Strategic Application of Probiotics in Clinical Practice

Monday, April 28, 2014

Dr Adam Killpartrick

I did a webinar on probiotics recently. I invited one of my colleagues, and his response was, ‘What are you going to tell me about probiotics that I don’t already know?’. Fair point. He has been in the industry for a long time and has recommended probiotic products to patients for years to support healthy digestive function. I began talking to him about the broader application, he sort of rolled his eyes and gave me one of those, ‘Yeah, sure.’ looks but I continued…

When you start delving into the research, it’s really incredible to see how many different systems probiotics support. While probiotics have become one of the ‘four horseman’ of the supplement world alongside multivitamins, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D, the practical application of probiotic bacteria has expanded far beyond the traditional use for supporting a healthy digestive system*. The recognition of the interconnectedness of the digestive system with other systems in the body has served as a driver in terms of emerging research and clinical application. This research, which has focused on particular species and specific strains, has spurred the infusion of probiotic therapy into a variety of protocols and interventions.

To the Gut and Beyond!

The obvious application has always been to support digestive health and consistency, which is a staple in most practices and was supported by an article published in JAMA in 20121*. Beyond digestive support, the therapeutic application of probiotics to support the synthesis of critical B vitamins as a novel approach to supporting healthy nutrient levels is a concept that has been published in the Journal of Microbiology in 20112*. This has incredible clinical implications when aiming to support energy levels, homocysteine levels, blood iron levels, and even thyroid health*. Relative to thyroid health, while specific B vitamins are vitally important to the health of the thyroid, probiotics can also support the healthy conversion of T4 to T3 in two different ways*. Bifidobacterium has the capability to support the detoxification pathways in the liver, which is the primary site of this conversion*. An additional site of conversion is the gut. With that in mind, it stands to reason that supporting healthy, diverse gut ecology would also provide T4 to T3 conversion support*.

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Then, of course, there is the emerging research highlighting the use of probiotics for healthy skin complexion and integrity due to its effect on substance P in the gut and the skin as well as supporting healthy sebum production4,5*. The role of probiotics in the health and function of the brain, both to support GABA receptor health as well as promoting a healthy outlook and mood, has also been the subject of numerous articles6,7*.

So as we move forward crafting the most appropriate, effective nutritional strategies to support an array of systems, the application of probiotics should continue to represent a novel adjunct to a great number of therapeutic protocols.

My colleague ended up listening to the webinar and claimed he totally knew all of that info. Whether he did or not (kind of think he didn’t know ALL of it), at least now his patients will benefit.

How are your patients going to benefit? Are probiotics something you’re going to recommend for your patients that need thyroid support, mood support or even skin support?* It might just make all the difference, but like my friend, I’m sure you already know that.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

JAMA, May 9, 2012—Vol 307, No. 18
J Appl Microbiol. 2011 Dec;111(6):1297-309.
J Cardiovasc Dis Res. 2010 Oct-Dec; 1(4): 213–214
Eur J Dermatol.2010 Nov-Dec;20(6):731-7.
Gut Pathog. 2011; 3: 1. Published online 2011 January 31.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 September 20; 108(38): 16050–16055.Published online 2011 August 29
Gut Pathog. 2009; 1: 6. Published online 2009 March 19.

posted by Innate Response at

9:55 AM

Strategic Application of Probiotics in Clinical Practice

To the Gut and Beyond!

Tell Me I'm Beautiful

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