Since 2021, doctors and researchers have documented a significant increase in autoimmune diseases, including GI health issues, with growing evidence linking some of these problems to the lasting effects of COVID-19 infections. For some, the road to recovery has included persistent symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue—reminders of how deeply our bodies can be affected.
Sabine Hazan, MD’s clinical research shows both COVID-19 infection and mRNA vaccines may significantly deplete Bifidobacterium, particularly the crucial B. infantis strain. This “Master Regulator” bacteria is essential for:
- Immune support
- Gut-brain balance
- Metabolic health
When B. infantis becomes severely depleted, these delicate systems can become disrupted, increasing the risk of inflammation, infection, and longer-term health complications. Recognizing this, Natasha Trenev—affectionately known as the “Mother of Probiotics”—has become a powerful voice for finding thoughtful, science-based solutions. With decades of expertise in probiotics and the microbiome, Natasha deeply understands the urgency and importance of gently and effectively restoring gut health.
Natasha’s journey into the world of probiotics is deeply rooted in her heritage—her family has been preserving and culturing foods for over 700 years in Macedonia, passing down generations of wisdom about the power of fermentation and health. They were the first to introduce Lactobacillus acidophilus to the United States in the 1960s. Passionate about sharing its potential, she took it upon herself to translate critical research from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), bringing valuable insights to a wider audience.
She combined this work with the best available American studies to help people understand just how essential this remarkable organism was to human health—at a time when very little was known about it. Her choice to focus on acidophilus was intentional; it was one of the few strains documented in humans for over a century, giving it a long-standing record of safety and effectiveness. She has added four more safe and effective strains, including B. infantis.
Natasha Trenev has always believed in two simple principles when developing probiotics: safety and effectiveness. She never cuts corners—only well-researched, proven strains earn her trust.
UCLA-trained Natasha co-founded Natren with her husband Yordan in 1982, creating the first proven single-strain probiotic. Her research launched the probiotic industry across three continents and established the National Institute of Probiotics, now known as the Global Institute of Probiotics (GIP).
For four decades, she’s shaped probiotic science—authoring the first industry standards (recognized by Congress) and remaining a leading voice in microbiome health.
Finding a truly effective probiotic often feels like playing roulette with your gut health. Many probiotics are ineffective, leading to disappointment and a bad reputation. Some strains powerfully fight harmful microbes, bringing quick relief. But there’s a catch: they may also wipe out good bacteria, leading to unexplained health issues later.
Yet once a strain shows fast results, marketing kicks in—often ignorant of long-term risks. The probiotic industry is a multi-billion-dollar human experiment, with many products sold without proof of live cultures, ingredient origins, or full transparency.
That’s why Natasha Trenev built Natren differently. United States-manufactured and sourced only from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, her probiotics meet rigorous, science-backed standards—safety and efficacy come first. A pioneer in the field, Natasha helped establish the industry’s first guidelines, ensuring every strain is tested, trusted, and truly beneficial. Her probiotics are helping to restore my health. I would not take any other probiotic!
Her mission? Effective probiotics—without hidden costs. Because your health deserves more than guesswork. Explore Natasha’s rigorously tested formulas, including Life Start B. infantis, education, and research at Natren.com.
¹ Sharma, C., Bayry, J. High risk of autoimmune diseases after COVID-19. Nat Rev Rheumatol 19, 399–400 (2023).
² Hazan S, Stollman N, Bozkurt HS, et al. Lost microbes of COVID-19: Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium depletion and decreased microbiome diversity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. BMJ Open Gastro 2022;9:e000871. doi:10.1136/ bmjgast-2022-000871
