Gut Health

ORTHOBIOTIC

Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14)
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacterial strain that is normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilus-type yogurt. L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates to produce lactic acid, which increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. This includes calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading microbes. L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the gut against harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. The L. acidophilus strain in Ortho Biotic has been specifically chosen because of its strong adherence and survival attributes in the GI tract. It has been demonstrated in vitro to tolerate exposure to gastric acid and bile salts, and has the ability to withstand antibiotics including Ciproflaxin, Polymyxin B and Tetracycline.

Lactobacillus paracasei (Lpc-37)
Lactobacillus paracasei has been shown to protect against the harmful effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). L. paracasei colonizes the intestinal tract by reinforcing defense mechanisms that support an immune response. It does this by supporting T-helper cell production and secreting secretory IgA (sIgA), an antibody critical for supporting intestinal immunity. L. paracasei Lpc-37 is a gastric acid-resistant strain and has been shown in vitro to withstand antibiotics such as Ciproflaxin and Vancomycin.

Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb-02)
Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus and Camplylobacter jejuni, which suggests B. bifidum’s lactic acid and acetic acid production provides an antagonistic action against pathogens to help maintain microflora balance.

Bifidobacterium lactis (BI-04)
Bifidobacterium lactis is predominantly found in the colon. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial on subjects receiving B. lactis or placebo for eight weeks found that B. lactis supported a balanced immune response in individuals hypersensitive to environmental allergens. Studies examining immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis have shown that it supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability.

Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp-115)
Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacteria commonly found in fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives and sourdough. L. plantarum has been found to compete against strains of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens, due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins) that inhibit bacterial growth. Studies have also demonstrated that L. plantarum helps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity.Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG)Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been proven to have remarkable survivability in the acid and bile environments in the GI tract. L. rhamnosus is particularly useful because of its ability to adhere to cells, enhance microflora balance, and inhibit pathogen adherence. L. rhamnosus was also found to positively affect inflammatory and immune gene signaling of over 1,700 genes when administered in high doses.Saccharomyces boulardiiSaccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that was first isolated from the skin of the tropical fruits lychee and mangosteen in 1923 by French scientist Henri Boulard, following the observation that mangosteen consumption controlled occasional diarrhea in natives of Southeast Asia. S. boulardii plays a role in supporting immune defense by increasing levels of sIgA, creating a first line of defense that helps bind and clear harmful bacteria.

Ortho Digestzyme

Gastric Phase Digestion

Betaine HCL is an acidic form of betaine and is used in the gastric phase to help bring the stomach to a more acidic pH to aid in digestion. Studies have shown the ability to secrete gastric acid decreases with age. Common symptoms of low gastric acidity include: bloating, belching, burning and flatulence immediately after meals, a sense of “fullness” after eating, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, multiple food allergies, and nausea after taking supplements. Ortho Digestzyme also includes pepsin, a protease secreted in the stomach by chief cells for added digestive power in the gastric phase.

Enteric Phase Digestion
Pancreatin, bromelain, papain and ox bile extract support enteric phase digestion in the small intestine for further digestion of proteins and fats. Pancreatin extract is composed of three different enzymes: amylase, lipase and protease. All help to digest starch, protein and fat and enhance enzyme activity to support digestion. Eighty percent of pancreatic enzymes by weight are proteases. Lipase works with ox bile extract to emulsify and digest fats. Research has shown that papain, a protease derived from papaya, can help digest wheat gluten in the small intestine and render it harmless in those who are gluten sensitive. Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple plants, aids in the digestion of protein and has been shown to help maintain normal levels of inflammation.

GlutaShield

Deglycyrrhized Licorice Root Extract (DGL)
DGL is a form of licorice root that has been specially processed to contain only biologically active flavonoids, without glycyrrhizin. This allows for higher dosing of the active ingredient, which helps maintain a healthy mucosal surface.

Aloe Vera Leaf Gel Extract
A demulcent that has been used throughout history, aloe vera has long been known to maintain normal inflammatory balance.

L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is a main source of fuel for the cells of the small intestines and essential to tissue repair throughout the body.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine
N-acetyl glucosamine is the acetylated form of glucosamine. It is a mucin precursor and has been shown to increase the production of mucus within the GI tract.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral widely recognized for its role in gut and immune health. Zinc has been shown to strengthen GI barrier function by supporting the structure of tight junctions.