Yoghurt is new weapon in superbug battle

February 9, 2008

From the group Longevity

By Tom Pugh

PROBIOTIC yoghurts are the latest weapons being used by hospitals to

cut the risk of patients developing superbugs such as Clostridium

difficile, it was revealed yesterday.

Free pots of yoghurts containing " friendly " bacteria are being

handed out to patients deemed to be at a higher risk of contracting

potentially fatal superbugs.

The trial is being carried out at hospitals run by Brighton and

Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. Matthew Fletcher, its medical

director, said: " We are providing probiotic yoghurt to patients on

the wards where we have previously had more cases of C diff.

" There is some evidence to suggest that using these probiotics may

reduce a patient's risk of C diff, and we will be evaluating the

difference this has made to the number of cases. "

Friendly bacteria are said to aid digestion in the gut and reduce

the chances of having stomach upsets. Research suggests they help

prevent bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, protect

children against allergies and may even cut the risk of colon cancer.

Probiotic products may be in the form of yoghurt-style drinks,

supplements or powders. All claim to improve health by boosting the

levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Some 50 different products are marketed in the UK. But scientists in

2006 warned that some did not live up to the promises made on their

labels. The warning did not apply to big-name brands such as Yakult,

Actimel and Vitality.

The full article contains 247 words and appears in The Scotsman

newspaper.

Last Updated: 04 February 2008 10:11 PM

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