Post: Could probiotics cut cancer risk?

Probiotics linked to a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. (Image: Getty/nensuria) Probiotics are proving they’re more than just a buzzword as positive health claims grow. But, what opportunities does this create for the food and beverage industry?

Probiotics have already been linked to a whole range of positive health outcomes, including improved mental health , treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease .

Now researchers have discovered a link between the probiotic, Bifidobacterium, and a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often described as helpful or ‘good’ bacteria, because they help keep the gut healthy.

Probiotics can be found in foods including live yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and soft cheeses.

The seven main probiotics added to probiotic products are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus. Could probiotics cut colorectal cancer risk?

A research team from from Mass General Brigham in the United States discovered the link while attempting to understand how the microbiome contributes to disease development, progression, and response to treatment.

They also sought to determine the risk factors and environmental exposures, contributing to the current rise in early-onset colorectal cancers, and ultimately develop strategies to reduce them.

To conduct their study, the researchers used data from two US-wide prospective cohort studies, known as the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The studies have documented the diet and lifestyle of more than 100,000 female and 51,000 male health professionals for over thirty years. The researchers also assessed tissue samples for the participants.The team found 3,079 cases of colorectal cancer within the study group. However, the team only had information regarding the presence of Bifidobacterium in the gut, for 1,121. Of that number, 346 cases (31%) were found to have Bifidobacterium present, while 775 cases (69%) had no Bifidobacterium present.The team concluded that eating at least two servings of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium, or a food containing the equivalent amount of Bifidobacterium, per week, was associated with a reduced risk of developing proximal colorectal cancer (also known as right-sided colon cancer).“It has long been believed that […]

Could probiotics cut cancer risk?