Growing literature but limited evidence: A systematic review regarding prebiotic and probiotic interventions for those with traumatic brain injury and/or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly prevalent among a wide range of populations, including civilians, military personnel, and Veterans. TBI sequelae may be further exacerbated by symptoms associated with frequently occurring comorbid psychiatric conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is particularly true among the population of military personnel from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a history of mild TBI (mTBI) and PTSD. The need for efficacious treatments for TBI and comorbid PTSD is significant, and evidence-based interventions for these frequently co-occurring conditions are limited. Based on findings suggesting that inflammation may be an underlying mechanism of both conditions, anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory agents, including probiotics, may represent a novel strategy to treat TBI and/or PTSD-related symptoms. The focus of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate existing research regarding prebiotic and probiotic interventions for the populations of individuals with a history of TBI and/or PTSD. Only 4 studies were identified (3 severe TBI, 1 PTSD, 0 co-occurring TBI and PTSD). Although findings suggested some promise, work in this area is nascent and results to date do not support some claims within the extensive coverage of probiotics in the popular press.

Modulation of rotavirus severe gastroenteritis by the combination of probiotics and prebiotics.

Annual mortality rates due to infectious diarrhea are about 2.2 million; children are the most vulnerable age group to severe gastroenteritis, representing group A rotaviruses as the main cause of disease. One of the main factors of rotavirus pathogenesis is the NSP4 protein, which has been characterized as a viral toxin involved in triggering several cellular responses leading to diarrhea. Furthermore, the rotavirus protein NSP1 has been associated with interferon production inhibition by inducing the degradation of interferon regulatory factors IRF3, IRF5, and IRF7. On the other hand, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species in combination with prebiotics such as inulin, HMO, scGOS, lcFOS have been associated with improved generalized antiviral response and anti-rotavirus effect by the reduction of rotavirus infectivity and viral shedding, decreased expression of NSP4 and increased levels of specific anti-rotavirus IgAs. Moreover, these probiotics and prebiotics have been related to shorter duration and severity of rotavirus diarrhea, to the prevention of infection and reduced incidence of reinfections. In this review we will discuss in detail about the rotavirus pathogenesis and immunity, and how probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species in combination with prebiotics have been associated with the prevention or modulation of rotavirus severe gastroenteritis.

Phylogenetic and functional alterations in bacterial community compositions in broiler ceca as a result of mannan oligosaccharide supplementation.

This study focused on identifying reproducible effects of dietary supplementation with a mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on the broiler cecal bacterial community structure and function in a commercial production setting. Two separate trials, each with a control and a supplemented group, were carried out in the same commercial location and run concurrently. Approximately 10,000 birds from the same commercial hatchery were mirror imaged into each of four commercial broiler sheds and fed either a control or supplemented diet. Cecal contents were obtained on days 7, 21, and 35 posthatch from 12 randomly caught broilers from each group. Bacterial pyrosequencing was performed on all samples, with approximately 250,000 sequences obtained per treatment per time point. The predominant phyla identified at all three time points in both trials were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes, representing >99% of all sequences. MOS supplementation altered the bacterial community composition from 7 days supplementation through 35 days supplementation. Bacteroidetes appeared to be replacing Firmicutes as a result of supplementation, with the most noticeable effects after 35 days. The effects of supplementation were reproducible across both trials. PICRUSt was used to identify differences between the functional potentials of the bacterial communities as a result of MOS supplementation. Using level 3 KEGG ortholog function predictions, differences between control and supplemented groups were observed, with very strong segregation noted on day 35 posthatch in both trials. This indicated that alterations of bacterial communities as a result of MOS are likely to alter the functional capability of the cecum.

[Role of prebioptic and bioptic methodsin the screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer]. / Prebioptické a bioptické metody pri screeningu a diagnostice karcinomu delozního hrdla.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the available prebioptical and bioptical methods used in screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Center of outpatient gynecology and primary care, Brno; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc.Subjects and methods of the study: In a review article there are outlines of the prebioptical investigative techniques and related diagnostics aim to detect, verificate and treat cervical lesions. It describes and compares various methods, including their mutual correlation. CONCLUSION: The oncological cytology, colposcopy and HPV testing have an irreplaceable role in diagnosis of cervical cancer. Appropriate combination gives us a chance to achieve high sensitivity in detection of severe lesions of the cervix.

[Probiotics and pregnancy]. / Probiotikumok és a terhesség.

Prenatal care is one of the great challenges in medicine. Aims of therapies and protocols may influence the life of mothers and babies. Diseases occurring during pregnancy are even more dangerous, because of the difficulties in their treatment strategy. Prevention must be emphasized using safe and natural drugs. Pre- and probiotics are in focus of the medical sciences. Various publications and studies emphasize the importance of these drugs in evidence-based medicine. Safe methods are essential in prenatal care. Authors review published data on the effect and potential use of pre- and probiotics during pregnancy.

Probiotics and prebiotics in atopic dermatitis: review of the theoretical background and clinical evidence.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has risen over the past decades, especially in western societies. According to the revised hygiene hypothesis this increase is caused by a changed intestinal colonization pattern during infancy, which has an impact on the immune system. Manipulating the intestinal microflora with pro-, pre- or synbiotics is an innovative way to prevent or treat AD. This review provides an overview of the theoretical basis for using probiotics and prebiotics in AD and presents the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding prevention and treatment of AD and food allergy in children with pro-, pre- and synbiotics. Seven RCTs on prevention and 12 RCTs on treatment were found by searching the Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases. Results of these trials are conflicting. In conclusion, at this moment there is not enough evidence to support the use of pro-, pre- or synbiotics for prevention or treatment of AD in children in clinical practice.

Development of a Repertoire and a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Estimating Dietary Fiber Intake Considering Prebiotics: Input from the FiberTAG Project.

Most official food composition tables and food questionnaires do not provide enough data to assess fermentable dietary fibers (DF) that can exert a health effect through their interaction with the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to develop a database and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) allowing detailed DF intake estimation including prebiotic (oligo)saccharides. A repertoire of DF detailing total, soluble DF, insoluble DF and prebiotic (oligo)saccharides (inulin-type fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides) in food products consumed in Europe has been established. A 12 month FFQ was developed and submitted to 15 healthy volunteers from the FiberTAG study. Our data report a total DF intake of 38 g/day in the tested population. Fructan and fructo-oligosaccharides intake, linked notably to condiments (garlic and onions) ingestion, reached 5 and 2 g/day, respectively, galacto-oligosaccharides intake level being lower (1 g/day). We conclude that the FiberTAG repertoire and FFQ are major tools for the evaluation of the total amount of DF including prebiotics. Their use can be helpful in intervention or observational studies devoted to analyze microbiota-nutrient interactions in different pathological contexts, as well as to revisit DF intake recommendations as part of healthy lifestyles considering specific DF.

New advances in the treatment of paediatric functional abdominal pain disorders.

This Review summarises recent pharmacological and upcoming alternative interventions for children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). Pharmacological targets include prokinetics and drugs affecting gastric accommodation to treat postprandial distress and nausea. Similarly, anti-inflammatory agents, junctional protein regulators, analgesics, secretagogues, and serotonin antagonists have a therapeutic role for irritable bowel syndrome. Non-pharmacological treatments include peripheral electrical nerve field stimulation to the external ear, gastric electrical stimulation, dietary interventions such as low fructose and fibre based diets, and nutraceuticals, which include probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Newer psychological advances such as exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness meditation are being investigated for paediatric functional pain. Lastly, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, yoga, and spinal manipulation are also gaining popularity in the treatment of FAPDs.

Upper respiratory tract infection in infants from a nutritional perspective.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are very common throughout infancy and childhood, with many children getting multiple infections throughout their lives. Most of these are caused by viruses, and so there is no specific treatment beyond that required to control the symptoms, and few infants and children will benefit from the administration of antibiotics. This paper summarises the evidence about the identification and treatment of these infections and discusses the effects of nutrition.

Nutritional Supplement Based on Zinc, Prebiotics, Probiotics and Vitamins to Prevent Radiation-related Gastrointestinal Disorders.

AIM: The present phase II study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and safety of Dixentil, a nutritional supplement based on zinc with the addition of prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides), tyndalized probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. casei) and vitamins B1, B2 and B6, and nicotinamide), given as prophylaxis to patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy and its efficacy in the prevention and reduction of radiation-related gastrointestinal disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients who were candidates for pelvic radiotherapy received Dixentil before starting and during radiotherapy. The primary end-point was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of Dixentil. Secondary end-points were incidence and severity of radiation-induced diarrhea and number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy because of diarrhea. RESULTS: Radiation-induced enteritis occurred in 17 patients, grade I and grade II diarrhea was documented in 14 and 3 patients respectively; no grade III or IV diarrhea was observed. Radiotherapy was discontinued due to treatment-induced enteritis only in two patients for 6 days. CONCLUSION: Use of Dixentil is an easy, safe, and feasible approach to protect patients against the risk of radiation-induced diarrhea.

Suplementação de prebiótico (mananoligossacarídeo) na dieta de dois genótipos de codornas em crescimento / Prebiotic supplementation (mannan oligosaccharides) on the diet of two quails genotypes during growth / Suplementación prebiótica (mananoligosacáridos) en dieta de dos genotipos de codorniz en crecimiento

O uso de antibióticos como aditivo melhorador de desempenho tem sido proibido pela possibilidade de favorecer o desenvolvimento de resistência bacteriana em humanos. Com isso, o objetivo da realização do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação do prebiótico mananoligossacarídeo na alimentação de codornas japonesas e europeias em crescimento. Foram usadas 240 codornas de cada linhagem (Coturnix japonica e Coturnix coturnix) distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado e arranjados em fatorial 2 x 4 (genótipos x níveis de suplementação de prebiótico) e seis repetições de dez aves. As codornas foram alimentadas com ração basal suplementadas com 0,0; 0,05; 0,10 e 0,15% de mananoligossacarídeo em substituição ao inerte. Não houve efeito de interação para nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas (P>0,05). Os níveis de suplementação do prebiótico não afetaram o desempenho e as características de carcaça (P>0,05) das codornas. O consumo de ração não foi alterado entre os genótipos (P>0,05), por outro lado, as codornas europeias apresentaram maior ganho de peso e melhor valor de conversão alimentar (P≤0,05) que as codornas japonesas. Os genótipos comerciais de codornas diferiram nas características de carcaça (P≤0,05). Recomenda-se formular rações sem suplementação do prebiótico mananoligossacarídeo para codornas japonesas e europeias de 21 a 42 dias de idade em ambiente considerando limpo.(AU)

The use of antibiotics as a feed additive promoting performance has been prohibited due to the possibility of favoring bacterial resistance in humans. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to assess the effect of mannan oligosaccharides supplementation in prebiotic feed provided to Japanese and European quails during the growth stage. A total of 240 quails for each strain (Coturnix japonica and Coturnix coturnix) were used, distributed in a completely randomized design and arranged in a 2 x 4 (genotypes x prebiotic supplementation levels) matrix, with six replications containing ten birds each. The quails were fed with basal feed supplemented with 0.0; 0.05; 0.10 and 0.15% mannan oligosaccharide prebiotic. There was no interaction effect for any of the assessed variables (P> 0.05). The prebiotic supplementation levels did not affect performance and carcass characteristics (P> 0.05) of the quails. Feed intake was not changed between genotypes (P> 0.05); on the other hand, European quails showed greater weight gain and better feed conversion rate (P≤ 0.05) than Japanese quails. Commercial genotypes differed inn carcass characteristics (P≤ 0.05). It is recommended that feeds are formulated without supplementation of mannan oligosaccharides prebiotic for Japanese and European quails aged 21 to 42-days' old in production environment that are considered clean.(AU)

El uso de antibióticos como aditivo de mejora de rendimiento ha sido prohibido por la posibilidad de promover el desarrollo de resistencia bacteriana en humanos. Por lo tanto, el propósito de llevar a cabo este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la suplementación del prebiótico mananoligosacáridos en la alimentación de codornices japonesas y europeas en crecimiento. Se usaron 240 codornices de cada linaje (Coturnix japonica y Coturnix coturnix) distribuidas en un diseño completamente aleatorizado y dispuestos en factorial 2 x 4 (genotipos x niveles de suplementación prebiótica) y seis repeticiones de diez aves. Las codornices fueron alimentadas con la dieta basal suplementadas con 0,0; 0,05; 0,10 y 0,15% mananoligosacárido en sustitución al inerte. No hubo efecto de interacción para ninguna de las variables evaluadas (P >0,05). Los niveles de suplementación del prebiótico no afectaron el rendimiento y las características del caparazón (P >0,05) de las codornices. El consumo de alimento no se cambió entre los genotipos (P > 0,05), por otro lado, las codornices Europeas presentaron mayor ganancia de peso y mejor valor de conversión del alimento (p≤ 0.05) que las codornices japonesas. Los genotipos comerciales de codornices difirieron en las características del caparazón (p≤ 0.05). Se recomienda formular dietas sin suplementación del prebiótico mananoligosacáridos para codornices japonesas y europeas de 21 a 42 días de edad en ambiente considerado limpio.(AU)

Cost/benefit of synbiotics in acute infectious gastroenteritis: spend to save.

The cost/benefit ratio of probiotics in the ambulatory treatment of acute infectious gastro-enteritis with or without a synbiotic food supplement (containing fructo-oligosaccharides and probiotic strains of Streptoccoccus thermophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium infantis) has been studied. 111 children (median age 37 and 43 months for the synbiotic and placebo group, respectively) with acute infectious gastroenteritis were included in a randomised, prospective placebo-controlled trial performed in primary health care. All children were treated with an oral rehydration solution and with the synbiotic food supplement (n=57) or placebo (n=54). Physicians were allowed to prescribe additional medication according to what they considered as 'necessary'. Cost of add-on medication and total healthcare cost were calculated. Median duration of diarrhoea was 1 day shorter (95% confidence interval -0.6 to -1.9 days) in the symbiotic than in the placebo group (P<0.005). Significantly more concomitant medication (antibiotics, antipyretics, antiemetics) was prescribed in the placebo group (39 prescriptions in 28 patients) compared to the synbiotic group (12 prescriptions in 7 patients) (P<0.001). The difference was most striking for antiemetics: 28 vs. 5 prescriptions. The cost of add-on medication in the placebo group was evaluated at € 4.04/patient (median 4.97 (interquartile (IQ) 25-75: 0-4.97)) vs. € 1.13 /patient in the synbiotic arm (P<0.001). If the cost of the synbiotic is considered, median cost raised to € 7.15/patient (IQ 25-75: 7.15-7.15) (P<0.001). The extra consultations needed to prescribe the concomitant medication resulted in a higher health care cost in the placebo group (€ 14.41 vs. € 10.74/patient, P<0.001). Synbiotic food supplementation resulted in a 24 h earlier normalisation of stool consistency. Although use of the synbiotic supplementation increased cost, add-on medication and extra consultations were reduced, resulting in a reduction of health care cost of 25%.

Effect of pre- and probiotics on liver regeneration after resection: a randomised, double-blind pilot study.

Liver regeneration is a prerequisite for extended liver surgery. Several studies have shown that the bacterial gut flora is able to modulate liver function. Previously we observed that synbiotics could partly reverse the impaired mitosis rate of hepatocytes in a rat model of synchronous liver resection and colon anastomosis. The effect of synbiotics on liver function after hepatic resection has not been analysed yet. A prospective randomised double-blind pilot trial was undertaken in 19 patients scheduled for right hepatectomy. All patients received enteral nutrition immediately post-operatively. Comparison was made between a group receiving a combination of four probiotics and four fibres and a placebo group receiving the fibres only starting the day before surgery and continuing for 10 days. Primary study endpoint was the liver function capacity measured by 13C-methacetin breath test and indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate. Portal vein flow, liver volumetry, laboratory parameters for liver function, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications and side effects of synbiotic therapy were recorded. Liver function capacity was comparable in both groups. Complications had a negative impact on liver function. Because complications were more severe in the verum group, a sub-analysis was performed. In case of an uncomplicated course, liver function capacity was better in the patients with synbiotics. No severe side effects occurred. Synbiotics might be able to increase liver function capacity in patients after liver resection, but patient numbers were too small and the clinical courses too heterogeneous to draw any definite conclusions.

Microbiota e barreira intestinal: implicações para obesidade / Microbiota and intestinal barrier: implications for obesity

A epidemia da obesidade é considerada um importante problema de saúde pública na sociedade ocidental, pois ela se relaciona a comorbidades como síndrome metabólica, diabetes mellitus e hipertensão. A microbiota intestinal pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da obesidade através do aumento da extração energética dos componentes da dieta, da lipogênese, da permeabilidade intestinal e da endotoxemia, mediada especialmente pelos lipopolissacarídeos. Estudos têm demonstrado diferenças na composição da microbiota intestinal entre indivíduos obesos e magros. Ao que parece, o aumento na proporção de Firmicutes em relação a Bacteroidetes parece estar presente na obesidade, podendo ser alterado à medida que ocorre perda de peso. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura acerca dos mecanismos que relacionam a microbiota e a barreira intestinal ao desenvolvimento ou agravamento da obesidade (AU)

The epidemic of obesity is considered an important public health problem in the Western society and is related to comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The intestinal microbiota may contribute to the development of obesity by increasing energy extraction from the dietary components, lipogenesis, intestinal permeability, and endotoxemia, especially mediated by lipopolysaccharides. Studies have demonstrated differences in composition of the intestinal microbiota between obese and lean individuals. Apparently, the increase in the proportion of Firmicutes in relation to Bacteroidetes seems to be present in obesity and can be changed during weight loss. The aim of this study was to review the mechanisms that relate microbiota and intestinal barrier to the development or worsening of obesity (AU)

Probiotics and prebiotics to combat enteric infections and HIV in the developing world: a consensus report.

Infectious disease in the developing world continues to represent one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Every year over a million children suffer and die from the sequela of enteric infections, while in 2008 it is estimated almost 2.7 million (UNAIDS 2009 update) adults and children became infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea, and antiretrovirals (ARV) for HIV are critical, there is a place for adjunctive therapies to improve quality of life. The importance of the human microbiota in retaining health is now recognized, as is the concept of replenishing beneficial microbes through probiotic treatments. Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the duration of diarrhea, improve gut barrier function, help prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV), and enhance immunity even in HIV-infected subjects. However, many issues remain before the extent of probiotic benefits can be verified, and their application to the developing world realised. This consensus report outlines the potential probiotic, and to a lesser extent prebiotic, applications in resource disadvantages settings, and recommends steps that could bring tangible relief to millions of people. The challenges to both efficacy and effectiveness studies in these settings include a lack of infrastructure and funding for scientists, students and research projects in developing countries; making available clinically proven probiotic and prebiotic products at affordable prices; and undertaking appropriately designed clinical trials. We present a roadmap on how efficacy studies may be conducted in a resource disadvantages setting among persons with chronic diarrhea and HIV. These examples and the translation of efficacy into effectiveness are described.

Probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics.

This clinical report reviews the currently known health benefits of probiotic and prebiotic products, including those added to commercially available infant formula and other food products for use in children. Probiotics are supplements or foods that contain viable microorganisms that cause alterations of the microflora of the host. Use of probiotics has been shown to be modestly effective in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in (1) treating acute viral gastroenteritis in healthy children; and (2) preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in healthy children. There is some evidence that probiotics prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants (birth weight between 1000 and 1500 g), but more studies are needed. The results of RCTs in which probiotics were used to treat childhood Helicobacter pylori gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic ulcerative colitis, and infantile colic, as well as in preventing childhood atopy, although encouraging, are preliminary and require further confirmation. Probiotics have not been proven to be beneficial in treating or preventing human cancers or in treating children with Crohn disease. There are also safety concerns with the use of probiotics in infants and children who are immunocompromised, chronically debilitated, or seriously ill with indwelling medical devices. Prebiotics are supplements or foods that contain a nondigestible food ingredient that selectively stimulates the favorable growth and/or activity of indigenous probiotic bacteria. Human milk contains substantial quantities of prebiotics. There is a paucity of RCTs examining prebiotics in children, although there may be some long-term benefit of prebiotics for the prevention of atopic eczema and common infections in healthy infants. Confirmatory well-designed clinical research studies are necessary.

Efeito de prebióticos e probióticos na microbiota intestinal e nas alterações metabólicas de indivíduos obesos / Effect of prebiotics and probiotics on the gut microbiota and metabolic changes in obese individuals

Currently, the growing prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities is a major public health problem. The intestine is a complex organ that has been increasingly studied in obesity because of its ability to signal pathways involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to clarify the main effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic abnormalities of obese subjects. Data source: The survey of articles was conducted at PubMed database using the following keywords: 'obesity', 'gut microbiota', 'probiotic' and 'prebiotic' involving scientific works published between 2009 and 2014. Data synthesis: We found that the intestinal microbiota can be modulated by diet, and it acts on the control of food intake by interacting with receptors and enzymes that interfere in the metabolic changes arising from obesity and in the modulation of the inflammatory response. Animal research has shown positive results with the use of prebiotics and probiotics as adjuncts in the treatment of obesity; however, results with humans still present controversial data. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of the relationship between diet, microbiota and immune system shows that a better understanding of the role of microbiota in obesity leads to new perspectives in the development of therapies for this disease

A crescente prevalência da obesidade e suas comorbidades tem sido um dos principais problemas de saúde pública atualmente. O intestino é um órgão complexo, cada vez mais estudado na obesidade pela sua capacidade de sinalizar vias metabólicas envolvidas na fisiopatologia dessa doença. OBJETIVO: Esclarecer os principais efeitos de probióticos e prebióticos nas alterações metabólicas e da microbiota intestinal de indivíduos obesos. Fonte de dados: O levantamento dos artigos foi realizado na base de dados Pubmed, utilizando os descritores: obesity, gut microbiota, probiotic e prebiotic envolvendo publicações no período de 2009 a 2014. Síntese dos dados: Constatou-se que a microbiota intestinal pode ser modulada pela dieta e atuar no controle da ingestão alimentar interagindo com receptores e enzimas que interferem nas alterações metabólicas decorrentes da obesidade e na modulação da resposta inflamatória. Pesquisas com animais mostraram resultados positivos do uso de prebióticos e probióticos como coadjuvantes no tratamento da obesidade, contudo, os resultados com humanos ainda apresentam dados controversos. CONCLUSÕES: Evidências da relação entre dieta, microbiota e sistema imune demonstram que a melhor compreensão do papel da microbiota na obesidade leva a novas perspectivas no desenvolvimento de terapias para a obesidade

Prebióticos: efeitos benéficos à saúde humana / Prebiotics: beneficial effects to human health

The world market of functional foods is in full expansion and seeking new products with technologic and physiologic functional features. A wide variety of prebiotic agents are currently commercially available, including lactose-derived carbohydrates (lactulose and lactitol), in ulines and fruto-oligosaccharides.These carbohydrates are not digested, for they are resistant to digestive enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, being, nonetheless, fermented by colonic bacteria, which are the probiotic bacteria, such as bifido bacteria and lactobacilli promoters of beneficial actions to the host organism. There is a possibility of manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by introducing prebiotics in the diet, which allows the potentialization of these actions, by balancing the intestinal microbiota, producing short chain fatty acids,reducing the blood levels of ammonia, reducing the risk for carcinogenesis and reducing blood tryglicerides

El mercado mundial de alimentos funcionales seencuentra en pleno crecimiento buscando siempre nuevos productos con características funcionales tecnológicas y fisiológicas. Existe actualmente una gran cantidad de sustancias prebióticas disponibles comercialmente como los derivados de la lactosa (lactulosa y lactitol), inulina y fructo oligosacáridos. Estos son carbohidratos resistentes a las enzimas digestivas del tracto gastrointestinal humano, que son fermentables por algunas bacterias del intestino grueso,principalmente especies de Bifido bacterium y Lactobacillus, conocidas hoy en día como bacterias prebióticas, que desarrollan atividades benéficas a la salud humana. Es posible alterar la micro biota intestinal a través de la introducción en la dieta de prebióticos que inducen el aumento de las bacterias probióticas, mejorando el balance de la micro biota intestinal, aumentan la producción de ácidos grasos volátiles de cadena corta, reducen el nivel de amonio en la sangre, reducen el riesgo de carcinogénesis y disminuyen el nivel de triglicéridos sanguíneos.

O mercado mundial de alimentos funcionais está em pleno crescimento e procurando sempre novos produtos com características funcionais tecnológicas e fisiológicas. Atualmente, existe uma grande variedade de substâncias prebióticas disponíveis comercialmente, como os carboidratos derivados da lactose (lactulose e lactitol), inulinase fruto oligossacarídeos. Estes carboidratos não são digeríveis, por serem resistentes à ação das enzimas digestivas do trato gastrintestinal. Sendo, entretanto, fermentados pelas espécies de bactéria do cólon, que normalmente são as bactérias probióticas como as bífido bactérias e os lactobacilos promotores de atividades benéfica são organismo do hospedeiro. A possibilidade de manipular a microbiota intestinal pela introdução na dieta de prebióticos permite potencializar essas atividades benéficas, através do balanço da microbiota intestinal, da produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, redução dos níveis de amônia sangüínea, redução do risco de carcinogênese e redução dos triglicerídeos sangüíneos