This
volume presents recent findings on the role of the intestinal
microflora in human health and explores the use of probiotic food
supplements and other nutritional interventions aimed at modulating the
intestinal flora. The contributors discuss the characteristics of the
intestinal microflora, the interactions of these organisms with the
immune system, and the establishment of normal intestinal flora in the
neonate. Several studies examine the effects of human breast milk,
lactoferrin, iron, and nucleotides on microbial flora in infants.
Particular attention is given to the benefits of feeding probiotics,
i.e., specific organisms such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Chapters review clinical studies of probiotic agents and present
clinical evidence that probiotics enhance the natural immunity of the
gut. The safety of these agents is also assessed. Other nutritional
strategies explored include ingestion of sugars that promote intestinal
colonization with these organism.