Enzo Probiotics 88 Billion 60 Vege Capsules

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a benefit when consumed in adequate amounts, mainly strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. Multi-strain products combine several strains, and their content is expressed in CFU (colony-forming units).

Ingested beneficial bacteria produce organic acids such as lactic and acetic acid and short-chain fatty acids in the gut, lowering intestinal pH and creating an environment in which unwanted bacteria find it harder to settle. Short-chain fatty acids are an energy source for intestinal epithelial cells and are known to help maintain the intestinal mucosal barrier (tight junctions) and gut motility. They can also interact with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), influencing immune signals such as secretory IgA and cytokine balance. Effects vary with strain, dose and duration of intake, and differ widely between individuals.

1. A Cochrane systematic review (2022, 23 RCTs, 6,950 participants) reported that, versus placebo, probiotic groups had a lower proportion of people experiencing at least one episode of acute upper respiratory symptoms (RR 0.76) and a shorter average episode duration (about 1.2 days shorter) (low to moderate certainty of evidence).
2. A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs in healthy children and adults (2014) reported that groups taking Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had fewer days with respiratory symptoms and shorter episodes (by about 0.77 days) than placebo, as well as fewer days absent from school or work.
3. A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs in adults with irregular bowel movements (2020) found that probiotics shortened whole-gut transit time by an average of about 13.8 hours and increased weekly bowel movements by about one, with improvements in stool consistency and bloating reported particularly for multi-strain products of two or more strains.

1. meta-analysisZhao Y et al. Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022. PMID 36001877
2. meta-analysisKing S et al. Effectiveness of probiotics on the duration of illness in healthy children and adults who develop common acute respiratory infectious conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis Br J Nutr. 2014. PMID 24780623
3. meta-analysisZhang C et al. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults Clin Nutr. 2020. PMID 32005532

A plant polyphenol ingredient made by water extraction of the bark of New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata). On a dry powder basis it contains over 80% proanthocyanidins, along with taxifolin (1–2%) and other flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Its main constituents, proanthocyanidins (oligomers of linked catechin and epicatechin units), are known to scavenge free radicals directly and regenerate vitamin C, supporting the body's antioxidant network. Studies have looked at its relationship to the nitric oxide (NO) production environment in vascular endothelial cells, and cell experiments observed reduced expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and reduced monocyte migration in response to TNF-α stimulation. Test-tube studies have also reported lowered activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), so its relationship to post-meal metabolic responses is being studied. These antioxidant and vascular mechanisms form the background for research on blood flow to the brain and cognitive function markers.

1. In a 5-week double-blind controlled study of 42 men aged 50–65 with a body mass index of 25 or more, the Enzogenol + vitamin C group showed faster response times on spatial working memory and immediate recognition tasks, while the vitamin C-only group showed no change. There were no changes in blood safety markers.
2. In a study randomising 44 adult smokers to Enzogenol 480 mg + vitamin C or vitamin C alone for 12 weeks, vascular dilation response (FMD) improved similarly in both groups, but the protein oxidation marker (protein carbonyl) was significantly lower in the Enzogenol group, and lower fibrinogen levels were observed in heavier smokers.
3. In a crossover study in which 25 healthy adults took placebo and Enzogenol 50 mg and 400 mg before oral glucose tolerance tests, people with a single-peak glucose curve showed a lower post-meal incremental glucose area (iAUC) and lower peak glucose than with placebo.
4. Composition and toxicity studies of the ingredient reported no abnormal findings with repeated dosing in animals, and no adverse changes in liver or kidney function or haematological markers in humans taking 480 mg/day for 6 months or 960 mg/day for 5 weeks.

1. RCTPipingas A et al. Improved cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with a Pinus radiata bark extract formulation. Phytother Res. 2008. PMID 18683195
2. RCTYoung JM et al. Comparative effects of enzogenol and vitamin C supplementation versus vitamin C alone on endothelial function and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic smokers. Free Radic Res. 2006. PMID 16298763
3. clinical studyLim WXJ et al. An Acute, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover, Dose-Response, Exploratory Study to Assess the Effects of New Zealand Pine Bark Extract (Enzogenol(®)) on Glycaemic Responses in Healthy Participants. Nutrients. 2020. PMID 32075228
4. clinical studyFrevel MA et al. Production, composition and toxicology studies of Enzogenol® Pinus radiata bark extract. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012. PMID 22982471