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Lactic acid bacteria and the human gastrointestinal tract
H Hove1, H Nørgaard, P B Mortensen
1Medical Department CA, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 16, 1999
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria improve lactose absorption in yogurt and help with infant diarrhea. Their effect on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and cancer is less clear, with no documented impact on colonic flora stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Lactose malabsorption and various forms of diarrhea are common gastrointestinal issues.
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are probiotics with potential health benefits.
- The impact of LAB on colonic fermentation and cancer is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of lactic acid bacteria on lactose malabsorption.
- To summarize the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria in treating bacterial/viral and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- To describe the impact of lactic acid bacteria on cancer and colonic fermentation products.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing studies.
- Analysis of clinical trials involving patients with lactose malabsorption and diarrhea.
- Examination of experimental data on cancer cell lines and colonic fermentation.
Main Results:
- Yogurt and milk with added lactase improved lactose absorption in deficient subjects; unfermented acidophilus milk did not.
- Lactic acid bacteria showed a significant effect in alleviating infant diarrhea and some evidence for travelers' diarrhea.
- The impact of lactic acid bacteria on antibiotic-associated diarrhea was inconclusive, and clinical evidence for anti-cancer effects is lacking.
Conclusions:
- Lactase-deficient individuals benefit from yogurt and lactase-enriched milk for lactose absorption.
- Lactic acid bacteria are effective for infant diarrhea but their role in antibiotic-associated diarrhea requires further investigation.
- While experimental data suggest anti-cancer potential, robust clinical evidence is currently absent.
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