Another study demonstrates that probiotics from Probi can enhance iron absorption among women of childbearing potential

A recently announced mealtime study shows that intake of one of Probi’s
bacterial strains, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843, can increase the absorption
of iron, which can reduce the risk of iron deficiency. Another study has now
confirmed this result.

The absorption of iron from capsules with and without Lactobacillus plantarum
DSM 9843, respectively, which was used in the study now reported, demonstrates
the same result as in the mealtime study announced on 10 June 2014. The
conclusion of the two studies is that intake of freeze-dried Lactobacillus
plantarum DSM 9843 in capsule form can significantly improve the absorption of
iron among women of childbearing potential.

Background
Iron deficiency and low levels of iron are common among children, adolescents
and women of childbearing potential, both in the western world and in developing
countries. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, with decreased cognition
and a poorer immune system as a result. Menstruating women have a considerable
need for iron and often lack a sufficiently high intake of iron and/or eat a
diet with low iron content. When iron deficiency occurs, the body can increase
its absorption of iron, but often not to a degree that is sufficient for the
deficiency to disappear. This means that there is a large need for products that
promote iron absorption. One alternative for people with iron deficiency is to
take medication with a high iron content, but these often have side-effects in
the form of gastric discomfort. Taking Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843
(LP299V®), which is contained in ProViva, GoodBelly and Probi Mage®, has earlier
been demonstrated to reduce gastric problems.

The study
Women aged 19-45 ate meals with or without a capsule with freeze-dried
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843. The absorption of iron from the meals was
measured using stable iron isotopes. The result of the study, which was
conducted by a research group headed by Lena Hulthén, professor of clinical
nutrition at Gothenburg University, demonstrated that the absorption of iron
from meals containing Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843 was significantly higher
than absorption from meals without probiotic bacteria.

“The results are very encouraging,” says Peter Nählstedt, CEO of Probi AB.
“Through two studies with concordant results, we now have clinical evidence of
the product benefits. During the autumn, we will now be able to focus on
preparing a product launch in 2015 in cooperation with our distributors. There
is a great need for a product with bio-available iron, which is also gentle on
the stomach.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Peter Nählstedt, CEO, Probi, tel +46 46 286 89 23 or mobile +46 723 86 99 83, e
-mail: peter.nahlstedt@probi.se
Gun-Britt Fransson, Vice President Research & Development, Probi, tel +46 46 286
89 74 or mobile +46 705 95 73 27, e-mail: gun-britt.fransson@probi.se

ABOUT PROBI
Probi AB is a Swedish publicly traded biotechnology company that develops
effective and well-documented probiotics. Through its research, Probi has
created a strong product portfolio in the gastrointestinal health and immune
system areas. The products are available to consumers in more than 30 countries
worldwide.  The customers are leading food, health-product and pharmaceutical
companies in the Functional Food and Consumer Healthcare segments. Probi had
sales of MSEK 102 in 2013. The Probi share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm,
Small-cap. Probi has approximately 3,500 shareholders. Read more on
www.probi.com.