Via practica 12/2007

THE ROLE OF PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS IN CLINICAL NUTRITION OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Approximately 70 % of the immune system is localized in the gastrointestinal tract. The saliva and gastrointestinal secretions, as well as flora (probiotics) and supplied fibres (prebiotics), are important for optimal functionof the whole gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic bacteria have been shown have a positive impact on the immune system through several molecular mechanisms. Pre-, probiotics offer both protection against and cure of a variety of endemic and acute diseases. The term ‘probiotic’ was originally designed to describe what has been regarded as ‘health-promoting’ lactobacils, when supplied orally. However, nowadays are also other families of bacteria recognised as useful. The term ‘prebiotics’ was given to the foods, mainly plant fibres, consumed and used by the gut flora as a substrate for fermentation. It can be possible, that increases in inflammatory conditions in general, allergic conditions, obesity, coronary heart disease, and cancers in the western world are in tight correlation the decreased consumption of probiotics and prebiotics. This review summarizes the present information about clinical applications of pro- and prebiotics in clinical practice.

Keywords: nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, prevention.