How many probiotic strains are there
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Understanding the Diversity of Probiotic Strains
Introduction to Probiotic Strains
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. These beneficial bacteria are commonly found in fermented foods, dietary supplements, and are increasingly being studied for their potential health benefits. The diversity of probiotic strains is vast, encompassing numerous species and subspecies, each with unique properties and potential health benefits.
Number and Types of Probiotic Strains
Single-Strain vs. Multi-Strain Probiotics
Probiotics can be categorized into single-strain and multi-strain products. Single-strain probiotics contain one type of microorganism, while multi-strain probiotics include multiple species or strains. The market trend is shifting towards multi-strain probiotics due to the belief that they offer a broader spectrum of efficacy and potential synergistic effects 179. However, current research does not provide conclusive evidence that multi-strain probiotics are significantly more effective than single-strain probiotics 19.
Specific Probiotic Strains
Several studies have identified and characterized various probiotic strains. For instance, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus chiayiensis, and Lacticaseibacillus zeae have been studied for their probiotic properties, including tolerance to acid and bile salts, and their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria . Similarly, 34 lactic acid bacteria strains from Brazilian kefir grains were identified, with 32 different strains showing probiotic potential .
Lactobacillus Strains
Lactobacillus is one of the most studied genera of probiotics. Research has identified numerous Lactobacillus strains with potential health benefits. For example, 13 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum were characterized for their probiotic properties, including acid and bile tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and β-galactosidase activity . Another study evaluated 47 Lactobacillus strains for their resistance to acidic conditions, adhesion to intestinal cells, and antimicrobial activities .
Dairy-Origin Probiotics
Probiotic strains isolated from dairy products have also been extensively studied. Twenty-nine Lactobacillus strains of dairy origin were examined for their ability to survive in acidic conditions and their resistance to bile salts . Additionally, 98 Lactobacillus plantarum strains from cheeses were evaluated for their probiotic potential, with several strains showing promising results .
Taxonomy and Physiology of Probiotic Strains
The taxonomy of probiotic lactic acid bacteria includes genera such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. These genera encompass numerous species and strains with distinct physiological and biochemical characteristics. For example, the Lactobacillus genus includes species like L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. reuteri, each with unique probiotic properties .
Conclusion
The diversity of probiotic strains is extensive, with numerous species and subspecies identified and characterized for their potential health benefits. While multi-strain probiotics are gaining popularity, current evidence does not conclusively show that they are more effective than single-strain probiotics. Future research should focus on understanding the specific mechanisms and interactions of different probiotic strains to optimize their health benefits.
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