Genetic variants in BCMO1 and CD36 are associated with plasma lutein concentrations and macular pigment optical density in humans.

Unlabelled: Lutein is recovered at high concentration in the human macula lutea. Recent studies suggest that this micronutrient might be implicated in prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

Objective: to identify genes which affect blood and retina lutein concentrations among candidate genes (intestinal sterol transporters and carotenoid oxygenases).

Antioxidants intake and dry eye syndrome: a crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Purpose: To assess whether an orally administered antioxidant dietary supplement could improve the objective clinical signs and alleviate the subjective symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

Methods: Twenty-four subjects diagnosed with dry eye syndrome were randomized in a crossover, double-blind, controlled, randomized study to receive a placebo or an antioxidants combination (Oxybiane) for 12 weeks. In all subjects, break-up time (BUT) test, Schirmer test, ocular symptoms (sore eyes, burning, itching, sensation of foreign object in the eye, photophobia, sticky eyes, and redness), visual comfort, and general well-being were evaluated weekly.

A double blind randomized controlled trial of a probiotic combination in 100 patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic combination on symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: We investigated the efficiency of a probiotic dietary supplement, containing four strains of lactic acid bacteria, on symptoms of IBS. One hundred and sixteen patients with IBS fulfilling the Rome II criteria were randomized in a parallel group, double-blind study to receive a placebo or a probiotic combination (1 x 10(10) cfu once daily) for four weeks.

Beta-galactosidase production by Streptococcus thermophilus is higher in the small intestine than in the caecum of human-microbiota-associated mice after lactose supplementation.

Transit kinetics and survival rates of a bacterial species from yoghurt (i.e. Streptococcus thermophilus strain FBI3) were examined in different digestive compartments of gnotoxenic and human-microbiota-associated mice.

Anti-inflammatory potential of the probiotic dietary supplement Lactibiane Tolérance: in vitro and in vivo considerations.

Background & Aims: Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where major modifications of the intestinal microflora have been reported, there is an increasing interest in modulating the flora with probiotic products. This work addresses the anti-inflammatory potential of Lactibiane Tolérance, a probiotic dietary supplement (mixture of four strains) using in vitro and in vivo approaches.