Probiotic BIOHM Improves Nutrient Absorption

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Technological advancements that have improved identification of the microbial makeup of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as the biochemistry of digestion, have also increased our understanding of the mechanisms of nutrient absorption.

The interaction of gut microorganisms with the intestines begins at the mucosal-associated layer that covers the epithelium. This layer, consisting of enterocytes and mucin secreted by goblet cells, provides a habitat for beneficial gut flora. Moreover, the microbial communities residing in our gut (microbiome) influence various functional activities including nutrient absorption, protection of mucosal surfaces, and structure and function of the gut. Host and microbial enzymes within this layer are responsible for breaking down ingested food into micronutrients that can be absorbed through the intestinal wall.

The use of probiotics has been promoted to ameliorate the dysbiotic state by increasing the numbers of beneficial microorganisms in order to offset the effects of pathogenic species.

BIOHM improves the permeability of nutrients through an epithelial cell monolayer that mimics the small intestine regardless whether or not the intestinal cell monolayer was covered by polymicrobial biofilms. The observation that BIOHM can enhance nutrient permeability through an epithelial cell monolayer that does not have biofilm formed on its surface is not surprising. 

BIOHM enhances permeability of vitamin C and casein (representative of vitamins and proteins) in intact (healthy) and imbalanced (biofilm attached) epithelial monolayers via different mechanisms. The novel combination of organisms and amylase in BIOHM shows great promise in disrupting pathogenic biofilms on gastrointestinal surfaces (i.e., the gut), thereby facilitating increased nutrient penetration and increased overall absorption of vitamins and proteins, thereby promoting increased gut health.