Study shows synbiotic benefits when consuming probiotics with bacteriophages

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A recently published study¹ found that supplementation with bacteriophages (PreforPro from Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics, Kennesaw, GA) enhanced the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis). In 4-week, randomized, parallel-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 68 participants were randomized to receive either placebo, 1 billion CFU of B. lactis BL04, or 1 billion CFU of B. lactic BL04 with 15 mg of PreforPro, once per day. Primary outcomes included self-assessments of GI health, a daily stool log, and 16s rRNA analysis of gut microbial populations.

Results showed that compared to placebo there was a significant main effect for time in perceived improvements in GI inflammation and a significant reduction in average symptom severity in the B. lactis + PreforPro group. While not significant, researchers also observed a trend toward improved colon pain in subjects taking the combined treatment. Additionally, there was a larger increase in Lactobacillus and short-chain fatty acid-producing microbial taxa detected in the stool of participants taking PreforPro with B. lactiscompared to the probiotic alone.

The study suggests that PreforPro alters the gut ecology, extending the GI benefits of probiotics. “This study demonstrates the opportunity and capability of phages in the robust support of healthy microflora balance and the associated physiological benefits,” said John Deaton, vice president of science and technology for Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, in a press release. “Phages are clearly up-and-coming supplements in the rapidly burgeoning arena of microbiome support.”

Reference

1. Grubb DS et al. “PHAGE-2 study: Supplemental bacteriophages extend Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactisBL04 benefits on gut health and microbiota in healthy adults.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 8 (2020): 2474