The intestinal flora as the key to health? Many people have probably heard of microbiome The billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in our intestines and without whose help we would not be able to absorb some nutrients. These small organisms keep harmful invaders away from us and support our immune system with a range of molecules, such as butyrate.
In the best case, we live in symbiosis with the intestinal bacteria – this is a situation in which both sides benefit from each other. Research is increasingly showing that the intestinal flora is involved in the development of some diseases outside the intestine. Our metabolism is largely determined by the colonization in our intestines. Even though much of it is not yet fully understood, the number of studies is growing almost daily. In this article, we will show you what QBIOTIC and what effects you can expect from it.
The microbiome – cause of diseases?
The world of the microbiome is extremely multifaceted and complex – just like the research on the topic. For this reason, in our article about the microbiome already given a detailed overview.
How can the microbiome contribute to the development of diseases? To better answer this question, let's take a closer look at one area of research. The role of the microbiome in the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 – diabetesThis disease is characterized by a disturbed glucose metabolism, usually starting with a insulin resistance, which later manifests itself as diabetes.
The role of the intestinal flora has already been relatively well studied and in this Overview 42 studies on humans are summarized.
Since the microbiome varies greatly from person to person, it is difficult to make general statements. However, the researchers were able to determine that there were differences in the composition of the intestinal flora. Specifically, the genera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia and Roseburia often negatively associated with diabetes, which means that they occur in smaller amounts in patients with diabetes. In contrast, Ruminococcus, Fusobacterium and Blautia were found more frequently in diabetes patients.
The bacterium Bacillus subtilis interacts with intestinal health through various pathways
Differences in the intestinal flora – is that enough?
The difference in the composition of the intestinal bacteria alone probably does not tell the whole picture. The microbiome is too different for that. Our diet or place of residence alone has a major influence on the composition of the microbiomeMany of the intestinal bacteria produce molecules that not only affect our intestinal wall, but have effects throughout the body.
Some microbes can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory messengers. Others can strengthen the integrity of the intestinal mucosa by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (thereby tightening the cellular barrier) and thus reducing permeability.
According to the study authors, the microbiome direct influence on glucose metabolism. For example, Bifidobacterium lactis promote glycogen synthesis in the liver and improve glucose uptake into cells by activating the transporter GLUT-4.
How can you influence the intestinal flora?
This is possible through pre-, pro- and postbiotics. Below we briefly explain the individual terms:
- prebiotics: Are indigestible plant residues, or in other words fiberWe naturally absorb these with our food (e.g. fruit and vegetables). These serve as food for our intestinal flora. The bacteria in our intestines depend on a certain amount per day.
- probiotics: Are living microorganisms, e.g. bacteria, which are often dietary supplements sold. By taking probiotics, the balance of the intestinal flora should be shifted back towards health-promoting bacteria.
- synbiotics: Combines a prebiotic (the food of the bacteria) with a probiotic (the type of bacteria itself).
- postbiotics: are bioactive compounds produced by probiotics during the fermentation process in the intestine. These include metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (butyrate), peptides or vitamins.
So what is QBIOTIC?
QBIOTIC is a newly formulated supplement with several different ingredientsThe identical formulation has already been used successfully in studies on metabolism. The mineral zinc contributes to a normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids, while chrome maintaining a normal blood sugar levels supports.
In addition, QBIOTIC contains Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium that has the price of “Microbe of the Year 2023“ won, and L-alanyl-L-glutamine an amino acid derivative which, among other things, has effects on the muscles. But more on that in a moment.
Bacillus subtilis – a microbe with many benefits
Bacillus subtilis is a soil-borne, gram-positive bacterium capable of forming endosporesEndospores are a form of survival of bacteria that help the organisms to survive even difficult environmental conditions.Research has shown several aspects that Bacillus subtilis could influence:
modulation of the intestinal flora
Bacillus subtilis seems to positively influence the microbial balance in the intestineAs a probiotic bacterium, it contributes to the diversity of the intestinal flora, which is essential for maintaining health. B. subtilis can enter the intestine and create favorable conditions there by promoting beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. These bacteria play a key role in digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as in strengthening the immune system. Both bacteria are also inversely associated with the risk of insulin resistance and can increase butyrate production.
Antimicrobial activity
In addition to supporting health-promoting bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis produce antimicrobial peptidesknown as subtilisins. These peptides have the ability to directly combat pathogenic microorganisms by inhibiting their growth or killing them. This mechanism helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and probably supports the maintenance of a healthy intestinal flora. In this study could Bacillus subtilis inhibits the growth of the harmful bacterium Clostridium perfrigens in chickens.
stimulation of the immune system
Bacillus subtilis also seems to interact with the immune system. Studies suggest a connection with the M cells in the Peyer's patches of the small intestine, which presumably leads to Stimulation of the local and systemic immune response leads.
influence on the intestinal barrier
Furthermore, Bacillus subtilis is associated with a strengthened intestinal barrier. It promotes the production of tight junction proteins that connect the intestinal epithelial cells and thus Improve intestinal barrier function.
effects on digestion
In addition, Bacillus subtilis supports digestion by producing enzymes that help break down complex carbohydrates and proteins. These enzymes facilitate nutrient absorption and have been shown to be effective in this study Reduce bloating, constipation and other digestive problems.
Butyrate – an important building block for intestinal health
Before we take a closer look at the composition from QBIOTIC we need to briefly clarify what butyrate is and what role it plays in the body:
Butyrate is one of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which is produced by microorganisms in the intestine through the fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates (prebiotics).This short-chain fatty acid has attracted a lot of attention in science because the Butyrate metabolism also affects our metabolism One of the molecular pathways associated with butyrate is the Stimulation of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Put simply, GLP-1 in the body in two different ways. It signals to our brain that we are full and it promotes the release of insulin so that we can better transport the sugar we consume with food into our cells.
Drugs that “mimicking” GLP-1 have become famous outside of medicine in recent years. The active ingredient semaglutide, sold under the trade name Ozempic®, is a very effective diabetes medication. You can learn more about these connections in our article on berberine.
Bioavailable berberine with chromium and zinc in the mineral complex Berbersome
But back to butyrate. One of the reasons why a high-fiber diet is so healthy, is probably the increased production of butyrate by the intestinal bacteria. However, every person has a different composition of intestinal flora, and therefore also a different capacity to produce butyrate.
Did you know? The exact formation of butyrate in the intestine is quite complex and involves several steps and metabolic pathways. Three of the four metabolic pathways use amino acids and pyruvate as an intermediate product, which you can also find in energy metabolism and the mitochondria find.
The butyrate produced in the intestine can then increase the production of GLP-1 in several ways. One of these ways is activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Dietary fiber to increase butyrate production?
As we have seen, it seems to be beneficial if our intestinal flora produces more butyrate. We can achieve this, for example, by consuming more Eat fiber, especially FODMAPs. FODMAPs stands for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols"It is a group of short-chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that occur naturally in many foods or are used as additives. FODMAPs are known to cause digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea or constipation in some people, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
These side effects can have a limiting effect and this is where QBIOTIC into play:
Bacillus subtilis and L-alanyl-L-glutamine for the biometabolic shift
The composition of the QBIOTIC ingredients is designed to cover as many metabolic pathways of butyrate production as possible without consuming large amounts of FODMAPs.
The combination of Bacillus subtilis and L-alanyl-L-glutamine, a synthetic dipeptide, causes a change in the intestinal flora. Bacillus subtilis supports intestinal bacteria that produce butyrate and L-alanyl-L-glutamine provides glutamate as the starting substance, which can be further metabolized to butyrate. In addition, biotin, Turmeric, green tea extract, vitamin D and vitamin B5, B6 for the improved conditions to achieve a biometabolic shift of the intestinal flora.
This exact combination was used in a study tested on 192 people. The result:
- Improved blood sugar levels (fasting blood sugar, HbA1c)
- Significant weight reduction in the study group
- Particularly effective in participants with insulin resistance
More than just improved blood sugar levels
The combination of Bacillus subtilis and L-alanyl-L-glutamine was tested in a smaller study also regarding the blood lipid levels tested. After taking the preparation for 2 or 4 weeks, the researchers were able to observe a reduction in cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood.
Did you know? Bacillus subtilis is not a complete anaerobe, which means that it can survive even with slight contact with oxygen. This is an advantage over strict anaerobic bacterial strains, such as Akkermansia, which die at the slightest contact with oxygen
Possible side effects
Although Bacillus subtilis is generally considered very safe, some people may experience side effects. These typically include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, discomfort or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually temporary as the body adapts to the changes in the intestinal flora.
Bacillus subtillis and nattokinase
Caution risk of confusion: Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by another species of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis natto, which is specifically involved in the fermentation of Natto, a Japanese soybean product, is involved. This enzyme is discussed for its ability to dissolve blood clots and is therefore often researched in the context of cardiovascular disease. Although Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus subtilis natto are closely related, the focus of B. subtilis is on microbiome applications, while nattokinase is best known for its effects on the cardiovascular system.
