There are around 300-500 diverse bacterial species inhabiting our digestive system, making up trillions of bacteria altogether.¹ These form part of a community known as the ‘gut microbiome’, where they play a fundamental role in supporting digestive health, general wellbeing, immunity and more. A broad spectrum probiotic is designed to reflect the diversity of our gut, containing multiple species and strains of bacteria (probiotics) for multiple health benefits.
What Does a Broad Spectrum Probiotic Mean?
A “broad spectrum” probiotic refers to a combination of different bacterial species and strains in one product. A multi-strain formula should contain scientifically researched bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum. These types of beneficial bacteria have been extensively studied for the health benefits they can provide. They have been shown to not only maintain healthy gut bacteria, but also support digestion, maintain immune function, support skin health and promote general health and wellbeing. We are learning that the diversity of the bacteria in our gut is an important measure of the health of our microbiome and that different probiotic strains perform different functions in the body. As such, taking a broad spectrum probiotic every day can be an important part of your health routine.
Who Would Benefit from Taking a Broad Spectrum Probiotic?
Taking a broad spectrum probiotic everyday would suit most people. There are many daily challenges that can negatively influence our gut bacteria diversity including stress,² poor quality diet (high in ultra-processed foods)³, older age⁴, being physically inactive⁵, not getting adequate sleep⁵, smoking and alcohol intake⁶ and antibiotics or other medication.⁷ Those affected by any one of these factors may benefit from taking a multi-strain probiotic formula to nurture their gut microbiome on a regular basis.
A high quality, daily broad spectrum probiotic may be valuable for women looking for digestive system and immune support, to assist with their bowel regularity and to relieve abdominal pain, as well as support their energy, skin and red blood cell health. Men seeking support with their glucose metabolism, digestion, immunity and general health may also benefit from a multi-strain formula. A broad spectrum probiotic may be suitable for adolescents to support their brain and skin health and for active individuals to assist with immune function and fighting illness along with helping maintain their vitamin D, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 levels.
The best news is, you can get all these benefits and more in just one capsule a day.
What is a Good All-Round Everyday Probiotic?
A good all-round probiotic should ideally contain a high strength blend of diverse and scientifically researched probiotic strains. Inner Health Advanced Spectrum Probiotic provides 36 billion live probiotics from multiple bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM®) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bi-07) plus nutrients for broad spectrum support. Delivering 16 health benefits in one daily capsule, it supports energy production, a healthy digestive system, immunity, skin health and general wellbeing. As well as maintaining vitamin D, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 levels, supporting bowel regularity in females, brain health in adolescents, red blood cell health, glucose metabolism in males and assisting immune function to fight illness in active individuals. Inner Health Advanced Spectrum Probiotic provides a unique blend of scientifically researched strains that work, releasing good gut bacteria in 30 minutes, with strains proven to stay in the gut for at least 24 hours (NCFM® & Bi-07).
Are all Broad Spectrum Probiotics Created Equal?
Having multiple probiotic strains in one product doesn’t necessarily mean greater health benefits. It is important to choose a high quality, broad spectrum probiotic that contains a blend of bacteria strains backed by scientific evidence. Inner Health Advanced Spectrum Probiotic contains a combination of scientifically-researched probiotic strains at the appropriate strength, which were specifically chosen for their clinical effects. These strains have been rigorously researched and shown to provide 16 tangible health benefits. When you choose Inner Health probiotics, you can be confident that you’re nurturing your body with evidence based probiotic strains that work.
Is it OK to Take a Broad Spectrum Probiotic Every Day?
Inner Health Advanced Spectrum Probiotic has been specifically formulated for daily use. The probiotic strains used are considered “transient” or temporary visitors, interacting with bacteria and the immune system and providing health benefits as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract and help the gut microbiome thrive. This means they should ideally be consumed regularly and ongoing to support daily resistance.
References
- Quigley EM. Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol (NY). 2013;9(9):560-569
- Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human-bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.01
- Martinez KB, Leone V, Chang EB. Western diets, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic diseases: Are they linked?. Gut Microbes. 2017;8(2):130-142. doi:10.1080/19490976.2016.1270811
- Arboleya S, Watkins C, Stanton C, Ross RP. Gut Bifidobacteria Populations in Human Health and Aging. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:1204. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01204
- Valdes AM, Walter J, Segal E, Spector TD. Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ. 2018;361:2179. doi:10.1136/bmj.k2179
- Capurso G, Lahner E. The interaction between smoking, alcohol and the gut microbiome. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2017;31(5):579-588. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.10.006
- Hasan N, Yang H. Factors affecting the composition of the gut microbiota, and its modulation. Peer J. 2019;7:e7502. doi:10.7717/peerj.7502