Musculoskeletal System

Overview: The Musculoskeletal System & Biomunity™

Microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract actually play a role in regulating inflammation that affects joints and muscles. When functioning improperly, uncontrolled inflammation can result in discomfort ranging from slight and temporary, to intense and chronic. [1]  The swollen, stiff, and painful joints, restricted range of motion and mobility, can be debilitating, limit physical ability, and reduce the quality of your life. 

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which are produced by the gut microbiota during the fermentation of partially and nondigestible foods, have been suggested as a link between microbiota and host tissues. Studies suggest that increasing gut bacterial SCFA through high-fiber diet can positively affect skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and the capacity for exercise endurance.  [2] 

 

Biomunity™ Can Help

Biomunity’s blend of probiotic and prebiotic fibers encourage the increased production of SCFAs in the gut. These SCFAs modulate different processes in the gastrointestinal tract and regulate inflammatory processes through their ability to control cell functions, including the production of cytokines.  [2]

Controlling the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, is an important therapeutic goal for inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. [3]  Biomunity™ helps to  promote an anti-inflammatory state throughout the body by scavenging free radicals (the unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells in a process known as oxidate stress).  Oxidative stress plays a pathogenic role in chronic inflammatory diseases and can lead to illness and accelerated aging when unchecked. The body can succeed in preventing—or resolving—periods of oxidative stress when inflammatory processes are considered well-modulated.  Improving inflammatory modulation can help relieve joint pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance joints’ range of motion.

The Science

The composition and metabolic activity of the gut flora play a role in the progression of gut inflammatory states for conditions such as Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Beneficial effects have been demonstrated by particular strains of probiotics which control inflammatory diseases.

Vitetta L, Coulson S, Linnane AW, Butt H. The gastrointestinal microbiome and musculoskeletal diseases: a beneficial role for probiotics and prebiotics. Pathogens. 2013;2(4):606-626. Published 2013 Nov 14. doi:10.3390/pathogens2040606

Specific Ingredients that Help

AppleActive DAPP™ has multifaceted anti-inflammatory properties.  DAPP has been shown to scavenge free-radicals and improve the balance of cytokines, protecting the body from oxidative stress and promoting healthy aging.  The observed pain reduction may be associated with improved antioxidant status. [1]

 

Beta Glucans can significantly reduce swelling and edema.  Studies have also demonstrated potential for Beta Glucans to favorably modulate immune responses without excessive suppression or stimulation of overall immune activity. [4]

 

Lactobacillus reuteri strains can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting regulatory T cell development and function. Direct supplementation or prebiotic modulation of L. reuteri may be an attractive preventive and/or therapeutic avenue against inflammatory diseases. [5]

References:

  1. Jensen GS, Attridge VL, Benson KF, Beaman JL, Carter SG, Ager D. Consumption of dried apple peel powder increases joint function and range of motion. J Med Food. 2014 Nov;17(11):1204-13. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.0037. Epub 2014 Oct 1. PMID: 25271471; PMCID: PMC4224039.
  2. Lustgarten MS. The Role of the Gut Microbiome on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Physical Function: 2019 Update. Front Physiol. 2019;10:1435. Published 2019 Nov 26. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.01435
  3. Lubberts E, van den Berg WB. Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Collagen-Induced Arthritis. In: Madame Curie Bioscience Database [Internet]. Austin (TX): Landes Bioscience; 2000-2013. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6288/
  4. Evans M, Reeves S, Robinson L E. A dried yeast fermentate prevents and reduces inflammation in two separate  experimental immune models. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2012; volume 2012; article ID  973041:7 pages. 
  5. Mu Q, Tavella VJ, Luo XM. Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Diseases. Front Microbiol. 2018;9:757. Published 2018 Apr 19. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.00757