probiotics
prebiotics
metaprebiotics
As interest in natural treatments grows, so does the popularity of probiotics. In 2012, nearly 4 million American adults took probiotics or prebiotics, a fourfold increase from 2007. Probiotics were used in more than 50,000 hospitalizations at 139 U.S. hospitals in 2012. Last year alone, American consumers spent, an estimated $2.4 billion in nutritional supplements .
However, two studies have recently been published in which scientists from Israel question whether such widespread use of probiotics to improve overall well-being and restore intestinal microflora after antibiotic use is really advisable .
The first study showed that bacteria from probiotic microorganisms contained in a dietary supplement are not able to colonize the proper parts of the intestine , and, presumably, they can bypass the gastrointestinal tract without any effect on it. In another study, the same bacteria settled in the intestines after a course of antibiotics, but there was a delay in the restoration of its own microbiota . Both studies, conducted on healthy volunteers, were published in the journal Cell in October 2022.
The term "probiotics" means "live microorganisms that, when administered in an adequate dose, contribute to a health benefit to the host." However, some experts say any evidence of benefit, limited to a small number of indications, is controversial and often of poor quality. A 2022 Cochrane analysis found that data from 10 of 14 systematic reviews of clinical trials were insufficient to determine whether probiotics improve gastrointestinal health .
It would seem that things should be better in patients with diarrhea. Although many studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may prevent or treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infection, other studies (both children and adults) have shown no benefit for these conditions. The two most recent studies, published late last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, did not show the effectiveness of Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics in children with gastroenteritis or stomach flu.
Among scientists and practitioners using bacterial therapies, such uncertainty has "caused a great deal of confusion," says Eran Elinav, MD, PhD, a professor at the Wetzmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel, and lead author of the new study published in Cell. .
Is it possible?
For diarrhea
Animals are prescribed the drug not so much to treat diarrhea, but to restore the microflora that has suffered from diarrhea.
Bacteria that are part of the drug perform the following functions:
- immune support;
- Helps produce hormones and essential nutrients;
- assistance in the production of bile;
- restoration of digestion in the intestines;
- stops the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
The drug is taken until the signs of the disease disappear.
Other indications
Linex is prescribed by a veterinarian in the following cases:
- gastrointestinal disorder;
- difficulty with bowel movements;
- stomach pain;
- flatulence;
- repeated diarrhea;
- frequent vomiting or the urge to vomit.
After examining the animal, the doctor prescribes treatment. It will depend on the degree of the disease. If the dog feels relatively well, then it is prescribed a course of the drug.
It should be given with food. If the dog is clearly dehydrated, then Linex will not help. When the animal's condition stabilizes, then probiotics are prescribed.
Human or special?
Experts say that Linex is universal.
The functioning of the digestive system of humans and dogs is similar in many ways, so it can be taken by animals. It has no side effects and does not harm the dog's health. The use of the drug helps the intestines recover after taking antibacterial agents. It is a combined mixture of several dried lactic acid bacteria. If you regularly take a probiotic, it will relieve the symptoms of dysbiosis and help prevent this disease.
Forte
Linex Forte can be prescribed to pets, but not independently. The veterinarian prescribes treatment based on the animal’s well-being. The exception is individual intolerance to the drug.
Causes of dysbiosis in dogs
Dysbiosis in dogs, treatment of which should be started as early as possible, can be the result of various factors. The main ones include:
- violation of the feeding regime, the predominance of a large amount of carbohydrates in the diet;
- stress associated with moving to a new place of residence, adding another pet to the house, etc.;
- unfavorable environmental background;
- bad habit of picking up food on the street;
- habitat change;
- frequent and uncontrolled treatment with antibiotics, which kill not only the pathogenic environment, but also beneficial microflora;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- hypersensitivity of microflora;
- helminthic infestation.
Microflora disorders (dysbacteriosis) are mainly diagnosed in puppies or elderly individuals over 8 years of age.
Instructions for use
Dosage of the drug
The medicine is dosed by weight:
- puppies and dogs up to 10 kg – 1 capsule per day;
- from 10-30 kg – 1 capsule twice a day;
- from 30 kg – 2 capsules three times a day.
Treatment with the drug lasts 14 days. Usually the symptoms of the disease disappear earlier and the course can be completed. If diarrhea does not stop after two days of using Linex, you should reconsider your doctor's prescriptions.
How to give?
Opening the capsule is strictly prohibited! You should not mix the powder into food, milk or water. The capsule protects the milk bacteria so that they survive in the alkaline environment of the stomach and reach the intestines.
How to give: place the capsule on the root of the dog’s tongue, close the mouth and stroke the larynx. The animal's swallowing reflex will work, and the capsule will enter the stomach.
Do probiotics remain in dry food?
Whether probiotics can be preserved in dry food is perhaps the most important question. During the preparation of feed, the nutrient mass is heated to temperatures of 90–140°C, and not every bacteria is able to survive in such conditions.
Experiment
Laboratory studies 1 support the idea that beneficial bacteria can, in principle, survive in dry food. For two weeks, one group of dogs was given regular dry food, the other was given food supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus.
In the first group, there was a noticeable increase in lactobacilli in the dog’s feces (which means that beneficial bacteria were able to survive in the food and in the aggressive environment of the stomach), and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria. There was a noticeable increase in hemoglobin, neutrophils and immunoglobulin G in the blood, and an improvement in the quality of red blood cells.
Enterococcus faecium is the best probiotic for dogs in dry food, compared to lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These microorganisms are resistant to high temperatures and salt concentrations, making them an attractive additive in dry food production. Enterococci are essential inhabitants of the intestines of animals and humans, and the effectiveness of these probiotics has also been experimentally proven.
Reviews about the treatment
Owners
“Our dog was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. She underwent many operations and chemotherapy. She was so weak that feeding her was a problem. Every meal caused me to vomit. Linex helped the dog with digestion.”
“I always keep Linex in my first aid kit. These are dried bacteria that definitely won’t cause harm. Many people pour the powder into their food and feed it to their pet. This is strictly prohibited. The bacteria die before reaching the intestines. This kind of treatment is of no use.”
“My pet was diagnosed with colitis. The veterinarian said that perhaps this is already a chronic form. Treatment with Linex was prescribed in combination with others. Already on the second day the dog felt better. The doctor warned that if the pain starts again, the course can be repeated, so I always keep a spare package in the first aid kit.”
Veterinarians
“I always prescribe Linex to my furry clients for indigestion. The drug works well, despite the fact that it is intended for people.
If the animal has vomiting, pain and other problems, then Linex is used in combination with other drugs. Within a couple of days, the diarrhea stops; we usually continue the course for up to two weeks.”
“The advantage of Linex is that it can be prescribed to puppies from birth. There are no side effects, and allergies to the medicine are very rare. The most important thing is that the medicine is safe. For prevention, it can be used in courses, after consultation with a veterinarian.”
The best probiotics are sustainable
However, for the effect to be noticeable, probiotics must be resistant to harsh conditions, such as the acidic gastric environment and high temperatures during feed production. They should also be able to colonize the intestinal mucosa and form colonies.
Another necessary condition is security. Probiotics must be tested for the absence of pathogenic, toxic and carcinogenic effects.
Several types are most often used
There are many bacteria in nature that have probiotic potential, but currently animal feed manufacturers use a very limited set of probiotics that have been experimentally shown to be effective and safe.
The most common of these are various species of bifidobacterium and lactobacilli (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus), Enterococcus faecium and non-bacterial organisms such as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. The product may contain several types of microorganisms at the same time.
In our ingredient database there is a general article about probiotics, as well as separately about enterococci and lactobacilli. After the description of the components, the food in which they are present is indicated - you can choose what you need, taking into account the rating in the rating.
Are there food enzymes for vegetarians?
Some preparations contain only enzymes of plant origin, which are quite suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They typically contain bromelain, derived from pineapple, and papain, from papaya.
Products formulated specifically for vegans typically contain pancreatin, which is derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger. The most common source of this enzyme is bovine or pig bile.
In addition, some preparations additionally contain herbs and spices. They often contain amla extract, which is not an enzyme, but is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an herbal remedy to improve overall health. It is believed to work in synergy with other compounds.
Content
1. Description of the drug lactobifadol 2. Main characteristics of the drug, its composition and properties 3. Practical effects 4. Indications 5. Instructions for use 6. Contraindications and side effects 7. Advantages and possible disadvantages 8. Existing analogues 9. Reviews:
Experts have appreciated all the benefits of using probiotics, these highly effective and irreplaceable builders of the body's immune system. One of these effective drugs is lactobifadol, a product that maintains an optimal balance of beneficial bacteria. A completely domestic development based on innovative discoveries in the field of microbiology, it was possible to create a drug that is safe for the animal’s body.
Practical impact
The effectiveness of the drug is ensured by the beneficial bacteria it contains. After the powder has entered the dog’s body, these bacteria begin to actively multiply, resulting in the release of lactic acid. This acid helps to isolate and displace pathogenic flora; it neutralizes not only E. coli, but also Salmonella, Protea, and other pathogens.
At the same time, the drug has the following positive effects on the body:
- Improving intestinal motility;
- Strengthening immunity;
- Increasing the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients;
- Restoration of microflora;
- Assistance in recovery from stress and related complications;
- Toxins and waste are effectively removed from the body;
- Bones and joints become stronger, the condition of the skin and coat improves, a pleasant healthy shine appears;
- The functioning of the digestive system as a whole improves, and appetite increases.
Lactobifadol is available exclusively in powder form. No other forms (solution, ampoules, tablets) are available for production. Each batch of goods is packed in a plastic bag and hermetically sealed. Next - packing in a cardboard box, complete with instructions.
Description of the drug lactobifadol
The probiotic is designed to effectively treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and also, for preventive purposes, helps adult dogs and puppies. The effectiveness of the drug has been proven in the following areas:
- Reducing effect on pathogenic organisms;
- Helps optimize the state of lactic acid bacteria;
- Stimulates the immune system.
The formation of a strengthened intestinal barrier reduces the amount of consumption of antigens contained in feed. As a result, the activity of formation of short-chain fatty acids increases, and the inflammatory processes in the intestines have an inhibitory effect.
It has been proven that the gastrointestinal system, which is in a tense state, is most susceptible to various types of indigestion, allergic manifestations, as well as skin disorders.
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Nutritional supplements
Since proteins, sugars, starches, and fats require specific types of enzymes, it is best to take a product that includes all of these types.
Many experts believe that the most effective are drugs that contain a full range of enzymes that improve digestion. Look for supplements that include the following enzymes:
- alpha-galactosidase (derived from the fungus Aspergillus nigra and is thought to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates).
- amylase (produced by the salivary glands)
- cellulase
- glucoamylase
- invertase
- lactase
- lipase
- malt-diastase
- protease (or acid protease)
- beta-glucanase
- pectinase
- phytase
When selecting enzymes, we recommend following the following guidelines based on symptoms and current health:
- If you have problems with the gallbladder and are looking for a natural remedy for its treatment, then pay attention to preparations containing lipase and bile salts.
- In preparations containing betaine hydrochloride, pepsin is certainly present.
- Some medications may contain lactase, which until recently could only be purchased as a separate medication. This enzyme helps people who have problems absorbing sugar from dairy products.
- Preparations with protease help digest protein. They will be especially useful for people with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- Blends with added herbs such as peppermint and ginger also support digestion.
- Some people require more pancreatic enzymes than others. For this reason, choose a drug based on your personal needs. Most foods contain some amount of pancreatin, which is a combination of three pancreatic enzymes.
For what diseases can it be used?
Ambroxol is indicated for respiratory pathologies that are accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi with the separation of viscous and scanty sputum. Such pathologies include:
- acute and chronic inflammation of the bronchi;
- bronchial asthma;
- pneumonia;
- bronchiectasis;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A medication is prescribed to improve sputum discharge. You can read more about cough treatment here.
Similar medications
The drug has structural and non-structural analogues. Structural forms include those dosage forms that are similar in composition. Non-structural analogues differ in their active components. Structural analogues:
- Ambrobene,
- Thoraxol,
- Halixol,
- Ambroxol extra (tablets),
- Lazolvan.
All these medications have the same components and forms.
Non-structural analogues include :
- Bromhexine - contains bromhexine hydrochloride, the forms of the drug are the same.
- Mucaltin - based on marshmallow herb, gently removes phlegm, less effective.
- ACC - contains acetylcysteine, is produced in the form of syrup, granules, solution, effervescent tablets, powder.
- Bronchipret - based on medicinal herbs (thyme and ivy), available in the form of syrup and drops.
- Tussin - contains guaifenesin, which thins bronchial mucus, and is sold in the form of syrup.
The choice of drug is made by the doctor.
Ambrobene, 7.5 mg/ml, solution for oral administration and inhalation, 100 ml, 1 pc.
Teva, Germany
Price from 146₽
Lazolvan, 7.5 mg/ml, solution for oral administration and inhalation, 100 ml, 1 pc.
Boehringer Ingelheim, Italy
Price from 311₽
Bronchipret, syrup, 100 ml, 1 pc.
Bionorica, Germany
Price from 300₽
There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.
