Though probiotics have long been known to promote digestive health in general, a team of British researchers are determined to discover whether these "good" bacteria can target a specific intestinal disorder. According to NutraIngredients-USA, the U.K. National Health Service has provided financial backing for a new study regarding the impact of a probiotic supplement on instances of diverticular disease.
As defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, diverticulosis refers to the formation of small pouches in the colon that protrude outward. When these areas become infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis, and can result in severe abdominal pain. Fever, chills and digestive irregularity are also symptoms of this condition.
The medical resource notes that about 50 percent of Americans over the age of 60 develop these pouches, and roughly 10 to 25 percent of those cases lead to diverticulitis. This illness is also prevalent among the British population.
Scientists from King's College Hospital in London will be administering probiotics to a group of 200 individuals with diverticulitis over the course of three months, during which time their symptoms will be evaluated monthly.
"Intestinal bacteria undoubtedly play an important role in diverticulitis and it is hoped that […] modifying the gut flora will improve symptoms," King's College professor and lead investigator Ingvar Bjarnason stated.
As this blog has documented, past studies, probiotics have also been shown to boost the immune system in the face of strenuous physical activity and even provide nutrition for the mind.
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