Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Imperial College London, England, published a study in the January edition of Molecular Systems Biology expanding knowledge about the mechanisms of probiotic action on gut microbial activity and ultimately, metabolism. The full contribution is available on the Molecular System Biology website.
Though it is well established that probiotics are beneficial for digestive health, scientists are further exploring the mechanisms of action of probiotics on host physiology. Researchers evaluated the metabolic impact of probiotics supplementation by providing probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to mammalian models with a microflora analogous to humans’. Metabolic changes in various biological compartments were analyzed using the nutrimetabonomics approach. Results revealed profound differences in the metabolic profiles obtained from the plasma, urine, and liver tissue.
Probiotic supplementation altered host intestinal microflora, leading to adaptations in mammalian energy, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, energy recovery from the diet was modified, with subsequent effects on circulating lipids in the plasma and liver glycolysis.
“Interestingly the primary influences of the probiotics appear to be via indirect or knock-on effects on the metabolic activities and populations of other gut microbes,“ explained Prof. Jeremy Nicholson of Imperial College London. “Additionally, the two probiotics investigated had different metabolic effects in the host, suggesting the possibility of giving probiotic combinations according to a person’s individual metabolic profile.”
This study provides strong evidence that probiotics supplementation affects the intestinal microbiota, which then can significantly influence major metabolic pathways.
“This work demonstrates the potential of nutrimetabonomics for investigating the metabolic mechanisms of probiotic action, leading to the identification of biomarkers for effective nutrition solutions,” added Sunil Kochhar, Nestlé Research Center senior scientist. “Nestlé can apply this knowledge in the innovation of foods and beverages with probiotics to improve health and wellness.”
Article Reference:
Martin FP., Wang Y, Sprenger N, Yap I, Lundstedt T, Lek P, Rezzi S, Ramadan Z, Bladeren P, Fay LB, Kochhar S, Lindon J, Holmes E and Nicholson JK. Probiotic modulation of symbiotic gut microbial–host metabolic interactions in a humanized microbiome mouse model, Molecular Systems Biology, 15 January 2008, doi:10.1038/msb4100190.
About Nestlé Science & Research
Nestlé Science & Research, encompassing the Nestlé Research Center and its extensive network of external alliances, is a leading research entity in food, nutrition and life sciences. Based on Nestlé’s research emphasis, Nestlé Science & Research builds strategic alliances with the best scientific institutions in the world to bring a full breadth of knowledge to its nutrition, health and wellness research. A diverse staff of premier researchers from a broad range of scientific competencies together with external collaborators worldwide are central to fulfilling Nestlé’s vision of Good Food, Good Life. Learn more about the Nestlé Research Center at www.research.nestle.com.
About Imperial College London
Rated as the world's fifth best university in the 2007 Times Higher Education Supplement University Rankings, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 11,500 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.
Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
With 66 Fellows of the Royal Society among the current academic staff and distinguished past members of the College including 14 Nobel Laureates and two Fields Medallists, Imperial's contribution to society has been immense. Inventions and innovations include the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of our research for the benefit of all continues today with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle climate change and mathematical modelling to predict and control the spread of infectious diseases.
The College's 100 years of living science will be celebrated throughout 2007 with a range of events to mark the Centenary of the signing of Imperial's founding charter on 8 July 1907. Website: www.imperial.ac.uk
For more scientific information, please contact:
Dr. Sunil Kochhar, Nestlé Research Center, e-mail: sunil.kochhar@rdls.nestle.com
Dr. Hengameh van der Kaaij, Communication Group, Nestlé Research Center,
e-mail: hengameh.vanderkaaij@rdls.nestle.com