Prebiotic bacteriophage cocktail from Deerland positively impacts gut microbiota, says new study

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A recent study published in Nutrients¹, tested the efficacy of a bacteriophage cocktail called PreforPro, a prebiotic, manufactured by Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes (Kennesaw, GA). In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover intervention trial, researchers sought to determine how the daily consumption of the prebiotic influences the gut microbiota of health adults with self-reported gastrointestical distress. Forty-three participants between the ages of 18 and 65 consumed 15 mg per day of PreforPro or placebo for 28 days, followed by a two-week washout period before crossover.

Results showed that consumption of PreforPro reduced fecal E. Coli loads, and increased specific bacterial populations such as the butyrate-producing genera Eubacterium, one of the most abundant genera in the healthy human gut. While there were changes in certain bacterial populations, the supplement did not globally disrupt the gut microbiota of subjects. There were also small but significant decreases in circulating interleukin-4, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.

“Ingesting probiotics are only half the healthy gut microbiome equation; effective prebiotics are the other half that encourage resident beneficial bacteria to populate,” said John Deaton, vice president of science and technology for Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes, in a press release. “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, 15mg dose.”

References:

1. Febvre, HP et al. “PHAGE study: Effects of supplemental bacteriophage intake on inflammation and gut microbiota in healthy adults.” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 3 (2019)