Probiotics and prebiotics: can regulating the activities of intestinal bacteria benefit health?

Macfarlane, G.T.; Cummings, John H.

doi:10.1136/bmj.318.7189.999

Cited by 275 publications

(196 citation statements)

References 42 publications

(37 reference statements)

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“…Our interpretation of the observed trend of lower urea level in Lactina supplemented piglets is consistent with the established urea hydrolysis by microbial urease in pigs (Metges, 2000). Furthermore the probiotics have been found to regulate the beneficial effect of intestinal bacteria (MacFarlane and Cummings, 1999). In addition it has been established that the microbial lysine and threonine contribution to the host homeostasis ranged from 8 to 17 % and from 5 to 21 % , respectively (Metges, 2000).…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 71%

Effect of the probiotic 'Lactina' on some biological parameters and nonspecific resistance in neonatal pigs

et al. 2008

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Twenty four pregnant Danube white sows were allocated to 4 groups. All animals were fed basal diet formulated to meet their nutrient requirements. In addition to the basal diet, the sows from the II group were given the probiotic "Lactina" (500 g/ton) from the 5 day of pregnancy until the weaning of their offspring (35 days of age ) and their piglets were offered 800 g/ton Lactina during the pre-starter period and 500 g/ton throughout the starter period. The probiotic was only supplemented to the sows in the III group and to the piglets of the IV group in the same quantities as those in the second group.Both sows and piglets diets in the I (control) group were not supplemented with Lactina. Blood samples were taken from 20 randomly chosen piglets (5 in each group) at 5 and 35 days of age.The probiotic Lactina, supplemented both to the sows and piglets diets (II group) , increased complement activity in the piglets (P<0.05) at 5 days of age compared to control group, while the addition of Lactina to sows only (III group) or to piglets only (IV group) did not produce significant effect. Supplemental Lactina decreased plasma cholesterol level (P<0.05) at 35 days of age in II group of piglets. Plasma indol level declined in the piglets of the II group at the age of 35 days, while urea level were not changed in any of the Lactina supplemented groups, with the exception of the IV group where the piglets had higher (P<0.001) urea level at 5 days of age.Taken together our results indicate that the beneficial effect of Lactina on the nonspecific response and on the studied biological parameters is most emphasized when the probiotic is supplemented both to the sows and piglets diets.Besides, Lactina stimulated complement activity at the beginning of the neonatal period (5 day) and had no effect at the end of the neonatal period (35 day).

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 71%

Effect of the probiotic 'Lactina' on some biological parameters and nonspecific resistance in neonatal pigs

et al. 2008

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“…The prebiotics that currently fulfil the prebiotic criteria are inulin, FOS, galacto-oligosaccharides and lactulose (166) . The best sources of naturally occurring prebiotics may be found in vegetables such as artichokes, onions, chicory, garlic and leeks (167) . There are numerous studies in which the bifidogenic properties of prebiotics are shown (121,122,166,(168)(169)(170)(171) .…”

Section: Prebioticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human gut microbiota: does diet matter?

2014

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The human oro-gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex system, consisting of oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, which all together with the accessory digestive organs constitute the digestive system. The function of the digestive system is to break down dietary constituents into small molecules and then absorb these for subsequent distribution throughout the body. Besides digestion and carbohydrate metabolism, the indigenous microbiota has an important influence on host physiological, nutritional and immunological processes, and commensal bacteria are able to modulate the expression of host genes that regulate diverse and fundamental physiological functions. The main external factors that can affect the composition of the microbial community in generally healthy adults include major dietary changes and antibiotic therapy. Changes in some selected bacterial groups have been observed due to controlled changes to the normal diet e.g. high-protein diet, high-fat diet, prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols. More specifically, changes in the type and quantity of non-digestible carbohydrates in the human diet influence both the metabolic products formed in the lower regions of the GI tract and the bacterial populations detected in faeces. The interactions between dietary factors, gut microbiota and host metabolism are increasingly demonstrated to be important for maintaining homeostasis and health. Therefore the aim of this review is to summarise the effect of diet, and especially dietary interventions, on the human gut microbiota. Furthermore, the most important confounding factors (methodologies used and intrinsic human factors) in relation to gut microbiota analyses are elucidated.

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“…A number of health benefits have traditionally been attributed to fermented milk products, and they have been used to prevent a wide range of diseases including atherosclerosis, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer (Macfarlane & Cummings, 1999). Although empirical findings are yet to be supported by controlled studies, initial results from investigations into the antibacterial, immunological, antitumoural and hypocholesterolaemic effects of fermented milk consumption suggest potential benefits.…”

Section: Possible Role Of Fermented Milk In Good Complementary Feedingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of fermented milk in complementary feeding of young children: lessons from transition countries

Branca

Rossi

2002

Eur J Clin Nutr

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Probiotic bacteria are used for production of fermented dairy products. The use of probiotic bacteria has the potential to replenish the natural intestinal flora of the body. These bacteria competitively inhibit the growth and colonization of pathogenic bacteria. Breastmilk is the best food for babies, also from a probiotic point of view. Human milk, in fact, contains many substances that stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in vitro and in the small intestine of infants. Improvement of lactose digestion and avoidance of symptoms of intolerance in lactose malabsorbers are the most profoundly studied health-relevant effects of fermented milk. In fact fermented milks are nutritionally similar to unfermented milk, except that some of lactose is broken down to glucose and galactose. The role of fermented milk in complementary feeding and in particular for the prevention of anaemia is an innovative theme, recently focused. Iron deficiency in infants and young children is widespread and has serious consequences for child health. Prevention of iron deficiency should therefore be given high priority. The too-early introduction of unmodified cow's milk and milk products is an important nutritional risk factors for the development of irondeficiency anaemia. Fermented milks represent an excellent source of nutrients such as calcium, protein, phosphorus and riboflavin. During the fermentation of milk, lactic acid and other organic acids are produced and these increase the absorption of iron. If fermented milk is consumed at mealtimes, these acids are likely to have a positive effect on the absorption of iron from other foods.

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Probiotics and prebiotics: can regulating the activities of intestinal bacteria benefit health?

Cited by 275 publications

References 42 publications

Effect of the probiotic 'Lactina' on some biological parameters and nonspecific resistance in neonatal pigs

Effect of the probiotic 'Lactina' on some biological parameters and nonspecific resistance in neonatal pigs

Human gut microbiota: does diet matter?

The role of fermented milk in complementary feeding of young children: lessons from transition countries

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