Probiotics for cancer prevention?

Probiotics for cancer prevention?

Probiotics may offer other health benefits, but one receiving more support recently is the possibility of helping to prevent colon cancer. If results of a small but well-controlled study in Ireland are repeated, probiotics - live bacteria that can benefit health - might have a place alongside vegetables, legumes, whole grains and regular exercise in our strategies to lower risk of cancer. Studies suggest that probiotics restore a healthy bacteria population in the gut and prevent diarrhea. Because colon cancer takes years to develop, the scientists looked at various signs of its early development. This study included 80 people who either had colon cancer tumours or non-cancerous colon polyps (precursors to cancerous tumors) recently removed. After 12 weeks, researchers found that the balance of colon bacteria had changed in those receiving the synbiotic, with more Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and less of the bacteria (Clostridium) that is linked with increasing cancer risk. Compared to patients who received placebos after polyp removal, those who received synbiotics showed decreased DNA damage in the lining of the colon and decreased growth and reproduction of colon cells (which increase in colon cancer). Neither of the groups reported adverse effects of synbiotics.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2007-weekly/health-11-09-2007/index.html