The Power of Probiotics

I write something about probiotics every few days, it seems. I gave a Primer on Probiotics that quoted Katherine Fisher:

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are small organisms that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines also known as gut flora.

The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system.

The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt and keifer is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as the most common microbes used.

And with Lactagen and Digestive Advantage being two probiotic products that are of huge interest to those with lactose intolerance, everyone should be interested.

But what if you want more than I can give you in a quick blog entry?

Just brand new, hot off the presses is The Power of Probiotics:
Improving Your Health with Beneficial Microbes, by Gary W. Elmer, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle; Lynne V. McFarland, PhD, Research Health Science Specialist, Puget Sound Veterans Administration, Health Services Research, and Development, Seattle, Washington; and Marc McFarland, Health Science Writer, Seattle, Washington.

The Haworth Press site gives this blurb:

The Power of Probiotics is a consumer-friendly guide to the selection and use of probiotics that have been proven effective in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. This jargon-free reference resource provides practical advice on how and when to use probiotics and how to select the best commercially available products, based on usefulness, quality, and safety, to lower the risk of disease and maintain a positive health image. The book offers objective information on evaluating product claims, making sense of regulations and labeling, and sorting through manufacturing and marketing issues.

The Power of Probiotics presents an expert review of the scientific evidence for probiotics, illustrated with summary tables and diagrams for quick reference. Each chapter starts with a series of FAQs with clear and concise answers before moving into more in-depth analysis from the book’s authors, who combine more than 20 years of research from the patient clinic and the bench laboratory with extensive experience in writing and translating medical articles for consumer-oriented publications. This unique book presents definitions and descriptions of probiotics and a history of their uses, a review of medical conditions prevented and/or treated by probiotics, available products (with brand names), uses with other medications, and risks and side effects.

I haven't seen the book yet - it's that new - but it sounds like a must to check out. When I do I'll report back if it has something to say about probiotics and dairy.