Mentions in the Media – Essential Formulas

Gut Instinct: The biotics and enzymes market remains strong thanks to educated consumers. By Mike Straus

Michael Fields — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:14:38 +0000

ARTICLE SOURCE: https://vitaminretailer.com/digitaledition/vitamin-retailer-august-2026/?fb3d-page=30

Mike Straus

July 30, 2026

The biotics and enzymes market remains strong thanks to educated consumers

Biotics and enzymes have a long history of use in the supplements space, and for good reason—they’re effective. Historically, these products have been used to improve gut health and help balance bacteria levels in the intestines. Now, though, biotics and enzymes are growing in popularity for both immune health and overall systemic balance. Different strains of biotics and different types of enzymes are showing promise in different areas, giving formulators and retailers flexibility with respect to applications. Here are just some of the emerging trends driving the biotics and enzymes space.

Biotics and Enzymes Market Niches Down

The biotics and enzymes market remains strong, said Aaron Gillam, president of supplement brand Arthur Andrew Medical in Scottsdale, AZ. However, Gillam noted, the market is becoming more educated and more specific.

“For a long time, gut health was treated almost like a single category, and the answer was usually probiotics,” Gillam said. “Today, consumers understand that gut health involves many different tools: probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, digestive enzymes, systemic enzymes and targeted nutrients that support the gut barrier. We’re seeing enzymes becoming a much more important part of that conversation.”

Gillam noted that digestive enzymes are no longer viewed only as something to take for occasional gas or bloating after a heavy meal. Instead, he said, consumers are connecting enzymes to food tolerance, nutrient absorption, aging, high-protein diets, GLP-1 weight-loss medications, and post-gallbladder digestive challenges.

“Systemic enzymes are also gaining interest as consumers look for natural ways to support healthy circulation, tissue recovery, immune balance, and a normal inflammatory response,” Gillam added. “That is a different category from digestive enzymes, but it’s becoming part of the broader whole-body wellness conversation.”

Mark G. Walin, senior vice president of business development & marketing for Bio-Cat in Troy, VA, said that digestive enzymes rank among the top three health supplement ingredients according to Nutrition Business Journal. Meanwhile, he said, the human probiotic market is expected to grow by 7 percent through to 2028.

Pre- and post-biotic offerings continue to grow as well, said Ramona Billingslea, marketing and education manager at supplement retailer Betsy’s Health Foods in Spring, TX. Manufacturers, she said, are now offering more targeted formulations, while parabiotics are an interesting addition to the category that will likely grow.

Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, is a pharmacist, nutritionist, health educator and the scientific director of supplement brand Essential Formulas in Farmers Branch, TX. Pelton noted that consumers increasingly look to microbiome support for immune health, nutrient utilization, skin health, mood, metabolic health and overall wellness.

“Probiotics remain the most familiar segment, but postbiotics are gaining significant attention because they help explain how beneficial bacteria influence the body,” Pelton explained. “In our view, the most exciting development is the growing recognition that the benefits of fermented probiotic products are not only tied to living organisms themselves, but also to the beneficial metabolites and compounds produced during fermentation.”

HealthAid America National Sales Manager Nitesh Khakhar in Sunnyvale, CA noted that consumers are increasingly connecting gut health to mood, energy and overall wellness, which is behind the market’s strength. Demand, Khakhar said, is shifting toward targeted solutions for areas such as women’s health, travel, healthy aging and gut-brain support.

Precision Products Emerge

Gillam said that the most substantial improvement in the biotics space is precision. Companies, he explained, are now moving away from generic enzyme blends and toward formulas built around a clear purpose.

“A digestive enzyme product meant for general meal support shouldn’t look the same as a formula designed for high-fat meals, gluten and casein support, protein digestion, or people using GLP- 1 medications,” Gillam explained. “Each of those situations has a different digestive challenge.”

Gillam said formulators are also now paying more attention to activity levels and not just ingredient names. With enzymes, the milligram amount doesn’t tell the whole story—what matters is activity. A label may list multiple enzymes and their weight, but consumers and retailers are getting better at understanding the importance of activity units.

“Manufacturers are also improving products by thinking beyond traditional category formulas,” Gillam said. “In the past, many formulas were built by combining the same well-known ingredients in each category. The next level of formulation is asking how to make those ingredients work better in the body.”

This, Gillam said, is where enzymes get interesting. Systemic enzymes like nattokinase, serrapeptase and other proteolytic enzymes may help support circulation, healthy tissue function, and normal inflammatory balance, which can result in much more effective formulas when combined with targeted herbs or condition-specific ingredients.

Targeted Formulations Replace “Kitchen Sink” Products

Biotics and enzymes are becoming increasingly benefit-specific, said Cori Lorts, PhD, RDN, senior nutrition scientist at supplement producer Piping Rock Health Products in Bohemia, NY.

Formulas are now calling out specific benefits like support for gas and bloating rather than just overall health support.

“As consumer awareness of probiotics grows, we’re seeing probiotics added to more supplement categories outside of the digestive space,” Lorts explained. “The gut microbiome is becoming a platform for innovation across the supplement aisle, not just within the digestive segment.”

Another emerging trend in biotics and enzymes is supplements that support the GLP-1 community, explained Jay Levy, director of sales at Wakunaga of America in Mission Viejo, CA. Levy said that while there are no direct studies on the benefits of digestive enzymes in GLP-1 patients, research does show that supplementing with digestive enzymes can ease dyspepsia, which affects some GLP-1 users.

“Another trend is the growing popularity of chewable probiotics geared specifically for children,” Levy said. “Studies suggest that a daily probiotic can support a child’s cognitive and immune health. Other research suggests that routinely supplementing with probiotics can help prevent seasonal allergies in kids.”

Levy cautioned, however, that the gut health supplement market is expanding at a pace that far outstrips the science meant to validate it. New prebiotic, probiotic and digestive enzyme products are flooding retail shelves and e-commerce platforms by the month, many touting novel strains or “breakthrough” formulations with little more than marketing claims to support them.

“In this environment, it becomes critically important not to overlook formulas that have earned their credibility through rigorous, peer-reviewed study,” Levy said. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different strains that live in the gut microbiome.

Science is still working to figure out how these different strains impact human health.” Levy noted that Wakunaga’s own branded Kyo-Dophilus line is an example of a science-first product development. Each formula in the line is built around three biocompatible human strains that have been subject to clinical studies documenting their efficacy in supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Delivery Mechanisms Present Challenges

Biotic and enzyme delivery systems are rapidly diversifying. Walin noted that gummies have become one of the most popular supplement delivery formats due to their superior taste, texture and consumer appeal compared with traditional tablets and capsules. However, he said, gummy formulations present unique technical challenges because only certain ingredients can withstand the high temperatures and processing conditions required during manufacturing.

“For example, Bacillus probiotics are highly heat-stable and can survive gummy production, whereas many Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains cannot,” Walin explained. “Enzymes present a different challenge: Because they are biologically active catalysts, they can become active within the gummy matrix and begin degrading structural components, potentially compromising product stability and texture before consumption.”

As a result, Walin said, formulators seeking to combine probiotics, enzymes, and other sensitive ingredients should consider delivery formats like capsules, powders or tablets, which offer greater formulation flexibility and improved stability.

Lorts noted that powders offer a unique advantage among delivery systems: They can deliver higher amounts of active ingredients, such as fiber. One example of this is Rainbow Light Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder, which includes 20 billion CFUs of probiotics per serving to support regularity and gut health, along with 4.4 g of prebiotic fiber to feed good bacteria.

“Like powders, chewable tablets allow for the inclusion of a variety of probiotic strains, creating many opportunities for innovation,” Lorts said. “Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic Chewable Tablets offer 3 billion CFU of probiotics per tablet, and include the most studied strain, L. rhamnosus GG.”

Liquids, Lorts noted, are another innovative delivery system, especially for babies and very young children. Rainbow Light recently launched its USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Certified Organic Baby Probiotic Liquid Drops, which offer 2.5 billion CFU of L. rhamnosus GG in liquid form.

Consumer Preferences Influence Production

Khakhar said that today’s consumers are looking beyond potency claims, focusing on specific strains, targeted formulations, ingredient quality and transparency. Pelton, meanwhile, explained that consumers want products they can understand and trust.

Retailers can help consumers by moving the conversation beyond “more CFUs must be better.” Instead, Pelton noted, consumers benefit from learning that strain selection, fermentation, metabolites, survivability and product quality are all part of the value equation.

Lorts said that consumer awareness around the connection between gut health and other areas of the body is growing, which means consumers are looking beyond digestive health benefits to find probiotics that offer multiple benefits. When looking at enzyme supplements, consumers want a well-rounded variety of enzymes that will help them digest their meals comfortably.

Emerging Studies Demonstrate Efficacy

Pelton noted that science continues to support the idea that the microbiome plays a major role in human health; however, emerging studies demonstrate that not all products are equal. Benefits, he said, are strain-specific, formulation-specific, and dependent on product quality.

“The growing science around postbiotics is especially important,” he said. “Researchers now recognize that non-living microbial components and the compounds produced through fermentation can contribute to health benefits. This validates what traditional fermented foods have suggested for generations: Beneficial microbes influence health not only by being present, but also by what they produce.”

While much of the probiotic category historically focused on viable cell counts, Pelton said, today’s science is increasingly examining the role of microbial metabolites, cell components and fermentation-derived compounds in human health.

Walin explained that Bio-Cat has developed and published a predictive testing platform based on the INFOGEST static in-vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion. This validated methodology helps Bio-Cat to evaluate custom combinations of enzymes, probiotics and other active ingredients before advancing to human clinical trials, enabling rapid assessment of potential efficacy and formulation performance.

“This approach provides valuable scientific and technical insights early in the development process, helping identify the most promising formulations and informing potential claims, product positioning and clinical study design,” Walin said. “By entering the clinical phase with a stronger understanding of the likelihood of success, our partners can make more informed development decisions while reducing time and resource investments.”

Walin noted that human clinical studies are then subsequently conducted through Bio-Cat’s partner CROs and academic institutions. One example is the clinical work completed on Bio-Cat’s branded OPTIZIOME P3 Hydrolyzer, which enhanced net 0–1-hour plasma EAA and BCAA availability from whey protein by 14 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to placebo.

Retailers Face Consumer Confusion, Market Saturation

As probiotics become increasingly ubiquitous in consumers’ daily wellness routines, the space is now approaching saturation, Walin said. What remains largely unmet is the delivery of an immediate, noticeable benefit that consumers can experience before they abandon a new regimen. Enzymes, Walin noted, are uniquely positioned to fill this role, providing a tangible, near-term benefit that enhances the perceived value of probiotics and strengthens consumer engagement with the category.

“By combining enzymes and probiotics, formulators can create complementary solutions that leverage multiple mechanisms of action to support digestive wellness and overall health,” Walin said. While the biotics and enzymes space is growing, retailers and brands are facing a certain amount of confusion from consumers.

Pelton noted that consumer confusion is the most substantial challenge facing the biotics and enzymes market; the terminology can be overwhelming, and many consumers still judge probiotics based on CFU count. Retailers also must navigate a crowded shelf full of products making similar claims.

“Companies can overcome this through education, transparency and responsible messaging,” Pelton said. “Retailers should help consumers understand what makes products different: strain selection, fermentation process, stability, postbiotic content, research and brand credibility.

Brands also must be careful not to overstate claims. Responsible structure-function communication is essential.”

Biotics Full of Promise

Gillam said that the next generation of enzymes and biotics will focus on personalization and purpose-built formulas. Instead of one probiotic for everyone, or one enzyme blend for everyone, the market will see more formulas designed around specific needs. He predicted that there will be formulas for GLP-1 users, high-protein diets, fat digestion, immune resilience, women’s health, circulation, recovery and more.

“We’ll also see more science around postbiotics, microbial metabolites and next-generation probiotics,” Gillam noted. “Consumers are beginning to understand that the benefits of the microbiome are not only about which bacteria are present, but also about what those bacteria produce and how those compounds interact with the immune system, nervous system and intestinal barrier.”

The biotics and enzymes market is experiencing rapid growth and simultaneous diversification as consumers look for products that can address specific health concerns. Consumers are increasingly seeking out reputable, application-specific products with clinical validation, and suppliers and brands are meeting this demand with validated strains and enzymes designed with particular purposes in mind. As this space grows, expect convenience and proven benefits to drive consumer demand.

Microbiome Science

Ross Pelton — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:42:14 +0000

Ross Pelton, RPh, PdD, CCN
June 16, 2021

Postbiotic Metabolites: Exploring the Evolving Science of the Gut Microbiome

By Ross Pelton, RPh, PdD, CCN

Scientific Director, Essential Formulas

Introduction: A New Chapter in Microbiome Research

The human gut microbiome—comprising trillions of microorganisms—plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient synthesis, and overall physiological balance. Recent scientific advances have shifted attention toward postbiotic metabolites: bioactive compounds produced by beneficial bacteria during fermentation. These metabolites are gaining recognition for their potential to support various aspects of health and wellness.

Historical Foundations: From Pasteur to Metchnikoff

Louis Pasteur pioneered microbial science, laying the groundwork for understanding fermentation and microbial activity.
Elie Metchnikoff, often credited as the “father of probiotics,” hypothesized that fermented foods like yogurt contributed to longevity, based on observations in Bulgaria. His work inspired early interest in the relationship between diet, microbes, and health.

The Modern Microbiome Era

Advancements in genome sequencing—accelerated by the Human Genome Project—enabled the launch of the Human Microbiome Project. This initiative revealed that microbial genes vastly outnumber human genes, suggesting that microbial activity plays a significant role in human biology.

What Are Postbiotic Metabolites?

Postbiotic metabolites are small molecules generated when probiotic bacteria ferment dietary fibers and polyphenols. These compounds include:

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
B vitamins
Organic acids
Antimicrobial peptides
Amino acids and antioxidants

Emerging research suggests these metabolites may help maintain microbial balance, support digestive function, and contribute to immune system modulation. However, their specific roles are still being studied, and no definitive health claims can be made without FDA evaluation.

Diet Diversity and Microbiome Support

A diverse diet rich in plant-based fibers and polyphenols is essential for nurturing beneficial bacteria. Studies show that microbial diversity is associated with overall wellness, while low diversity may correlate with certain imbalances. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fermented foods may help support a balanced microbiome.

Addressing the Fiber Gap

Many Americans fall short of recommended fiber intake. Increasing consumption of whole plant foods can help provide the substrates needed for beneficial bacteria to produce postbiotic metabolites. Educational tools like the “Salad Buzz” method—featuring a mix of fiber-rich vegetables—can inspire dietary variety.

Fermented Foods and Their Role

Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir contain live cultures and fermentation byproducts. While traditionally valued for their probiotic content, current research is exploring how postbiotic metabolites formed during fermentation may contribute to their perceived benefits.

Metabolomics and Metagenomics: Mapping Microbial Activity

Metabolomics identifies and analyzes metabolites in biological systems.
Metagenomics investigates microbial genes and their functions.

These fields are helping scientists understand how microbial communities interact with the human body, though much remains to be discovered.

Regulatory Note

Statements regarding the effects of probiotics, postbiotics, or fermented foods should not be interpreted as medical claims. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consumers should consult healthcare professionals before making dietary changes or using supplements.

The Gut-Brain Connection and Beyond

Preliminary studies suggest that microbial metabolites may influence gut-brain communication, immune signaling, and metabolic pathways. However, these findings are exploratory and require further clinical validation.

About Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics®

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics® is a fermented food supplement produced through a multi-year fermentation process involving various plant-based ingredients and probiotic strains. The final product contains a complex mixture of fermentation byproducts, including postbiotic metabolites. While individual experiences may vary, the formulation is designed to support microbial diversity and digestive balance as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Supporting a Healthy Microbiome

To foster a balanced gut environment:

Focus on a varied, plant-rich diet.
Limit processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
Consider fermented foods or supplements as part of a broader wellness strategy.

Final Thoughts

The science of postbiotic metabolites is still unfolding. As research progresses, consumers are encouraged to stay informed, prioritize dietary diversity, and consult qualified professionals when exploring microbiome-supportive strategies.

Healthy By Nature – Probiotics

Ross Pelton — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:43:41 +0000

ARTICLE SOURCE: https://hbnshow.com/articles/health-starts-in-the-gut/probiotics/

Martie Whittekin, CCN
March 23, 2020

Original Post Date: March 23, 2020

Probiotics

Well over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, taught that all disease begins in the gut. It turns out that he was right—even though he had no way to know then about the crucial role of bacteria. For a long time, we thought that bacteria were only bad. Then we became aware that good varieties might help keep our elimination regular. Now, we appreciate that having a robust, diverse, and well-balanced personalized collection of friendly bacteria in our intestinal tracts does a whole lot more. It plays a role in supporting weight management, mood, cardiovascular, health, metabolism and immune systems. It isn’t clear that we can even stay alive without what Steven Gundry, MD calls “our gut buddies”!

When the gut microbes become imbalanced in favor of troublemakers, one unfortunate outcome can be a weakening of the intestinal lining which can lead to further health concerns and a wide variety of complaints.

We are host to a LOT of these critters—perhaps 100 times more bacterial cells than our own body’s cells. Together they weigh 3-4 pounds, which is about as much as our liver and they have even more jobs! This internal collection of microorganisms is called our “microbiome”. It is a crucial part of the body’s instruction manual because the bacteria have 1,000 times more DNA than our own cells! For a tiny glimpse of how they work, look at this page
showing a few of the jobs performed by the 13 species (also known as strains) used in the fermentation of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.

A few probiotic basics:

Antibiotics are our gut buddies worst enemies.
These drugs are created to kill bacteria and they are not like Santa Claus, e.g. checking who’s naughty and nice. Up to 50% of the time, antibiotics should not even be prescribed because, like in the case of the flu, the problem is not bacterial. After a round of antibiotics it may take our gut up to a year to return to normal. Unfortunately, doctors aren’t as cautious as they should be and sometimes “take orders” for antibiotics over the phone, doing the patient no service. We are also getting stealth agricultural antibiotics slipping through in commercial meat and dairy. Glyphosate weed killer (e.g. in Roundup) acts as an antibiotic. It is used so extensively that studies show that 93% of us probably have it in our bodies.
Modern life in general is hard on our gut buddies. The assault starts when a child is born by C-section and therefore misses the first donation of bacteria that he or she would have gotten in the natural birth process. Then, mom and baby are both likely to receive antibiotics. Tap water has chlorine added to kill bacteria. The air and a great many consumer products contain toxic chemicals and most medications are hard on bacteria. You can see why we must look out for them.
What the bacteria like to eat. Foods they eat are called “prebiotics”. The probiotics thrive on fiber, especially from vegetables and fibrous fruits. Fibers like FOS and inulin that are often added to probiotic products do increase the numbers of bacteria, but not necessarily the important diversity and certainly not the postbiotics that you will read about below. It is smart to eat as much organic produce as you can because the agricultural chemicals are so harmful. The Environmental Working Group makes an annual list of the “Dirty Dozen and clean 15”. Commercial kale is now at the top of the dirty list, so that is a good place to start going organic. Good bacteria appreciate spices like turmeric.
What they don’t like to eat. Ultra-processed foods in general are bad for our good bugs because they lack fiber and nutrients and contain harmful chemicals such as preservatives, artificial colors and the like. Sugar from any source is a special problem because it feeds intestinal yeasts that are competing bad guys.
“Postbiotics” are the magic.
It seems that the main way that probiotic bacteria help us is to digest the good foods we eat and turn them into useful substances… hundreds if not thousands of them. For example, you’ve likely heard that pomegranates are a sort of superfood. An interesting study showed that pomegranate extended the life of mice 50%, but only if the mice were host to the right bacteria that could make Urolithin A (a postbiotic) from the fruit. Click here to see a list of the types of postbiotics our bacteria make.
Meaningless marketing claims. It is the American way to assume that more is better. So, when we see a probiotic ad claiming 50 billion organisms that might sound pretty good. However, without even getting into why the freeze-dried type might not be viable, consider that well fed bacteria in a good environment can double in numbers every 30 minutes. That means that in 24 hours, 100 bacteria can become 28 quadrillion! Obviously, we should get well researched strains and give them a good home.
What do I recommend? I think eating a diet with lots of vegetables and fiber plus fermented foods is a great start. Most of us need some extra help and over the years I have not found anything that works as well and as quickly as Ohhira’s Probiotics. That’s because it is a concentrate of fermented foods, not a freeze dried powder. Thirteen strains of bacteria are fed dozens of superfoods over at least 3 years. That means you get the postbiotic benefit of untold generations of bacteria. The bacteria are not freeze-dried, they are alive and come in a capsule with their food supply and hundreds of the postbiotics they made for you. Because they are fermented at room temperature, they don’t need to be refrigerated. The usual probiotics are probably not bad, but their benefit is no comparison to Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. It deserves to be in a different category.

For a more complete story and an indexed guide to solving many health issues naturally, please read my book The Probiotic Cure: Harnessing the Power of Good Bacteria for Better Health

New Product Enhances Effects of Brazilian Green Bee Propolis

Ross Pelton — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:41:00 +0000

New Product Enhances Effects of Brazillian Green Bee Propolis

The same substance that keeps bee colonies disease-free and buzzing with good health is now a primary ingredient in the latest addition to the Essential Formulas Incorporated (EFI) supplement line.

Providing and enhancing all the whole-health benefits of bee propolis, Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS draws its synergistic strength from a combination of highly potent Brazilian green propolis, a substance that protects beehives from pathogens and mold; astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus seaweed; and EFI’s award-winning Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic extract.

The result is comprehensive anti-inflammatory, immune system, and digestive support.

Finally gaining the attention it deserves in the natural health community, bee propolis is now recognized as an impressive natural source of antioxidant, antibacterial, and whole nutrition.

Propolis acts as an antimicrobial and antioxidant protective barrier in beehives, and it conveys the same protective benefits when taken as a nutritional supplement. The potency of propolis is highly dependent on the region from which it comes.

The Minas Gerais green propolis in EFI’s product contains remarkably high parker cinnamic acid derivatives (i.e., Artepillin C) and is, consequently, more potent than any other known source.

“We all know good health is about prevention rather than crisis management,” said EFI’s Executive Vice President, William Schoor. “This is one of those products that cares for the body in that fashion, empowering it to stay healthy.” Schoor co-founded EFI in 2000 specifically to bring the original Probiotics to the United States. The new sister product, Propolis PLUS, boasts an impressive list of product ingredients selected for whole-health support.

The unique ingredient combination in Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS provides protective and strengthening benefits throughout the body. Beyond the obvious digestive and immune system boost, the product also contains Vitamin E for cellular and dermal health, flax oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and all the side benefits of probiotics, including the ability to detoxify harmful substances and make some needed vitamins.

Additionally, the astaxanthin in Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS can change itself into vitamin A, depending on the body’s needs.

Article Source: Referenced article no longer available

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics: The Perfect Product for Gut Health

Ross Pelton — Thu, 08 May 2025 16:43:39 +0000

Original Post Date: Apr 25, 2017

Let’s Talk Gut Health: For a long time, the primary function of the gastrointestinal tract was believed to be digestion–digestive enzymes break down food, which makes nutrients available for absorption. Digestion is certainly important. However, when discussing gut health, we must also consider the enormous amount of activity that occurs in the colon, which is regulated by the following two factors: probiotic bacteria, and our diets—the food we provide them.

Bacteria Rule: Scientists estimate the bacteria began evolving on Earth over 3 billion years ago. By comparison, humans (homo sapiens) first evolved in Africa about 300,000 years ago. Hence, bacteria have been thriving on earth for millions of years longer than humans. In addition to existing in the air, water, and soil, bacteria also played a critical role in the evolution animals. As animals began to evolve, bacteria developed symbiotic relationships where both the bacteria and the animal benefited.

In the past several decades, rapid advances in genomic sequencing technology have enabled scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the gut microbiome in animals and humans. These advances have revealed a bacterial world of astonishing pervasiveness and diversity, which has fundamentally changed our understanding of animal biology, and the nature of life on Earth. Human life is dependent on bacteria. The term probiotic is derived from “pro” meaning “for” and “bios” meaning “life”. Hence, the term probiotic means “for life” or “promoting life.”

Scientists estimate there are over 5 million species of insects, 11,000 species of birds, 12,000 species of reptiles and around 6,000 species of mammals (including humans). Beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, inhabit the gut microbiome of virtually all (over 99.9%) of these animal species. The life of all animals, including humans, depends on bacteria.

Postbiotic Metabolites: Another major advancement in microbiome science and our understanding of gut health was due to the discovery that probiotic bacteria residing in the colon produce compounds referred to as postbiotic metabolites. I reviewed and summarized this new field of scientific knowledge in my 2019 paper titled Postbiotic Metabolites: The New Frontier in Microbiome Science.¹

A major realization that has emerged from this new field of science is the fact that the primary “job” of probiotic bacteria is to convert components in the food you eat into postbiotic metabolites, which have a wide range of health-regulating effects. Hence, most of the health benefits generally attributed to probiotics are now known to occur from the postbiotic metabolites they create.²

The gut microbiome is estimated to contain about, 100 trillion bacteria, and new methods for determining the bacterial composition of the human gut has revealed that the gut microbiome contains more than 3000 species of bacteria.³ Thus, a healthy individual has a virtual army of probiotic bacteria producing postbiotic metabolites that protect us against pathogens, regulate our immune system, the digesting and the absorption of nutrients, and even influence our moods and behavior. However, like a human army, your army of probiotic bacteria must be fed well for them to do their job, which is to produce postbiotic metabolites. Unfortunately, many people don’t feed their probiotic bacteria a healthy diet.

Many people suffer from bacterial imbalance, or dysbiosis, which hinders or limits the ability of their probiotic bacteria to produce postbiotic metabolites. Many things contribute to bacterial imbalance such as diets high in processed foods, antibiotics, environmental toxins, etc.

The health benefits and importance of postbiotic metabolites cannot be overstated. The author of a paper published in the Journal of Immunology stated the following, “It is now clear that the depletion of microbial metabolites beneficial to host health is associated with a rapid rise in non-communicable chronic diseases.⁴

The Importance of Diversity: In complex ecosystems, like the Amazon rainforest and the gut microbiome, greater diversity increases the strength, stability and resilience of the ecosystem. High bacterial diversity is essential for gut health, which means creating and maintaining a microbiome with many different strains of bacteria.

The diet of most people does not support a healthy gut microbiome. The ‘food’ that probiotic bacteria require are dietary fibers and polyphenols. The best sources of these compounds are fruits and vegetables. However, results from multiple studies report that roughly 80-95% of American children and adults do not consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. If you consume a diet with a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, your probiotic bacteria will be able to produce a vast array of postbiotic metabolites, which have many critical health-regulating functions in humans.

This means that most people have some level of bacterial imbalance and gut inflammation, which damages the intestinal barrier and contributes to a wide range of health problems.

Over two centuries ago, Hippocrates, who is referred to as the Father of Medicine, is credited with saying, “All disease begins in the gut.” Now we have proof that Hippocrates was right. Studies report that virtually chronic, age-related degenerative diseases are associated with gut dysbiosis.⁵

A Common Mistake: Many people believe taking a high-dose, multi-strain probiotic supplements will correct bacterial imbalances and gut dysbiosis. This is an unfortunate misunderstanding. I wrote a short article titled The Oral Probiotic Dilemma, which explains why orally ingested probiotics are generally not effective. One of the reasons is stomach acid, which is over 10,000 times stronger acid than the acidity in the intestines and colon. Stomach acid kills most orally ingested probiotics. Studies have shown that when bacteria are exposed to acid equivalent to stomach acid, the bacteria do not survive.⁶ The Probiotic Dilemma is available at: www.naturalpharmacist.net/dilemma.

The Microbiome Diet: For several hundred thousand years, ancestral humans evolved as hunter-gathers. Their diet consisted primarily of fish, lean meats, and a diversity of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Processed foods, grains and dairy only started to become available about 12,000 years ago, with the emergence of agriculture. Scientists estimate that our ancestors ingested 100-150 grams of fiber daily. Compare this to the average daily fiber intake of Americans, which is only about 17 grams per day.⁷

In addition to not consuming an adequate quantityof dietary fiber, Americans don’t consume an adequate diversity of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. To put this in perspective, I regularly ask people, “Have you eaten 10 or 12 different fruits and vegetables today?” Unfortunately, most people are seriously deficient in their consumption of organically grown, plant-based foods, which are the foods that support a healthy gut microbiome.

A recent study analyzed over 50,000 foods that are commonly available in U.S. grocery stores. The results of this study are shocking. The report revealed that approximately 70% of America’s food supply consists of ultra-processed foods⁸. Consuming foods like this contribute to dysbiosis, gut inflammation and a wide range of health problems.

The Dr. Ohhira’s Advantage: It is obvious that most people don’t provide their probiotic bacteria with a diverse assortment of plant-based foods. However, the 13 strains of bacteria used in the manufacture of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics are supplied with various kinds of Japanese fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and seaweeds. The bacteria then digest these foods in a 3-year fermentation process that results in the production of over 500 postbiotic metabolites. Directly ingesting the postbiotic metabolites in Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics is a quick and effective way to help correct imbalances in the gut microbiome ecosystem.

The Dr. Ohhira’s Reset Challenge: The recommended dose for Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics is two capsules daily. For people who have not previously taken Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, we suggest they try the Dr. Ohhira’s Reset Challenge. This involves purchasing a 30-count box of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics and taking two capsules twice daily for one week. Many people report experiencing improvements in their digestion and elimination along with a decrease in fatigue. In clinical trials with trained athletes, participants gain substantial increases in energy, stamina, strength, and endurance.

Improve your gut, improve your health and improve your life with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. This is the Dr. Ohhira’s Advantage.

Sources:

¹ Pelton R. Postbiotic Metabolites: The New Frontier in Microbiome Science. Townsend Letter. June 1, 2019

² Scott E, et al. Postbiotics and Their Health Modulatory Biomolecules. Biomolecules. 2022 Nov;12(11):1640.

³ Rosenberg E. Diversity of bacteria within the human gut and its contribution to the functional unity of holobionts. Npj biofilms and microbiomes. 23 Nov 2024. 10;134.

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