Aug 07 2006
Probiotics for those over 60?
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Elderly people should take probiotic supplements, according to scientists. They said the drinks, yoghurts or capsules could help protect older people against bowel conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
People over 60 have about 1,000-fold less “friendly” bacteria in their guts compared to other adults.
But experts, speaking at a briefing in London, also warned that some of the smaller brands on sale in the UK were not effective.
The human gut contains different strains of bacteria, some of which are “friendly”, such as bifidobacteria or lactobacillus, some that help with food digestion and some that are disease-causing.
Having a balance of “friendly bacteria” is thought to stop harmful forms taking hold and causing disease.
Probiotics, meaning “for life”, are products that contain live strains of bacteria incorporated into yoghurts, fruit juices or freeze-dried powders, which boost levels of the friendly bacteria in the gut.
