September 9, 1997. Copyright, 1997, Graphic News. All rights 
reserved

Feeding our friendly Bacteria 
By Sonya Dowsett, Science Correspondent

We may be able to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in 
our gut by controlling what we eat, according to a nutritionist 
speaking at the British Association annual science conference in 
Leeds today (Wednesday). 
	
For years people have been taking health food supplements such as 
ÔliveÕ yogurt which claim to replenish the flora of our large 
intestine with beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli. These 
bacteria provide resistance to gastric disorders such as 
diarrhoea and are also thought to protect against bowel cancer.  

But Dr John Cummings and his team at the University of Cambridge 
have found that eating foods such as artichokes, onions and 
garlic, which are rich in substances known as fructo 
oligosaccharides, can actually stimulate the growth of these 
bacteria. What is more, eating these foods can restrict the 
growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, such as clostridia, which 
if present in abundance can cause gastroenteritis, ulcers and 
cancer. ÔThe scientific evidence comes a long way behind peopleÕs 
beliefs,Õ says Cummings, Ôbut it is becoming increasingly likely 
that we will be able to manipulate bowel flora in the future. The 
key question is: should we be doing this?Õ 

Sources: Dr John Cummings
Dunn Clinical Nutrition Centre, Cambridge
Telephone: +44 (0)1233 415695
Fax: +44 (0)1233 413763