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Scientific Research
Welcome to my page on scientific research and clinical studies on diet and the specific food based products I recommend that can assist with regaining the integrity of a pet’s digestive system.
Probiotic for Ulcerative Colitis
Twenty-nine children (mean age, 9.8 years; range, 2-16 years) with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, a probiotic preparation (VSL#3; 1,800 billion bacteria per day) or placebo for one year. VSL#3 consists of four strains of lactobacilli, three strains of bifidobacteria, and one strain of Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus. All patients received glucocorticoids and mesalazine until remission occurred, and then continued to receive mesalazine as maintenance therapy. The proportion of patients who achieved remission was significantly greater in the VSL#3 group than in the placebo group (21% vs. 73%; p = 0.014). No adverse effects of VSL#3 were seen.
Comment: It has been suggested that chronic infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. In one study, facultatively enteropathogenic organisms such as Klebsiella spp. or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in colonic biopsy samples of nearly one-half of patients with ulcerative colitis. The possible role of bacterial infection in this disease is supported by a study in which colonic infusion (by retention enema) of fecal flora from healthy donors resulted in an apparent cure in six of six patients with severe ulcerative colitis. The beneficial effect of probiotic treatment in the present study is presumably due to changes in the intestinal flora.
Miele E et al. Effect of a probiotic preparation (VSL#3) on induction and maintenance of remission in children with ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:437-443.
Townsend Letter – July 2009. Pg. 49
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Comment: It has been suggested that chronic infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. In one study, facultatively enteropathogenic organisms such as Klebsiella spp. or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in colonic biopsy samples of nearly one-half of patients with ulcerative colitis. The possible role of bacterial infection in this disease is supported by a study in which colonic infusion (by retention enema) of fecal flora from healthy donors resulted in an apparent cure in six of six patients with severe ulcerative colitis. The beneficial effect of probiotic treatment in the present study is presumably due to changes in the intestinal flora.
Miele E et al. Effect of a probiotic preparation (VSL#3) on induction and maintenance of remission in children with ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:437-443.
Townsend Letter – July 2009. Pg. 49
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Organic Microalgae, or AFA, Preventing Certain Forms of Colitis:
Over the years, one of the most commonly reported benefits of consuming organic micro algae has been its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Phycocyanin is the blue pigment present in all cyanophyta. In the living algal cell, phycocyanin serves as a protein storage unit and an antioxidant, protecting the cell from certain wavelengths. Phycocyani has been shown to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In various animal models of inflammation, phycocyanin was shown to reduce or prevent inflammation (Romay, 36-41).
Phycocyanin has been shown to prevent certain forms of colitis (Gonzalez, 55-59). The mechanism of action was identified as the ability to block the production of the inflammatory eicosanoids LTB and PGE (Romay, 1106-1109). Phycocyanin has also been shown to be one of the strongest natural COX-2 inhibitors (Reddy, 599-603).
References:
Gonzalez, R, Rodriguez S., Romay C, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin extract in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(8).
Romay C, Ledon N, Gonzalez R. Further studies on anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin in some animal models of inflammation. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(8).
Romay C, Armesto J, Remirez D, Gonzales R, Ledon N, Garcia I. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-Phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(1).
Reddy CM, Bhat VB, Kiranmai G. Reddy MN, Reddanna P, Madyastha KM. Selective inhibition of cycloozygenase-2 by C-phycocyanin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000;277(3).
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Phycocyanin has been shown to prevent certain forms of colitis (Gonzalez, 55-59). The mechanism of action was identified as the ability to block the production of the inflammatory eicosanoids LTB and PGE (Romay, 1106-1109). Phycocyanin has also been shown to be one of the strongest natural COX-2 inhibitors (Reddy, 599-603).
References:
Gonzalez, R, Rodriguez S., Romay C, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin extract in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(8).
Romay C, Ledon N, Gonzalez R. Further studies on anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin in some animal models of inflammation. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(8).
Romay C, Armesto J, Remirez D, Gonzales R, Ledon N, Garcia I. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-Phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflamm Res. 1998;47(1).
Reddy CM, Bhat VB, Kiranmai G. Reddy MN, Reddanna P, Madyastha KM. Selective inhibition of cycloozygenase-2 by C-phycocyanin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000;277(3).
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- Probiotics are a Good Maintenance Therapy for Colitis
A double-blind comparison trial at the University of Cologne, Germany, tested a specific oral probiotic preparation and the drug mesalamine for maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. This 12-week study included 120 patients and compared the effect of 500 mg mesalamine three times/day or an oral preparation of a viable probiotic strain. The authors concluded that probiotics offered another option for maintenance therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission.
Kruis W, Et al. Double-blind comparison of an oral Escherichia ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1997;11:853-8.
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- Successful treatment of ulcerative colitis with probiotics
In a study at the University of Bologna, Italy, 15 patients with ulcerative colitis were treated with a combination of probiotics. After one year, 80 percent of the patients (12 of 15) were in remission.
Gionchetti P, et al. Microflora in the IBD pathogenesis. Possible therapeutic use of probiotics. Gastroenterol Internat 1998;11:108-10.
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- Wheatgrass Juice for Ulcerative Colitis
Twenty-three patients with active ulcerative colitis were randomly assigned to receive, in a double-blind fashion, wheatgrass juice or placebo for one month. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by a disease activity index that included rectal bleeding, the number of bowel movements per day, and sigmoidoscopic evaluation.
Compared with placebo, wheat grass juice significantly reduced (improved) the overall disease activity index score and the severity of rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. 41% of those receiving wheat grass reported the positive side effect of increased vitality.
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients - August/September 2002, pg. 28.
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- Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients
July 2004 - p. 160
Nutritional Influences on Illness by Melvyn R. Werbach, MD
A Nutritional Approach to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A double blind crossover study has confirmed the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial bacterium, in producing symptom relief, although it may require weeks or months before improvement is noted. While the mechanism of action is uncertain, benefits could be due to its antimicrobial activity when symptoms are due to undiagnosed chronic intestinal infections.
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• Improved Digestion for Rescued Animals at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center by Incorporating the Organic Microalgae to the Animals’ Diet:
2005 Organic Microalgae Report
For the past six years, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center (RMWCC) has incorporated organic micro algae into its Food Plan for the Great Cats and Bears who have been rescued by the non-profit sanctuary.
Noticeable changes for the animals at RMWCC
In 1999, RMWCC teamed with the Animal Connection Network to provide added value to the diets of the animals the Center has saved. Many, many animals have prospered from the inclusion of this product in their diets. In particular, our organic microalgae was directly responsible for a remarkable story of swift, dramatic improvement – and full recovery – of a Mountain Lion who was rescued from living in sub-zero conditions in Minnesota. The owner of this animal allowed him to become frost-bitten from lack of fur, a condition exacerbated by rough, bleeding skin.
“Kiowa,” a six year old Mountain Lion, was rescued along with two Tigers, a Black Leopard, and another Mountain Lion, from a private owner in Minnesota. A law was recently passed in that state making it illegal to own exotic cats and bears without the proper licensing. (RMWCC has made a number of rescue trips to Minnesota this year because of this new law.)
“Kiowa,” a six year old Mountain Lion, was rescued along with two Tigers, a Black Leopard, and another Mountain Lion, from a private owner in Minnesota. A law was recently passed in that state making it illegal to own exotic cats and bears without the proper licensing. (RMWCC has made a number of rescue trips to Minnesota this year because of this new law.)
All of the animals from this particular rescue in February, 2005, were extremely thin, and some were nervous and afraid of people. “Kiowa” the Mountain Lion had added stress – his entire hind quarters were stripped of any fur, and he had scabs and bleeding sores throughout that area of his body. He lived outside in sub-zero temperatures all winter, with a small lean-to wood shelter, prior to being rescued by RMWCC. As a Mountain Lion, however, in his natural habitat in the wild, he would not have even looked for a den, as only pregnant mothers seek dens. Something was horribly wrong with Kiowa’s nutrition and way of life on the Minnesota farm where he was living!
Upon arriving at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Kiowa was given a large pen with an insulated house, and immediately put on RMWCC’s special diet of a nutritious blend of meats, with organic microalgae added as a supplement. Improvement in his skin and coat became noticeable very quickly. Not only did Kiowa begin to re-grow the fur he was missing, the sores and bleeding spots began to heal, and fur began to grow in those wounded areas as well.
Within five months, Kiowa has re-grown all his fur, and he shows no signs of the difficulty he had with his skin. He has also gained weight, and has become friendly and sociable – quite unlike his state when he was rescued from Minnesota earlier this year.
Organic microalgae has helped tremendously to give Kiowa his health back, and has contributed to his becoming stress-free and happy in his new home at RMWCC.
Thank you!
Within five months, Kiowa has re-grown all his fur, and he shows no signs of the difficulty he had with his skin. He has also gained weight, and has become friendly and sociable – quite unlike his state when he was rescued from Minnesota earlier this year.
Organic microalgae has helped tremendously to give Kiowa his health back, and has contributed to his becoming stress-free and happy in his new home at RMWCC.
Thank you!
“Kiowa” has since recovered fully -
and has a rich, beautiful coat - and
amazingly shows no sign of the
hideous condition he arrived in!
Some of the ways Captive Wildlife at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center have benefited from organic microalgae:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (a common - and sometimes deadly - problem for captive wildlife raised on milk replacement products) - organic microalgae helps advanced conditions and reverses those in cubs.
- Skin and Coat Conditions - Animals suffering from being kept in toxic situations (roadside stands, with constant diesel gas fumes) and other small enclosed cages suffer a variety of maladies - loss of hair, frostbite, stress - organic microalgae improves and often remedies completely such conditions.
- Malnourishment - nearly all captive wildlife are subject to malnourishment if they are kept outside licensed zoo and accredited sanctuary systems. Even "enough" food is not usually the "right" food. organic microalgae stimulates appetites and food absorption, improving the overall metabolism of the Animals.
- Arthritis and Other Joint Conditions - In addition to arthritis, captive wildlife in concrete cages have no chance to exercise in a naturalized habitat. Pus sacs and associated pain are common in the joints, especially elbows, of Great Cats who have only concrete to lay on.
Organic microalgae goes a long way toward relieving the pain of these conditions, and improving them.
Organic microalgae has been a real blessing for the animals at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, and we thank you for all your wonderful support!
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• Probiotics Prevent Candida Overgrowth:
Recognizing that antibiotics disrupt microbial balance, an Indian research team, led by Suresh Kumar, MD, tested the use of a probiotic combination to prevent Candida overgrowth in 144 critically ill children, aged three months to 12 years, as an alternative to pharmaceutical antifungal drug treatment. Pharmaceuticals promote resistant strains, have adverse effects, and cost more. Children enrolled in this 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled study were being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for at least 48 hours. The probiotic preparation, which was given twice daily for one week, included Lactobacillus rhamnosum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifodobacterium bifidum, Saccharamyces boulardi, Saccharomyces thermophiles, and fructo-oligosaccharides.
The authors report a statistically significant increase in Candida colonization (from rectal swabs) at day 7 and day 14 in children receiving the lactose placebo, but not in the probiotic group: “…concurrent administration of probiotics for 1 week in critically ill children receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy decreased the prevalence of Candida colonization by 34.5% on day 7 and 37.2% on day 14.” Also, the prevalence of candiduria, a marker for systemic candidiasis, was 50 percent less in the probiotic group compared to control. The authors say, “Concurrent use of probiotics with antibiotics should be evaluated as a strategy to reduce the Candida colonization and prevalence of candidemia in critically ill children, in a multicentric study.”
Kumar 5, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Probiotics in Prevention of Candida Colonization in a PICU-A
Randomized Controlled Trial. Critical Care Medicine. February 2013; 41(2): 565-572.
Martins N, et al. Candidiasis: predisposing factors, prevention, diagnosis, and alternative treatment.
Mycopathologia. 2014;177(5-6):223-240.
Townsend Letter – Nov. 2017, pg. 22
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Recognizing that antibiotics disrupt microbial balance, an Indian research team, led by Suresh Kumar, MD, tested the use of a probiotic combination to prevent Candida overgrowth in 144 critically ill children, aged three months to 12 years, as an alternative to pharmaceutical antifungal drug treatment. Pharmaceuticals promote resistant strains, have adverse effects, and cost more. Children enrolled in this 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled study were being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for at least 48 hours. The probiotic preparation, which was given twice daily for one week, included Lactobacillus rhamnosum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifodobacterium bifidum, Saccharamyces boulardi, Saccharomyces thermophiles, and fructo-oligosaccharides.
The authors report a statistically significant increase in Candida colonization (from rectal swabs) at day 7 and day 14 in children receiving the lactose placebo, but not in the probiotic group: “…concurrent administration of probiotics for 1 week in critically ill children receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy decreased the prevalence of Candida colonization by 34.5% on day 7 and 37.2% on day 14.” Also, the prevalence of candiduria, a marker for systemic candidiasis, was 50 percent less in the probiotic group compared to control. The authors say, “Concurrent use of probiotics with antibiotics should be evaluated as a strategy to reduce the Candida colonization and prevalence of candidemia in critically ill children, in a multicentric study.”
Kumar 5, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Probiotics in Prevention of Candida Colonization in a PICU-A
Randomized Controlled Trial. Critical Care Medicine. February 2013; 41(2): 565-572.
Martins N, et al. Candidiasis: predisposing factors, prevention, diagnosis, and alternative treatment.
Mycopathologia. 2014;177(5-6):223-240.
Townsend Letter – Nov. 2017, pg. 22
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