Flora may be health promoting and
supportive for patients with chronic kidney disease or poor kidney function.
Research on the clinical significance and possible
health benefits of probiotics continues to emerge as holistic clinicians
increasingly turn their attention to the therapeutic value of functional flora
formulas.In this original research
study appearing in Advances in Therapy,
an international peer-reviewed journal, investigators published their findings
of a 6-month, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
crossover trial of a selected group of probiotics administered to patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4.In the United States
alone, note the authors,, kidney disease ranks fourth among major diseases,
affecting over 20 million individuals.
Owing to the growing awareness of the wide spread,
potential health benefits of probiotics – such as modulating immune function
and elimination of toxins – researchers hypothesized that probiotics would have
a “stabilizing and beneficial effect on
the quality of life (QOL)” of participants in this trial.Moreover, they hypothesized that due to the
kidney’s inability to filter waste metabolites in persons with CKD, oral
administration of probiotics may help by removing waste metabolites that diffuse
into the bowel.QOL was assessed via a
subjective questionnaire while biochemical levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN),
serum creatinine, and uric acid were taken.The trial was conducted in four countries and included 46 out
patients.
The flora formula administered 3 times a day with
meals included a mix of Lactobacilli
acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum
and Streptococcus thermophilus
reaching a daily dose of 90 billion CFU per day. Notably, this mix at 90 billion CFU per day
was safe and well tolerated in all subjects.BUN levels decreased in 29 of 46 subjects, creatine levels decreased in
20 of 46 and uric acid levels lowered in 15 of 46 patients.The latter two measures were not
statistically significant reductions, though BUN reductions were signifiacant at P <0.05.Also significant was the observation that 85% of subjects reported an
improved QOL, which Ranganathan, N. et al describe as a “strong stimulus to further evaluate the concept that the bowel may
partially substitute for missing kidney function when “activated” with probiotic
bacteria.”Due to the significant
reduction of BUN, enhanced well-being and absence of adverse effects
researchers conclude by supporting the use of these flora for support in the
elimination of toxins in the bowels due to impaired kidney function.
Study: Ranganathan, N., et al, Adv Ther 27(9): 634-647 (2010)