Our Probiotics
What are 'Probiotics'?
Derived from Greek, ‘probiotics’ literally translates as ‘for life’ (as opposed to antibiotics which means ‘against life’). By definition, probiotics are “live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (Hill et al., 2014).
Based on this definition, it is evident that to achieve true ‘probiotic’ status, a microorganism must fulfill the following criteria:
- The microorganism must be alive at time of ingestion
- Ingested in a dosage high enough to cause an effect
- The ingested live microorganisms need to grant a beneficial effect to the host in order to be a probiotic
Why do you need Probiotics?
Probiotic levels can be affected by a wide range of factors including poor diet (too many fats or processed foods or too little fibre), excess stress, toxic substances (including antibiotics) and excess alcohol intake. While a good diet and exercise is the first line of defence, the large demands of the modern-day life can limit our ability to achieve our goals. Understanding the potential benefits of probiotics, can help you consider how adjusting your intake (of probiotics) may best benefit you.
Lactobacillus Casei
Lactobacillus Casei, is used in the still variant of PERKii. It is one of the world’s most documented strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus Casei is a dairy derived probiotic, which has been described in over 90 scientific publications and more than 20 clinical studies. The substantial amount of clinical data from these studies has indicated that Lactobacillus Casei may have beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal and immune areas:
- May enhance the immune response
- May reduce the incidence of upset stomach
- May reduce the duration of runny nose, cough and sore throat as well as discomforts usually experienced during the cold season, e.g. high body temperature, body aches, etc.
- Jespersen et al., Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. casei 431 on immune response to influenza vaccination and upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adult volunteers: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, Am J Clin Nutr 2015;101:1188–96.
- Rizzaedini et al., Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12 ® and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431 ® in an influenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, British Journal of Nutrition 2012;107: 876–84.
- De Vrese et al., Probiotic bacteria stimulate virus-specific neutralizing antibodies following a booster polio vaccination, Eur J Nutr 2005;44:406–413.
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium, is used in the sparkling variant of PERKii. It has has been used in food and dietary supplements since 1985, described in more than 307 scientific publications and backed by more than 180 clinical studies, including subjects from preterm infants to elderly. Like Lactobacillus Casei, the Bifidobacterium probiotic strain may have beneficial effects regarding the gastrointestinal and immune areas:
- May reduce the risk of an upset stomach
- May enhance the immune response
- May reduce respiratory tract challenges
- May support bowel function
- May reduce crying, fussiness and irritability in infants
- Eskesen D, Jespersen L, Michelsen B, Whorwell PJ, Muller-Lissner S, Morberg CM. Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12(R), on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2015:1-9.
- Savard P, Lamarche B, Paradis ME, Thiboutot H, Laurin E, Roy D. Impact of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5-containing yoghurt, on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults. Int.J.Food Microbiol. 2011;149:50-57.
- Rizzardini G, Eskesen D, Calder PC, Capetti A, Jespersen L, Clerici M. Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12® and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431® in an influenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107:876-84.
Every PERKii flavour is 'Bottled with billions' of probiotics
Each 'micro encapsulated' to survive the journey through your stomach
Built to deliver goodness right where it matters - your gut!
Shari | @goodfoodweek
"I’m on the probiotic bandwagon so thought I’d try out Perkii. Seriously delicious - and seeing as juice is a treat in our household, I snuck it into my bedroom and consumed the whole thing whilst the little ones were occupied."
Philipa | Queensland
"Having suffered from Diverticulitis over a period of 5 years, and then having to go through chemo treatment, I have finally found a probiotic that actually works and relieves the symptoms. I feel like a new person who has more energy, no bloating any more and no more pain allowing me to go on with my life. Thank you PERKii!"
Kaitlin | New South Wales
"I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I was diagnosed with severe gastritis 2 weeks ago, I was in so much pain and nothing was helping. I discovered Perkii Probiotics at Coles and decided to try it. I've been drinking it for the last week at breakfast and have not been in any."
Mellisa | Zambrero Staff Member
"The PERKii range is fabulous to drink along with our healthy Zambrero food.
Not only is it good for your gut but tastes amazing. Mango Passionfruit is my go to!"
