Yoghurt is new weapon in superbug battle

February 4, 2008

· Published

Date: 05 February 2008

· Source: The

Scotsman

· Location: Scotland

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. Fletcher, its medical director, said: " We are

providing probiotic yoghurt to patients on the wards where we ha

ve 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.

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