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Table of Contents
Introduction: did we find the magic formula?
My story begins when I started looking for a company proposing gut microbiome sequencing in order to be able to offer the people I follow an indicator of the state of “form” of their “bacterial friends” and thus guide a possible dietary readjustment.
To my great surprise, I was approached by sales representatives from companies that I will not name, who offered me affiliation contracts that included sequencing and treatment with probiotic supplements derived from sequencing, without me really having any say in this treatment.
Gut flora and probiotics have been all the rage for a few years now and there is a great temptation to believe that all these health problems can be solved with a little sequencing and a few capsules.
In this article, I summarised the reasons why it doesn’t work like that, unfortunately.
First a little ethical and legal reminder
There are laws and regulations in place in many countries that govern the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. These laws and regulations are intended to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest that could influence medical decision-making. For example, a healthcare provider who receives financial or other incentives from a pharmaceutical company may be more likely to prescribe that company’s products, even if they are not the best option for the patient.
The goal of these laws and regulations is to promote ethical and evidence-based medical practice, and to ensure that healthcare providers make decisions that are in the best interests of their patients.
In many countries, it would not be legal or ethical for a healthcare provider to sign a program of affiliation with a company providing microbiome sequencing and probiotic supplements, with the supplements being designed and provided to the patient without the healthcare provider’s opinion.
Healthcare providers have a responsibility to provide evidence-based care that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs and preferences. This includes prescribing medications and supplements based on their clinical judgment and expertise, and in consideration of the patient’s medical history, current health status, and other relevant factors.
If a healthcare provider were to sign an agreement with a company that provides microbiome sequencing and probiotic supplements, and if the supplements were provided to the patient without the healthcare provider’s input or oversight, this could be considered a conflict of interest and could compromise the provider’s professional integrity and ethical obligations.
Probiotic supplements: a topic of ongoing research
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to human health when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, and, are also available in the form of supplements, this justifies the purpose of this article.
The idea of personalized probiotics based on microbiome sequencing is a relatively new and emerging field, and the scientific evidence supporting this approach is still limited. However, some studies have suggested that microbiome sequencing can provide valuable information about an individual’s gut microbiome composition, which can help guide the selection of probiotic strains and dosages that may be more effective for that individual.
One of the challenges in developing personalized probiotics is that the composition of the gut microbiome can vary widely between individuals, and even within an individual over time. Additionally, individual factors such as age, gender, diet, and gut microbiome composition can also influence how probiotics are metabolized and their efficacy.
Today, scientists do not even agree on what constitutes a healthy gut flora and more research is needed to identify which strains of probiotics are most beneficial for specific microbiome profiles. Consequently, offering a microbiome sequencing and probiotic supplementation without a clear understanding of which strains and dosages are most appropriate for the individual’s specific microbiome profile and health condition is not scientifically recommended.
Moreover, factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management will have a significant impact on gut microbiome composition and overall health. For most individual, a change of life style would be the way forward to restore a healthy gut flora and, consequently, improve their health.
Probiotics supplements can be considered in a few specific cases
Probiotics have been studied for a variety of health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, infections, allergies, and metabolic disorders. While some studies have shown benefits, others have found no significant effects.
Probiotics can help reduce the risk of developing diarrhoea while taking antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut.
Some strains of probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
They may also help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Some data have suggested that they may reduce the severity of allergic reactions and improve symptoms of conditions such as eczema and hay fever or help prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections in women.
Finally, they could boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
Taking probiotic supplements is not always safe
Probiotic supplements are generally considered safe for most healthy individuals when taken as directed. However, there are potential risks associated with taking probiotics, particularly if they are taken in excessive amounts or for extended periods of time.
In rare cases, probiotic supplements can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
Some people may be allergic to certain strains of probiotics, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
Some people may experience gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms, particularly when first starting out.
Probiotics may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants, which can reduce their effectiveness.
In rare cases, taking large amounts of probiotics can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, which can cause digestive symptoms and other health problems.
In conclusion
Instead of taking probiotic supplements, the best way to have a healthy gut flora is to live a healthy lifestyle.