DIGESTIVE WELLNESS - Solgar Academy · E53924: PROBI® 20 Billion E53925: PROBI® 30 Billion Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v™) is an extensively researched probiotic strain,

DIGESTIVEWELLNESS

The Role of Solgar® Nutritional Supplementsin Digestive Wellness

RETAILER

LEARNING OUTCOMESIn this training series you will learn how the following Solgar® productscan be applied to support digestive wellness and which other Solgar®products can be used to build a health-promoting programme.

Key Solgar® Products:

E53924: PROBI® 20 Billion


E51299: Comfort Zone Digestive Complex

E51284: Botanical Digestive Complex

E3971, E3972: Milk Thistle

Additional Supportive Solgar® Products:

E39, E46: Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus™

E240: Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin

E403: Bromelain 500 mg

E4161: Turmeric Root Extract

E1787: Multiple Fibre Formula

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM• The digestive system is composed of two groups of organs: the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract and the accessory digestive organs

• The food that we eat contains a variety of nutrients – molecules required for tissue building and repair and for life-dependent chemical reactions

• Food is also the source of energy that is vital to every cell in the body

• Food must be broken down into smaller molecules before it can be absorbed into the blood and carried to the cells throughout the body. This process is known as digestion

• These smaller molecules are transported through the cells in the wall of the digestive tract into the blood and lymph in a process known as absorption

• These processes are carried out by the organs collectively known as the digestive system, see diagram below

The Process of Digestion has Two Phases:

• Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of food during chewing (mastication) when large pieces of food are broken into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area for salivary amylase and lingual lipase to start the chemical breakdown

• Chemical digestion occurs in the mouth, stomach, small and large intestine and uses enzymes and acids, which facilitate the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (starches) into smaller pieces. As the digestive process continues, those ‘pieces’ get smaller with several di�erent enzymes working to complete the process

Oesophagus

Stomach

Pancreas

Ieum (small intestine)

Rectum

Anus

Liver

Colon(large intestine)

Cecum

Appendix

Organ of theDigestive System

EnzymeSubstance ActedUpon by Enzyme

End Product(s)

Salivary Glands Salivary AmylaseStarches/Polysaccharides

Maltose(Disaccharide)

Glands in the tongue Lingual Lipase TriglyceridesFatty Acids &Diglycerides

Stomach Pepsin Proteins Peptides

Stomach Gastric Lipase Fats & OilsFatty Acids &Monoglycerides

Duodenum (small intes-tine)

Pancreatic Amy-lase Polysaccharides Maltose


Proteases: Trypsin,Chymotrypsin &Elastase

Polypeptides Peptides

Duodenum (small intes-tine) Pancreatic Lipase Emulsified Fats

Fatty Acids &Monoglycerides


Brush BorderEnzyme: Maltase

Maltose Glucose


Brush BorderEnzyme: Sucrase

Sucrose Glucose & Fruc-tose


Brush BorderEnzyme: Lactase

LactoseGlucose &Galactose


Brush BorderEnzyme: Peptidase

Dipeptides Amino Acids

Enzyme Activity in the Digestive System

Good digestion is the cornerstone of optimal health with the nutrients needed to nourish every cell in the body coming from food. When the digestive system is not functioning well, the result can be detrimental to the whole body.

There are many times in life when the digestive system may need a little support. For example,stress can disrupt the digestive process by reducing secretions and slowing the movement offood through the system.

Digestive aids are supplements that promote the proper functioning of the digestive system bymaintaining proper digestion and absorption of nutrients and elimination of wastes. Theyinclude probiotic formulas, digestive enzymes and other specific supportive ingredients.

Each digestive aid plays a specific role in the process of supporting the di�erent stages ofdigestion, absorption and elimination. Also, because each one of us is unique, Solgar® providesvarious formulas to help support individual needs.

Common Digestive Disorders

Constipation - Hard, dry stools, resulting in infrequent or partial defecation. Can be due to manyfactors including poor diet (low fibre/water intake), nutrient deficiencies and bacterial overgrowth.

Crohn’s Disease - A chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease that usually a�ects the lower smallintestine (called the ileum) or the colon, but it can a�ect the entire GI tract. Also known as regional enteritis and ileitis.

Diarrhoea – Frequent, loose and watery bowel movements. May be caused by factors such asinfection, malabsorption conditions and bacterial overgrowth.

Dysbiosis – A state of imbalance within the intestinal flora. It is described as being due to putrefaction, fermentation, deficiency or sensitisation. Dysbiosis is associated with conditions where there is fungal, yeast or bacterial overgrowth.

Gas (excessive) - A common cause of flatulence and bloating. Excessive production of gas resulting from the incomplete breakdown of food and is passed out of the body through the rectum (flatulence) or the mouth (belching). If the gas cannot be expelled, abdominal discomfort and bloating may result.

Heartburn – Otherwise known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is characterised by apainful, burning sensation in the chest typically starting 30-60 minutes after eating.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – A spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach. H. pylori damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers. Previously known as Campylobacter pylori.

Hypochlorhydria – Low stomach acid. Inadequate stomach acid results in partial digestion of foods and causes digestive disturbances such as bloating and constipation. If left untreated, hypochlorhydria may lead to malabsorption, weak nails, skin problems and general poor health.

Indigestion – The term used to describe general poor digestion. Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, bloating and gas. Sometimes known as dyspepsia.

Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut Syndrome) – An increase in permeability in the intestinal lining. Large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall, allowing bacteria, toxins and foods to leak into the blood stream. Initially, this results in digestive disturbances, but commonly progresses to cause inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. Intestinal permeability may lead to a host of other conditions including:

• Ulcerative colitis • Food allergy • Chronic muscle or joint pain

• Anxiety disorders • Recurrent bladder or yeast infections

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – A disorder in which the nerves that control the muscles in theGI tract are too active. As a result the GI tract becomes oversensitive to certain foods, gas, faecal matter and stress. Typical symptoms include bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.

Ulcerative Colitis – A chronic, recurring disease of the large bowel; causing inflammation and ulcers, or sores, in the lining of the colon. The disease may involve the entire colon, only the rectum, or more commonly some area between the two.

Please note: If your customers are su�ering from any of the above digestive disorders or symptoms, please advise they consult their Healthcare Practitioner. This is a training booklet based on scientific literature and is not intended to help you diagnose or treat customers with any health issues. Food supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or cure any health problems or diseases, nor should they be used instead of a varied balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, or as a substitute for medications.

SOLGAR® NUTRITIONALSUPPLEMENTSProbiotics

When reviewing the label of a Solgar® probiotic product you will see stated the genus, species andmore importantly the subspecies and specific strain. Solgar® probiotics contain strains of bacteriathat have been used in numerous scientific studies.



Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v™) is an extensivelyresearched probiotic strain, which has been a regular part ofthe food intake of humans for a long time – dating back 1.5million years B.C. It frequently occurs spontaneously, in highnumbers, and in most lactic acid fermented foods, especiallywhen the food is based on plant material, for example, inbrined olives, capers, sauerkraut, salted gherkins andsour-dough.

This probiotic strain was originally identified and isolatedfrom the human GI tract and is noted for its pronounced ability to attach to human mucosal cells. Lp299v™ is known for its ability to survive the acidic conditions of the stomach thus helping tomaintain digestive wellness along with supporting those su�ering from excess flatulence, bloatingand abdominal discomfort.1,2 Studies reveal the ability of Lp299v™ to survive the intestinalenvironment after ingestion, resulting in a significant decrease in flatulence and softer stools.3

Furthermore, the overall bacterial diversity of the gut flora in humans has been shown to increaseafter supplementation of Lp299v.™4

One of the most researched areas in relation to Lp299v™ is regarding excess flatulence, bloatingand abdominal discomfort which can be associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as IrritableBowel Syndrome (IBS). Studies have shown that Lp299v™ is a probiotic strain able to relieve suchsymptoms.5 Whilst the mechanisms are not fully understood it is thought that the bloating and painexperienced by those with IBS might be due to abnormal colonic fermentation giving rise to anexcess of gas production.

Intestinal permeability (otherwise known as ‘leaky gut’) is characterised by large particles ‘leaking’through the intestinal wall into the blood circulation and is a likely cause of various conditions,such as allergies and metabolic disturbances. Lp299v™ may help with the symptoms of leaky gut by improving the intestinal barrier function.6

299v (Lp299v™) is an extensivelyresearched probiotic strain, which has been a regular part ofthe food intake of humans for a long time – dating back 1.5million years B.C. It frequently occurs spontaneously, in highnumbers, and in most lactic acid fermented foods, especially

This probiotic strain was originally identified and isolated

Lp299v™ has also been shown to o�er immune support, with studies revealing it may help withthe prevention of allergies via an increase in interleukin-10 synthesis (which helps reduceinflammation) as well as secretion of macrophages and T-cells.5 In addition, research has shownthat Lp299v™ may influence intestinal and systemic immunity by competing with pathogenicbacteria for intestinal colonisation.7

Solgar® o�er Lp299v™ in both 20 and 30 billion formats providing a versatile choice for optimisingdigestive wellness.

Two product strengths with each vegetable capsule providing:

• Lactobacillus plantarum LP299v™ 20 billion

• Lactobacillus plantarum LP299v™ 30 billion

Product Highlights:

• Non-dairy

• Suitable for vegans

• No refrigeration required

• High potency and available in two strengths

• Single strain probiotic can lead to enhanced gut bacteria diversity2 which may have a positive e�ect on health such as gastrointestinal comfort and immunity.5

Key Areas of Use:

• Adults maintenance probiotic supplement3

• May reduce symptoms of both diarrhoea and constipation5

• Increasing gut microbiota diversity4


This complex provides a harmonised formula to support digestive healthand function.

Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea): Gentian contains the glycosides,gentiopicrin and amarogentin, which account for its intensely bitter taste.These compounds stimulate the receptors in the taste buds, causing a reflexincrease in the secretion of saliva, gastric juice and bile.8

Yarrow Leaf (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow contains various compoundsincluding flavonoids, essential oils and sesquiterpine lactones that worksynergistically to increase saliva and stomach acid and relax smoothintestinal muscle.9

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum ocinale): Dandelion contains variousbitter principles which promote the release of other digestive secretions including saliva,hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes. The high choline content of dandelion combinedwith these various bitter principles, are thought to stimulate the flow of bile, thus supportingliver health.10, 11

Peppermint Leaf (Mentha x piperita): The volatile oil within peppermint is a complex mixtureof compounds and includes menthol, menthone and methyl acetate. These, and other constituentsof peppermint, exert an antispasmodic action thereby preventing the involuntary contractionsassociated with intestinal muscle spasm. The carminative properties of peppermint promote theexpulsion of intestinal gas.12 In studies, peppermint has been shown to improve the flow of bile.13

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is known to reduce the quality of life for those su�ering from it.A meta-analysis of twelve placebo controlled trials showed statistically significant e�ects in favourof peppermint.14 The research concluded that this may be the first choice for IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhoea to help alleviate general symptoms and to improve qualityof life.

Chamomile Flower (Matricaria recutita): A source of flavonoids, volatile oils and phenols,chamomile is documented to act as a carminative, improving digestive peristalsis and supportinggeneral intestinal function.15 Through its inhibition of muscle spasms, chamomile exerts acalming influence on the digestive tract.

Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa ocinalis): The leaves of lemon balm contain terpenes, tannins,flavonoids and essential oils. These have antiviral and relaxing properties, expounding the useof this botanical as a calming agent for the digestive system.15

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare): The main active constituents of fennel include the terpenoidanethole, which e�ectively reduce smooth muscle spasm, especially when associated with thedigestive tract, suggesting significant potential in relieving indigestion, gas and bloating. Fennelhas been shown to exert a smooth muscle relaxing e�ect which may then lead to a reduction inbloating and indigestion.15bloating and indigestion.15

Product Highlights:

• Natural approach using a complex of digestive botanicals

• Overall stress support as well as digestive function15

• Carminative and soothing12, 15

Key Areas of Use:

• General digestive support15

• May reduce symptoms of both diarrhoea and constipation14

• Supportive for digestive discomfort12, 15

• During times of stress15


Solgar® Comfort Zone Digestive Complex provides an advanced combination of naturally derived digestive enzymes and synergistic botanicals to help support optimal nutritional status which benefits both digestion and overall health.

Enzyme Blend

The plant-based enzymes used in this formula provide digestive capability over a wider pH range compared to animal enzymes and support digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fibre.16, 17

Comfort Zone Digestive Complex contains several carbohydrate digesting enzymes including amylase, pectinase/phytase, invertase, maltase, lactase and notably alpha-galactosidase. Alpha-galactosidase helps break down fermentable carbohydrates, such as beans, resulting in a reduction in abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence.18

Digestion of dietary proteins is aided by bromelain and papain which also helps digestion of thegliadin components of gluten (so enhancing tolerance to gluten in the diet).19 By including cellulasein the complex, digestion of fibrous foods is enhanced by the hydrolysing (breaking down) of thebeta–glycosidic bonds in plants.

Botanical Comfort Blend

This blend provides cumin, chamomile, anise powder, fennel and ginger extract. These botanicalsare researched for their soothing e�ect on the digestive system.20-22

Product Highlights

• A combination of digestive enzymes and botanicals

• Provides alpha-galactosidase for breakdown of fermentable carbohydrates

• Contains enzymes that aid break down of hard to digest foods

Key Areas of Use:

• Food sensitivities

• General digestive support

• May reduce IBS symptoms of bloating and flatulence18

• Travelling (exposure to unusual foods)

E3971, E3972: Milk Thistle

The liver is the second largest organ of the body (after the skin)and has several di�erent and important functions including:

• Processing of protein

• Processing of carbohydrates

• Conversion of fats from storage for energy

• Removal of waste materials

• Bile production

Silymarin, the key active compound in milk thistle has been found to be verysupportive to liver health. It has been shown to increase glutathioneproduction in the liver thus increasing detoxification capabilities significantly.23

Bile activity is also stimulated with the ingestion of milk thistle, an attribute that is both supportive to the liver and gall bladder.24, 25

Silymarin also supports the removal of toxic substances from the body that are processed throughthe liver. Milk thistle may reduce the harmful e�ects on the body from substances such as alcoholand heavy metals.23, 26

Product Highlights

• Combination of raw milk thistle herb and seed powder

• 100mg total flavonoids including Silymarin per capsule

Key Areas of Use:

• Liver toxicity (detoxification)26

• General liver protection and support26

Complimentary Products:



Additional Supportive Products

E39, E46: Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus™

Product Highlights:

• Multi strain probiotic formula

• Provides 5 billion microorganisms per capsule

• Strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5®, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®, L paracasei, L. CASEI 431® and L. rhamnosus GG LGG®

• Non-dairy


• No refrigeration required

Key Areas of Use:

• Mature adults maintenance probiotic supplement

• Post antibiotic treatment27

• May reduce IBS symptoms of both diarrhoea and constipation28

• Immune support29

E240: Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin

Product Highlights:

• Provides 325mg betaine hydrochloride per tablet

• Provides pepsin which further enhances protein digestion

Key Areas of Use:

• General poor digestive function

• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)

E403: Bromelain

Product Highlights:

• Natural digestive enzymes from fresh pineapple

• Helps with the digestion of proteins30

• Provides 500mg bromelain per tablet


E4161: Turmeric Root Extract

Product Highlights:

• Curcumin (within turmeric) has been shown to have antibacterial properties31

• Standardised extract providing 372mg curcuminoids per capsule

• May provide support to inflammatory gut conditions32


E1787: Multiple Fibre Formula

Product Highlights:

• Synergistic blend of soluble and insoluble plant fibres

• Each two capsules provides 1000mg fibre

• Contains oat bran, apple pectin, grapefruit pectin, flaxseed meal and psyllium


REFERENCES1. Daeschel MA, N.I., Lactobacillus plantarum: physiology, genetics and applications in foods. Food Biotechnology Microorganisms. 1995, New York: VCH Publishers Inc.

2. Johansson, M.L., et al. Administration of di�erent Lactobacillus strains in fermented oatmeal soup: in vivo colonization of human intestinal mucosa and e�ect on the indigenous flora. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1993. 59(1): p. 15-20.

3. Johansson, M.L., et al. Survival of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843 (299v), and e�ect on the short-chain fatty acid content of faeces after ingestion of a rose-hip drink with fermented oats. Int J Food Microbiol, 1998. 42(1-2): p. 29-38.

4. Karlsson, C., et al. Probiotic therapy to men with incipient arteriosclerosis initiates increased bacterial diversity in colon: a randomized controlled trial. Atherosclerosis, 2010. 208(1): p. 228-33.

5. Ducrotte, P., P. Sawant, and V. Jayanthi, Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol, 2012. 18(30): p. 4012-8.

6. Jones, C., et al. Modulation of gut barrier function in patients with obstructive jaundice using probiotic LP299v. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2013. 25(12): p. 1424-30.

7. Herias, M.V., et al. Immunomodulatory e�ects of Lactobacillus plantarum colonizing the intestine of gnotobiotic rats. Clin Exp Immunol, 1999. 116(2): p. 283-90.

8. McMullen MK, Whitehouse JM, Towell A. Bitters: Time for a New Paradigm. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM. 2015;2015:670504.

9. Yaeesh S, Jamal Q, Khan AU, Gilani AH. Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 2006; 20(7):546-51.

10. Schutz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum-a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2006; 107(3):313-23.

11. Chabrot E, Charonnat R. Therpeutic agents in bile secretion. Ann Med 1935; 9:1463-67.

12. Kligler B, Chaudhary S. Peppermint oil. American family physician. 2007; 75(7):1027-30

13. Zong L, Qu Y, Luo DX, Zhu ZY, Zhang S, Su Z, et al. Preliminary experimental research on the mechanism of liver bile secretion stimulated by peppermint oil. Journal of digestive diseases. 2011; 12(4):295-301

14. Ford AC, Talley NJ, Spiegel BM, Foxx-Orenstein AE, Schiller L, Quigley EM, et al. E�ect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical researched). 2008;337:a2313.

15. Valussi M. Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties. International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2012; 63 Suppl 1:82-9.

16. Glade MJ, Kendra D, Kaminski MV. Improvement in protein utilization in nursing-home patients on tube feeding supplemented with an enzyme product derived from Aspergillus niger and bromelain. Nutrition 2001;17:348-50 [Research Letter].

17. Karani S,Kataria MS, Barber AE. A double-blind clinical trial with a digestive enzyme product. Br J Clin Pract 1971; 25:375-7.

18. Di Stefano M, Miceli E, Gotti S, Missanelli A, Mazzocchi S, Corazza GR. The e�ect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Digestive diseases and sciences. 2007; 52(1):78-83.

19. Ehren, J., et al. A food-grade enzyme preparation with modest gluten detoxification properties. PLoS One, 2009. 4(7): p. e6313.

20. Nalini, N., et al. Influence of spices on the bacterial (enzyme) activity in experimental colon cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 62(1):15-24, 1998.

21. Szelenyi, I., et al. Pharmacological investigations with compounds of chamomile. III. Experimental studies of the ulcerprotective e�ect of chamomile. Planta Medica. 35(3):218-227, 1979

22. Al Mofleh, I. A., et al. Aqueous suspension of anise “Pimpinella anisum” protects rats against chemically induced gastric ulcers. World J Gastroenterol. 13(7):1112-1118, 2007.

23. Das SK, Vasudevan DM. Protective e�ects of silymarin, a milk thistle (Silybium marianum) derivative on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in liver. Indian journal of biochemistry & biophysics. 2006; 43(5):306-11.

24. Gazak R, Walterova D, Kren V. Silybin and silymarin -new and emerging applications in medicine. Curr Med Chem. 2007; 14(3):315-338.

25. Giese LA. A study of alternative health care use for gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2000; 23(1):19-27

26. Vargas-Mendoza N, Madrigal-Santillan E, Morales-Gonzalez A, Esquivel-Soto J, Esquivel-Chirino C, Garcia-Luna YG-RM, et al. Hepatoprotective e�ect of silymarin. World journal of hepatology. 2014; 6(3):144-9.

27. Szajewska H, Kolodziej M. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2015; 42(10):1149-57.

28. Hu Y, Tao L, Lyu B. [A meta-analysis of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome]. Zhonghua nei ke za zhi. 2015; 54(5):445-51.

29. Lomax AR, Calder PC. Probiotics, immune function, infection and inflammation: a review of the evidence from studies conducted in humans. Current pharmaceutical design. 2009; 15(13):1428-518.

30. Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. 2008; 13(4):307-14.

31. Witkin JM, Li X. Curcumin, an active constituent of the ancient medicinal herb Curcuma longa L.: some uses and the establishment and biological basis of medical eµcacy. CNS & neurological disorders drug targets. 2013; 12(4):487-97.

32. Hanai H, Sugimoto K. Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Current pharmaceutical design. 2009; 15(18):2087-94.

Solgar® is a registered trademark.Probi® and LP299v™ are trademarks of Probi AB.LGG® is a trademark of Vailo Ltd.BB-12®, LA-5® and L. CASEI 431® are registered trademarks of Chr. Hansen.

Food supplements should not be used instead of a varied balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

M0332989/0416/1k

Essentials for life’s journeywww.solgar.co.uk

Documents

DIGESTIVE WELLNESS - Solgar Academy · E53924: PROBI® 20 Billion E53925: PROBI® 30 Billion Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v™) is an extensively researched probiotic strain,