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Denes Fact Sheet no.24:

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PROBIOTICS

DENES PROBIOTIC+ POWDER

THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

The word probiotic literally means "for life". These safe, natural supplements are widely used to help with a variety of short and long-term bowel problems, such as diarrhoea and colitis, as well as some general health problems. Probiotics help by restoring, maintaining and supporting the growth of those bacteria within the bowel that are beneficial to health. Probiotics also have a number of other positive effects.

BACTERIA and the BOWEL

All animals have friendly bacteria living within their small and large intestine. These bacteria contribute to the functioning of the bowel and are important for maintaining good general health, as they help maintain resistance against disease by influencing the immune system. Additionally, they also play a role in assisting the digestion and assimilation of food.

To initially colonise their bowel, new-born animals acquire normal bacteria shortly after birth from their mother and from their surrounding environment. These bacteria are essential to the new-born animal, particularly in relation to the health of the bowel and in promoting resistance against those bacteria likely to cause digestive upsets. Puppies and kittens that fail to develop the right levels of bacteria at this critical early stage are likely to become ill or sickly and will probably develop diarrhoea.

Based upon this knowledge, probiotics were formulated to harness the health benefits offered by those bacteria that naturally inhabit the bowel. It was found that they could be used to treat a wide variety of common health problems in animals of all ages, particularly those conditions related to the digestive system, such as diarrhoea, colitis and malabsorption. It was also found that regular use of probiotics could improve general health.

WHAT IS IN DENES PROBIOTIC+ POWDER?

Denes Probiotic+ Powder contains strains of bacteria that have been recognised as being useful to both dogs and cats and which are known to remain stable during storage:

  • Lactobacillus casei
  • Enterococcus faecum
  • Lactobacillus plantarum
  • Pediococcus pentosaceus
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus

Freeze-drying preserves these bacteria, which are then combined with pectin, a source of fibre; allin, a natural constituent of garlic, and three different herbs: agrimony, liquorice and marshmallow.

Pectin is an excellent source of natural fibre. In the large intestine, pectin is broken down into short chain fatty acids. These substances help in the metabolism and support of the cells that line the large intestine. Pectin also encourages the growth of lactobacilli, bacteria which are known to be important for the health of the bowel.

Allin is the active component of garlic and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is added to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the bowel and to prevent the colonisation of the bowel by undesirable and potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Agrimony is a good remedy for digestive problems, especially diarrhoea, colitis and indigestion. It will also help stimulate the liver and tone the lining of the bowel.

Liquorice can help relieve the symptoms of colic and, in combination with marshmallow, will help soothe the lining of the bowel and, particularly, the stomach.

Marshmallow is also soothing and protects the lining of the bowel, allowing it to heal. It is an excellent herb for helping with vomiting, diarrhoea and colitis.

HOW PROBIOTICS WORK

Denes Probiotic+ Powder is easily added to the food. Once in the digestive system, the friendly bacteria start to multiply, suppressing the growth of unhealthy, undesirable or pathogenic bacteria. Gradually, any harmful bacteria are crowded out as the friendly bacteria latch onto the lining of the bowel in areas where pathogenic bacteria would normally attach and multiply. They also compete for common nutrients, again reducing the chances of unwanted bacteria multiplying.

Friendly bacteria are also known to have a number of other beneficial effects, such as reducing intestinal pH, thereby creating unfavourable conditions for the growth of unwanted bacteria. They also produce certain compounds, amongst which are fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide, which interfere with the development of some types of pathogenic bacteria.

Probiotics are also known to produce anti-microbial substances and have been shown to improve immunity by stimulating some of the cells responsible for combating bacteria and viruses. Specifically, probiotics have been shown to increase the activity of cells responsible for mopping up micro-organisms and to increase the levels of certain types of antibodies, both in the blood and in the bowel.

MORE ABOUT FRIENDLY BACTERIA

Some of the bacteria included in Denes Probiotic+ Powder have been added for specific reasons:

  • Lactobacillus plantarum

This is a rapid-growing species that utilises the pectin fibres, producing lactic acid, which helps reduce intestinal pH. This, in particular, helps prevent coliform bacteria from proliferating.

  • Lactobacillus casei

This species enhances the immune system

  • Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus acidophilus

These two species produce anti-microbial substances (called bacteriocins) which are particularly active against coliform bacteria

  • Enterococcus faecum

This species grows very rapidly, competing with harmful bacteria and crowding them out.

Each 2.5g dose of Denes Probiotic+ Powder contains approximately 5 x 108 cfu of viable bacteria.

HOW PROBIOTICS AFFECT GENERAL HEALTH

It is not surprising to find that probiotics will have an effect on general health. They act not only by encouraging the growth of good bacteria within the bowel and by suppressing those which are not good for health, but also by enhancing the immune system. This delicate bacterial balance can be easily upset, leading to ill health and digestive upsets.

WHEN TO USE PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are safe to use on a day to day basis, as a way of preventing potential problems, or they can be used as needed, particularly when animals are likely to be stressed. Ideal situations in which to use Denes Probiotic+ Powder include:

  • After the use of antibiotics
  • During recovery from illness
  • After worming
  • During and after a stay in a boarding kennel or cattery
  • During weaning
  • When the diet is changed
  • Following travel
  • Following surgery
  • As a tonic for elderly animals
  • Chronic ill health
  • Where the digestion is weak

You can also use probiotics to help with some more specific problems:

  • Diarrhoea, for both acute and chronic cases
  • Colitis, both acute and chronic cases
  • Malabsorption syndrome
  • Pancreatic disease

Denes Probiotic+ Powder will work alongside other Denes products such as our Garlic, Milk Thistle Plus and Digestion Plus Tablets or conventional medicines.

Useful Denes fact sheets:

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If you have any queries concerning your pet's health or feeding problems, you can contact us for free pet care advice.

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    2 Osmond Road,
    Hove,
    East Sussex BN3 1TE
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