal permeability associated with IBS (4).

Improvement of the intestinal motility

Disorders of intestinal motility are common in IBS, whether they manifest as diarrhoea, constipation, or an alternation of the two. Some probiotics influence intestinal motility by producing metabolites such as SCFAs, which act on smooth muscle cells and enteric neurons (9). They can reduce diarrhoea by regulating the absorption of water and sodium into the colon or improve constipation (7).

Effects on the brain-gut axis

Several studies have highlighted the psychotropic effects of probiotics, which can regulate the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, thereby influencing the gut-brain axis. For example, some probiotics have been shown to have anxiolytic effects in IBS patients, which may alleviate the visceral hyperalgesia associated with the condition (10).

What is the clinical evidence?

Some meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials have concluded that probiotics improve the overall symptoms of IBS, and thus the quality of life of sufferers. They reduce abdominal pain and distension, as well as the production of intestinal gas and bloating. They also help to normalise intestinal transit by improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements (11).

Combination strains are generally more effective than single strains, due to their ability to target different aspects of the pathophysiology of IBS.

Research has shown that Bifidobacterium infantis reduces abdominal pain and bloating and regulates bowel movements in IBS sufferers. In a clinical study published in 2023, Bifidobacterium infantis significantly improved IBS symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment (12).

Other clinical trials indicate that supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum provides relief for patients suffering from IBS, not only by acting on symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea and constipation, but also by improving their mental well-being and quality of life (13).

In a randomised controlled trial in 2020, Saccharomyces boulardii yeast showed benefits in the management of IBS, particularly in improving stool consistency in cases of IBS-D, but also IBS-C and IBS-M. It also reduces abdominal pain (14).

Probiotics offer a promising alternative approach to the management of irritable bowel syndrome due to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier and regulate the immune and neurovisceral response. The results of the clinical trials are encouraging, although further research is needed to identify the optimal doses, and the patient subgroups most likely to benefit from this approach. Future studies should also focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and the specific interactions of probiotics with the gut-brain axis.

LC

References

Picture: Freepik

(1) ZHANG et al. Global research trends in irritable bowel syndrome: a bibliometric and visualized study. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022, 9:92206

(2) PITTAYANON et al. Gut microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome-a systematic review. Gastroenterology. 2019, 157(1):97-108

(3) NAPOLITANO et al. Gut dysbiosis in irritable bowel syndrome: a narrative review on correlation with disease subtypes and novel therapeutic implications. Microorganisms. 2023, 11(10):2369

(4) HANNING et al. Intestinal barrier dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2021, 14:17561756284821993586

(5) CRYAN et al. The microbiota-gut-brain axis. Physiol Rev. 2019, 99(4) :1877-2013

(6) GROS et al. Neurotransmitter dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome: emerging approaches for management. J Clin Med. 2021, 10(15):3429

(7) KUMAR et al. Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: a review of their therapeutic role. Cureus. 2022, 14(4):e24240

(8) VIRK et al. The anti-inflammatory and curative exponent of probiotics: a comprehensive and authentic ingredient for the sustained functioning of major human organs. Nutrients, 2024, 16(4):546

(9) JIANG et al. The role of short chain fatty acids in irritable bowel syndrome. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022, 28(4):540-8

(10) MARGINEAN et al. Gut–brain axis, microbiota and probiotics—current knowledge on their role in irritable bowel syndrome: a review. Gastrointestinal Disorders. 2023, 5(4):517-35

(11) YANG et al. Efficacy and safety of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024, 60:362-72

(12) LENOIR et al. An 8-week course of Bifidobacterium longum 35624® is associated with a reduction in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics Antimicrob Prot. 2023

(13) KRAMMER et al. Treatment of IBS with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v: Therapeutic success increases with length of treatment – real-life data of a non-interventional study in Germany. Z Gastroenterol. 2021, 59(2):125-34

(14) GAYATHRI et al. Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as an add-on therapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Colorectal Dis. 202. 35(1):139-45

L’article Irritable bowel: How probiotics can help est apparu en premier sur Exden.

A natural phenomenon occurring around the age of 50, the menopause can have an impact on women’s quality of life. Many symptoms appear during this period and certain microbiota can be affected.

What is menopause?

Generally occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, the menopause corresponds to the cessation of ovulation and hormonal secretions (estrogen and progesterone), accompanied by the disappearance of menstruation. The menopause is truly established when menstruation has been absent for 12 consecutive months).

Today, 500 000 women enter the menopause every year. This affects a total of 14 million women in France.

The menopausal transition takes place in three phases:

• Perimenopause or pre-menopause: period during which the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and the first symptoms appear;
• Menopause: corresponds to the total absence of menstruation;
• Post-menopause: period beginning one year after the last period, during which the body adjusts to the new hormonal balance and problems diminish.

Some women reach menopause around the age of 40: this is known as early menopause. It can be spontaneous, i.e. of genetic origin, or the result of a particular health condition.

During this period, hormonal changes lead to significant psychological and physical symptoms:

• Hot flushes,
• Sleep disturbances,
• Night sweats,
• Fatigue,
• Irritability,
• Vaginal dryness,
• Loss of libido,
• Urinary and vaginal infections,
• …

They can also increase the risk of certain illnesses such as osteoporosis, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, oral and dental problems.

Does the menopause affect intimate comfort?

Before the menopause, over 90% of the vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacilli. These protective bacteria maintain an acid vaginal pH through the production of lactic acid and form a biofilm on the vaginal mucosa, preventing the growth and proliferation of germs that can cause vaginal infections.

During the menopause, the sudden drop in estrogen levels causes the mucosa to dry out and the vaginal microbiota to diversify. Lactobacilli become less abundant (10 to 100 times less than during childbearing). The vaginal pH is less acidic, allowing pathogenic micro-organisms to proliferate.

This dysbiosis can be the cause of vaginal infections such as:

• Bacterial vaginosis: caused by the proliferation of Gardnerella vaginalis, a pathogenic bacterium.
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis: caused by a fungus, Candida albicans.

After the menopause, women frequently develop urinary tract infections. Clinical evidence suggests that low estrogen levels lead to increase in residual urine volume and a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota. These are two risk factors for urinary tract infections.

To combat intimate discomfort, studies have shown that oral supplementation with probiotics can rebalance the vaginal flora by increasing the Lactobacilli population and reducing the incidence of vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Are other microbiota affected?

The vaginal microbiota is not the only one to be affected by the drop in hormones associated with the menopause. The reduction in estrogen also influences the intestinal microbiome:

• Impairment of the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, allowing toxic substances and pathogenic bacteria to pass into the bloodstream and cause inflammation.
• Decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): these molecules have a protective anti-inflammatory action and regulate energy metabolism.

The oral microbiota is also affected by the menopause. Many women complain of dry mouth at this time of life. The drop in hormones causes reduction in saliva and could alter the oral microbiota. This dysbiosis is thought to be at the root of inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

During the menopause a woman’s physiological balance is upset. Numerous problems can arise, diminishing their quality of life. A balanced diet, regular exercise and the use of biotic-based food supplements (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and symbiotics) can help maintain and rebalance their microbiota.

PP

References

Picture: Freepik

MITCHELL CM, MA N, MITCHELL AJ, WU MC, VALINT DJ, PROLL S, REED SD, GUTHRIE K, LACROIX AZ, LARSON JC, PEPIN R, RAFTERY D, FREDERICKS DN, SRINIVASAN S. Association between postmenopausal vulvovaginal discomfort, vaginal microbiota, and mucosal inflammation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021, 225(2):159

MITCHELL CM, SRINIVASAN S, PLANTINGA A, WU MC, REED SD, GUTHRIE KA, LACROIX AZ, FIDDLER T, MUNCH M, LIU C, HOFFMAN NG, BLAIR IA, NEWTON K, FREEMAN EW, JOFFE H, COHEN L, FREDRICKS DN. Associations between improvement in genitourinary symptoms of menopause and changes in the vaginal ecosystem. Menopause. 2018, 25(5):500-7

HULTEEN RM, MARLATT KL, ALLERTON TD, LOVRE D. Detrimental Changes in health during menopause: the role of physical activity. Int J Sports Med. 2023, 44(6):389-96

VIEIRA AT, CASTEL PM, RIBEIRO DA, FERREIRA CM. Influence of oral and gut microbiota in the health of menopausal women. Front Microbiol. 2017, 8:1884

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L’article Menopause: what changes in microbiota? est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Physical activity is associated with a host of muscular, cardiovascular and bone-related benefits, and it would appear that it is also beneficial for intestinal health. Conversely, the intestinal microbiota seems to improve physical performance. 

Impact of microbiota on sports performance

What if certain intestinal bacteria helped to improve sporting performance?

Researchers have discovered a bacterium, Veillonella atypica, that is capable of boosting sports performance. It is found in large quantities in the faecal samples of marathon runners.

When athletes’ muscles have used up all their glycogen reserves, they ferment to produce energy, producing a waste product called lactate. This molecule is produced during anaerobic respiration and is at the root of the pain caused by stiffness after intense exercise.

According to the scientists, Veillonella is responsible for metabolising lactate. It uses it to generate energy, transforming lactate into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are used by the muscles as a source of energy.

An experiment showed that when mice were given a Veillonella-based probiotic, they ran 13% longer.

When the intestinal microbiota is balanced, certain bacteria present enable :

• The transport of liquids and solutes across the intestinal barrier and therefore the maintenance of hydration, essential during physical effort;
• Ferment fibres, transforming them into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which serve as an emergency fuel for the muscles during exercise. In addition, SCFAs reduce the inflammation caused by intense physical effort;
• The production of molecules that stimulate the release of dopamine (the pleasure and motivation hormone) during physical activity.

An unbalanced microbiota contributes to overall inflammation in the body, which affects muscle recovery capacity.

Therefore it is advisable to take care of your intestinal flora in order to improve your physical performance. In fact, one study revealed that four weeks‘ probiotic supplementation delayed athletes’ fatigue time by an average of 16% in a treadmill test.

Impact of physical activity on intestinal microbiota

Conversely, physical activity has a positive impact on intestinal health:

• Increased diversity of beneficial bacteria in the microbiota;
• Strengthening of the mucous membrane lining the walls of the digestive tract;
• Improved gastrointestinal motility (contractions of the muscles in the digestive tract needed to move food through it);
• Improved intestinal transit;
• Increased synthesis of molecules that modulate immunity (AGCC).

2h30 of physical activity a week is enough to obtain intestinal benefits. In fact, the improvement in the diversity and richness of the microbiota is linked more to the number of hours devoted to physical activity than to the intensity of that activity.

It would even appear that moderate physical activity is effective in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The intestinal microbiota of athletes is more diverse. In particular, it is richer in beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli and Akkermansia) and produces more short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

However, 90% of athletes taking part in ultra-endurance events suffer from digestive problems. This is because their bodies organise themselves to supply the muscles with the oxygen they need via the bloodstream, to the detriment of the digestive system. In addition, the sympathetic nervous system, involved in accelerating the heart rate, affects intestinal transit. This dual mechanism explains the pain, nausea and diarrhoea experienced.

Nevertheless, even if these discomforts are short-lived, they may cause an alteration in the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. The more intense the physical activity, the more rapid and profound the dysbiosis, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Numerous bacterial toxins and/or pro-inflammatory molecules could then penetrate the body and have an impact on the athlete’s overall health.

In conclusion, sport has a positive impact on both the quantity and quality of the microbiota. However, you don’t need to engage in overly intense physical activity to reap the benefits – 2h30 a week is enough. On the contrary, at too high an intensity, sport can have a deleterious effect on intestinal health.

PP

Références

Picture: Freepik

BONOMINI-GNUTZMANN R, PLAZA-DIAZ J, JORQUERA-AGUILERA C, RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ A, RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ F. Effect of intensity and duration of exercise on gut microbiota in humans: a systematic review. Int J Environ Public Health. 2022, 19(15):9518

CLARKE SF, MURPHY EF, O’SULLIVAN O, LUCEY AJ, HUMPHREYS M, HOGAN A, HAYES P, O’REILLY M, JEFFERY IB, WOOD-MARTIN R, KERINS DM, QUIGLEY E, ROSS RP, O’TOOLE P, MOLLOY MG, FALVEY E, SHANAHAN F, COTTER PD. Exercise and associated dietary extremes impact on gut microbial diversity. Gut. 2014, 63(12):1

MACH N, FUSTER-BOTELLA D. Endurance exercise and gut microbiota: A review. J Sport Health Sci. 2017, 6(2):179-97

O’BRIEN MT, O’SULLIVAN O, CLAESSON MJ, COTTER PD. The athlete gut microbiome and its relevance to health and performance: a review. Sports Med. 2022, 52(Suppl 1):119-28

RIBEIRO FM, PETRIZ B, MARQUES G, KAMILLA LH, FRANCO OL. Is there an exercise-intensity threshold capable of avoiding the leaky gut? Front Nutr. 2021, 8:627289

ROUSSEAU AS. Nutrition, santé et performance du sportif d’endurance. Cahiers Nutr Diet. 2022, 57(1) :78-94

SCHEIMAN J, LUBER JM, CHAVKIN TA, MACDONALD T, TUNG A, PHAM LD, WIBOWO MC, WORTH RC, PUNTHAMBAKER S, TIERNEY BT, YANG Z, HATTAB MW, AVILA-PACHECO J, CLASH CB, LESSARD S, CHURCH GM, KOSTIC AD. Meta-omics analysis of elite athletes identifies a performance-enhancing microbe that functions via lactate metabolism. Nat Med. 2019, 25(7):1104-9

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L’article Physical activity and microbiota: a two-way relationship? est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Your CDMO (Contract Development Manufacturer Organisation) expert in biotics recently obtained ISO 22000 certification for its facilities dedicated and adapted to the production of high-quality nutraceuticals with probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and symbiotics.

This certification attests to :

• The relevance of the quality system deployed;
• The identification and control of food safety hazards;
• Compliance with good manufacturing practice;
• The production of safe finished products.

Following the implementation and achievement of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), Exden has implemented a strict voluntary quality approach since January 2023, to demonstrate its ability to control the food safety management system.

Thanks to the investment of the Quality department and the participation of the team, we are proud to announce that we will obtain ISO 22000:2018 certification in May 2024.

Exden Founder and CEO Rodolphe Merlet on achieving ISO 22000:

“Why the site and ISO 22000:

Our declared expertise in the production of probiotic-based food supplements naturally led us to invest in a production unit dedicated solely to dry forms with probiotics.

Handling freeze-dried micro-organisms requires specific equipment, environment and personnel.

Since we started up, we have continued to offer our customers a full service, but with improved quality, greater responsiveness and a more stable business model.

With investment in a second capsuleer in 2023 and a new machine this year, we plan to triple our production capacity by 2025. 

To quote Talleyrand, “If it goes without saying, it will go even better if you say it”, we commit to our customers not just an obligation of means, but also an obligation of results.

The quality of our services is not an option, which is why we have decided to formalise our quality management system in accordance with the ISO 22000 standard.

A real team project, it was our quality department that led us to obtain the certificate in less than 18 months!”

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L’article ISO 22000: EXDEN obtains certification est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Could balance microbiota be the secret to healthy ageing?

What changes are observed as the intestinal microbiota ages?

The intestine is one of the organs most seriously affected by ageing.

Various aspects of ageing affect the intestinal microbiome:

• Decreased appetite;
• Decreased production of gastric acid;
• Reduced production of digestive enzymes;
• Reduced intestinal barrier function;
• Increased intake of medication, particularly antibiotics.

These phenomena influence the state of the microbiota and are associated with increased fragility, increased inflammation and a higher potential for intestinal disorders (constipation, bloating, etc.).

Protective bacteria such as Bifidobacteria generally decline in the intestine with age. Bifidobacteria account for just 5% of the microbiota of the elderly (compared with 90% in newborn babies).

Yet these lactic acid bacteria are beneficial for the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

As a result, potentially harmful microorganisms such as Escherichia, Legionella and Salmonella can proliferate. They can cause gastrointestinal problems (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, etc.), often accompanied by fever.

In addition, the quantity of the commensal intestinal bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila decreases as we approach 80 years of age. Yet it is essential for maintaining good health. It supports immunity, the integrity of the intestinal barrier and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

What are the consequences of these changes?

Broadly speaking, the main features of ageing are immunosenescence, defined as the decline in the innate and adaptive immune system, and an imbalance in the pro/anti-inflammatory balance, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation known as inflammaging.

Immunosenescence, inflammaging and changes in the intestinal microbiota promote the body’s fragility and are associated with certain pathological conditions:

• Cognitive decline,
• Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s),
• Type 2 diabetes,
• Metabolic disorders,
• Cardiovascular diseases,
• cancer, etc.

Are other microbiota also affected by ageing?

Vaginal microbiota

At the menopause, with the drop in female hormones, the composition of the vaginal microbiota, mainly dominated by Lactobacilli (around 90%), undergoes major changes. A decrease in Lactobacilli is observed (10 to 100 times less), leading to a change in vaginal pH. The vaginal microbiota changes from a protective acidity to a basicity that encourages colonisation by pathogens and increases susceptibility to infections (such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, etc.).

Urinary microbiota

In adult women, the urinary commensal flora is also predominantly composed of Lactobacilli (50%). To a lesser extent, it is also home to Bifidobacteria (12%) and Escherichia coli (2%). Escherichia coli can become pathogenic if it proliferates to the detriment of beneficial bacteria. Scientists have observed a decrease in Lactobacilli with age and, as a result, a greater frequency of urinary tract problems such as:

• Incontinence;
• An overactive bladder;
• Urinary tract infections (such as cystitis).

Men may also experience changes to their urinary microbiota during their lives.

Dysbiosis of the microbiota in urine and prostate secretions could lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is an increase in the size of the gland caused by a proliferation of prostate cells. This condition is non-cancerous. However, this dysbiosis could also promote its development or even its progression to cancer.

Respiratory microbiota

Similarly, the respiratory microbiota changes with age, again in the direction of reduced diversity, making the elderly more prone to respiratory infections such as influenza or the common cold. One of the main reasons for this is immunosenescence. This leads to long-term fragility of the respiratory and immune systems.

Skin microbiota

Finally, as we age, the diversity of the skin’s microbiota decreases as the pH of the skin increases. This change in the skin leads to:

• Healing problems;
• Skin fragility;
• Skin dryness.

What can be done to combat ageing of the microbiota and its consequences?

Studies have shown that following a traditional Mediterranean diet over the long term causes a healthy and stable change in the intestinal microbiota, increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms in older people.

Consumption of probiotics and prebiotics can also have a positive effect on intestinal ecology, which :

• Helps maintain a healthy intestinal barrier,
• Improves immune responses,
• Increases muciniphila levels,
• Reduces chronic inflammation (inflammaging), which is common in the elderly.

Supplementation with Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria may be recommended to rebalance and maintain microbial ecosystems.

Taking care of all your microbiota can be essential for healthy ageing. Prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic solutions exist to support you and improve your well-being.

References

Image : Freepik

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L’article Ageing: Are microbiota affected? What effects? est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Around 3 million people in France are thought to be affected by infertility, 30% of whom are men. Worldwide, it affects one couple in six. A recent study suspects that sperm microbiota is a cause of male infertility.

Male infertility: definition, causes and key figures  

‘Infertility is a disorder of the male or female reproductive system defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse’ (WHO*).

It is now estimated that 30% of infertility cases are male.

Male infertility can be caused by several factors, including:

• Obstruction of the reproductive tract causing malfunction of seminal fluid excretion;
• Hormonal disorders, particularly of testosterone, which regulates sperm production;
• Inability of the testicles to produce spermatozoa, particularly because of certain drugs that alter sperm-producing cells;
• Abnormal sperm function and quality (morphology, motility, etc.).

However, in a third of cases of male infertility, the causes remain unexplained.

Between 1973 and 2011, sperm counts in men in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand fell by 50 to 60%. This is why a sperm analysis, called a spermogram, is generally prescribed if there is any doubt about infertility.

A recent study incriminates sperm microbiota in male infertility

Sperm is far from sterile. It harbours a diverse microbiome, with bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum and Lactobacillus iners.

In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, scientists analysed the composition of the sperm microbiota of 73 men. This microbial analysis was combined with a spermogram to examine the number, vitality, morphology and mobility of their spermatozoa.

On examination, the men with an abnormal sperm count had a different bacterial composition to the sperm microbiota of healthy men:

• For those with an abnormally low sperm concentration, two bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas family were found in higher abundance (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas stutzeri).  The researchers also found a lower concentration of Pseudomonas putida in these men.

• Overall, the men with atypical semen analysis had one bacterium in particular: Lactobacillus iners in higher abundance. It was more abundant in men with reduced sperm mobility, accounting for 9.4% of sperm bacteria compared with 2.6% in healthy men with no fertility problems.

Similar results had been demonstrated in women suffering from infertility. In a previous study, Lactobacillus iners was associated with a low success rate in MAP**. Its negative effect could be explained by its production of lactic acid, which promotes inflammation and could impair sperm motility.

According to their conclusions, these micro-organisms could have a positive or negative influence on men’s fertility. In fact, they could have an impact on the characteristics of spermatozoa, such as their number or mobility.

Although these are only correlations, these initial results nevertheless suggest that restoring the balance of the sperm microbiome could play a role in sperm quality and therefore in male fertility.

Reference

*WHO : World Health Organization

**MAP: Medically Assisted Procedures

OSADCHIY V, BELARMINO A, KIANIAN R, SIGALOS JT, ANCIRA JS, KANIE T, MANGUM SF, TIPTON CD, HSIEH TCM, MILLS JN, ELESWARAPU SV. Semen microbiota are dramatically altered in men with abnormal sperm parameters. Sci Rep. 2024, 14(1):1068.

PP

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L’article Sperm microbiota implicated in male infertility? est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Probiotics market in France in 2023?

The 2024 food supplements observatory produced by Synadiet has just been published. A large section is devoted to a flagship ingredient: probiotics.

They rank 3rd among the most widely consumed ingredients, after vitamins/minerals and beehive products.

The probiotics market in brief

This survey of the probiotics market, carried out among 1,000 French people representative of the population, highlighted several key points:

• Consumption of probiotics is on the increase compared with previous years;
• Over the past 24 months, almost 50% of French people have consumed them (47% of adults and 40% of children);
• They are mainly used for digestive comfort and immunity. However, they are also used to balance the skin, boost mood, rebalance vaginal flora and for oral health;
• Consumers have a high level of confidence and a strong image of effectiveness.

In the coming years, it is highly likely that the consumption of probiotics will continue to rise in France. Indeed, with their benefits increasingly recognised and scientifically proven, particularly for digestion, immunity, intimate comfort, emotional well-being, etc., their popularity is growing all the time.

References

Synadiet

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L’article INFOGRAPHIC – The probiotics market in 2023 est apparu en premier sur Exden.

Did you think that the intestines in the belly were only useful for digestion? Not true! The digestive system plays a key role in a number of functions: immunity, mood, resistance to stress and disease… Follow two nano-explorers named Harry and Judy as they discover the hidden world of our guts!

Journey to the heart of our belly

This comic is the result of a meeting between a great scientist and a talented cartoonist.

• Harry SOKOL is Professor of Gastroenterology at the Sorbonne and head of an INSERM* research team working on the role of the microbiota in intestinal diseases. He is internationally renowned in the field of IBD**.
•  Judy is a cartoonist and comic book author.

The two of them have taken on the role of two nano-explorers who set off on a nano-trip to discover the secret universe inside our bodies, and more specifically our digestive tract.

A mix of science, humour and superb drawings, this book is a light-hearted introduction to the world of microbiota.

Using diagrams, simplified examples, metaphors and scientific experiments, specialist Harry explains to Judy everything there is to know about how it works:

• The organs of the gastrointestinal tract,
• Digestion,
• Intestinal microbiota.

The comic is divided into 5 chapters:

• The digestive tract,
• The intestinal microbiota in detail,
• The origins of most diseases,
• Ways of looking after your microbiota daily,
• A glossary explaining the scientific vocabulary.

A comic dedicated to the intestinal microbiota, but not only!

This book is a compendium of information about the intestinal microbiota. It combines:

• Nutrition,
• Diseases,
• History,
• Genetics,
• Medicine.

Thanks to Harry, you will learn what your microbiota’s preferred diet is, and its influence.

He will review its multiple functions: metabolic, barrier and immune.

He will explain that Western lifestyles have evolved too rapidly for the intestinal microbiota to adapt. This is thought to be one of the factors behind many diseases such as obesity, IBD, type 2 diabetes, etc.

This scientist will also be highlighting phage therapy : a therapy using phages or bacteriophages that specifically target certain bacteria. Phage therapy was used in the 1920s, then abandoned with the advent of antibiotics. It is now re-emerging as a treatment for bacterial infections, because it is gentler than antibiotic therapy.

Find out all about:

• Classic probiotics ;
• New-generation probiotics: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila ;
• Prebiotics ;
• Postbiotics ;
• Fecal transplantation.

Our view

This comic is packed with anecdotes that make for captivating reading! For example, did you know that the intestinal microbiota diversity is equivalent to the diversity of oceans or forests? Or did you know that the microbiota of Olympic champions is different from that of weekend warriors?

As well as providing a wealth of knowledge, this book encourages us to think about the link between our actions, our health and the environment.

We recommend this entertaining comic to learn a little more about our belly and its microbiota, the place where the well-being and health of our whole body is decided. Everything is explained with humour and intelligence!

Suitable for the general public (aged 12 and over) and all types of scientific culture, we recommend that you have a scientific bent to get the most out of this journey.

PS: there is a blooper at the end of the book.

PP

*INSERM: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (French National Institute for Health and Medical Research)

**IBD : Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Harry Sokol, Judy. The extraordinary powers of the belly. Deboeck supérieur, 2022.

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L’article Book – The extraordinary powers of the belly est apparu en premier sur Exden.

According to the results of several studies, taking biotics in adults, pregnant women and children can prevent and reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which the immune system dysfunctions.

Atopic eczema is characterised by alternating flare-up and lull phases.

During flare-ups, patients suffer from a range of symptoms that affect their quality of life, including :

• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Swelling
• Eczematous lesions.

Usually affecting around 10% of children, this condition starts before the age of 2 and disappears completely by adolescence. However, it may persist or, more rarely, develop in adulthood.

It is thought to be caused by a genetic predisposition and/or environmental factors (pollution, allergens, stress, irritating cosmetics, perfume, food allergies, etc.).

Genetic predisposition is a major factor. Between 50 and 70% of those affected have a parent who is also affected. If both parents are suffering from the condition, the risk of the child developing atopic eczema is around 80%. 

People with atopic dermatitis have a dysbiosis of their skin microbiota, observed by a reduction in bacterial diversity. During flare-ups, this leads to the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium partly responsible for :

• Local inflammation
• Over-stimulation of immunity
• Superinfection of the stratum corneum, altering the skin barrier
• Skin hyperpermeability
• Easier penetration for allergens.

Once the flare-up is over, the skin microbiota rediversifies and Staphylococcus aureus regresses.

Studies have shown that newborns with a less diverse intestinal microbiota have a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

Compared to children with a healthy microbiota, those suffering from eczema had :

• Disappearance of Lactobacilli (protective bacteria)
• Decrease in Bifidobacteria (protective bacteria)
• Reduction in Akkermensia municiphila (protective bacteria)
• Increase in Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli (pathogenic bacteria).

Yet Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are essential for the body to function properly, as they help to protect the intestinal mucosa and support the immune system.

This intestinal dysbiosis leads to intestinal barrier hyperpermeability, allowing pathogenic bacteria and their metabolites to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing :

• A surge in the immune system
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine production
• Systemic inflammation
• Modification of skin homeostasis: recent evidence points to an intestine-skin axis.

Probiotic supplementation for adults, pregnant women and children could be a strategy for preventing and improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

The effectiveness of probiotics taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been scientifically proven. They reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis developing in newborns. Their consumption by adults and children has shown similar results.

They also act on the cytokine balance, by reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or stimulating anti-inflammatory ones.

Their consumption restores the balance of intestinal flora, which helps to reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. More specifically, they help to :

• Maintain the skin’s moisture content
• Reduce SCORAD* score
• Reduce the incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis
• Improve skin condition: less swelling, redness, dryness and lesions.

Taking care of your microbiota with probiotics can help you maintain healthier, more balanced skin. Moreover, they prevent the onset of the disease and improve the associated symptoms.

PP

Picture : Freepik

ISMAIL IH, OPPEDISANO F, JOSEPH SH, BOYLE RJ, LICCIARDI PV, ROBINS-BROWNE RM, TANG M. Reduced gut microbial diversity in early life is associated with later development of eczema but not atopy in high-risk infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2012, 23 (7):674-81.

KENNEDY EA, CONNOLLY J, O’B HOURIHANE J, FALLON PG, MCLEAN I, MURRAY D, JO JH, SEGRE JA, KONG HH, IRVINE AD. Skin microbiome before development of atopic dermatitis: Early colonization with commensal staphylococci at 2 months is associated with a lower risk of atopic dermatitis at 1 year. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 2016, 139(1):166-172.

PRAKOESWA CRS, HERWANTO N, PRAMESWARI R, ASTARI L, SAWITRI S, HIDAYATI AN, INDRAMAYA DM, KUSUMOWIDAGDO ER, SURONO IS. Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 supplementation reduced SCORAD in children with atopic dermatitis. Benef Microbes. 2017, 8(5):833-840.

WANG I-J, WANG J-Y. Children with atopic dermatitis show clinical improvement after Lactobacillus exposure. Clin Exp Allergy. 2015, 45(4):779-87.

*SCOring Atopic Dermatitis, severity scale (from 0 to 103) for AD. There are several degrees of severity depending on the nature of the areas affected, the intensity and extent of the lesions, the intensity of itching and the impact on quality of life (insomnia).

L’article Atopic dermatitis : probiotics to support you est apparu en premier sur Exden.