Health Benefits of Probiotics
The Food & Drug Administration has given GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to probiotics and fructooligosaccharides for the general population, including children. Below are health benefits that have been identified through the various probiotic stuides that continue to be researched.
Research Reports on the Health Benefits of Bifidobacteria*
- Helps prevent harmful bacteria growth (E. coli, Clostridium clostridiform, Klebsiella pneumoniae)
- Boosts immune function by enhancing the body’s natural defenses and supporting the body’s natural resistance to infection
- Restoration of gut “good” microflora following antibiotic therapy. Pharmaceutical antibiotics rid the body of not only “bad” bacteria but also “good” bacteria
- Treating and preventing diarrhea (infections and antibiotic induced)
- Production of digestive enzymes
- Repression of rotaviruses
- Alleviation of constipation
- Enhancement of bone strength by enhanced digestion and absorption of minerals
- Increased production of various B vitamins
- Reduction of putrefaction substances, such as ammonia, in the gut
- Possible reduced risk of allergies
- Possible cancer prevention
- Reduction of serum cholesterol
Health Benefits of the Prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)*
There are numerous scientific reports on the health benefits of FOS 1,2,3,4,5,6
- Promotion of calcium absorption and the support of bone health
- Supports healthy blood sugar levels
- Helps to control serum cholesterol levels
- Supports a healthy immune system
1. Collins, M. D. and Gibson, G. R., “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: Approaches for modulating the microbial ecology of the gut,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69(Suppl): 1052S-1057S.
2. Coudray, C., et al, “Effect of soluble and partly soluble dietary fibres supplementation on absorption and balance of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in health young men,” Eur J Clin Nutr 1997; 51:375-380.
3. Van den Heuvel, E. G. H. M., et al, “Oligofructose stimulates calcium absorption in adolescents,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69: 544-548.
4. Yamashita, K., et al, “Effects of fructooligosaccharides on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic subjects,” Nutrition Research 1984; 4: 961-966.
5. Hata, Y., et al, “The effect of fructooligosaccharides on hyperlipidemia,” Geriatric Medicine 1983; 21: 156-166.
6. Field, C., et al, “Feeding fermentable fiber alters the function and composition of gut associated lymphoid tissue,” FASEB Journal 1997; 3751.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
