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Aust Fam Physician. 2004 Apr;33(4):253-5. Gastrointestinal health. The role of pro- and pre-biotics in standard foods. Ried K. Primary Health Care Research Evaluation and Development Program (SA), Department of General Practice, Flinders University, South Australia. karin.ried@flinders.edu.au

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea is a common symptom of gastrointestinal illness, ranking among the 20 most frequent reasons for patient encounters in general practice in Australia. Children under 5 years of age are especially vulnerable to bacterial gastroenteritis such as infections with Campylobacter jejuni. Everyday diet, in particular the regular consumption of pro- and pre-biotics, can help with the maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal system.

OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the potential of 'everyday standard' food items such as cheese to promote healthy gastrointestinal microflora and to prevent gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhoea.

DISCUSSION: Some common food items such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, garlic and cheese contain probiotics in the form of live lactic acid bacteria, and/or prebiotics in the form of fructans, a dietary fibre. Cheese contains both probiotic bacteria and the prebiotic dietary fibre inulin. The regular consumption of cheese has been associated with a reduction in the risk of Campylobacter enteritis.

PMID: 15129471