Landmark study seeks to identify the survivability of “good” bacteria in the human digestive system

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – Nebraska Cultures Inc. (www.nebraskacultures.com), the creator and exclusive supplier of Dr. Shahani’s® DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus, today announced that the company is sponsoring a much-awaited and definitive study on the efficacy of probiotics in human . The study, entitled Survival and persistence of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and other lactobacilli in human subjects, specifically seeks to determine whether healthy bacteria can survive an extended time in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Because of the low pH, the presence of bile salts and the competitive environment of the human intestinal tract, questions have arisen regarding the survivability (and therefore efficacy) of probiotics as a category. For accuracy and relevance to Dr. Shahani’s original strain of probiotic, the study will employ human trial subjects who ingest controlled amounts of specified bacteria strains, and who are then tested after an extended period of time to see what, if any, of the bacteria can still be detected.

“With US consumers spending tens of millions a year on vitamins, supplements and other holistic medicines, we feel it is important for our company to regularly revisit the topic of efficacy for our loyal customers,” explained Michael Shahani, director of operations for Nebraska Cultures. “A strong research base and ongoing innovation has always been what has separated us from our competition, so it was natural for us to sponsor this human trial to better understand the role that good bacteria play in our wellbeing. Results from this study will allow us to further refine our healthful products to better restore the natural balance of the human body.”

The study will be conducted by the University of Nebraska, Department of Food Science and Technology, under the guidance of noted probiotic scientist Robert Hutkins, as well as Jens Walter and Steven Frese. The study will assess the ability of a commercially available, widely studied probiotic strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, and two other lactobacilli to survive through the stomach and persist in the human gastrointestinal tract.

“We are excited about releasing the results of this study in the near future, which will further substantiate the role that Dr. Shahani’s strain of DDS-1 L. acidophilus has had on the probiotics industry,” Michael added.

The study will be released by Nebraska Cultures later this year.

About Nebraska Cultures
Since 1981, Nebraska Cultures has supplied the natural products industry with the finest probiotic cultures – the Dr. Shahani's® brand – specializing in the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus. Nebraska Cultures remains at the forefront of the probiotic industry by performing new research, increasing consumer awareness, growing its business overseas and expanding into functional foods.

As one of the most influential probiotics scientists to date, Dr. Khem Shahani began his landmark research on Lactobacillus acidophilus at the University of Nebraska in the late 1950s. There he discovered a particular strain of L. acidophilus that showed superior growth, stability (clinical studies) and nutritional viability. Dr. Shahani would later name the strain DDS-1 for the Department of Dairy Science Number One strain and spend the rest of his career unlocking its potentials for improving overall health.

For more information about DDS-1 or Nebraska Cultures, please visit: www.nebraskacultures.com or call toll free 1-877-377-4242.

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