Yoghurt is new weapon in superbug battle

[Guest guest]

Yoghurt is new weapon in superbug battle

By Tom Pugh

http://news.scotsman.com/health/Yoghurt-is-new-weapon-in.3742535.jp

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 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