Original Post Date: October 12, 2016, Dallas, Texas
Essential Formulas Director of Science and Research, Ross Pelton, R.Ph., Ph.D., CCN, was recently chosen to present his poster abstract, “A Glutathione Producing Strain of Probiotic Bacteria–Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3” at the Probiotic Congress: USA held in San Diego, California, October 3-4. This probiotic congress focused on the cutting-edge developments in probiotic supplements, prebiotics, and functional foods, emphasizing their impact on overall human health and showcasing the potential of probiotic therapy. The congress highlighted the growing interest in leveraging the power of the gut microbiome for improved health outcomes.
Thirty-six posters were chosen for presentation from over 90 entries. The 2-day Congress explored the development of the next generation of probiotics, prebiotics and functional foods and their impact on human health. Presentations addressed the latest research on probiotic strains and their role in immune system modulation and gut health. The Congress also showcased a series of interactive presentations with leading academic and industry experts, panel discussions and an exhibition area allowing solution providers to highlight their products and services.
“I was honored to be selected to summarize the benefits of the glutathione-producing probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 to scientists from around the world,” said Dr. Pelton. “Attendees were excited to learn of the discovery of a probiotic strain that can effectively boost glutathione levels in humans, as it has been proven to be one of the most effective proactive actions people can take to strengthen their immune system, prevent illness and promote good health.”
This exciting discovery underscores the importance of exploring novel probiotic strains for targeted health interventions, focusing on boosting the body’s natural defenses. This probiotic administration method showcases the beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation on immune function and gut health.
Dr. Pelton’s poster was also chosen for presentation and competition at The American College of Nutrition’s 57th Annual Conference, Translational Nutrition: The Science of Personalized Nutrition, to be held November 9-11 in San Diego, California. Presenters will provide a five-minute overview of their work and answer any questions from the judges. Posters will be judged on criteria including relevance, originality, visual composition as well as scientific methodology and rigor. The winners will be announced at the end of the conference.
Gut Health and the Role of Probiotic Supplementation
Sold under the brand name, Reg´Activ®, ME-3, was discovered in 1995 by award-winning microbiologist Marika Mikelsaar, MD, Ph.D. and her team of research scientists at the University of Tartu, Estonia. ME-3 is being heralded as a breakthrough in health and medicine due to its ability to synthesize glutathione in humans. Glutathione is considered the ‘Master Antioxidant and Detox’ agent, and is now being recognized as a key ‘Biomarker of Aging’.
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being, and probiotic supplementation can play a significant role in supporting this delicate balance. Further human clinical trials are needed to fully understand the health benefits of this probiotic. Specific research is underway to explore the potential of this probiotic strain in addressing various health concerns.
Essential Formulas Incorporated (EFI) was established in 2000 as the sole U.S. distributor of world-renowned microbiologist Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira’s award-winning probiotic dietary supplements and skin care products. Always an innovator EFI introduced REG’ACTIV in 2015. As a result of producing glutathione, ME-3 improves antioxidant support and enhances detoxification throughout the body. A family-owned and operated business, EFI was founded on the philosophy of providing high-quality preventative, supportive and comprehensive pro-health products for the entire family.
The History & Discovery of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3
The Glutathione Producing Probiotic
Professor Marika Mikelsaar, M.D., Ph.D., a professor emeritus in the department of microbiology at the University of Tartu, is credited with the discovery of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3.Professor Mikelsaar and her team of scientists in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tartu were highly qualified to study the properties of ME-3 due to their years of research on Lactobacillus bacteria and the ecology of the human gastrointestinal tract. In fact, for over 20 years, Professor Mikelsaar and her colleagues worked with the Russian Space Program studying the effects that space flight had on the intestinal bacteria of astronauts.This research contributed greatly to our understanding of gut microbiota and the importance of maintaining a diverse and balanced intestinal microbiota.
Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 was isolated from the intestinal tract of a healthy 1-year old Estonian child on March 2, 1995. At the time, the scientists at Tartu were testing a wide range of Lactobacillus bacteria for antioxidant activity. While most strains failed one strain exhibited extremely high antioxidant properties. That strain was ME-3.This discovery exemplifies the potential for identifying novel probiotic strains with unique properties that can benefit human health. This research highlights the importance of researching diverse bacterial strains for potential health benefits.
The University of Tartu is located in Estonia, which is a small country of 1.3 million people located in Eastern Europe and borders on Russia. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden founded the University of Tartu in 1632, which makes it one of the oldest universities in the world.
The University of Tartu has also rated as one of the top universities in the world academically. In 2016, the University of Tartu was ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world (347th out of over 16,000 universities worldwide), and it is in the top 1% of the world’s most cited universities in 10 scientific areas of research.This research institution has a strong history of contributions to microbial ecology and pioneering research in probiotic bacteria.
Professor Mikelsaar is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in the fields of medical microbiology, human microbial ecology, and biomedicine. In 2007, Professor Mikelsaar received the European Union (EU) award as “European Union Woman Inventor and Innovator” for the discovery of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3.
Her work has advanced the field of probiotic supplements and our understanding of gut microbes.Contact: Kelly Charles
Corporate Communications/Essential Formulas Incorporated
Kelly@kcharlescommunications.com
972.743.0373
