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With the pandemic making Brits more acutely aware of their health than
ever, a new study[1]
commissioned by the Health
and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) – The role of prebiotics and
probiotics in human health: a systematic review with a focus on gut and
immune health – has turned the spotlight on the far-reaching
effects that probiotics and prebiotics can have, not only on our gut health but also seven key
aspects of health, from bone health to respiratory tract
infections. The publication of the study, by HSIS nutritionist Dr Pamela Mason and GP,
Dr Gill Jenkins, coincides with the release of data from a new survey
commissioned by HSIS. This reveals a staggering 47% of Brits have experienced
gut-related health issues. Study author, nutritionist, and researcher for HSIS, Dr Pamela Mason
explains: “By conducting our systematic review of the scientific literature,
we have found clinical
evidence that probiotics – ‘friendly’ strains of bacteria – and prebiotics –
dietary substances that promote certain gut bacteria types – can support
people with a range of health problems, including:
Despite evidence that probiotics and prebiotics can help keep a wide range
of our body processes running smoothly, the HSIS survey data shows that Brits
are not up to speed on this area of nutrition – one that’s emerging as a key
factor in our general health and wellbeing. Study co-author and adviser to HSIS, Dr Gill Jenkins, says: “The general
lack of knowledge and awareness of probiotics and prebiotics might go some
way to explain why only
one in 10 (10%) take a probiotic supplement every day and 55% don’t take one
at all. It’s a similar story for prebiotic supplements, with
only one in 17 (6%) taking one daily, and nearly two thirds (64%) not taking
one at all.” As Dr Pamela Mason explains: “In
fact, the gastrointestinal tract is home to about 100 trillion
microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi from
at least 1000 different species. The
gut microbiome – which is unique to each individual – contains over 3 million
genes, making it 130 times more genetically varied than the human genome
itself, which consists of about 23,000 genes. We can think of it as an organ in its own right,
as it produces thousands of active substances during metabolism which can affect human health and
disease both inside and outside of the gut. No wonder people call it the
Second Brain!” The evidence gathered for Dr Mason and Dr Jenkins’ review study reveals
that probiotics can provide health benefits even without altering the makeup
of the gut microbiome. Probiotics interact with the rest of the
gastrointestinal system to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by:
Dr Mason notes further: “Probiotics have been defined in the scientific
literature as, “live microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and yeasts) that, when
administered in a viable form and adequate amounts, are beneficial to human
health.” But as the HSIS survey shows, not everyone is clear on this, with 7%
thinking incorrectly that probiotics are a type of fibre that friendly
bacteria can feed on and nearly
a fifth (18%) thinking all bacteria in the gut are bad or harmful, which
isn’t true.” Furthermore, ‘prebiotic’ is defined in the literature as “a substrate that
is selectively used by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.” Put
simply, they are foods for the strains of gut bacteria that we want to
encourage, in the form of carbohydrates, fermentable dietary fibre, or some
types of polyphenols and unsaturated fatty acids. However, 1 in 10 think wrongly that a
prebiotic is a non-prescription antibiotic that kills off bad bacteria in the
gut, according to the HSIS survey. Dr Gill Jenkins concludes: “Despite the fact that more than four in 10
(42%) Brits never think of their gut health, awareness of the importance of
gut health and the gut microbiome is growing. This is driving an increased
interest in probiotics and prebiotic supplements that have the potential to
improve not just gut health but also other aspects of health, including
immune health.” For more
information on vitamin, mineral and food supplements visit www.hsis.org. |
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