Prebiotics are .. Probiotics and prebiotics for the intestines - a list and introduction on the application

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 work, and whether they are harmful to health, especially to children.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?

For a long time, scientists have argued which definition to choose for these drugs, so that it is understandable, accessible and correct. Only in 2002, WHO adopted the exact wording.

What are probiotics? These are drugs in which non-pathogenic microorganisms are present, which are normally found in the intestine.

They are distinguished by species and strains. Each of the strains has an effect on the body, but it is always positive. It is established that all probiotics improve the work of the intestine, because the stomach (in the Old Russian word meaning "life") is the most important regulator of the health of the whole organism.

Probiotics are produced in various forms - capsules, drops, powder. Some of them should 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 the 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 found in a large number of products - in the first place, these are dairy products (that is why they are advised for poor digestion), corn, bread, onions, garlic, beans, bananas. Many manufacturers add prebiotics to various products (porridges, yoghurts, etc.). Their composition is different - they include lactulose, inulin, oligofructose, chitosan, arginine, vitamins A, E, C, etc.

On sale they come in the form of medicines or biologically active additives (BAD). In addition, they are added to already prepared food.

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 incorrectly. Therefore, with an instruction when buying these drugs should be familiar with.

From the above information it becomes clear that the prebiotics of the intestine are the food of bacteria, which are part of the basic composition of probiotics. The main task of both the first and second group of drugs is the improvement of the digestive system, in what 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 testimony in detail.

Irritable bowel syndrome. It is a violation of the intestine, which is manifested by malfunctions in the stool (diarrhea / constipation) and flatulence. Drugs help to normalize the stool and reduce flatulence, but which one is the most effective - is still unknown.

Inflammation of the intestine occurs due to disruption of the immune system. It is chronic and periodically exacerbated. Symptoms also include stools, 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 conditionally pathogenic bacteria in the intestine. If you increase the number of beneficial bacteria to normal, the dysbacteriosis 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. Especially they are effective in the treatment of rotovirus infection in children.

The benefits and effects of pro and prebiotics

Probiotics have the following effect on the human body:

1. The colonization of the intestine with a positive microflora, which suppresses viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.
2. The production of biotin, vitamin K, niacin and folic acid.
3. Decrease in cholesterol due to splitting of bile salts.
4. Improve digestion and eliminate such unpleasant symptoms as flatulence, colic.
5. Decreased intoxication due to activation of immunity.
6. Destruction of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which provokes the appearance of gastritis and ulcers.
7. Reducing the harmful effects of antibiotics on the intestines. The latter destroy the useful microflora of the digestive tract.
8. Kupirovanie diarrhea caused by intestinal infections in acute form.

Virtually all probiotics have these effects in one way or another, but the mechanisms of their action are still unclear.

Consider prebiotics. Preparations, composition Which is rich in these substances, contribute to:

1. Suppressing the pathogenic microflora of the intestine and increasing the beneficial bacteria.
2. Elimination of mucus from the walls of the intestine, if it is released in excess.
3. Acceleration of the healing of the mucosa of the large intestine.
4. Maintain normal acidity, under which conditions bacteria can develop.
5. Improve intestinal motility.
6. Reduction of gas formation.
7. The production of vitamins K and B group.
8. Increased 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 action on the body. Since this is a very large group, conditionally we divide them into 4 subspecies.

1. Monocomponent contain only one type of probiotic bacteria: "Acylact", "Bifidumbacterin", "Biospirin", "Colibacterin", "Euflorin."
2. There are several varieties of bacteria in the symbiotic: "Acidobac", "Bifidine", "Linex", "Symbiolact", "Enterol".
3. Synbiotics - a combination of pro and prebiotics: "Bioflora", "Maxillac", "Narine Forte", "Calcis", "Evitalia".
4. Probiotic complexes - probiotics + enterosorbents: Bifidumbacterin Forte, Bifikol Forte, Probioflor, Ecoflor.

Drugs should be prescribed by a doctor, as each group has its own differences. In addition, they drink them also according to a certain scheme, which is voiced by the doctor.

Among 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. "Pikovit" syrup.

4. "Evalar ICC Ankir-B" (microcrystalline cellulose).

How to take medications?

The method of application depends on the age of the patient and the form of release of the probiotic. Babies are prescribed liquid compounds (biogai) for up to a year, and older children are shown a powder that is diluted with liquid, or capsules. Children under two years drink one capsule per day, but with age, the dosage increases.

It is recommended to take the medication within an hour after eating.

Mixtures for baby food

Children are particularly prone to digestive disorders, so there are special mixtures available on the market in order to reduce the frequency of swelling, regurgitation 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";
• "Nan sour-milk" ("Nastyle");
• "Humana" with prebiotics in the composition;
• "Nutrilak premium";
• "Nanni" with prebiotics;
• "Similak Premium".

Harm or benefit?

Of course, the question of the harmlessness of probiotics and prebiotics for the intestine has risen more than once. Scientists are constantly doing research to find out the effectiveness and harmlessness of probiotics, because the demand for them has increased in the past few years. Probiotics is actively purchased and 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 unless there is evidence of their use. That is, people who do not have problems with digestion, they can refuse. In the presence of dysbiosis, they have a small therapeutic effect.

Also, probiotics and prebiotics have a certain list of side effects. First of all, it's flatulence, which passes quickly enough and does not pose a health hazard. The most serious complications after taking medications are allergic reactions to the components of probiotic drugs.

For children, probiotics should be purchased only as directed by a doctor.

Attention! Children suffering from Crohn's disease, probiotics can do much harm.

Pro- and prebiotics: reviews

The Internet is full of messages from those who have already taken probiotics and prebiotics. Their impressions are mostly positive, there are almost no side effects. Especially a lot of positive reviews about them leave the parents of kids who are faced with dysbiosis.

Of course, there are also negative impressions about the preparations, 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 correctly take them.