Probiotics

Probiotics - News, Research & Links Archive

Probiotics General & Miscellaneous

26.Nov.03 - Are probiotics just hype?

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
• Health News - Probiotics can boost happiness

Prevention of Allergies, Eczema

More:

• L. rhamnosus may halt allergies in babies (more)

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