The use of probiotics in intestinal protection / by Emma Southcott.

Abstract

While studies have suggested that gastrointestinal pathogenicity associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and chemotherapy induced mucositis can be improved by the use of probiotics, the mechanisms of probiotic protection are not clearly understood. Such knowledge is necessary to achieve maximum benefit from such forms of treatment. This thesis describes investigations undertaken, initially to establish a non-invasive measure of intestinal barrier function, and then to examine the protective effects of different yoghurts on conditions which cause loss of barrier function: chemotherapy induced mucositis, inflammatory bowel disease and athletes in training. It was found that the function of the small intestine can be compromised under stress and that probiotics may improve compromised intestines through enhancing recovery of the intestinal mucosa and the barrier function.