Probiotics - Quotes from the Experts
There is no doubt that the large and varied collection of microorganisms associated with the human body has a profound influence upon the health and disease of the host (that’s you and me). Although research into probiotics is still in its relative infancy, valuable studies are emerging and it has been shown that it’s possible to use probiotics to beneficially alter the human microenvironment. Whilst much of the science and the products involved have concentrated on the intestines, we shouldn't forget that microbe populations occupy every exposed human surface. It shouldn’t be surprising that, in the future, probiotics will also be used to treat ailments other than those related to the gastrointestinal tract.
Jeremy Burton PhD, Personal e-mail to the author 20th July 2009
For more than 100 years, probiotic remedies . . . have been used to fight infection. Now, substantial scientific and clinical evidence indicates that certain well-selected probiotic organisms can reduce the risk and duration of diarrhea.
Dr Gregor Reid, Probiotics in the Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases, Current Infectious Disease Reports 2000;2(1):78
(Results) suggest that probiotic bacteria may promote endogenous barrier mechanisms in patients with atopic dermatitis and food allergy, and by alleviating intestinal inflammation, may act as a useful tool in the treatment of food allergy.
Majamaa H & Isolauri E, Probiotics: a novel approach in the management of food allergy, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1997;99(2):179-185
Ingestion of viable probiotics or prebiotics is associated with anticarcinogenic (anti-cancer) effects.
Wollowski I, Rechkemmer G, Pool-Zobel BL, Protective Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Colon Cancer, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;73(2 Suppl):451S-455S
This very well-designed, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study is the largest study to date to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a probiotic in the treatment of IBS. Although the mechanism is unknown, this study demonstrates that B.infantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) can improve common IBS symptoms over a 4-week period.
Whorwell PJ, Altringer L, Morel J et al, Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with IBS. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;101:1581-1590
In the group taking probiotic yoghurt alongside antibiotic therapy, side effects were fewer and the rate of eradication of Helicobacter pylori significantly higher than in those following the medication therapy only.
Yang HB, Sheu BS, Cheng HC, Kao AW, Wang ST, Yang YJ, Wu JJ, Pretreatment with Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt can improve the efficacy of quadruple therapy in eradicating residual Helicobacter pylori infection after failed triple therapy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006; 83: 864-869
The health benefits for which prebiotics can be applied include conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, certain bowel disorders, allergy, and urogenital infections, which afflict a large portion of the world's population. The application of probiotics to prevent and treat these disorders should be more widely considered by the medical community.
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Codex Alimentarius Commission , 1-4 October 2001
Probiotics provide an extra layer of strength. (They behave like) soldiers in your intestinal tract to combat pathogens . . .
Dr. Mary Ellen Sanders, Internationally recognised expert in the field of probiotic microbiology. www.mesanders.com
Jeremy Burton PhD, Personal e-mail to the author 20th July 2009
For more than 100 years, probiotic remedies . . . have been used to fight infection. Now, substantial scientific and clinical evidence indicates that certain well-selected probiotic organisms can reduce the risk and duration of diarrhea.
Dr Gregor Reid, Probiotics in the Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases, Current Infectious Disease Reports 2000;2(1):78
(Results) suggest that probiotic bacteria may promote endogenous barrier mechanisms in patients with atopic dermatitis and food allergy, and by alleviating intestinal inflammation, may act as a useful tool in the treatment of food allergy.
Majamaa H & Isolauri E, Probiotics: a novel approach in the management of food allergy, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1997;99(2):179-185
Ingestion of viable probiotics or prebiotics is associated with anticarcinogenic (anti-cancer) effects.
Wollowski I, Rechkemmer G, Pool-Zobel BL, Protective Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Colon Cancer, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;73(2 Suppl):451S-455S
This very well-designed, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study is the largest study to date to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a probiotic in the treatment of IBS. Although the mechanism is unknown, this study demonstrates that B.infantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) can improve common IBS symptoms over a 4-week period.
Whorwell PJ, Altringer L, Morel J et al, Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with IBS. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;101:1581-1590
In the group taking probiotic yoghurt alongside antibiotic therapy, side effects were fewer and the rate of eradication of Helicobacter pylori significantly higher than in those following the medication therapy only.
Yang HB, Sheu BS, Cheng HC, Kao AW, Wang ST, Yang YJ, Wu JJ, Pretreatment with Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt can improve the efficacy of quadruple therapy in eradicating residual Helicobacter pylori infection after failed triple therapy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006; 83: 864-869
The health benefits for which prebiotics can be applied include conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, certain bowel disorders, allergy, and urogenital infections, which afflict a large portion of the world's population. The application of probiotics to prevent and treat these disorders should be more widely considered by the medical community.
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Codex Alimentarius Commission , 1-4 October 2001
Probiotics provide an extra layer of strength. (They behave like) soldiers in your intestinal tract to combat pathogens . . .
Dr. Mary Ellen Sanders, Internationally recognised expert in the field of probiotic microbiology. www.mesanders.com