Probiotics are living micro-organisms that can only been seen by a microscope. They are also referred to as "good" bacteria and are similar to the beneficial micro-organisms that are normally found in the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the groups of bacteria that are most often used in probiotic products. These micro-organisms are available in some foods, as well as in supplement form. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, between 1994 and 2003, Americans tripled the amount they spent on probiotics, indicating an increasing interest in this health product.
Bifidobacterium Breve UCC2003
Microbes colonize many parts of the human body, including the skin, mouth and gastrointestinal tract, according to the nonprofit firm U.S. Probiotics. They are present in larger numbers in the lower small intestine and colon, and much less prevalent in the stomach and upper small intestine because of hostile conditions in these areas. There are more than 1,000 types of bacteria on the human body and some, but not all, are beneficial and contribute to normal growth and development. One promising line of research involves using some types of these non-pathogenic bacteria that already exist in a natural relationship with the human body to fight cancer. In a study published in Molecular Therapy, researchers fed a genetically modified Bifidobacterium Breve UCC2003 to mice that had subcutaneous tumors. The bacteria found and multiplied specifically in the tumors, leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched. Using these human-friendly bacteria may be a way to fight cancer cells while leaving normal cells undisturbed in humans.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1
Probiotics have low levels of adverse effects and may be useful in decreasing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease when used as a dietary adjunct treatment in addition to standard treatments, according to a review article published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing. Several types of probiotics had positive effects on the condition, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, L. reuteri RC-14, saccharomyces boulardii and non-pathogenic e. coli.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Probiotics are often found in fermented food items or are added by manufacturers to supplement foods. Sweet acidophilus milk has a high concentration of live Lactobacillus acidophilus cells that have been added to the product. It is not fermented, and the cells are added to the milk while it is cold. This product may allow lactose-intolerant individuals to consume milk products, because these added bacteria provide the lactase enzyme activity that intolerant individuals lack, according to a study published in the March 1987 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
References
- Dairy and Food Culture Technologies: Probiotics Basics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- "Molecular Therapy"; Orally Administered Bifidobacteria as Vehicles for Delivery of Agents to Systemic Tumors; Michelle Cronin, David Morrissey, Simon Rajendran, Shereen M El Mashad, Douwe van Sinderen, Gerald C O'Sullivan and Mark Tangney; July 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Nursing"; What Is the Evidence For the Use of Probiotics in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?; Virginia A. Cary and Joseph Boullata; April 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Modification of Sweet Acidophilus Milk to Improve Utilization by Lactose Intolerant Persons; Frank E. McDonough, B.S., Anthony D. Hitchins, Ph.D., Noble P. Wong, Ph.D., Patricia Wells, B.S. and C.E. Bodwell, Ph.D.; March 1987
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