USProbiotics.org

Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health & Disease

Probiotics are living microbial organisms that can benefit our health when they are administered in the right amounts. There are many different types of probiotic cultures, which can provide various benefits. The intestinal tract ecology contains at least 10¹⁴ bacteria. The probiotic organisms live within this ecology and help maintain health by stimulating immune responses and controlling pathogenic mechanisms.

Various cultures around the world have historically used probiotics for health promotion and preventative purposes. In the past decade, scientific evidence on the health benefits of probiotics is quickly emerging. New research suggests that these "beneficial" bacteria can be incorporated into the diet and have beneficial effects on gut microflora, intestinal motility and mucosal barrier dysfunctions, including diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. The majority of published data involves the use of probiotics to prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections. New research is giving insight into additional potential functions of these microorganisms. As supportive evidence accumulates, the concept of probiotics continues to gain recognition and is becoming more popular.

In conjunction with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting, a world-class panel of speakers came together to share insights in a program entitled, "Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease."

This symposium discussed some of the cutting-edge science on how probiotics can play a role in promoting gut health. Below are links to each of the presentations given at a live satellite Symposium in Philadelphia, PA. Each of the links will open the presentations in a new window.

System Requirements: You will need Macromedia's Flash player to view these presentations.

Welcome and Introduction
Martin Floch, MD

Gut Flora and the Impact of Probiotics on Human Health
Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD

Probiotics for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and C. difficile
Stefano Guandalini, MD

Probiotics and IBS, Constipation and Intestinal Motility
Eamonn Quigley, MD

Panel Discussion and Wrap-up

Program made possible through an unrestricted educational grant provided by The Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

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Probiotics, probiotic research and probiotic foods are fast growing topics as consumer awareness continues to increase. The USprobiotics.org site is a comprehensive, up-to-date resource on probiotic reseach and development and the consumer health benefits of probiotics in the United States as well as a reference for global probiotic activities. This site will give consumers, healthcare professionals and industry professionals a good background on the world of probiotics – what they are, what we know about them, and what to consider for commercial and personal use. Webcast Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health & Disease Presented in conjunction with the American College of Gastroenterology’s 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting held October 16, 2007 Program Proceedings (PDF) Program made possible through an unrestricted educational grant provided by The Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.	Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health & Disease Probiotics are living microbial organisms that can benefit our health when they are administered in the right amounts. There are many different types of probiotic cultures, which can provide various benefits. The intestinal tract ecology contains at least 10¹⁴ bacteria. The probiotic organisms live within this ecology and help maintain health by stimulating immune responses and controlling pathogenic mechanisms. Various cultures around the world have historically used probiotics for health promotion and preventative purposes. In the past decade, scientific evidence on the health benefits of probiotics is quickly emerging. New research suggests that these "beneficial" bacteria can be incorporated into the diet and have beneficial effects on gut microflora, intestinal motility and mucosal barrier dysfunctions, including diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. The majority of published data involves the use of probiotics to prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections. New research is giving insight into additional potential functions of these microorganisms. As supportive evidence accumulates, the concept of probiotics continues to gain recognition and is becoming more popular. In conjunction with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting, a world-class panel of speakers came together to share insights in a program entitled, "Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease." This symposium discussed some of the cutting-edge science on how probiotics can play a role in promoting gut health. Below are links to each of the presentations given at a live satellite Symposium in Philadelphia, PA. Each of the links will open the presentations in a new window. System Requirements: You will need Macromedia's Flash player to view these presentations. Welcome and Introduction Martin Floch, MD Gut Flora and the Impact of Probiotics on Human Health Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD Probiotics for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and C. difficile Stefano Guandalini, MD Probiotics and IBS, Constipation and Intestinal Motility Eamonn Quigley, MD Panel Discussion and Wrap-up Program made possible through an unrestricted educational grant provided by The Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.