Pre-, Probiotics May Benefit Colon Health

LEUVEN, BelgiumSome pre- and probiotics may suppress the activity of certain enzymes in the colon, possibly reducing the production of toxic and carcinogenic metabolites (Eur J Clin Nutr, ePub Feb. 28, 2007, DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602706). Researchers from University Hospital Gasthuisberg randomized 53 healthy volunteers in a crossover study design into five treatment groupsprebiotics (lactulose and oligofructose-enriched inulin); probiotics (Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Bifidobacterium breve and Saccharomyces boulardii); or one of three synbiotic (probiotic-prebiotic) combinations. Administration of the prebiotics decreased the activity of beta-glucuronidase, as did ingestion of L. casei Shirota and B. breve, which is considered beneficial for colon health. However, B. breve increased levels of beta-glucosidase. Synbiotic combinations showed no greater impact over single compounds.