Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions for stimulating the growth of gut bifidobacteria, thereby maintaining/improving gut health. Of particular interest are compositions comprising cells of Lactobacillus fermentum, including the product LACTEOL®. Examples of specific conditions that may be treated which the compositions include antibiotic-associated diarrhea, dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising dead cells of Lactobacillus strains useful for the protection of subjects against the development of conditions with behavioral, psychological and/or physical components caused or exacerbated by stress or anxiety, and/or useful in treating existing conditions with behavioral, psychological and/or physical components caused or exacerbated by stress or anxiety. Examples of specific conditions include stress, anxiety, depression, mood disturbances, sociability disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, autism, autism spectrum disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stress and a range of other stress-related diseases.