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LACTOBACILLUS TO PROTECT THE COLON?
Should you take the lactobacillus bacteria found in yogurt to make you more healthy?
Lactobacillus has not been shown to prolong life, improve love life or prevent heart attacks or cancer in humans. It does control infantile, traveler's (4) and antibiotic-induced diarrhea (2,3) and it appears to be safe. The lactobacillus remains in the intestines for one to three days after most people stop taking it, and up to seven days in 30 percent of people (1).
There is some evidence that lactobacillus may help to improve immunity (5) by increasing the number of antibody-secreting cells in the intestinal lining, and interferon production. Some studies show that it may help control bloody ulcers in the intestines called Crohn's disease (6). Studies from Sweden show that lactobacillus may help the body use undigested starches that help to prevent cancer in animals (7). Lactobacilli appears to be safe and help treat some types of diarrheas. All other claims need more proof.
Many brands of yogurt contain no lactobacilli. If the yogurt has been heat-treated after culturing, it contains no live bacteria. Check the label; it should clearly state whether it contains active cultures.
1) SL Gorbach. Probiotics and gastrointestinal health. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S2-S4.
2) M Pochapin. The effect of probiotics on Clostridium difficile diarrhea. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S11-S13.
3) J Levy. The effects of antibiotic use on gastrointestinal function. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S8-S10.
4) J Saavedra. Probiotics and infectious diarrhea. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S16-S18.
5) S CunninghamRundles, S Ahrne, S Bengmark, R JohannLiang, F Marshall, L Metakis, C Califano, AM Dunn, C Grassey, G Hinds, J Cervia. Probiotics and immune response. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S22-S25.
6) M Schultz, RB Sartor. Probiotics and inflammatory bowel diseases. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S19-S21.
7) S Bengmark. Colonic food: Pre- and probiotics. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2000, Vol 95, Iss 1, Suppl. S, pp S5-S7.
Checked 5/3/07