Greetings to all skin microbiome enthusiasts and readers. 

Science, technology, discoveries, and overall societal changes unfold over time. The germ theory of disease, which began 150 years ago, led to public health and hygiene advancements, but these were not immediate. Time, education, planning, and persistent persuasion were necessary to implement the societal changes necessitated by the germ theory. 

The hypothesis that individuals with a higher quantity of intestinal bacteria have greater immunity to disease was first proposed by Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian zoologist, in the early 1900s. Although his hypothesis and work laid the groundwork for the concept of probiotics, they were overlooked until the mid-1990s when emerging evidence began to confirm the benefits of probiotics, particularly Lactic Acid Bacteria. 

The Human Microbiome Project commenced in 2007, culminating in a publication in 2012 that was the result of research from 80 universities and scientific institutes, a mere 12 years ago. 

Dr. Barbara Methé from the J. Craig Venter Institute, a lead co-author of one of the Nature papers on the human microbiome, stated, “Now that we understand what the normal human microbiome looks like, we should be able to comprehend how changes in the microbiome are associated with, or even cause illnesses.” 

We are in a market saturated with “probiotic supplements” that connect their benefit to creating a “balance microbiome” or changing “gut microbiome”. The market is flooded with products that surpass the scientifically proven health benefits of probiotics. I am a staunch advocate for the potential of microbes to treat, prevent, and cure many diseases, but I would prefer to see fewer marketing claims and more scientific evidence. Speed is king and we are all expecting outcomes and results much faster than 100 years ago, but still, it’s been just 12 years since human microbiome publications were released and there are still many unknowns and discoveries on the human microbiome and how to incorporate it into beneficial products

So, whether it’s a lack of data to support the health claims of probiotics, a misunderstanding of how probiotics function to design effective clinical trials, or perhaps (a personal annoyance of mine) an absence of expertise in formulating these live cells to realize their benefits, the key is to remain honest and not to insult the intelligence of consumers. After all, it takes time to develop a good product that checks all boxes.

Until the next blog, cheers!