Title: The Probiotic Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria | BC Dairy Association
Headings: The Probiotic Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria
The Probiotic Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria
Summary
Probiotics...a special case
The probiotic effects of lactic acid bacteria
What are lactic acid bacteria?
The evolution of a name...
What makes a bacteria probiotic?
Effects of probiotics: what’s the evidence?
Established benefits
Lactose digestion
Diarrhea
Effects on the immune system
Potential benefits
Hypocholesterolemic effects
Constipation
Colon cancer
Urogenital infections
Ulcers
Some probiotic foods: which bacteria do they contain?
Safety of probiotics
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Content: what’s the evidence? Established benefits
Lactose digestion
It is well-known that the presence of lactic acid bacteria, specifically L bulgaricus and S thermophilus in yogurt, improves lactose digestion (6). It appears that the cell walls of the bacteria have to be intact (as is the case when the bacteria are alive) for the effect to occur (7). Some possible mechanisms for the improved lactose digestion include: The lactase activity of the bacteria actually does the work of digesting lactose in the product once it reaches the intestine (8). The slower transit time of yogurt may permit more time for the residual intestinal lactase and the yogurt bacteria to digest the lactose (9). Something in the yogurt may inhibit fermentation of lactose and thus reduce symptoms (9). Sweet acidophilus milk (milk with L. acidophilus which has not been allowed to ferment) does not seem to alleviate the symptoms of lactose maldigestion. Although some work shows a small effect, most work shows no effect (10). Diarrhea
Lactic acid bacteria may be useful in preventing and shortening the duration of several types of diarrhea (11).