You must read and accept the disclaimer to use this site. Updated for monthly, 2011

You must read and accept the disclaimer to use this site.

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. The manufacturers of these supplements recommend that they can be used to improve general well being as well as digestion. One main bacterium is Lactobacillus casei, which can be obtained simply by eating yoghurt. One of my colleagues at Rush University was one of the early advocates of probiotics, and I respect his opinion.

Lactobacillus casei Improves Resistance to Pneumococcal Respiratory Infection in Malnourished Mice Julio Villena et al J. Nutr. 2005 135: 1462-1469

This study suggests thatthe addition of L. casei to the repletion diet has a beneficialeffect because it accelerates the recovery of the innate immuneresponse and improves the specific immune mechanisms againstan S. pneumoniae respiratory infection in malnourished mice.

[Lactobacillus casei are present in the intestine, and are reported to induce both a secretory immune response and to protect against enteric infections in well-nourished and mal-nourished animals.]

Probiotics That Modify Disease Risk Seppo J. Salminen, Miguel Gueimonde, and Erika Isolauri J. Nutr. 2005 135: 1294-1298.

"bifidobacteria make up 60 to 90% of the total fecal microbiota in breast-fed infants" "Probiotics are defined as live bacterial preparations with clinically documented health effects in humans. .. Development of intestinal microbiota is an important factor affecting the health of the newborn. Recent studies suggest that specific bacterial components, especially the bifidobacteria, have a key impact on development of a healthy balanced infant microbiota. .. Most recently, a reduction in risk of atopic diseases followed early administration of specific probiotics.

See also Yogurt.