Synopses & Reviews
This is the second volume on probiotics published by Chapman & Hall. Building on the first volume which covered the scientific basis, this important new volume covers practical aspects and the beneficial and therapeutic effects of positive manipulation of an individual's gut flora. The editor, Roy Fuller has drawn together an impressive international list of contributors, each with direct experience of the positive applications of probiotics. Probiotics 2 provides vital new information for microbiologists, nutritionists and dieticians, food scientists, gastroenterologists and physicians.
Synopsis
R. Fuller 1.1 DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS The history of the probiotic effect has been well documented many times previously (see e.g. Bibel, 1982; Fuller, 1992). The consumption of fermented milks dates from pre-biblical times but the probiotic concept was born at the end of the last century with the work of Metchnikoff at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. In the century that has elapsed since Metchnikoff's work, the probiotic concept has been accepted by scientists and consumers throughout the world. Attempts to refine the practice from the use of traditional soured milks to preparations containing specific micro- organisms have occupied the thoughts and endeavours of scientists in many different countries. But, in spite of the large amount of effort expended in attempting to explain and define the effect, it has to be admitted that little is known of the way in which probiotics operate. There are likely to be several different mechanisms because it seems highly improbable that a mode of action that explains resistance to microbial infection will also hold true for improved milk production or alleviation of lactose malabsorption.
About the Author
Roy Fuller is a private consultant in intestinal microecology, operating from Reading, UK
Table of Contents
Introduction. Probiotics and intestinal infections. Antibiotic associated diarrhoea: treatments by living organisms given by the oral route. Lactose maldigestion. Antimutagenic and antitumor activities of lactic acid bacteria. Stimulation of immunity by probiotics. Effects in cattle. Index.