Gastrointestinal health. The role of pro- and pre-biotics in standard foods.

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.