Probiotics

[Guest guest]

- PROBIOTICS: RESEARCH SUPPORTS DIVERSE CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

==============

- FROM ALLERGIES TO CANCER TO VAGINAL INFECTIONS

A few friendly bacteria in the right place, at the right time, may

help the human body fight off diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease,

vaginal infections, allergies, high cholesterol, and even cancer.

Dr. M. Saavedra, writing an editorial in the Journal of

Pediatrics, cites the growing body of research supporting the use of

probiotics for preventing and treating a diverse group of clinical

conditions. Probiotics are beneficial microbes in the gut, such as

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which promote optimal microbial

balance and improved human health.

Probiotics show promise as a primary defense against the development

of bacterial and viral diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. One

species of Lactobacillus, for example, helps prevent recurrence of

diarrhea caused by the pathogen Clostridium difficile (see following

story). Other beneficial microbes can improve digestive function and

increase absorption of nutrients.

" Good " bacteria in the gut may also pack a powerful punch by boosting

the function of the immune system, says Dr. Saavedra. Current studies

are exploring the ability of these microbes to stimulate mucin

secretion, modulate receptor function, block tumor growth, and

activate lymphoid tissue. Research shows that secretory IgA, the

gut's front-line defense against foreign " invaders " such as viruses,

toxins, and pathogens, can be enhanced by probiotics.

Conditions characterized by chronic inflammation may also be helped

by probiotics. " The possibility that probiotics may modify inadequate

or exaggerated inflammatory responses (from intestines deprived of a

" richer bacterial experience " ), such as in allergy or inflammatory

bowel disease, is now being explored, with encouraging results, "

reports Dr. Saavedra.

Over three decades of scientific research, including 143 human

clinical trials, has consistently shown probiotics to be safe. The

growing potential for clinical applications is further heightened by

changes in the modern lifestyle, such as increasing stress,

antibiotic use, consumption of aseptic foods, and other factors which

easily upset the healthy microbial balance of the gastrointestinal

tract.

Source: Saavedra JM. Probiotics plus antibiotics: regulating our

bacterial environment [editorial]. J Pediatr 1999;135(5):535-7.