Education
Who benefits?
Probiotics are suitable for the general healthy population as part of a healthy, balanced diet, including children over three and older people. However, Actimel, containing the probiotic strain L. casei Imunitass®, has been shown to be particularly beneficial for certain groups.
Older People
What for
Particularly to reduce winter infections, and antibiotic-associated and Clostridium difficile (C.difficile)-associated diarrhoea in over 50s
Why
Age can weaken the body's defences system which is why older people have an increased susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious disease, such as flu
Diarrhoea is one of the most common side effects of antibiotics, especially when administered in the hospital setting. In 20 - 30 per cent of cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, the cause is the C.difficile pathogen
Anyone taking antibiotics
What for
To prevent antibiotic associated diarrhoea
Why
Antibiotics can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are often recommended to help replace the good bacteria after a course of antibiotics
For more information
on the evidence behind
probiotics
Children
What for
To reduce the duration of diarrhoea
Why
When a baby is born their digestive tracts are sterile and the bacteria that inhabits their intestines soon after birth evolves over time. Their immature immune system means they are more susceptible to diarrhoea. Children at day care or school are exposed to each others' germs and it is common for outbreaks of diarrhoea to spread throughout the class. This is why they are often excluded from class until their symptoms have resolved
Anyone worried about the strength of their
immune system
What for
To help fight off viral and bacterial infections, promote vitality, maintain health and wellbeing, ensure a speedier recovery from illness
Why
On the whole, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. However, sometimes problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection and the balance of the bacteria in the gut can have a significant impact on the level of immunity. Probiotics can play a crucial role in maintaining the wellbeing of the nation