Probiotics and the Ageing Gut

摘要: Probiotic food and supplements are very popular particularly in an ageing population. There usage has principally been confined to gastrointestinal (GI) related conditions. However, ‘‘live probiotics’’ now being used alleviate infection diseases many areas of the human body. It is well acknowledged that there a growing body evidence support fact complex vast microflora inside our tract (GIT) contributes health disease. For this micoflora function optimally adult gut, ‘‘balance’’ must be maintained appears increasingly difficult because lifestyle changes problems associated with ageing. Various factors (e.g. diet, antibiotic treatment, stress, age) may ‘‘shift’’ balance gut away from potentially beneficial or health-promoting bacteria Lactobacilli Bifidobacteria) towards predominance harmful pathogenic such as Clostridia, sulfate-reducers, certain Bacteroides species. Predominance these latter populations known predispose individual number clinical conditions cancer inflammatory disorders while making host more susceptible infections by transient enteropathogens Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria. Consequently, people seeking healthier lifestyles, mounting supports idea can affected daily consumption specific ‘‘probiotics.’’ derived Greek means ‘‘for life.’’ Fuller defined probiotics microbial feed which beneficially affect improving intestinal balance.’’ later definition Food Agricultural Organization United Nations World Health provide benefits proposed microorganisms when administered adequate amounts confer benefit on host.’’ A probiotic considered supplement containing viable