Recently, gastroenterologists and therapists prescribe, along with the main therapy, additional drugs - probiotics and prebiotics. What is it? Many patients first encounter these drugs, and they are interested in how they act and whether they can harm health, especially children.
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
For a long time, scientists argued about which definition to choose for these drugs, so that it was clear, accessible and correct. Only in 2002 did WHO adopt the exact wording.
What are probiotics? These are drugs in which non-pathogenic microorganisms are present, which are normally found in the intestines.
They are distinguished by species and strains. Each of the strains has its own effect on the body, but it is always positive. It has been established that all probiotics improve bowel function, because the stomach (in the old Russian word had the meaning of "life") is the most important regulator of the health of the whole organism.
Probiotics are available in various forms - capsules, drops, powder. Some of them must be in the refrigerator, without which the bacteria die and become ineffective. Among the most popular bacteria are non-pathogenic strains of bifidobacteria, enterococci, lactic streptococci, enterococci.
Prebiotics - what is it? These are substances that are the food of non-pathogenic microorganisms of our intestines and contribute to their improved growth and development.
Prebiotics are not absorbed into the small intestine, but create a favorable environment for its work. These substances are contained in a large number of products - primarily dairy products (which is why they are advised for poor digestion), corn, bread, onions, garlic, beans, bananas. Many manufacturers add prebiotics to various products (cereals, yoghurts, etc.). Their composition can be different - they include lactulose, inulin, oligofructose, chitosan, arginine, vitamins A, E, C, etc.
They go on sale in the form of drugs or biologically active additives (BAA). In addition, they are added to ready-made foods.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Prebiotics - what is it? They are chemical structures and components of food. Probiotics are living microorganisms that die if stored improperly. Therefore, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the instructions when buying these drugs.
From the above information, it becomes clear that intestinal prebiotics are the food of bacteria, which are part of the main composition of probiotics. The main task of both the first and second groups of drugs is to improve the digestive system, in which they are similar. However, on this (with the exception of similar names and indications for use), their similarity ends.
What are the indications for the use of pro- and prebiotics?
The scope of their therapeutic use is almost the same. They are prescribed for digestive disorders and gastrointestinal diseases. Consider the evidence in more detail.
Irritable bowel syndrome. It is a violation of the intestines, which is manifested by malfunctions in the stool (diarrhea / constipation) and flatulence. Drugs help normalize stool and reduce flatulence, but which of them is most effective is still unknown.
Inflammation of the intestine occurs due to a malfunction of the immune system. It is chronic and periodically worsens. Symptoms also include stool disorders, colic and even blood in the stool. According to studies, probiotics and prebiotics for the intestines reduce the severity of inflammation.
Dysbacteriosis is an increase in the number of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria in the intestine. If you increase the number of beneficial bacteria to normal, the dysbiosis will go away - it will simply be "crushed" by non-pathogenic microorganisms.
Diarrhea. There are several types of diarrhea in which pro and prebiotics help. They are especially effective in the treatment of rotovirus infection in children.
The benefits and effects of pro- and prebiotics
Probiotics have the following effects on the human body:
- Intestinal colonization with positive microflora, which suppresses viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.
- The production of biotin, vitamin K, niacin and folic acid.
- Lowering cholesterol due to the breakdown of bile salts.
- Improving digestion and eliminating unpleasant symptoms such as flatulence, colic.
- Decreased intoxication due to activation of the immune system.
- Destruction of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which provokes the appearance of gastritis and ulcers.
- Reducing the harmful effects of antibiotics on the intestines. The latter destroy the beneficial microflora of the digestive tract.
- Relieving acute diarrhea caused by intestinal infections.
Almost all probiotics exert these effects to one degree or another, but the mechanisms of their action are still unclear.
Consider prebiotics. Preparations, composition which is rich in these substances, contribute to:
- Suppression of pathogenic intestinal microflora and an increase in beneficial bacteria.
- Eliminate mucus from the intestinal wall if it is secreted in excess.
- Accelerate the healing of the colon mucosa.
- Maintaining normal acidity under which bacteria can develop.
- Improving intestinal motility.
- Reduce gas formation.
- The production of vitamins K and group B.
- Enhance local immunity.
That is, probiotics and prebiotics for the intestine are often prescribed in combination, as they successfully complement each other.
Classification of Pro and Prebiotics
Drugs are distinguished by composition and effect on the body. Since this is a very large group, we will conditionally divide them into 4 subspecies.
- Monocomponent ones contain only one type of probiotic bacteria: “Acylact”, “Bifidumbacterin”, “Biosporin”, “Kolibacterin”, “Euflorin”.
- Symbiotic drugs include several types of bacteria: Acidobak, Bifidin, Linex, Symbiolact, Enterol.
- Synbiotics are a combination of pro- and prebiotics: Bioflor, Maxilak, Narine Forte, Kalsis, Evitaliya.
- Probiotic complexes - probiotics + enterosorbents: Bifidumbacterin Forte, Bificol Forte, Probioflor, Ecoflor.
Drugs should be prescribed by a doctor, since each group has its own differences. In addition, they also drink them according to a certain pattern, which is voiced by the doctor.
Of the prebiotics in the pharmacy market, the following are most known:
1. "Lactusan", "Prelax", "Lactofiltrum" (contain lactulose).
2. "DiResen" and "GIT transit prebiotic" (inulin).
3. Syrup "Pikovit".
4. "Evalar MCC Ankir-B" (microcrystalline cellulose).
How to take drugs?
The method of application depends on the age of the patient and the form of release of the probiotic. Babies up to a year are prescribed liquid formulations (biogai), and older children are shown a powder that is diluted with liquid, or capsules. Children under two years of age drink one capsule per day, but with age, the dosage increases.
It is recommended to take drugs within an hour after a meal.
Mixes for baby food
Children are especially susceptible to digestive disorders, so there are special mixtures on sale in order to reduce the frequency of bloating, spitting up and stool disorders in children. Mixtures for children, which include prebiotics, - what is it? This is a small group of baby food enriched with lactobacilli, lactulose, etc. That is, they are a mixture of pro- and prebiotic.
Among them:
- Agusha
- "NAS fermented milk" ("Nestle");
- "Humana" with prebiotics in the composition;
- Nutrilak Premium;
- "Nanny" with prebiotics;
- "Similak premium."
Harm or benefit?
Of course, the question of the harmlessness of probiotics and prebiotics for the intestine has arisen more than once. Scientists are constantly conducting research in order to find out the effectiveness and harmlessness of probiotics, because the demand for them over the past few years has increased particularly. Probiotics are actively bought by absolutely healthy people - so to speak, “for prevention”.
As a result of multiple studies, it was found that probiotics alone do not benefit the body if there is no indication for their use. That is, people who do not have digestive problems can be discarded. In the presence of dysbiosis, they have a small therapeutic effect.
Probiotics and prebiotics also have a certain list of side effects. First of all, it is flatulence, which passes quickly enough and does not pose a health hazard. The most serious complications after taking the drugs are allergic reactions to the components of the probiotic drugs.
For children, probiotics should be bought only as directed by a doctor.
Attention! Probiotics can harm children with Crohn’s disease.
Pro- and prebiotics: reviews
The Internet is replete with messages from those who have already taken probiotics and prebiotics. Impressions of them are mostly positive, there are practically no side effects. Especially a lot of positive reviews about them are left by parents of babies who are faced with dysbiosis.
Of course, there are also negative impressions of the drugs, because each organism is individual, but there are very few of them.
Today we examined what prebiotics and probiotics are, how they act on the body, and how to take them correctly.