Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) (“Lifeway” or “the Company”),
the leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic
products to support the microbiome, today applauds the recent
review titled “The Emerging Scenario of the Gut–Brain Axis: The
Therapeutic Actions of the New Actor Kefir against
Neurodegenerative Diseases” published in Antioxidants. The review
examines the connection between disturbances in the gut microbiota
and the progression of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, and how
the protective and therapeutic effects of probiotics, such as those
found in kefir, may play an instrumental role in slowing the
progression of such diseases, which include Parkinson’s disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and epilepsy.
This review serves as a continuation of the research examining
the anti-inflammatory effects of kefir’s probiotic cultures and
peptides on the microbiome. While earlier studies have focused on
the immune health benefits of probiotics, specifically their
potential to protect against viral infections and help mitigate
inflammatory conditions resulting from COVID-19, this most recent
review takes a closer look at the gut-brain axis and how the
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help prevent
neuronal degeneration associated with the abovementioned chronic
neurodegenerative diseases. Key findings from the review
include:
- Neurodegeneration has been associated with inflammation and its
mediators, which together lead to endothelial dysfunction, leading
to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption [44],
apoptosis [221], necroptosis,
[222,223], neuronal autophagy
[224,225], and astrogliopathy
[226] and accumulation of Aβ and tau protein
[227,228]. These events
associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger
neurodegenerative events
[227,229,230,231]
- The microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tract
influences neuronal tissue through various pathways, such as
immune, neurological, and endocrine signaling
[241,242], affecting behavior,
BBB integrity, neurogenesis, and neurotransmitter production
[243]. In response to oxidative stress, gut
microbiota diversity is altered, which could even trigger
neuroinflammation and, consequently, neurodegeneration
[244,245].
- Previous evidence points to the anti-inflammatory and
immunomodulatory potential of kefir. Complications associated with
inflammation are a key cause of morbidity and mortality due to
chronic diseases. Peptides from kefir inhibited the NF-κB signaling
pathway [163], increased anti-inflammatory
(IL-10), and decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines
(such as INF, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF)
[40,115,159,204,211].
- The probiotics in kefir had a possible neuroprotective effect
due to the modulation of the microbiota, which was associated with
reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines and ROS production,
resulting in less cognitive damage [115]. The
increase in these genera of bacteria proved to be an important
indicator of gut microbiome reestablishment
[250,294,295].
- Recently, Olsson et al. (2020)
[296] published a large cohort study that included
approximately 82,000 Swedish adults, and the results confirmed the
association between milk intake and an increased risk of
Parkinson’s disease (PD) (as previously observed by others)
[297,298]. In contrast, fermented
milk (soured milk and yogurt) intake was not associated with an
increased risk of developing PD [298].
While additional research is needed, Lifeway is encouraged by
the initial findings that position kefir as an accessible,
food-based therapeutic treatment option for the millions of people
worldwide suffering from chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
“At Lifeway Foods, we are consistently impressed and assured by
the incredible research around the microbiome’s effects on overall
health and the potential to help people live healthier, more
fulfilling lives by consuming fermented, probiotic foods and taking
a proactive role in maintaining their gut health,” states Julie
Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, Inc. “As always, we continue to
salute those whose research builds upon the foundation laid by
Nobel Prize winner Élie Metchnikoff. We offer thanks and gratitude
to the scientific community for their efforts to unlock
life-changing breakthroughs though the modulation of gut
microbiota, and for helping us spread the word about the benefits
of probiotics and kefir.”
As the leading U.S. supplier of kefir, Lifeway Kefir is made
with 12 active cultures and packed with protein, calcium and
vitamin D. Each product is loaded with probiotics, which research
suggests may help to support the microbiome. Additionally,
research, such as the findings outlined above, suggests that
probiotic products such as kefir may help support the body’s
response to decrease inflammation.
Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky will be discussing research
and natural foods trends on December 15th at the Global
Consumer Growth Conference presented by Wolfe Research. To
learn more about Lifeway and its products, visit lifewayfoods.com.
To view the full review published in Antioxidants Volume 10, visit
MDPI.com.
About Lifeway Foods
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes'
Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the
probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its
line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces cheese and a
ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy
products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland,
France and the United Kingdom. Learn how Lifeway is good for more
than just you at lifewayfoods.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this release (and oral statements made
regarding the subjects of this release) contains “forward-looking
statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, future operating and
financial performance, product development, market position,
business strategy and objectives. These statements use words, and
variations of words, such as “expect,” “vision,” “will,” “predict,”
“grow,” and “trend.” Other examples of forward looking statements
may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements of Company
plans and objectives, including the introduction of new products,
or estimates or predictions of actions by customers or suppliers,
(ii) statements of future economic performance, and (III)
statements of assumptions underlying other statements and
statements about Lifeway or its business. You are cautioned not to
rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are
based on current expectations of future events and thus are
inherently subject to uncertainty. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize,
actual results could vary materially from Lifeway’s expectations
and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors
include: price competition; the decisions of customers or
consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of
commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays
in the introduction of new products; and customer acceptance of
products and services. A further list and description of these
risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of
these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov,
http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, or on request from
Lifeway. Information in this release is as of the dates and time
periods indicated herein, and Lifeway does not undertake to update
any of the information contained in these materials, except as
required by law. Accordingly, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE ACCURACY
OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY
ARCHIVED PRESS RELEASE.
Contact:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net
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