DF™ is a dietary supplement designed to support a healthy gut microbiome by combining a potent blend of probiotics with targeted bacteriophages. This unique formulation aims to enhance digestive health, improve nutrient absorption, and support immune function by promoting a balanced gut microbiota. In this review, we will explore each of the key ingredients in detail, discussing their origins, active compounds, and health benefits.

Probiotic Blend

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus

Botanical Overview: Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria found in the intestines. It’s one of the most commonly used probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria or yeasts that provide health benefits when consumed.
Active Compounds: L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. It also produces bacteriocins, which have antibacterial properties.
Health Benefits: L. acidophilus is known for supporting digestive health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and can improve lactose digestion. It also supports immune function by enhancing the gut’s mucosal immunity.

2. Bifidobacterium bifidum

Botanical Overview: Bifidobacterium bifidum is a probiotic strain naturally present in the human intestines, particularly in infants and older adults. It plays a critical role in maintaining a balanced microbiota.
Active Compounds: This strain produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, which help lower the pH in the gut, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. It also produces exopolysaccharides that can modulate immune responses.
Health Benefits: B. bifidum helps to improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and preventing colonization by pathogens. It aids in the digestion of dietary fiber, reducing symptoms of constipation, and supports the immune system by enhancing the production of antibodies.

3. Bifidobacterium longum

Botanical Overview: Bifidobacterium longum is one of the earliest colonizers of the human gastrointestinal tract and remains prevalent throughout life. It is well-adapted to the human gut environment and plays a vital role in health.
Active Compounds: B. longum produces lactic acid and acetic acid, which lower gut pH and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It also produces various enzymes that help digest complex carbohydrates.
Health Benefits: B. longum supports digestive health by enhancing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, aiding in the absorption of nutrients, and promoting regular bowel movements. It has also been linked to reducing inflammation and enhancing immune function.

4. Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Botanical Overview: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a well-researched probiotic strain that is found in the human gut and has been widely studied for its health benefits.
Active Compounds: L. rhamnosus produces lactic acid and other metabolites that inhibit pathogenic bacteria. It also has a unique ability to adhere to the intestinal mucosa, which is important for colonization and immune modulation.
Health Benefits: L. rhamnosus is known for its ability to prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections, including traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It also supports the immune system and has been shown to reduce the severity of respiratory infections and atopic dermatitis in children.

5. Lactobacillus casei

Botanical Overview: Lactobacillus casei is a species of Lactobacillus found naturally in the human gut and in fermented foods like yogurt. It is known for its role in regulating the pH of the gastrointestinal tract.
Active Compounds: L. casei produces lactic acid, which helps maintain a balanced gut environment. It also produces enzymes that facilitate the digestion of lactose and other complex carbohydrates.
Health Benefits: L. casei supports digestive health by improving the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. It is particularly effective in reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance. It also supports immune health and has been linked to reducing the duration and severity of infections.

6. Streptococcus thermophilus

Botanical Overview: Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic bacterium used in the production of dairy products like yogurt and cheese. It is one of the most widely used probiotics in the food industry.
Active Compounds: S. thermophilus produces lactic acid and exopolysaccharides, which enhance the texture and digestibility of fermented dairy products. It also produces the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose.
Health Benefits: S. thermophilus aids in the digestion of lactose, making dairy products more tolerable for people with lactose intolerance. It also supports digestive health by promoting a balanced gut microbiota and enhancing immune function.

PrePhage™ Bacteriophage Prebiotic Blend

7. LH01-Myoviridae

Botanical Overview: LH01-Myoviridae is a bacteriophage, a type of virus that specifically targets and infects bacteria. It is included in prebiotic blends to enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Active Compounds: Bacteriophages like LH01-Myoviridae specifically target harmful bacteria, reducing their numbers and allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive. They act by injecting their DNA into bacterial cells, leading to bacterial cell lysis.
Health Benefits: The inclusion of bacteriophages like LH01-Myoviridae in a supplement helps to modulate the gut microbiota by selectively targeting and reducing pathogenic bacteria, which can lead to improved gut health and enhanced growth of beneficial probiotics.

8. LL5-Siphoviridae

Botanical Overview: LL5-Siphoviridae is another bacteriophage used in prebiotic blends. It belongs to the Siphoviridae family, which is characterized by their long, non-contractile tails.
Active Compounds: Similar to other bacteriophages, LL5-Siphoviridae targets specific harmful bacteria in the gut, helping to maintain a balanced microbiota. It works by binding to bacterial cells and injecting its genetic material, leading to bacterial cell death.
Health Benefits: LL5-Siphoviridae contributes to gut health by reducing the population of harmful bacteria, thereby allowing beneficial bacteria to flourish. This can improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

9. T4D-Myoviridae

Botanical Overview: T4D-Myoviridae is a well-known bacteriophage within the Myoviridae family, recognized for its role in targeting and lysing specific strains of harmful bacteria.
Active Compounds: T4D-Myoviridae acts by attaching to bacterial cells and injecting its DNA, which leads to the destruction of the bacteria. This selective action helps in controlling bacterial populations in the gut.
Health Benefits: The presence of T4D-Myoviridae in the gut can help reduce the numbers of pathogenic bacteria, promoting a healthier balance of gut microbiota. This supports overall digestive health, reduces the risk of infections, and enhances the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation.

10. LL12-Myoviridae

Botanical Overview: LL12-Myoviridae is another bacteriophage in the Myoviridae family included in prebiotic blends to support gut health by selectively targeting harmful bacteria.
Active Compounds: Like other bacteriophages, LL12-Myoviridae works by infecting and lysing specific bacteria, reducing their population and helping to maintain a balanced gut microbiota.
Health Benefits: LL12-Myoviridae supports digestive health by reducing the population of harmful bacteria, thus promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This can improve nutrient absorption, reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, and support immune function.

The Probiophage DF™ supplement combines the benefits of a diverse probiotic blend with the selective action of bacteriophages to support a healthy gut microbiome. The probiotics provide beneficial bacteria that enhance digestive health, improve nutrient absorption, and support immune function, while the bacteriophages selectively reduce harmful bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiota. This combination makes Probiophage DF™ a comprehensive supplement for maintaining gut health and overall well-being.

Probiophage DF™: A Comprehensive Review of Ingredients