Probiotics and Prebiotics To evaluate the evidence for the benefits of functional foods including: a) probiotics containing Bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus b) prebiotic oligosaccharides c) plant stanol esters

FUNCTIONAL FOOD Many healthy people now eat functional foods as well as their normal food. These foods claim to make you healthier.

FUNCTIONAL FOOD Food which is not eaten for nutritional value but which claim to make you healthier

Functional Foods Some eggs contain Omega-3 fatty acids, known to benefit heart health. Plant sterols - Specially formulated spreads help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Prebiotics – healthy, non digestible food ingredients containing non starch polysaccharide used in breakfast cereals, yogurts and drinks. Probiotic drinks are designed to improve the health of the large bowel.

Probiotics The digestive system contains about 1013 bacteria – that's more bacteria than you have cells in your body! Some of these bacteria can cause problems but most provide health benefits. They can help break down food and protect against disease – causing microorganisms.

Friendly Bacteria Probiotics contain live bacteria often called “friendly bacteria” or “beneficial bacteria.” These are usually lactobacillus and Bifodobacteria which produce lactic acid in the gut. The manufactures of probiotic foods such as yogurts or yogurt drinks claim that these will make you healthier by improving your digestive system, helping your body protect itself against disease and reducing allergies.

How true is it? However in 2010 scientists at the European food safety agency looked at the evidence for 180 health claims for probiotics. They rejected 10 completely and said there was not enough evidence to support the other 170 claims.

Plant stanol esters Plant stanol esters are oily substances found in plants. Scientists have discovered that these can stop the small intestine absorbing cholesterol, lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol levels are linked to a raised risk of heart disease. Plant stanols are now used in many foods such as yogurt, drinks and spreads. There is clear evidence that they have an effect.

Prebiotics Prebiotics are substances that the body cant digest. They act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the but and encourage their growth. Tomatoes, bananas, onions and asparagus all contain oligosaccharides, a common form of prebiotics. You may also find prebiotics in specially made diary products or sold in capsules. The evidence is growing that prebiotics can increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut and so help maintain good health.