This pilot study originally done and data collected in 2015. A new method to analyze results became available in 2019.
It’s actually a microbiome experiment to find out whether some earlier work in animals and humans would translate to humans (the two of us in this pilot/small study).
It’s another example of the importance of the microbiome in health and longevity.
Let’s talk if you plan to recreate this, or do something like it. There can be positive and negative effects, and different people may react in different ways.
BACKGROUND
Studies had shown that the gut microbe Lactobacillus Reuteri 6475 upregulated oxytocin (OT) production, and probably had some other unknown activity, resulting in positive effects.
Biologicals of this type were difficult to get, but since we have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation I was able to complete a rigid qualification process to purchase.
For our small/pilot study, Bill cultured the 6475 and we both ate a cup 2x daily. It tasted OK.
In 2015 our biomarker and objective measure testing was not nearly as developed as now.
We had some lab biomarkers before and after, including complete blood count/metabolic panel (CBC) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and grip strength.
Tests to directly measure OT would have been particularly useful. We later learned about a new test for OT from Meridian Labs.
We achieved at least some positive objectively measured results (one was outstanding), and some positive subjective effects that some might say indicated better clearance of brain waste components while sleeping, and some negative.
Some positive effects of oxytocin and L reuteri reported in literature, mostly in animals but some humans:
- Improved aged muscle stem cell function – Oxytocin (OT) injected subcutaneously improved aged muscle stem cell function
- Oxytocin – Attenuates atherosclerosis and inflammation
- Oxytocin – Wound healing in Humans
- L reuteri – Reduced intestinal inflammation
- Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 Oxytocin – Wound healing is twice as fast
- Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 – Decreases gut inflammation Reverses or prevents bone loss, osteoporosis
- Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 – Maintains young testosterone levels & testicular size
After we consulted with age management physicians and could not uncover any objective changes in the lab work. Some changes were noted that were probably random and certainly not statistically significant. One with training in neurology and neuroendocrine said although no harm was done, it might be similar to a drug.
But years later and through the outstanding work of Morgan Levine to correlate standard CBC/metabolic panel and CRP data with computed DNA methylation age, AND the work of our member John Cramer to create a spreadsheet so we can use Levine’s method –
I plugged the CBC and CRP data into the “LevineCramer” spreadsheet to calculate phenotypic age.
After the treatment my phenotypic age had decreased from 63.25 to 58.65 – 4.6 years.
And subjectively something was definitely going on.
At the beginning we both had robust, active dreams through much of the night. There was a kind of similar negative recurring theme to mine. Appeared oxytocin or something else was getting into the brain.
For a while more thirsty – especially at night. Less later.
Pretty sure more athletic stamina when walking (even after working hard all day)
Maybe more energy – maybe not.
Definitely higher libido
Felt revved up — Songs going through my head
When meditating seemed less able to get into a meditative state
But I was working very hard, and living in an old motorhome and was kind of roughing it.
After discontinuing I became kind of sad for a couple days. I do NOT ever get sad or depressed in that way.
Bill’s notes are no longer available.
There’s a company called BioGaia that offered a product called “Gastrus” It contained L reuteri 6475 and 17938.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/BioGaia-Gastrus-For-GI-Tract-Mandarin-Flavored-30-Chewable-Tablets/80974
It wasn’t sold in the US at the time but I used some resourcefulness to get it out of South Korea where it was being tested.
The “formal” part of the small study had ended and I switched from the yogurt to the Biogaia Gastrus. Living conditions were changing and here it gets a little murky.
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WHETHER TO CONTINUE OR NOT
After the end of the 1 month small study I needed to return from the San Francisco Bay Area to Orange County. The Gastrus didn’t seem to have any effects so decided other action items were more important that culturing it on my own so based on the resulting information from limited objective measures at the time I decided not to continue.
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RECENT TEST WE DID WITH 3 GRG MEMBERS
Maybe they would like to comment.
Recently in addition to “Gastrus” (contained 6475 and 17938) BioGaia started selling Osfortis with only 6475.
https://www.biogaia.com/product/biogaia-osfortis/
Three members took the recommended dose 1 tablet 2x daily of Osfortis for a month, and had CBC and CRP tests before and just before ending.
They did report any negative side effects so carried it out to the full 1 month.
They did not show a significant positive effects or reduction in phenotypic age. One’s LevineCramer markers went in the right direction, and others went in the undesirable direction, with result that was actually about 2-1/2 yr older.
Johnny
