The liver plays a vital role in the metabolism of nutrients, synthesis of glucose and lipids, and detoxification of drugs and xenobiotics which is taken. However, the liver bears heavy burdens due to lifestyle habits such as frequent drinking and diets high in processed food. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 330 million people worldwide die from alcohol abuse every year (7), and heavy drinking has become an alarming issue among the youth in developed nations (4). Indeed, liver health is a concerning issue, studies suggest that alcoholic liver disease, which ranges from mild disease to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality (3).

The liver is the main metabolic organ of the human body, it provides storage space for important nutrients such as glucose, iron, copper, and various fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, the liver receives about 70% of the blood supply from the intestine through the portal vein, and it also represents the first line of defense against gut-derived antigens (3,5). The gut-liver axis refers to the bidirectional relationship between the gut and its microbiota, and the liver (1). Alcohol intake causes changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota: it not only causes the drastic reduction population of the beneficial species but also destroys the intestinal barrier, causing toxicity and pathogenic bacteria to enter the liver through the "gut-liver axis", which induces inflammation and causes damage to the liver. In a study conducted among 18-year-old Swedish participants, the relationship between alcohol consumption and liver disease was analyzed. It was found that teenagers who drink more than 30 grams of alcohol per day are 5 to 11 times more likely to develop the severe liver disease (2). Consequently, excessive drinking harms health through the gut-liver axis.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reported that, in 2018, liver disease was diagnosed in approximately 4.5 million American adults. Studies suggest that increased consumption of fast food and alcohol contributes to the high prevalence of liver cancer and fatty liver disease (6). Hence, the rising prevalence of liver diseases has increased concerns among consumers about liver health, thereby driving the consumption of supplements. According to Grand View Research, the global liver health supplements market size in 2020 was valued at USD 766.44 million and is expected to reach USD 948.61 million in 2025 (6).

Research suggests that the intestinal flora can be balanced by supplementing lactic acid bacteria, thereby impacting liver health through the path of the “gut-liver axis”.
 
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” (Hippocrates), embracing this concept, the researchers from Yangzhou University found the solution for liver health from longevity village. Streptococcus thermophilus GRX02 strain which was isolated from koumiss (also signified as kumiss or coomys), a fermented dairy product traditionally made from mare’s milk, in longevity village, Altay in Xinjiang, was scientifically demonstrated that it has antioxidant activity and produce enzyme-shaped antioxidants (SOD), which protects cells from oxidative damage, removes the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduces liver damage (8).

 
Synbio Tech Inc. incorporates Streptococcus thermophilus GRX02 in its liver care probiotics formula, SynForU™-HepaAid which contains BAL06, LA27, LPC48, and LRH113 as well. Growing evidences suggest that lactic acid bacteria can protect liver health by regulating the population of gastrointestinal flora and physiological functions. Through the supplementation of lactic acid bacteria, adopting healthy lifestyles not only protect the intestinal health but also maintain good liver functions, and lead a healthy life.