Health for Body Mind and Soul

Probiotics according to the World Health Organization are live micro-organisms (bacteria) which when ingested in adequate quantities “confer a health benefit on the host.” In other words these micro-organisms are beneficial for the normal flora in the gut (friendly bacteria).

Studies show that probiotics supplements are useful in preserving balance between good (friendly) and bad (unfriendly) bacteria in the gut.  This is especially important for individuals who are prescribed antibiotics.  Antibiotics destroy both the good and bad bacteria in the gut, causing cramping, gas and even diarrhea (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2008). Priobiotics supplements are also recommended for allergies such as eczema.

Yogurts started with culture containing probiotics (S thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus) have proven to be effective in improving  lactose digestion  and reducing  symptoms associated with lactose malabsorption.  This benefit results from the presence of microbial lactase found in the bacteria (Hill & Guarner, 2004).

While there are many claims regarding the benefits of probiotics they are not all substantiated.  Gregor & Hammond (2005) reviewed the evidence surrounding claims for alleged benefits of probiotics and found the following:

• Some products labeled as probiotics claimed to contain organisms such as Lactobacillus sporogenes which is non-existent.
• Danone’s Activia yogurt does contain probiotics which can affect regularity
• VSL#3 produced by Seaford Pharma was beneficial in maintaining remission of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Rosell Lallemand’s Fermalac vaginal suppositories were shown in one study to reduce vaginal inflammation.
• Culturelle priobiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was found to be effective for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea (antibiotic and C. difficile related diarrhea).
• Reuterin probiotics containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016 is also recommended to treat and prevent diarrhea when used with oral rehydration.

There are numerous manufacturers of probiotics and scores of products available are to the public, unfortunately there is no standardized recommendation for labeling (Parker-Pope, 2009). The lack of standards result in the unrestricted use of the term probiotics leaving consumers at the mercy of unscrupulous manufacturers whose product may or may not contain probiotics, or sufficient ingredients to be effective. In addition, incorrect storage or preparation of the product may render them useless.

Risks

Although probiotics supplements have been found to positively benefit health and well-being , they are not without risks for certain high risk populations . These populations include individuals whose immune system are compromised, have gastrointestinal problems, are on steroid treatment, have had bone marrow transplant, and the elderly (Alvarez-Olmos & Oberhelman, 2001; Salminen et al., 2002).