A Cutting Edge Facility Dedicated to Probiotic Manufacturing

From raw material receipt to finished goods storage, Deerland Probiotics goes above and beyond to ensure the unique and stringent requirements for manufacturing a quality probiotic supplement product.

Environmental
Control

Stringent control of the production zone to maintain low temperature and humidity

24/7 wireless monitoring and alert system allow instant adjustments at any time

Thermal & Airtight Building Materials

Best-in-class insulated roof and wall panels, epoxy coated floor and vertical lift door systems provide a vapor barrier for near-zero permeability

Reduced operational demands (heating & cooling) lessens carbon footprint

Cleanroom System Production Rooms

Production rooms outfitted with Sanisteel® wall panels with antibacterial properties

Food safe certified wall panels demonstrate efficacy against various strains of bacteria

First facility of any kind to use the Sanisteel technology in the United States

MULtiple LabORAtory spaces

Chemistry lab for assays and identity testing

Two microbiological testing labs for spore and non-spore probiotics strains

Research & Development/ Prototyping lab

Warehouse Storage conditions

Dedicated walk-in freezer for probiotic raw material storage

All finished goods are kept in a refrigerated warehouse

Environmental control of entire warehouse

QUALITY CENTRIC PROCESSES & Equipment

On-site probiotic identification testing – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test validates correct species/strain

State-of-the-art blending, encapsulation and bottling equipment

Linear flow floor plan eliminates over-handling and waste, from raw material receipt to finished goods storage

About Probiotics

The human body carries nearly 100 trillion bacteria in the gut…that’s more than 10 times the total number of human cells in the entire body. Probiotics are those “good” bacteria that help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digestion and nutrient absorption. Researchers are also finding evidence that certain bacteria in the gut influence the development of aspects of the immune system. In fact, the gut accounts for 25% of the immune cells in the body which provides 50% of the body’s immune response.

Probiotics work to help maintain balance in the intestinal microbiota. By enhancing the intestinal flora, these microorganisms may have a larger effect in terms of keeping people in good health. Understanding the type and quantity of microorganisms in the gut has become a critical goal in the pursuit of overall wellness. Recent research on the microbiome has shown that its influence extends far beyond the gut, playing a crucial role in both our digestive and immune systems. In fact, studies are showing the microbiome’s role in such areas as brain health, memory and even mental health.

Consumers today have the ability to influence their gut microbiota like never before-- from supplements to food, people are seeking sources of good bacteria.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are often referred to as “good”, “friendly” or “beneficial” bacteria.

The definition provided by the World Health Organization is “a living microorganism, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host.”

Probiotic Categories

Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria (LAB)

The majority of probiotics currently available are lactic acid-producing bacteria (non-spore formers), such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. These probiotic strains have been widely studied for their health benefits and are a popular choice for use in dietary supplements or cold-processed foods, such as yogurt. Lactobacillus strains reside and function in the small intestine, while Bifidobacteria function in the large intestine.

Spores

Spore forming bacteria are a diverse group of very hardy bacteria, characterized by their ability to form endospores to protect themselves when conditions are not favorable. One example is the Bacillus subtilis species of microorganism which has been known for almost 100 years, having first been isolated and described in 1915. It is considered to be a normal, inhabitant of the gut in animals and humans. Other strains of the probiotic Bacillus include coagulans, lichenformis and clausii.

Spore forming bacteria have the ability to form spores that protect the microbes from harsh conditions until they enter an environment ripe for germination, such as the GI tract. Because of this ability, strains such as Bacillus subtilis offer a variety of benefits as a probiotic:

  • Remains viable under a wide temperature range, doesn’t require refrigeration
  • Survives passage through the acidic environment of the GI tract
  • Can persist in the GI tract, increase its numbers and then re-sporulate
  • Increases immune reaction of intestinal cells
  • Crowds out bacterial pathogens and maintains healthy gut flora
  • Communicates with intestinal cells to maintain gut barrier function

Each type and strain of probiotic, spore and non-spore forming, performs a different role with particular benefits in terms of digestion and immunity, as well as where in the GI tract they act. Multi-strain probiotic supplements provide a broad spectrum of benefits.

Measuring Probiotics Potency

Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFU). CFU is a measure of how many bacteria are present and able to divide and form colonies. If the probiotic bacteria are capable of dividing and forming colonies, that indicates they are alive and healthy. In supplements, CFUs are generally measured in the millions or billions per serving.

Probiotic Functions

Lactobacilli

One of the two principal genuses of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacilli are a lactic acid producing bacteria that reside in the small intestine. Most probiotic strains belong to the genus Lactobacillus.

L. acidophilus

The most prevalent species of probiotic, found in the small intestines. Produces natural antibiotics like lactocidin, acidophilin, etc., which support stronger immunity. It has known antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E.coli and Candida albicans.

L. brevis

A lactic acid producing organism important in the synthesis of vitamins D and K.

L. lactis

Helps keep healthy metabolic balance in the digestive tract. Transient; benefits digestion through enzyme activity.

L. paracasei

Provides several health-promoting effects through the production of bacteriocins, compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine. Digests food, detoxifies toxins, able to implant in the small intestine and mouth.

L. rhamnosus

Colonizes, acidifies and protects the small intestine, and can quickly establish itself in the large intestine. Inhibits the growth of streptococci and clostridia, creates anaerobic conditions which favor the implantation of bifidobacteria, and produces biologically desirable lactic acid. Favorably affects lactose intolerance. Detoxifies environmental toxins.

L. salivarius

Important in normalizing the gut flora of those dealing with chronic bowel conditions and shows potential as an effective inhibitor of H. pylori, an organism associated with the occurrence of ulcers.

Bifidobacteria

One of the two principal genuses of probiotic bacteria,bifidobacteria are a lactic acid producing bacteria found in the colon. Unlike lactobacilli they also produce acetic acid, a short-chain fatty acid, which is more effective at reducing the growth of yeasts and molds than is lactic acid.

B. bifidum

Enhances the assimilation of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Shown to reduce the inflammatory response in the colon and stimulate the body’s fluid immunity. Digests food and detoxifies toxins. Able to implant in the colon of children with especially high levels in infants.

B. breve

Produces L+lactic acid, metabolizes more than 20 carbohydrates, readily adheres to human intestinal cells and blocks the adherence of pathogenic bacteria like E. coli. Digests food and protects digestion.

B. lactis

Effective in resisting acid digestion, preventing diarrhea, relieving constipation and decreasing chronic pain and inflammation of the colon. Has the ability to protect epithelial cells from damage caused by gliadin (gluten) exposure. Supports immunity.

B. longum

A very abundant organism found in the large intestine, it’s been found to reduce the frequency of gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, nausea, etc.) during antibiotic use. Detoxifies toxins and reduces distress. Able to implant in the colon of adults.

Spore Formers

Characterized by the ability to form spores, hard shells around the microorganisms that protect them from harsh conditions until they enter an environment ripe for germination, such as the human GI tract. Hardier than non-spore formers, they don’t need refrigeration and can survive a much wider temperature range than other species and still retain viability.

B. subtilis

Can found in the human body, mostly on the skin or in the intestinal tract. Produces many enzymes, several of which help break down food including plant materials the human body can’t digest. Has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, an organism associated with the occurrence of ulcers. Has beneficial effects on the immune system. Produces some fungicidal compounds, which control fungal pathogens such as Candida.