COMPARISON OF PROBIOTIC STRAINS
COMPARISON OF PROBIOTIC STRAINS
Summary:
The main types of probiotics used for digestion include common probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium), spore-forming probiotics (sporeformers), yeasts (such as Saccharomyces), bacteria in yogurt, and other beneficial microorganisms. Among these, sporeformers stand out with superior acid resistance in the stomach and strong efficacy in treating related digestive diseases, with promising development prospects. Common probiotics have extensive evidence and are widely used clinically, while yeast probiotics contribute to stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation.
1. Common Probiotics
Common probiotics mainly include strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium extensively studied. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus can resist acid and reduce cholesterol, Lactobacillus rhamnosus improves intestinal inflammation and enhances immunity, Lactobacillus reuteri supports treatment of enteritis and infections, and Bifidobacterium breve improves digestive function in children. [1]
2. Spore-Forming Probiotics
Sporeformers have the great advantage of resisting harsh conditions in the stomach, allowing agents to directly reach the intestines and exert better efficacy. Studies show sporeformers improve functional dyspepsia symptoms and reduce excessive growth of intestinal bacteria (Wanitsuwan et al., 2024; The Lancet Gastroenterology, 2021). They also positively affect the immune system and gut microbiome composition. [2][5]
3. Yeast Probiotics
Yeast probiotics such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae are often considered digestive-supporting and microbiome-balancing probiotics. They stimulate the growth of beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and reduce intestinal inflammation through β-glucan mechanisms (Huang et al., 2024). However, some studies suggest yeast may increase bacterial resistance in complex environments.[3]
4. Yogurt Bacteria
Yogurt contains fermenting bacteria such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophilus, widely used and studied, with confirmed benefits for digestive and immune health, and reducing respiratory infection symptoms (Nakirembe et al., 2025). Yogurt is also nutrient-rich, supplementing minerals and vitamins.[4]
5. Other Beneficial Microorganisms
Other microorganisms include additional yeast strains or beneficial fermenting bacteria studied broadly. For example, Aspergillus oryzae strains improve digestive productivity (Zamanizadeh et al., 2021). [6
Comparison of the above groups
|
Microorganism or Group |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Outstanding Features |
|
Common probiotics |
Well-studied, extensive scientific evidence, improve immunity and digestive function |
Limited acid resistance compared to sporeformers |
Strong scientific evidence, wide application |
|
Spore-forming probiotics |
High acid and heat resistance, effective for functional digestive disorders, improve gut microbiome |
Less common, still under development |
Best intestinal survival, superior therapeutic effect |
|
Yeast probiotics |
Support beneficial bacteria growth, reduce inflammation, boost immunity |
May cause bacterial antibiotic resistance in complex environments |
Strong anti-inflammatory and probiotic stimulation |
|
Yogurt bacteria |
Easily accessible, provide nutrition, reduce respiratory infections |
Less effective than sporeformers for digestive tract |
Popular and good nutritional supplement |
|
Other beneficial microorganisms |
Under extensive study, potentially improve digestion productivity |
Limited comprehensive data |
Potential for improving digestive productivity |
MAIN REFERENCES
1. Sarita B., et al. (2025). "Comprehensive review of probiotics and human health" - Frontiers in Microbiology. Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1487641/full
2. Wanitsuwan W., et al. (2024). "Comparison of effects of postbiotics and live probiotics containing sporeformers" - ScienceDirect. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624005796
3. Huang Y., et al. (2024). "The vital role of gut fungi in inflammatory bowel disease" - PMC. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11481806/
4. Nakirembe H., et al. (2025). "Effects of probiotic yogurt on respiratory and digestive health" - Nature. Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-93603-3
5. The Lancet Gastroenterology (2021). "Efficacy and safety of spore-forming probiotics" PDF. Link: https://www.darmzentrum-bern.ch/fileadmin/darmzentrum/Education/Journal_Club/2021/JC_21-12-08_Lancet_-_spore-forming_probiotics_for_functional_dyspepsia.pdf
6. Zamanizadeh A., et al. (2021). "Comparison of two probiotics Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae" - Taylor & Francis. Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1828051X.2021.1878944
OTHER REFERENCES
7. Vlasova A.N., et al. (2016). "Comparison of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria" - PMC. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4818210/
8. Martinez R.C.R., et al. (2015). "Scientific evidence for health effects attributed to probiotics" - British Journal of Nutrition. Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/scientific-evidence-for-health-effects-attributed-to-the-consumption-of-probiotics-and-prebiotics-an-update-for-current-perspectives-and-future-challenges/77698F90E653569E04FF07E0D616AC1C
9. Hadjimbei E., (2022). "Beneficial Effects of Yoghurt and Probiotic Fermented Milks" - PMC. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9455928/
10. Wilkins T., (2017). "Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions" - American Family Physician. Link: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0801/p170.html
11. NHS.uk (2025). "Probiotics and usage" Link: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/probiotics/
12. Swanson K.S., et al. (2020). "International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus" Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-020-0344-2
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