Jane Feinmann looks at the claims
made for probiotic food products. Such products contain lactobacillus, which is
said to help with digestive problems. Professor Fergus Shanahan is leading a team
of researchers at the newly-opened Alimentary Pharmobiotic Centre at University
College, Cork. Their aim is to develop the 'huge potential' of probiotics, both
as healthy foods and, eventually, as new medicines. Dr Jennifer Madden, a microbiologist
at Dundee University, says: 'It's unlikely that the bacteria contained in probiotic
products could bring about permanent changes to a healthy microflora.' She
says that claims about products containing Lactobacilli are largely hype and clever
packaging. Source: Times 2
11.06.03
- Prebiotics - a good gut feeling
A feature by Anne Woodham
looks at how prebiotics, as opposed to probiotics, can may improve the health
of the colon. While probiotics are supplements of 'friendly' bacteria that help
out the bacteria already in the gut, prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates
which stimulate the growth of 'good' bacteria within the gut. Prebiotics may even
be able to repress 'bad' bacteria in the gut, such as E.coli. Prebiotics are said
to help prevent and treat irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis, as well as reducing the risk of osteoporosis by helping to keep calcium
and magnesium in the body. The article includes a section telling readers where
to find prebiotics. Source: Times 2
More:
"Bioyoghurts" do not always contain the probiotic strains (e.g.
Lactobacillus) proved to be clinically useful according to a recent study reported
by the BMJ. More
BMJ.
Probiotics - A Science Commentary (Source BMJ 8th
June 2002) by Abi Berger, science editor. More
BMJ
Prevention of Diarrhea associated with
Antibiotics
Report suggests that probiotics can be used to prevent antibiotic
associated diarrhea and that S boulardii and lactobacilli have the potential to
be used in this situation. More
BMJ
Prevention of Postoperative Infections
Early
enteral nutrition with fiber-containing solutions reduced the rate of postoperative
infections in comparison with parenteral nutrition and fiber-free enteral formula.
Addition of living Lactobacillus seemed to increase the benefits in patients with
gastric and pancreatic resections. (more
Medline)
'Friendly' bacteria aid post-operative recovery - Jenny
Hope looks at the advantages of using 'friendly' bacteria to treat severely ill
patients recovering from operations in hospital. More
Probiotics
& Infants in the promotion of General Health
In conclusion, the
addition of oligosaccharides to cow's milk based infant formula brings this alternative,
second choice infant feeding one step closer to the golden standard of human milk.
More
Medline
Prebiotic effects of inulin and oligofructose. More
Medline
Gastrointestinal effects of prebiotics. More
Medline
Probiotics & Pets
Pet food and feed
applications of inulin, oligofructose and other oligosaccharides. More
Medline
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