1997) who have provided evidence of modulation of the immune system in human subjects consuming probiotics. The changes seen were increased phagocytic activity of monocytes and granulocytes and increases in levels of antibody secreting cells. The significance of these changes in relation to tumour development has not been established.
Conclusions
Overall, studies in in vitro systems and in a wide range of animal models provide considerable evidence that probiotics, and to a lesser extent prebiotics, have the potential to reduce colon cancer risk. The evidence from humans is less compelling, but nevertheless is suggestive of a cancer-preventing effect of fermented foods. Clearly what is now needed, are carefully controlled intervention studies in human subjects using biomarkers of cancer risk. The data from animal studies would suggest that using a combination of pro- and prebiotics may be the most effective strategy to maximize any anticarcinogenic effects.
Acknowledgements
Anthony J. Burns acknowledges with thanks the support of St Ivel Ltd.
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