Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM: a probiotic alternative to traditional intestinal pain killers?

In a study that appeared in Nature Medicine, researchers from Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) demonstrate for the first time that the oral administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM™ mediates analgesic functions in the gut equivalent to morphine effects.

The results, suggest that the microbiology of the intestinal tract influences visceral pain perception and open new perspectives in the treatment of abdominal pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with this unique probiotic strain. “When we put intestinal epithelial cells in contact with various lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM™ induce a significant expression of µ opioid receptor (MOR) and receptors for cannabinoid (CB2) that exert an analgesic effect”, says Pr Desreumaux*, principal author of the study. ”One could envision NCFM to be prescribed for intestinal functional disorders or co-administrated with morphine to relieve serious gastrointestinal pathologies, therefore reducing the morphine doses and related side effects.”

Bonnie - why is this so significant?

1. It shows how important probiotics are to the gut from a preventative and therapueitc standpoint.
2. The strain used in this study is the found in our Metagenics Ultra Flora Plus DF Caps.

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