ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
: Prebiotic carbohydrates selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the human colon. These bacteria form part of the gut’s inherent defence against invading pathogens.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Aim: To test the effectiveness of fructo oligosaccharides in preventing travellers’ diarrhoea.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods: A total of 244 healthy subjects, travelling to high and medium risk destinations for travellers’ diarrhoea, took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The protocol comprised a preliminary week for recording bowel habit by diary, a 2-week pre-holiday period with the diary and consumption of 10 g of fructo oligosaccharides or placebo daily, followed by a 2-week holiday with continuation of treatment and diary. A post-study questionnaire was completed by all subjects on their return to the UK.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉Results: The consumption of fructo oligosaccharides led to a small (6%; P 〈 0.02) increase in stool frequency in the pre-holiday period and gave a significantly better sense of ‘well-being’ during the holiday, although subjects reported more flatulence. There were non-significant decreases in episodes of diarrhoea with 20% on placebo and 11% on fructo oligosaccharides recording episodes in the post-study questionnaire (P=0.08) and 46% placebo, 38% fructo oligosaccharides recording episodes in the diary (P 〉 0.1). No change in bowel frequency, consistency or stool size was recorded.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusion: Travel to high risk areas increases diarrhoea. Fructo oligosaccharides alone are not sufficient to prevent this, although do have some benefits for the subjects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.01043.x
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