Inflammatory bowel disease: New probiotics from fungi may help

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Researchers say fungi obtained from yogurt, cheese and other foods could be useful in creating new probiotics. Lucy Lambrix/Getty Images
  • New research shows that two fungal strains have positive probiotic effects on gut health in a rat model.
  • Research on gut health generally focuses on bacteria, not fungi, so the role of fungi in the gut microbiome is poorly understood.
  • More research is needed before these results can be applied in a human clinical setting.
  • Inflammation in the intestine is often caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Consulting a doctor can help people understand the best options for managing their condition, which may include probiotics and other medications.

Fungi have been in our food for millennia.

historical records shows Humans have been fermenting fruits and grains to produce alcoholic beverages and bread since about 6000 BC, while cheese has been produced for even longer.

Despite this, relatively little is known about it Role That fungi, especially food-borne yeast, play a role in overall gut health,

Researchers say they have found that two specific fungi used to produce food products can potentially have positive probiotic effects on gut inflammation.

His conclusions were published today In M SystemsA journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

Although the results are promising, the study authors said there is still more work to be done and they cautioned against viewing the findings as a cure-all for stomach problems.

mathias richardPh.D., a lead study author and research director of INRAE ​​at the Michelisz Institute in Jouy-en-Josas, France, told medical news today When he and his colleagues tested different strains of yeast on mouse models they didn’t expect to see much — but the results were a pleasant surprise.

“Yeast strains have been used in food production for decades, but their health effects have not been thoroughly monitored. This was a way to investigate such effects,” Richard explained. “The surprise came from this number: two out of five [strains] “There was a significant impact on the mouse model, which we found to be a huge number.”

Those two strains of yeast, Cyberlindnera jadini And Kluyveromyces lactisShowed positive effects in treating inflammation in a mouse model with colitis.

part of the action mechanism of C. Jadini It appears to undergo modification of the bacterial microbiota, which may explain this positive remodeling.

“We haven’t really identified all the mechanisms involved in explaining the effects, so that’s something we should work on in the future,” Richard said. “Additionally, it may be interesting to look at other strains to give a broader view of the potential of these strains.”

Based on these findings, the researchers said it is clear that both strains of the fungus specifically show the ability to treat gut inflammation. inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions Ulcerative colitis And Crohn’s diseaseAnd is characterized by inflammation.

However, more research will be needed to move from lab rats to humans.

“There is still a long way to go before we can do anything for IBD patients based on our study, as our data are coming from in vitro analyzes on mouse models, but this is an additional avenue of research that is interesting to follow.” , Richard concluded.

Rhianna JonesIs a registered nurse who specializes in gut health.

Jones, who was not part of the study, told medical news today Understanding the role of fungi in gut health is a work in progress.

“The diversity of food-borne yeasts and their potential effects on gut health is an emerging area of ​​interest,” he explains. “Although some food-borne yeasts have been studied for their probiotic potential, much remains unknown about their specific effects on the gut microbiome and human health.”

Research by Richard and colleagues showed that the fungus may have positive probiotic effects on gut health. This is interesting because while probiotics are known to have positive effects on the gut microbiome, they generally come from bacteria, not fungi.

In any case, bacterial probiotics provide an option for people who are struggling with gut problems.

“Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms, usually bacteria, that can aid gut health when consumed in adequate amounts,” Jones said. “They can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and are linked with better digestion, immunity and more. They are available in a variety of forms, including supplements and fermented foods such as yogurt.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 3 million IBD is reported to be diagnosed among adults in the United States.

“Both are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract,” Jones said. “Colitis primarily affects the colon, while Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract. Diagnosis usually involves endoscopic procedures, imaging, and biopsy. “Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and lifestyle changes.”

There is currently no cure for these conditions, and due to the delicate chemistry of the gut, it does not appear that a cure is on the horizon.

However, there are several options on the table for managing IBD, particularly probiotics. As always, the best place to start is to consult a doctor.

“Effective use involves selection [probiotic] Use strains with proven benefits, considering individual needs and consulting a healthcare provider,” Jones said.

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