Comprehensive Review on Lacidofil Probiotic

MONTREALA comprehensive review of the existing scientific studies on Lacidofil®, a multi-strain probiotic ingredient from Institut Rosell Lallemand, found evidence of immune health benefits from both the product formula and its individual strains, Lactobacillus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus Rosell-11.  In children, this strain combination was shown effective for gastrointestinal diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis. It also demonstrated benefits for people with atopic dermatitis or vaginal dysbacteriosis.  The report was published in the December issue of Beneficial Microbes (2011;2(4):319-334).

The review was conducted by researchers from the University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department in conjunction with scientists from Institut Rosell. They undertook a comprehensive review of all the scientific studies published to date on Lacidofil, which has been sold in Europe, Asia and North America since 1995 as a food supplement and pharmaceutical. The company noted the individual strains, both individually and in combination, have been the subject of extensive research over the years, with at least 21 human studies have been published to date.

The ingredient's primary therapeutic target was gut health, with several studies positive contributions antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention in children and adults, H. pylori eradication, acute gastroenteritis in children, management of IBS symptoms and lactose intolerance. Researchers have more recently explored applications outside of digestive health, finding positive benefits in atopic dermatitis and vaginal dysbacteriosis.

Thomas Tompkins, Ph.D., research director for Institut Rosell, confirmed the growing body of research on Lacidofil has been conducted through collaboration with research institutes or through investigator initiated programs, and include partners such as Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He stated such comprehensive reviews on individual probiotic products are highly informative, including detailed information about dosing and expected outcomes.

"The strains in Lacidofil appear to interact and influence the host through distinct but mutually beneficial mechanisms," Tompkins said. "Mechanistic and animal data suggest that they directly influence pathogen-host interaction, modulate the immune pathways primarily by down-regulating pro-inflammatory responses and they help maintain the protective gut barrier. Cumulative data from clinical studies of Lacidofil indicate that it has a beneficial impact on the intestinal, but may also influence the vaginal microbiome and food allergies, when ingested in sufficient quantities."