Phage cocktail shows gut microbiota benefits: Deerland RCT data

Data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover intervention trial involving 43 participants indicated that daily consumption of supplemental phages (PreforPro from Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes​) led to significant reductions in E. coli​ and increases in populations of the genera Eubacterium​, one of the most abundant genera in the healthy human gut.

“Bacteriophages offer a novel and selective means of modifying the gut microbiota, thereby influencing the intestinal environment without causing global perturbations that can lead to microbial dysbiosis,” ​explained the researchers in the journal Nutrients​​.

“In the current study, we confirmed that phage treatment was not associated with global perturbations in the gut microbiota, as evidenced by a lack of differences in community descriptors such as richness and α-diversity between treatments or over time […] On the contrary, disruption of microbial communities by antibiotics and other pharmaceutical treatments can predispose individuals to dysbiosis and create ecological niches where pathogens can establish a foothold, as is commonly seen with Clostridium difficile infections. ​

“Thus, phages represent a novel means of selectively modifying the microbiota without causing global disruptions to community structure.”​

Deerland funded the study, which was performed by scientists from Colorado State University, Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, the USDA, and Think Healthy Group.

Study details​

The new study involved 43 participants aged 18 to 65 randomly assigned to receive the Escherichia coli​-targeting bacteriophages (LH01-Myoviridae, LL5-Siphoviridae, T4D-Myoviridae, and LL12-Myoviridae) or placebo for 28 days. This was followed by a minimum two-week “washout” period before crossing over to the other intervention group.

Results showed that PreforPro consumption led to significant decreases in E. coli​ and to significant decreases in the proportion of taxa closely related to Clostridium perfringens​.

On the other hand, 4–5-fold increases in populations of the genera Eubacterium​ were reported.

The researchers also reported a reduction in the circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine Il-4, which is correlated with autoimmune and allergic responses. However, no significant differences between the groups were reported for short-chain fatty acid production, lipid metabolism, or other markers of inflammation.

“This study merely broaches the edge of this potential, and along with our previously published data [Gindin et al. 2018, J. Am. Coll. Nutr., Vol. 38, pp. 68–75​], confirms the safety and tolerability of phage consumption in a human population,”​ wrote the researchers.

“These data support further studies on the microbiota modulatory potential of bacteriophages for use as a dietary supplement and possibly as a therapeutic agent in clinical populations of intestinal inflammation.”​

IP​

Deerland already has a composition patent to cover the ingredient, titled “Prebiotic compositions comprising one of more types of bacteriophage”​.

The patent outlines the “compositions that comprise one or more types of bacteriophage and methods of using such bacteriophages as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria by decreasing harmful bacterial populations and releasing nutrients into the environment for good bacteria in the digestive system of an individual.”​

A prebiotic is defined as: “A substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit”​ (ISAPP 2017). Prebiotic ingredients are typically fiber or starch-based components that “feed” the good bacteria in the gut.

Deerland describes PreforPro as a “novel prebiotic that supports the growth of healthy bacteria throughout the digestive tract through a mechanism that is not fiber, carbohydrate or starch‐based”​.

Commenting on the new study’s findings, John Deaton, vice president of science & technology for Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes, said: “Ingesting probiotics are only half the healthy gut microbiome equation; effective prebiotics are the other half that encourage resident beneficial bacteria to populate.​

“PreforPro is unique in that it is a bacteriophage that is patented for use as a prebiotic, and it’s attractive for consumers who are concerned about starch consumption and having to take large doses – as PreforPro is a non-starch/fiber compound that exerts its prebiotic abilities in a small, 15 mg dose.”​

Source: Nutrients​​
2019, 11​(3), 666; doi:10.3390/nu11030666​
“PHAGE Study: Effects of Supplemental Bacteriophage Intake on Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults”​
Authors: H.P. Febvre et al.