L. plantarum VFP46®

Probiotic strain for calcium absorption

L. plantarum VFP46® has been selected among 174 lactic acid bacteria isolates during a collaborative research program involving the Probiotic Research Center, Mongolian Veterinary Institute, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the University of Lille, France. This strain stood out for its remarkable probiotic properties (resistance in gastro-intestinal environment, adhesion to intestinal cells) combined with its capacity to increase the expression of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in intestinal epithelium cells. L. plantarum VFP46® can be used for several applications including bone health (prevention of osteoporosis), dental health, or sport nutrition.

L. plantarum VFP46® stimulates the expression of VDR

VDR is an intracellular receptor expressed in intestinal cells. Upon activation by vitamin D, VDR modulates the expression of multiple target genes and impacts a large array of intestinal functions : stimulation of calcium absorption, maintenance of epithelial integrity, regulation of gut membrane immunity and production of antibacterial peptides, regulation of inflammatory reactions. VDR also mediates the protective effects of vitamin D against colorectal cancer.

Calcium transport and absorption

Calcium is usually poorly absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract. L. plantarum VFP46® stimulates the expression of calcium transporter TRPV6, increasing uptake of calcium by intestinal cells.

Multiple applications : bone health, dental health, sport nutrition

Calcium is involved in many physiological processes. A probiotic strain that improves assimilation of calcium offers multiple health benefits.

• Bone health : osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, leading to a strong risk of fracture. Since lack of oestrogen increases bone resorption, osteoporosis becomes highly prevalent among post-menopausal women, affecting 30 to 40% of them. Because calcium and vitamin D are required to build strong bones, it is often considered that supplementation with these nutrients can prevent osteoporosis. In many studies however, the benefits of taking calcium and vitamin D appeared very limited, probably due to poor bioavailability and absorption. L. plantarum VFP46® improves calcium absorption by the gut mucosa. It can therefore be used in formulas for osteoporosis prevention, in combination with calcium and vitamin D.
• Dental health : calcium is required to maintain teeth health. L. plantarum VFP46® can be used in products aimed at children which require calcium to build strong teeth and support overall growth. VFP46® raw material (freeze-dried powder with corn maltodextrin as excipient) is suitable for production of “children-friendly” supplements (gums, dissolvable powder sachets).
• Muscle function and strength : calcium is essential for proper muscle function; improved calcium absorption will be beneficial for athletes or anybody willing to build a strong and healthy body. VFP46® can be mixed with whey or vegan protein/peptide formulations, in combination with calcium and magnesium, making probiotic-based, natural solutions to maximize the benefits of sport activity.

Selected references

• Proteolytic activity of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Mongolian traditional dairy products: a multiparametric analysis Raveschot et al., Food Chem. 2020 Jan 30;304:125415
• Probiotic Lactobacillus strains from Mongolia improve calcium transport and uptake by intestinal cells in vitro Raveschot et al., Food Res Int. 2020 Jul;133:109201
• The nuclear vitamin D receptor controls the expression of genes encoding factors which feed the “Fountain of Youth” to mediate healthful aging Haussler et al., J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2010 Jul; 121:1-2
• Ancient nuclear receptor VDR with new functions: microbiome and inflammation Bakke D. and Sun J., Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 June; 24(6)