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I. What is the microbiome?

The microbiome refers to the community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, that inhabit specific environments in and on the human body, such as the gut, skin, oral cavity, and more. The gut microbiome, in particular, is the largest and most diverse, containing hundreds to thousands of different microbial species.

These microorganisms aren’t mere bystanders; they co-exist with our cells and play critical roles in numerous bodily processes. The Human Microbiome Project (NIH, 2012) helped map out the diversity of these microbial communities and underscored their profound importance in maintaining health.

 

II. Role of the microbiome

1. Digestive & Nutritional Support - Microbes aid in digestion:

   Beneficial bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates and fibers into molecules like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support intestinal health and energy metabolism. A study by Rivière et al. (2016) in Frontiers in Microbiology showed that certain probiotics produce SCFAs that strengthen gut barrier function and reduce inflammation.
    

2. Immune system regulation - 70% of Immune Cells Reside in the Gut:

   The gut microbiome helps ‘train’ the immune system to differentiate between harmful pathogens and the body’s own cells. Hooper et al. (2012) in Science discuss how gut microbes shape immune responses through their constant interactions with gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
    

3. Skin Health - Microbiome-Skin axis:

   A well-balanced gut can influence the skin by reducing systemic inflammation. Additionally, the skin hosts its own unique microbiome that serves as a protective barrier, aka the skin microbiome. New research showed that maintaining a healthy bacterial balance can help mitigate skin disorders such as acne and eczema.
    

4. Brain & Mood - The Gut-Brain axis:

   The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, immune system mediators, and microbial metabolites like serotonin precursors. John Cryan demonstrated that gut microbes can influence neurotransmitter production, impacting stress and mood regulation.
    

5. Metabolic Health - Influence on weight & energy metabolism:

   Certain imbalances in gut microbes, also known as dysbiosis, are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic issues. Studies showed that microbial dysbiosis could affect fat storage and energy harvest from food.
    

III. What are the benefits of a balanced microbiome?

• A balanced microbiome supports effective digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, clear skin, and optimal brain function.
• Conversely, dysbiosis (an imbalance of beneficial vs. harmful microbes) is linked to various health conditions, including IBS, eczema, mood disorders, and metabolic syndrome.
• The gut microbiome connects to different x-organs and play a significant role in distant modulation of those organs. The concept of the gut-skin-brain axis continues to gain traction, with new studies exploring how modulating the microbiome can enhance systemic health, from the inside out and vice versa.

By understanding the microbiome’s foundational role, we can see why targeted strategies involving probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics (the “trifecta” of gut support) show promise in tackling issues at their microbial roots, ultimately benefiting gut, skin, and brain health together.

IV. The Gut-Skin-Brain axis explained

1. Gut → Skin connection

• Gut dysbiosis can increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), allowing pro-inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream, which can manifest as skin irritation or exacerbated conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Certain beneficial bacteria produce SCFAs and other metabolites that help regulate inflammation and support the skin’s protective lipid barrier. A well-nourished gut microbiome can indirectly promote smoother, clearer skin.

2. Gut → Brain connection: The “Second Brain” Hypothesis

• The vagus nerve serves as a direct communication highway between the gut and the central nervous system, transmitting information about microbial activity, nutrient status, and immune signals. Many gut microbes can produce or influence compounds like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, chemicals crucial for mood regulation, stress management, and cognitive function. Gut microbial dysbiosis has been associated with heightened stress, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms. Conversely, a balanced gut microbiome may help buffer stress responses by modulating cortisol levels and inflammatory cytokines.

3. The Skin & Brain connection (via the gut)

• Although the skin and brain might seem distant from each other, the gut is the central hub that connects them. Psychological stress can alter gut motility and microbiome balance, which can lead to inflammatory changes. These changes can show up as skin irritations or flare-ups of chronic skin conditions. Chronic inflammation, partly driven by poor gut health, can disturb normal hormone levels and skin homeostasis, influencing everything from collagen production to skin hydration.

V. Trifecta of Biotics: Probiotics, Prebiotics & Postbiotics

1. Definitions:

Probiotics + Prebiotics = Postbiotics:

The classic synergy occurs when prebiotics feed probiotics, leading to the production of postbiotic compounds. This closed-loop system ultimately amplifies health benefits for gut, skin, and brain.

Probiotics

are “Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. This definition was initially proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) in 2001 and has been slightly modified over time. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) has also endorsed this definition, emphasizing that only characterized strains with scientifically demonstrated health effects should be considered probiotics.

Prebiotics are “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit". This definition emphasizes that prebiotics must be used by specific microorganisms in the host to produce a beneficial effect on health. Prebiotics are typically non-digestible fibers, such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which serve as substrates for beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and activity. However, the definition also allows for non-carbohydrate substances and applications beyond the gastrointestinal tract, provided they meet the criteria of selective utilization by host microorganisms and confer a health benefit.

Postbiotics

are “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host". This definition includes preparations that contain intact inanimate microbial cells or fragments of such cells, with or without metabolites produced by the microorganisms during their active phase. Postbiotics are derived from microorganisms that have been deliberately inactivated, ensuring they are non-viable, and they offer health benefits without the need for live cells, which can simplify storage and use compared to probiotics.

2. The Biologic Trifecta:

Our triple-biotic solution harnesses the power of scientifically backed probiotic strains, targeted prebiotic fibers, and bioactive postbiotic compounds to address the gut-skin-brain axis from every angle. The probiotics in our blend, chosen for their clinically studied impact on digestive health and immune modulation, work in harmony with prebiotics, specialized fibers that selectively feed these beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing SCFA (short-chain fatty acid) production and optimizing the gut environment. These metabolic byproducts, or postbiotics, deliver additional benefits by promoting a healthy inflammatory response, supporting the skin’s protective barrier, and modulating the gut-brain axis in ways that can favorably influence mood and cognitive clarity. By simultaneously nourishing existing microbes, supplying live beneficial strains, and delivering potent microbial metabolites, our product provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to holistic well-being.

3. Synergy for Better Gut, Skin, Brain:

The trifecta of biotics in our Triple Biotic™ are designed to work synergistically to deliver comprehensive health benefits across the gut, skin, and brain. The probiotics, including Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175, and Saccharomyces Boulardii CNCM I-1079, initiate the process by positively influencing the gut-brain axis, promoting a balanced mood and reducing stress, whilst also improving gut comfort and reducing digestive issues. Simultaneously, the prebiotic, Livaux®, supports these probiotics by fostering a healthy gut microbiome, ensuring they thrive and work effectively. Livaux's slow fermentation also helps to prevent gas and bloating, enhancing overall digestive comfort. Finally, the postbiotic works on the skin by providing gentle exfoliation and cellular renewal, thereby improving skin radiance and texture. The Pomegranate ferment lysate also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that further support a balanced and healthy skin microbiome. Together, this combination creates a holistic approach to wellness, where a healthy gut supports mental and emotional well-being, while also contributing to the health and vitality of the skin.
 

References (Selected):

1. Human Microbiome Project Consortium. (2012). A framework for human microbiome research. Nature, 486(7402), 215–221.
2. Rivière, A., Selak, M., Lantin, D., Leroy, F., & De Vuyst, L. (2016). Bifidobacteria and Butyrate-Producing Colon Bacteria: Importance and Strategies for Their Stimulation in the Human Gut. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 979.
3. Hooper, L. V., Littman, D. R., & Macpherson, A. J. (2012). Interactions between the microbiota and the immune system. Science, 336(6086), 1268–1273.
4. Dréno, B., Araviiskaia, E., Berardesca, E., Gontijo, G., Sanchez Viera, M., Xiang, L. F., & Martin, R. (2018). Microbiome in healthy skin, update for dermatologists. Microorganisms, 6(1), 35.
5. Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 46(1), 77–89.
6. Turnbaugh, P. J., Ley, R. E., Mahowald, M. A., et al. (2006). An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. Nature, 444(7122), 1027–1031.
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01047/full
8. https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/probiotics/
9. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrgastro.2014.66
10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
11. https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/the-definition-of-probiotics-twelve-years-later/
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463098/
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9027423/
14. https://isappscience.org/behind-the-publication-understanding-isapps-new-scientific-consensus-definition-of-postbiotics/
15. https://www.about-postbiotics.com/en/about-postbiotics/
16. Rahimi, Hamid Reza et al. “A Comprehensive Review of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Properties in Toxicological, Pharmacological, Cellular and Molecular Biology Researches” Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR vol. 11,2 (2012): 385-400.
17. Shubhada, N. et al. “Fermentation of Pomegranate Juice by Lactic Acid Bactera” International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. (2018) 7(8): 4160-4173
18. Miyazaki, K. et al. “Topical Application of Bifidobacterium-fermented Soy Milk Extract Containing Genistein and Daidzein Improves Rheological and Physiological Properties of Skin”. Journal of Cosmetic Science. 55:473-479 (September/October 2004)
19. Lee, Hyun-Sun. et al. “Fermenting Red Ginseng Enhances Its Safety and Efficacy as a Novel Skin Care Anti-Aging Ingredient: In Vitro and Animal Study” Journal of Medicinal Food. 15 (11) 2012, 1015–1023

1. Human Microbiome Project Consortium. (2012). A framework for human microbiome research. Nature, 486(7402), 215–221.
2. Rivière, A., Selak, M., Lantin, D., Leroy, F., & De Vuyst, L. (2016). Bifidobacteria and Butyrate-Producing Colon Bacteria: Importance and Strategies for Their Stimulation in the Human Gut. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 979.
3. Hooper, L. V., Littman, D. R., & Macpherson, A. J. (2012). Interactions between the microbiota and the immune system. Science, 336(6086), 1268–1273.
4. Dréno, B., Araviiskaia, E., Berardesca, E., Gontijo, G., Sanchez Viera, M., Xiang, L. F., & Martin, R. (2018). Microbiome in healthy skin, update for dermatologists. Microorganisms, 6(1), 35.
5. Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 46(1), 77–89.
6. Turnbaugh, P. J., Ley, R. E., Mahowald, M. A., et al. (2006). An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. Nature, 444(7122), 1027–1031.
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01047/full
8. https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/probiotics/
9. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrgastro.2014.66
10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
11. https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/the-definition-of-probiotics-twelve-years-later/
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463098/
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9027423/
14. https://isappscience.org/behind-the-publication-understanding-isapps-new-scientific-consensus-definition-of-postbiotics/
15. https://www.about-postbiotics.com/en/about-postbiotics/
16. Rahimi, Hamid Reza et al. “A Comprehensive Review of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Properties in Toxicological, Pharmacological, Cellular and Molecular Biology Researches” Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR vol. 11,2 (2012): 385-400.
17. Shubhada, N. et al. “Fermentation of Pomegranate Juice by Lactic Acid Bactera” International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. (2018) 7(8): 4160-4173
18. Miyazaki, K. et al. “Topical Application of Bifidobacterium-fermented Soy Milk Extract Containing Genistein and Daidzein Improves Rheological and Physiological Properties of Skin”. Journal of Cosmetic Science. 55:473-479 (September/October 2004)
19. Lee, Hyun-Sun. et al. “Fermenting Red Ginseng Enhances Its Safety and Efficacy as a Novel Skin Care Anti-Aging Ingredient: In Vitro and Animal Study” Journal of Medicinal Food. 15 (11) 2012, 1015–1023