Yakult UK Symposium | Event Report
(including our chairman Professor Gibson), the delegates were entertained with some novel and entertaining uses for probiotics from the internet, such as probiotic aftershave lotion and probiotic beds. Professor Rastall found it difficult to find the science behind these. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an
increasingly prevalent condition, now affecting 10 to 15 per cent of the population as Professor Eamonn Quigley (University College Cork) explained. Professor Quigley also discussed IBS symptoms, the Rome criteria and the pathophysiology of this disease. There is direct evidence that an altered gut microbiota can contribute to the development of this disease: from case studies of post-infectious IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and altered colonic microbiota. One of the most famous cases of post-infectious IBS occurred in Walkerton (Ontario, Canada) in May 2000 where the water supply was contaminated with animal waste, which led to an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis. Years later it was observed that of those who suffered from gastroenteritis at the time of the outbreak, over one third went on to develop IBS. It has since been suggested that when a disturbance of the gut flora occurs (for example due to an infection) in a susceptible individual it can result in a prolonged inflammatory response which can lead to physiological changes and development of IBS. Professor Quigley outlined a number of papers that have studied the effect of different types of interventions, which included probiotics on IBS symptoms and have shown some promising results, yet the precise mechanisms of action are still unclear. For the final talk of the day, Dr James Lindsay
(Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry) emphasised the complexity of the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the host and how this can influence inflammatory bowel disease. He remarked that it is a miracle that we don’t all have inflamed digestive systems; the reason we don’t is because our mucosal immune systems create a balance between tolerance and action. Studies have shown that the gut flora can both drive and protect our bodies from inflammation, depending on the balance of bacteria present. Dr Lindsay concluded by evaluating the current probiotic evidence and stressing the importance of strain specificity. This latter point was a common theme
throughout the informative and interactive day of talks, which finished with a lively debate between the speakers in answer to a range of questions from the delegates. This panel discussion, moderated by Professor Glenn Gibson (University of Reading), was an event in its own right. Throughout the day, the interest and
involvement of top scientists and healthcare professionals in probiotic benefits were very apparent. In the words of one delegate: ‘It was an excellent and informative day, thank you!’
Complete Nutrition Vol.10 No.6 December/January 2010/11 | 51
L-R: Professor Ian Rowland, Professor Claudio Nicoletti, Professor Bob Rastall and Dr James Lindsay.
Dr James Lindsay
Delegate comments: ’Panel discussion was very worthwhile!’
’Blinded question session worked well with good interaction from audience and panel.’
’It was refreshing to see so many professors providing their expertise on this very important area.’
For further information please contact the science team on
science@yakult.co.uk or visit
www.yakult.co.uk/hcp
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